Cycling Gothenburg to Oslo

Highlights: Meet in Gothenburg after lunch. Transfer to one of Sweden’s oldest fishing villages

Meet in Gothenburg, “Stockholm’s little sister,” in the early afternoon for a transfer to Mollösund, one of Sweden’s oldest fishing villages located on the southwest coast of Sweden’s third largest island – Orust. Fit bikes this afternoon and explore Mollösund’s four main landmarks – the lighthouse, old lady, the church and the windmill. We’ll enjoy a welcome dinner tonight.

Highlights: Islands of Malö and Flatön, ferry rides, Fiskebäckskil harbor, coastline scenery

We island hop by ferry today as we pedal north. Our first small island is Malö, known for its quiet roads and lush gardens. Throughout the day we’ll pedal rolling hills and weave in and out of rocky shores and small towns. Tonight we stay in Fiskebäckskil, situated on the island of Skaftö, overlooking the entrance to Sweden’s largest fjord, Gullmaren. The town boasts a rich maritime history while its well-preserved wooden houses make for beautiful photos, many of which date back to the 18th century.

Highlights: Morning ferry to Lysekil, Rock carvings near Brastad

Dating back to the Viking era, this coastal region has been a hub of maritime activity for centuries. The seafaring tradition is deeply ingrained in the local culture, and you can still see remnants of the past in the fishing villages along our ride. Fjällbacka has a square and a small statue honoring Swedish actress Ingrid Bergman, whose remote summer house on Dannhomen is still owned by the family today. Fjällbacka is also the backdrop to a series of crime novels written by native daughter Camilla Läckberg.

Highlights: Tanumshede World Heritage Site, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site – rock carvings south of Thamun

We continue exploring the Bohuslän archipelago en route to the lively harbor town of Strömstad. Sweden’s western coastaline is famous for its clear waters, rugged beauty and rocky formations. The region has been inhabited for thousands of years, evidenced by the Bronze Age rock carvings on display near Backstad and Thamun. Some of Europe’s most significant and extensive carvings are visible at the Tanumshede UNESCO World Heritage site. Our home for two nights, Strömstad serves as a gateway to the Koster Islands, which are part of Sweden’s first marine national park.

Highlights: Rest day, ferry ride, Kosterhavet National Park, Koster Fjord

Today you can choose your own adventure. Relax in town or take a short ferry ride and explore Kosterhavet National Park. The 250 meter-deep and 3 km-wide Koster fjorden, infused with deep water currents from the North Atlantic, separates the park’s two main islands from the mainland. Six thousand different marine species can be found in the fjord’s waters, including 200 that are endemic. Bikes are welcome on South Koster island, while the smaller, northern island is limited to foot traffic. Back in Strömstad, be sure to enjoy the local catch of the day for dinner on your own.

Highlights: Nordic and Viking archaeological sites, Welcome to Norway!

You’ll cross another border today on your ride to Fredrikstad, tracing a route across inlets and through valleys, and weaving past historic landmarks such as Jellhaug. One of Scandinavia’s largest burial mounds that dates to around 500 AD – toward the end of Nordic migration, Jellhaug neighbors another important Viking cemetery that includes a traditional ship burial, a practice generally reserved for chieftains. As you reach your destination in Fredrikstad, the quaint charm of the old town welcomes you with its cobbled streets and centuries-old fortifications.

Highlights: Kurefjordsvejen nature reserve

We start riding along the stunning Oslo Fjord today, winding our way towards the Kurefjordsvejen nature reserve, which protects the unique marine ecosystem found in these harbors. Our destination tonight is Son, a small coastal town that traces its history back to medieval times when it served as a bustling trading post and fishing village on the Oslo Fjord. Throughout the centuries, Son thrived as a center for maritime commerce and shipbuilding. In the modern era, Son has evolved into a coastal destination, attracting visitors with its well-preserved historic architecture and scenic waterfront.

Highlights: Ferry (or train) to Oslo

We’ll catch a ferry, or depending on ferry schedules, train to Oslo late this morning and enjoy lunch together after disembarking in Norway’s capital city. We’ll part ways in the early afternoon so you can explore this beautiful city or enjoy onward travels.

Note: Ferry and train departure schedules fluctuate from year to year. Plan your onwards travel late in the day or for the next day.