For those who believe relaxation is an active pursuit, the Swedish island of Styrsö offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. This virtually car-free island in the Gothenburg archipelago is a playground for cyclists, swimmers, and hikers, with a stunning new wellness hotel providing the ideal home base for your exploits.
Your adventure begins the moment you step off the ferry. Grab a bicycle and set off to explore the island’s 1.5 square kilometers of smooth, winding roads. You’ll share the path with little more than golf carts and three-wheeled mopeds. Pedal to a local co-op to gather supplies for a picnic on a tiny, interconnected islet, or discover the island’s charming cafes for a well-deserved coffee and cinnamon bun.
The sea is an integral part of the Styrsö experience. Join a guided seaweed safari to snorkel in the clear, temperate waters, learning to identify and harvest marine plants sustainably. The tour concludes with a memorable beachside meal prepared with your foraged finds. For a simpler pleasure, take a refreshing dip in the ocean or plunge into the hotel’s cold pool after a session in the sauna.
The island’s natural beauty invites exploration on foot. Follow a wooded footpath to Stora Rös, the island’s highest point, where a Bronze Age cairn stands guard. The panoramic vista from the top, stretching across the southern archipelago, is a magnificent reward. As dusk falls, you might even share the path with tiny frogs, a reminder of the vibrant ecosystem around you.
After a day of activity, retreat to the comfort of the new coastal hotel. Soothe your muscles in the spa’s steam room, relax in the heated outdoor pool, and refuel at the restaurant with delicious, locally sourced Nordic cuisine. On Styrsö, you can fill your days with invigorating experiences and your evenings with peaceful restoration.