BOHUSLÄN: A PARADISE FOR KAYAKERS

Bohuslän Flora and Fauna

The Bohuslän Coast is full of nature, with a diverse range of animals on land and in the sea. There is a rich plant life along the coast which brings with it a vast array of mammals and bird species. Kayaking is the best way to spot wildlife as you paddle silently around the islands of the archipelago. Below are some of our favourite animals which inhabit the coastline.

Common Seal

Common Seals inhabit the waters of Bohuslän Coast and are often spotted resting on rocky shores, sandy beaches and mud flats. They are known to swim up stream into large rivers and fjords when in pursuit of prey but will generally be spotted resting on the granite rocks or bobbing around in sheltered harbours. They often follow kayaks, purely out of curiosity. If you want to be guaranteed to see these beautiful animals, head out to the seal sanctuaries at the outer edges of the Fjällbacka archipelago.

Common Seals feed upon fish. Mainly herring, cod, flatfish, sea bass, anchovy, menhaden, sand eels, gobies, hake and whiting. They will also occasionally feed on squid and shrimp.

Short-beaked Dolphin

Not easy to spot but a truly amazing experience when you do. Dolphins are fond of coastal waters. Generally, they prefer warmer weather so if the summer is good, the chances to spot a dolphin increase significantly. Although rare, many of our groups have been spotting dolphins in an increasing number recently. Kayaks peak the curiosity of dolphins and this has led to some amazing encounters with these intelligent mammals.

Short-beaked dolphins normally travel at 5 to 7 miles per hour (although they are known to reach speeds of 29 miles per hour when pursuing food), and can move up to 150 to 200 miles in a 48 hour period.

Great Cormorant

Watching the Great Cormorant dive is a fascinating sight and what better way is there to observe it than sat at sea level, in a kayak. Another one of Sweden's large birds, which can be found all along Bohuslän Coast. Cormorants are generally gregarious, nesting in colonies, gathering in flocks and often hunting together in groups. They are very easy to spot due to their distinctive shape as they dry their wings, spreading them out in the sun.

They feed almost entirely on fish, which they catch by diving from the surface, chasing their prey under water and seizing it with the hooked bill. They can typically dive to a depth of around 10 meters. They also eat small numbers of crustaceans and marine worms.

Eurasian Eagle-owl

Sweden's biggest owl is the Eurasian Eagle-owl. Recently, quite a few of our groups have spotted this magnificent animal late in the evening, hunting for its supper. Although completely harmless to humans, their impressive size can sure give you a fright if you spot one watching you from high on the rocks, as you sit by your campfire.

Eurasian Eagle-owls usually hunt at night, flying low over the rocks. They are silent hunters that use their keen eyesight and hearing to locate and capture prey. Like other owls, and some other raptors, Eurasian Eagle-owls are equipped with a group of feathers around their heads that helps direct sound to their ears. Eagle-owls are not picky eaters. They mainly eat small mammals such as rats, voles and rabbits but also hunt herons, woodpeckers and other birds, even including other raptors. They also prey on amphibians, reptiles, fish, and insects.

Herring

It is hard not to mention the Herring when writing about the Bohuslän Coast. The commercial fishing of herring boomed in the 18th century, and the province flourished during a major Herring period around 1747 to 1809. It is then, when many small fishing communities grew up around the coastline. Before the large scale fishing of Herring started, Bohuslän had considerable forest cover. Timber was once the largest export product and main source of income in Bohuslän. But with the increased importance of Herring fishing, more wood was needed as construction material for houses and boats, and also for fuel for Herring oil boilers. Deforestation during the 19th century gave rise to the rugged, rocky landscape which you can see today. The landscape was transformed and many of the villages are what they are today because of the humble Herring.

Herring is still extremely popular in Sweden today, with over 3,000 tons consumed on just Midsummers day alone. If you get the chance it is worth trying the various pickled herring dishes available. You may want to give fermented herring (Surströmming) a miss though.

You are most likely to see herring with a fishing rod, in a jar or as the unlucky prey of some large seabird. Many groups have success catching herring when fishing for the easier to catch Mackerel.

White-Tailed Sea Eagle

White-tailed sea eagles are Sweden’s largest bird of prey, 70-90cm long with a wingspan of up to three metres.

