About Skaftö

Skaftö is located at the mouth of Gullmaren, across from Lysekil. Skaftö boasts exceptional natural beauty with extensive recreational areas, a calm and pleasant environment, wonderful beaches, bike trails, an 18-hole golf course, and top-class restaurants.

Skaftö is now famously known as “Saltön” thanks to the TV series Saltön (written by Viveca Lärn and directed by Carin Mannheimer). The opening scenes feature the entrances to the harbors of Grundsund and Fiskebäckskil. The restaurant “Lilla Hunden,” the guesthouse, Blomgren’s store, and more exist in reality but have different names.

Fiskebäckskil is the most famous community on the island. During the prosperous herring period of the 16th century, a fishing village was founded here, which eventually evolved into one of the most prominent shipowner communities in Bohuslän. When freight shipping declined in the late 1800s, Fiskebäckskil became a popular seaside resort and is now a picturesque summer paradise.

Grundsund, the main town, is located at the westernmost tip, right by the North Sea. Cottages and houses climb from the shoreline into the mountains. Grundsund’s history is primarily the history of fishing and was once a significant fishing port and shipmaster’s community. The herring period in the 18th century contributed to the development of the community. During World War I, a canal was dug, dividing the village into two parts, the eastern and western sides.

Rågårdsvik is an idyllic village tucked beneath steep mountains on the eastern side of Skaftö, beautifully situated by the Ellös Fjord. Rågårdsvik was mentioned for the first time in the 16th century, and sources indicate there was a customs station here. The houses reflect the architectural style of the 19th and early 20th centuries, with intricate woodwork.

Stockevik is situated between Fiskebäckskil and Grundsund. The community lies in a valley, where fishing and small-scale farming have been the primary livelihoods for centuries. New walking and cycling paths have improved accessibility.

Bokenäset, in the heart of Bohuslän, is where the sea and land blend, as beautifully described by Evert Taube in his song “Invitation to Bohuslän.” The cultural landscape is rich with ancient monuments and diverse natural features, including the scent of pine forests and dark green beech forests. Bokenäs’ old church is one of the best-preserved medieval churches in Bohuslän. The ferry from Dragsmark takes you to Flatön. The well-known Taubespelen (Taubes’ Games) are performed on Ängön during the summer season.

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