Uddevalla
©
Uddevalla

Uddevalla

West Swedish harbour town on Byfjorden, used as a base for the rocky Bohuslän coast.

Uddevalla is a town of about 50,000 on the western coast of Sweden, at the head of the Byfjorden inlet. It was historically a shipyard and fishing town, and the harbour still defines the place even though the big yards closed decades ago.

The town is a useful base for exploring the Bohuslän coast — the rocky islands and fishing villages to the west are among the most beautiful coastline in Scandinavia. The Bohusleden hiking trail passes through the area. Uddevalla's shell banks at Kuröd, an Ice Age deposit of oyster shells, are a minor geological curiosity and a popular school-trip destination.

Uddevalla is connected by rail and bus to Gothenburg (about 80km south) and the rest of the west coast.

Guide

Getting There

Uddevalla is on the main west coast rail line between Gothenburg (about 80 km south, 50–60 minutes by train) and Strömstad near the Norwegian border. Regional trains run several times daily. By car, the E6 motorway runs directly to Uddevalla. From Gothenburg airport (Landvetter), the most practical option is to take the airport bus to Gothenburg Central and then the train north.

Guide

Things to Do

Uddevalla's main draws are its regional museum, the surrounding Bohuslän landscape, and the Byfjorden waterfront. The Bohusleden long-distance trail passes through town, making it a practical base for coastal hiking. The town is compact enough to explore on foot in half a day.