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If I had to draw a picture of Sweden, without even been before, my picture would be an exact replica of Smögen, Sweden. Colorful buildings along the water, beautiful boats at bay, and walks that take you up, down, and over rocks with water all around. Smögen, Sweden was my Swedish dream come true!
Getting to Sweden
Let’s rewind a bit…
We knew heading to Scandinavia, that prices were going to be astronomical. We had heard horror stories of the cost of going out and even just simple groceries at local stores. Knowing this, we fully stocked the van in Germany before taking the ferry to Sweden.
Our van was weighed down with canned goods, crackers, tuna, individually wrapped snacks, produce and beer. Hoping we could cut costs for our three weeks in Scandinavia by purchasing as much as we could before crossing over.
That way, when we did want to stop and get a pastry or local food here and there, we would have already saved on the budget with the food purchased in Germany!
Traveler’s Tip… Shop as much as you can before taking the ferry or bridge into Scandinavia. We still recommend eating the local food, but having as much back up food at literally less than half the cost will save your budget, at least the best it can!
Traveler’s Tip.. There are a couple of different ways to get into Sweden. You can take the bridge through Copenhagen, Denmark right into Malmö, but we found with the high toll prices and cost of gas, the ferry from Rostock, Germany was actually cheaper. Keep in mind, there are multiple ferry ports, so just choose the one that’s best for you!
Our First Experience in Smögen, Sweden
Driving through Sweden, we had no real idea of things to see or what to do. As Sweden wasn’t what we were really dreaming of… Norway was our destination for this European Road Trip.
But we have a rule about just driving through a country or state and not even stopping, so we searched for a free campsite along the way, and ended up in Smögen.
And shoot, we didn’t even make it to the actual village before we had to pull off and just soak in the view… but, wouldn’t you too?!
Camping in Smögen
The camp spot was perfect! Just outside of the village on Sweden’s west coast, the camping was right on the water and actually technically on an island.
Smögen was stealing our hearts, and we hadn’t even made it to the village!
Smögen | A Town On Sweden’s West Coast
After seeing we could for sure park there for the night, we made our way into the village and were just amazed at what we had stumbled upon!
This town on the west coast of Sweden was more than we could have imagined. The colorful houses along the water made us completely lose track of time as we wandered around photographing and taking them in from all different angles.
Traveler’s Tip… Don’t just photograph these buildings. Sit and enjoy them.. walking amongst them and maybe even do some people watching here too!
Finding Nature in Smögen
We kept seeing people with their dogs walking by, and we knew there had to be a trail near us. Though, it seemed rather strange since we were literally in the middle of a village.
But as we started following the dog walkers, we found them disappearing into the rocks just across the road! So, naturally, we followed!
We were greeted with a “trail” through the rocks all along the coast. There were saltwater ponds from when the water’s high, wooden pathways and bridges, and just breathtaking views!
Smögen is certainly a stop not to miss when doing a southwest Sweden road trip! It’s not as popular as it’s the neighboring village, Fjällbacka in the north, but that’s what makes it more special! Be sure to wear your walking shoes and explore both the cuteness of the village and the nature escape Smögen offers!
Where to Stay When Visiting Smögen
Smögen Hotels
While you won’t find any really large hotels in Smögen, seeing how it’s a small coastal village, you can find hotel like stays. Book your accommodation in Smögen ahead of time here.
Smögen AirBnB
AirBnB offers more affordable rentals and works really like a Bed and Breakfast type stay, or even stay in a completely private home. We like to use AirBnB to get a feel of what life is like as a local in the area! Camping in Smögen
Wild camping, overnight parking, free camping … whatever you want to call it, Smögen surprisingly offers a variety of places to park for free overnight. And, with the right to roam in Sweden, you can camp nearly anywhere too.. given you follow some basic rules of leaving no trace, staying only one night, and not being seen by others! Read more about camping for free in Sweden here.
