Journey: Sweden - the coast of Bohuslän
Admittedly, we had imagined a different start to our Svensk Sommar. But this year's summer cruise in Sweden with the Cruising Club of Switzerland began with storms and strong winds. Later on, it poured again and again. But even the repeated bad weather couldn't detract from the extraordinary beauty of the cruising area: From Gothenburg, we travelled north via the sublime Marstrand and then, protected by the islands of Tjörn and Orust, all the way to Uddevalla - an exciting detour far inland.
With decreasing wind forces, we returned to the coast and then followed the archipelago fairways - sometimes wide, sometimes narrow (and sometimes so narrow that two pleasure craft could hardly meet) further north. The places we visited included Fjällbacka, Hunnebostrand and the tourist centre of Smögen. On a small island, we paid a visit to the grave of a famous German poet.
However, the absolute highlight of the trip was the offshore islands: After a stop in Strömstad, which is almost on the Norwegian border, we crossed over to the Kosterhavet National Park, which consists of the two larger Koster islands and their surrounding archipelago. A cosy harbour where friendly neighbourhoods are guaranteed (you can only go in a packet), colourful fishermen's huts and holiday homes, lots of forest and a striking pair of twin lighthouses above it all. A holiday atmosphere guaranteed!
This popular spot was only surpassed by our most remote stage location: the spectacular Väderöarna. The name "Weather Islands" can be taken as a warning - out here in the Skagerrak you have to expect anything. But for us, of all places, there was nothing but sunshine and blue skies.
The multi-part report on our trip along the coast of Bohuslän will follow soon in BOOTE.
