Uddevalla is situated in the heartland of Sweden’s stunning, northern west coast in the province of Bohuslän, one of Sweden’s most popular summertime destinations. The meandering coastline stretches for over 220km from Göteborg in the south, to the Norwegian border just north of Strömstad. The geography is distinguished by the rocky coast, deep forests and lakes and bordered by an archipelago of about 8 000 islands, inlets and skerries.
The town of Uddevalla has much to offer; for the outdoor enthusiast there is a diversity of activities, hiking, cycling, swimming, fishing and of course a diversity of water sports. And there is also a rich cultural life, with music and theatre.
Uddevalla grew from the establishment of a trade crossroads during the Middle Ages with the changing border between Sweden and Norway. It was first founded as a Norwegian trade centre and was granted town charter in 1498. Fishing was important for growth and growth was spurred through recurrent enormous shoals of herring and a lively export trade.
Industrialisation in the 19th century formed the basis of the city´s diversified economy today. Various old enterprises like the Uddevalla Safety Match Factory and later on textile businesses like the Tiger mill, and last but not least the renowned Uddevalla shipyard, have contributed to Uddevalla´s expansion over the years.
The community has developed into a modern regional hub today, with 50.000 inhabitants. Now Uddevalla is one of the largest municipalities in the region of Västra Götaland and has expanding trade and services industries.
Gustafsberg Since the beginning of the 18th century visitors have enjoyed the healthy water at Gustafsberg. In the late 18th century Sweden's first seaside resort was established here. During the first part of the 19th century Gustafsberg was very popular with the cream of society. Today it is an idyllic spot with well-preserved buildings from the 18th and 19th centuries in a beautiful park setting. Gustafsberg offers you a glimpse of former summer resort life in Bohuslän.
UNESCO World heritage Rock carvings can be found scattered throughout Bohuslän. The carvings portray the life of an agricultural society with images of ships, circular objects, soles, animals, shallow bowls, and fertility figures. The rock carvings at Tanum have been entered as a site in the UNESCO World heritage program. These magnificent pictures, some carved 3000 years ago, bear a unique testimony to the Bronze Age world.
Coastal town of Smögen Smögen is one of the most famous coastal towns in Bohuslän – a popular destination for sun worshippers, sport fishermen, divers and lovers of the good life. The attraction above all else is the 600 metre long quayside, one of the province’s most famous tourist destinations, where boats bring their catches to be sold at auction.
Wilderness adventures A magical chain of islands forms a rocky archipelago stretching along Sweden’s west coast. Get out on the water by sea-kayak, sailing boat or go for a swim; stay in a picturesque island hotel; enjoy supper by the sea as the sun goes down and visit cultural attractions such as the Nordic Watercolour Museum on Tjorn Island. There’s a virtually endless number of small coastal towns that are worth visiting. No wonder boating is more popular in Sweden than anywhere else in the world.
