Gothenburg's West Coast Archipelago is one of the highlights of the Swedish coast — thousands of islands, skerries, and rocky outcroppings extending into the North Sea, all accessible by public ferry from the city. The southern archipelago (Styrsö, Donsö, Brännö, Vrångö, and others) is the most visited, with car-free islands that can be reached in 25 to 45 minutes from the Saltholmen ferry terminal at the western end of Gothenburg's tram line.
The landscape is different from the more famous Stockholm archipelago: rockier, more exposed to the open sea, with a raw maritime character. Swimming in summer is cold by Mediterranean standards but manageable by July and August. The islands have small harbours, restaurants, and guest houses, but they function primarily as residential communities. Walking and cycling are the main activities on land; kayaking and sailing are popular on the water.
Take tram 11 from central Gothenburg to Saltholmen (terminus) and board the Styrsöbolaget ferry. A standard public transport card covers the ferry. Donsö and Styrsö have the most services; Vrångö, the furthest out, is the quietest and most worth visiting for a long day trip.