Ljungskile - a part of Uddevalla
At the base of Bredfjället, in the straits between Orust and the mainland, there is a bay. At the bay one finds the tiny small community of Ljungskile. Ljungskile has a past as bathing and spa resort. The climate, as it was expressed back in the day, was balmy. It was the mixture of the coniferous forest and sea air, along with the protected location, that was unique. And even if the heyday of spa resort belongs to a bygone era, one cannot but agree that there is something special about Ljungskile.
To the forest & mountains
Despite its small size, Ljungskile offers nature experiences of distinctly different kinds. For those who are keen on hiking in the woods and fields, the Norra Fjället farm offers an excellent starting point to the hiking and recreational area Bredfjället. The farm, which dates back to the 1600s, has been centre of Ljungskile Outdoors Club since the 1960s and the staring out point for several trails in the area.
The mountain offers, among other things, woodlands and old agricultural landscape with a cottage ruins and traces of old farms. There are both coniferous and decidous forest and if one follows Tjöstelrödsbäcken from the Skarsjöarna lakes and below, one finds Silverfallet - a fifteen feet high waterfall very close to the outlet of Little Skarsjön. There are outing-friendly fields with well-marked trails and tracks, perfect for both day trips as well as longer hikes. One can take their evening swim here in one of the glassy forest lakes or walk along the ancient roundplace fence. Gather your breath here and listen to the bries of the black-throated loons or the chirping of the capercaillies.
Crab fishing, kayaking and a salty safari
If you'd like to go out to sea, Ljungskile is naturally a truly excellent starting points. You can, for example, learn to kayak in a sea kayak - Ljungskile Friluftsfrämjandet offers courses for both beginners and experienced paddlers at its kayak centre in Kallbadhuset in Ljungskile. Departing from here, one finds day tripes and evening trips, as well as longer trips, and "kayaking test day" can be arranged from here. But sea kayaking is far from the only way to get around in the waters of Ljungskile - sailing is very popular at the resort and there are sailing schools for both adults and youth during the summer season.
For those without either paddling or sailing skills who want to go out to sea, the archipelgao boats Ljungskiletur in an enjoyable alternative. M/S Gustafsberg - a charming centenarian with a steam whistle, shiny brass and mahogny details - plies Ljungskile's inner archipelago during the summer months. Consider the two-hour tour, with the posibility of go ashore at various places along the coast for bathing as well as for those who want to fish for crabs.
But the most exciting of the various maritime activities must surely be the mussel expeditions. Starting out from the historic spa environment at the clock tower on Lyckorna, you can come with M/S Märta out to Scanfjord's mussel farms in the fjord landscape. On the expedition, you will be involved in harvesting mussels, cleaning and preparing them, and then finally enjoy the freshest delights in the cosy restaurant Musselbaren, with homemade bread and newly cut aioli. Everything under the supervision of skipper Janne, who talks about everything he know about plus a little more, both about mussels as well as the surroundings.
Locally produced for gourmets
Far up on Lyckorna, in Villa Sjötorp - an insanely beautiful summer residence from the last century - one finds Ellika Mogenfeldt. Ellika runs a hotel and restaurant here with a focus on organic and locally farmed produce. The hotel prides itself with its 14 individualised rooms, furnished with otiginal features but without sacrificing comfort and quality. And with a tavern that offers the best there is to offer in the neighbourhood in the way of beverage and food. And did we mention that it is mentioned in both the White Guide as well as in Sveriges Bästa Bord (Sweden's Best Restaurant).
For those in search of something slightly simpler, but a similar locally produced and delicious meal, we recommend Café Flora, which is located on the main street in Ljungskile village. In an old red ochre warehouse you will find the café with a beautiful large lawn at the rear. It serves lunches and light meals plus amazing homemade pastries and other baked goods of all kinds. Taste an organic elderflower soda or sip on an ice-cold beer from a local microbrewery and enjoy! Close to the Café Flora one finds the trendy furnishing shop Sprudla, which is well worth a visit!
Whether it is a gourmet dinner in the villa, a small snack at Flora, or self-harvested mussels at the Musselbaren, we promise that you will never have to go hungry or thirsty in Ljungskile. There are also even more cosy cafés and small restaurants.
Ice cream, golf and football
If, contrary to all expections, you get tired of amazing adventures in the varied nature and with authentic, locally produced food experiences, there are of course more and different kind of things to find in Ljungskile. Lyckorna Golf Club, is one, for example, with both an 18-hole golf course and a 9-hole pay'n'play providing challenges and amazing views for both members and guest. An enchanting beautiful seaside/parkland golf course with a nice restaurant to replenish forces after the round.
If you like, take a beach promenade all the way to Laxbutiken for an inspiring meal, which advantageously terminates at the shop's enormous ice cream buffet, where young and old can pick their own favourite toppings to enjoy on the terrace by the water. Take the opportunity to visit the unique interor design store on Kärrstegens Gård while you're on that side of the bay. In a beautiful old house, every corner is filles with gadgets and knickknacks - on more fancy than the other. There are plants here along with interior decoration items, and in the barn there is a delicatessen and cosy café!
Ljungskile is a small town with a big heart. There is, in addition to the balmy climate, lots to experience and enjoy here.