More than 100 years ago, the sea eagle disappeared completely from Bohuslän. In fact as recently as the 1970's they were almost extinct in whole of Sweden. However, recent projects to reintroduce the sea eagle back to Bohuslän are starting to prove successful and we are beginning to see these magnificent birds in the area again.

Recently, some of our groups have spotted the Sea Eagle around the Hamburgsund area. An important part of the project is the reporting of Sea Eagles, so if you are lucky enough to see a Sea Eagle, take note of the location and let us know at the end of your trip so that we can pass on the information to 'Project Sea Eagle'.

White-tailed eagles are versatile and opportunistic hunters and carrion feeders, sometimes pirating food from other birds and even otters. They eat largely fish, but also take various birds, rabbits and hares.

Fishing Villages

You can find picture perfect fishing villages dotted all along Bohuslän Coast, each with their own unique characteristics and charm.

One of the best things about kayaking around Bohuslän, is the mix of wilderness and civilisation. One moment you can feel like you are exploring a prehistoric landscape, the next you can be enjoying Swedish fika in a bustling fishing village. Of course, being a self-guided trip, the choice whether to stay in the wilderness or explore these villages is yours to make.

Freshly caught fish, crabs, oysters, lobsters, mussels and more, are on sale from the shops or straight from fishing boats, so stock up for a evening feast over the campfire, or enjoy some from the traditional, harbourside cafes and restaurants.

Below are some of the highlights which can be found along the coast.

Fjällbacka

Fjällbacka is a favourite with many of our groups who often stop by here due to its convenient and central location. As with many of villages around the Bohuslän Coast, it is made up of charming wooden houses, creating picture perfect views in all directions.

The resort takes its name from the large rock mountain (Fjäll is Swedish for mountain), that characterizes the village. Old Fjällbacka is located beneath the mountain, next to the sea. Offshore, Fjällbacka archipelago stretches all the way out to the west, where the Weather Islands are located.

You can take an easy hike up Fjällbacka's famous mountain, 'Vetteberget', which looms over Fjällbacka. From there you have a fantastic view of the islands of the archipelago and the mainland. Be sure to checkout the unique 'Kungsklyftan', the gorge that divides the mountain into two parts.

Fjällbacka is best known locally for the books and tv-series by crime writer Camilla Läckberg, all set in this idyllic seaside community. Ingrid Bergman called Fjällbacka her paradise on earth and she stayed here for over 20 summers. You are likely to spot her house standing alone on the rocky island of Lökholmen, as you paddle around the Fjällbacka archipelago. The guidebook which we will supply you, will show you where to find all the best points of interest in the area.

Grebbestad

The finishing point for all our trips, Grebbestad is one of Bohuslän's most popular seaside resorts. As with so many other places in Bohuslän, fishing and seafaring have in the past, been significant industries and even today there are still several fishing trawlers left in Grebbestad. In fact Grebbestad is famous for producing 90% of Sweden's oysters. Fresh fish, shrimp, lobster and of course oysters can be enjoyed in many of the restaurants in Grebbestad.

Grebbestad and the surrounding area offer a wide and varied range of activities and sights. In the busy harbour you can find plenty of cafes and restaurants. To the south of the harbour you can find a fantastic beach, which makes a great stop off point to grab an ice cream and soak up the sun.

Hamburgsund

Hamburgsund is split between the mainland and the island Hamburgö. In the village, you can find a large proportion of older buildings which still stand in the form of boat houses and old residential buildings.

Hamburgsunds marina is quieter than others in the area but has a few quaint cafes and restaurants. It also has a conveniently located supermarket to stock up on supplies.

Hamburgsund and the surrounding area is full of history. Don't be surprised if you come across a Viking ship whilst paddling in the channel between the mainland and Hamburgö, as just south of Hamburgsund is a replica Viking village. Here you can also find the ruins of Hornborgs castle. There's not much left of the castle today, but with a little bit of imagination you can imagine how imposing it would have been perched high upon the cliffs.

Bohuslän Map

Below you can find a map of Bohuslän Coast, highlighting the area where all our trips take place.

Image Credits:

Freepik