Varberg

Getterön offers excellent opportunities for bird watching. You get right up close to the birds without disturbing them thanks to the hiding spots and observation positions. During spring and autumn large numbers of species regularly breed or nest here. In addition to these, a large number of temporary guests come to visit. Not less than 336 species have been recorded at Getterön.

Varberg’s primary visitor attraction, the County Museum, is situated at the very top of Varberg Fortress. It is a historical and cultural museum that exhibit documents and objects from Halland, as well as arrange markets, exhibitions, lectures and guided tours.

The Fortress bath is located alongside the fortress pier. It combines a sun deck, a jetty, and a diving tower and is suitable for sunbathing, swimming, diving and playing in deep water - right in the center of Varberg.

Dating from 1903 and renovated in a Moorish style, the Cold Bathhouse is used by bathers during both summer and winter. Through the large windows in the sauna, you have a fantastic view of the shimmering sea. The Bathhouse is divided into two parts, one for the gentlemen and one for the ladies, each containing two saunas.

In the center of Varberg, down by the harbor, you find Hamnmagasinet. The house was built around 1874 and has been renovated since. Today it is a center for art with exhibitions throughout the year in the art gallery, a silver forge, a glass blowing studio and a pottery studio.

From the beginning, Ästad Vineyard was just a traditional farm but is now winning prizes as the area's most inspiring environment for meetings and activities. You can enjoy both activities at the farm, the food at the restaurant as well as interacting with the nature in the spa. The activities at Ästad are constantly evolving - the popular "Prisoners on the farm" has been with them a long time and is still the most popular activity, closely followed by their high rope course with zip lines, wine tastings, and of course, their Senses Spa in which you find the world's only underwater sauna. In the spring of 2011 Ästad Vineyard planted 15,000 logs of the grape Solaris and their own wine was first served to guests in 2015. You can experience vineyard hikes and tastings, where the vineyard sommeliers and winemakers share their expertise in these areas.

In the middle of the beech forest, you find Öströö sheep farm, presenting one of Sweden's largest stocks of Gotlandish sheep as well as a great stock of Highland Cattle cows. At the farm, there is a handicraft shop where they sell sheepskin products and straw work. There is also a butcher's shop where they sell their own ecological products, including tasty lamb and other delicacies. You can also go on an exciting lamb safari on Öströö's beautiful premises to see the lively lambs and furry cows.

Strandpromenaden, the seafront promenade, was built in 1912 and is a popular walking area for both visitors and locals. In any weather, people can be seen walking from Kallbadhuset in the north to Apelviken in the south. Here one can meet both joggers and cyclists. Enjoy the fresh scent from the sea, salt and seaweed as you walk along the promenade, passing cliffs, beaches, and the famous nudist beaches. Sheltered from the wind in Kärleksparken you find a beach café serving snacks, daily specials, and coffee.

There are several establishments in Varberg offering a number of different treatments and spa packages, whether it be facials, body treatments or why not get a make-up consultation before the evening activities. As a visitor, you also have the opportunity to work out during your stay. Since Swedes are very health conscious and enjoy various types of fitness and training, you can find a range of different fitness centers, sports facilities, and health clubs. For more information visit www.visitvarberg.se

In Varberg, there are many beautiful places where you can fish. You can find both popular fishing waters as well as more obscure fishing spots that will amaze you with their charming landscape. From areas suitable for sports fishing to charming lakes where you can bring the whole family. Many of the fishing areas offer discounted prices or free fishing for children accompanied by adults. There are several fishing areas in Varberg, for more information and fishing permits visit www.ifiske.se or www.visitvarberg.se Coastal fishing The harbors are suitable places for coastal fishing and you can, among other things, catch flatfish. The sandy beaches are also ideal for catching flatfish. Sea trout and garfish can be found at many places, such as the peninsular of Rödskär, Subbe, Getterön, and Norra Näs. Fishing for salmon and trout is prohibited within the coastal waters from 1 October to 31 March. Fishing for cod, haddock and bleak/pollack is prohibited, with a trawl, from 1 January to 31 March. Fishing trips Fishing trips with Clipper, more information at www.fladenfisketurer.se Fishing trips with Fladenbåtarna, more information at www.fladen.se

The area has been designated as a “Tourist Area” which is considered to be of particularly great interest for tourists. These incredibly beautiful beech forests are situated about 25 km east of Varberg, with outstanding viewing points, numerous lakes, long-distant footpaths, and unique sights. Åkulla is seen today as one of Sweden´s foremost beech forest areas when it comes to diversity of unusual and threatened species. For more information about hiking trails, accommodation, restaurants and sights visit www.akullabokskogar.nu