Stora Hotellet Bryggan

Stora Hotellet Bryggan sits in the pretty seaside village of Fjallbacka, overlooking the harbour, with the ferry terminal on the doorstep.

Stora Hotellet Bryggan has two buildings, Bryggan Fjallbacka, which sits on the harbour at the water’s edge, and Stora Hotellet, which sits just 50 metres back from the harbour on Ingrid Bergman Square (the film star often visited Fjallbacka and spent summers on the nearby island of Dannholmen). Some rooms have balconies with sea views.

Bryggan Fjallbacka has a New England style, with a blue, red and white colour scheme and (unsurprisingly) a nautical feel, while each of Stora Hotellet’s rooms are individually and beautifully designed, and named after the owner’s favourite places and people around the world, such as Sheba, with its striking African theme, and Roald Amundsen, with its cool blue and silver North Pole theme.

From breakfast buffets to a la carte dinners, this hotel excels in food, from local to Italian to American, with fresh seafood and seasonal fare its speciality, of course. The buzzing bistro on the waterfront is the place to be at sunset – it has a fantastic atmosphere and the sunsets here are beautiful. Or enjoy the exquisite dishes at Matilda, the swish restaurant next door, and linger over a drink or two in the bar, accompanied by a pianist and live bands. While the terrace is perfect for summer, in winter, you can retreat inside for romantic candlelit dining.

It’s all about the stunning natural setting here – as well as heading out on the water, you can hire bikes to make the most of it.

Both foodies and water babies will love it here – immerse yourself in this beautiful natural environment by going on a crayfish safari and tucking into your catch at dinner time, exploring beneath the crystal-clear waters with some swimming, snorkelling and diving, and enjoying a scenic sail around the archipelago, stopping off at unspoilt islands along the way for a picnic on a secluded beach (and to unleash your inner Robinson Crusoe).

Go for a hike, by yourself or on a guided tour, to walk off all that food and wine, guaranteeing more beautiful views. Meanwhile, for a dose of culture, 15km away at the UNESCO-listed site of Tanum, you can see Bronze Age rock carvings.