Port information & tips for Lysekil
Lysekil is a picturesque gem on the Swedish west coast, nestled in the fascinating archipelago of Bohuslän. The town captivates with its unique location on the Gullmarn Fjord and offers an authentic Scandinavian flair thanks to its impressive pink granite rocks and maritime wooden architecture. Outstanding sights include the impressive Havets Hus aquarium, the historic old town of Gamlestan, and the Stångehuvud nature reserve with its spectacular viewpoints. Cruise ships dock at the central Grötökajen, from where the town center, as well as charming shops and cafés, can be easily reached on foot in just a few minutes.
The port of Lysekil, idyllically located on the Swedish west coast, has a single cruise terminal at Anderssons Kaj in the South Harbor. This is located right next to the town center, so that guests can easily explore the charming coastal town on foot after arrival.
Car
Arrival in Lysekil is via the highway 162, which connects to the European route E6 near Gläborg. For car travelers from the DACH region, the E6 is the main route through Sweden. Located right at the terminal is the Lysekil Garage for parking, although the number of spaces is limited and early inquiry for private vehicles is recommended. In addition, there are other motorhome sites in the municipality that can be used if necessary.
Train
Although Lysekil itself does not offer direct long-distance train connections, Uddevalla Central Station is an important hub for train travelers. From there, regular bus connections on line 840 or 841 run to the Lysekil station bus terminal. The journey takes about 1 hour and 10 to 15 minutes, and the bus terminal in Lysekil is conveniently located near the port.
Airplane
For international guests from the DACH region, Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) is the most recommended choice. It is located about 84 to 150 kilometers south of Lysekil and offers a wide range of flight connections. The journey by car or private transfer from there takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Alternatively, there are bus connections (with a transfer at the Gothenburg Central Terminal) with a travel time of around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes. Due to the travel time, especially for long-haul flights, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Lysekil or Gothenburg is advisable to start the cruise relaxed. In Lysekil, you will find charming hotels near the port such as the Strandflickornas Havshotell or the Hotel Lysekil.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
The port of Lysekil, idyllically located on the Swedish west coast, has a single cruise terminal at Anderssons Kaj in the South Harbor. This is located right next to the town center, so that guests can easily explore the charming coastal town on foot after arrival.
Car
Arrival in Lysekil is via the highway 162, which connects to the European route E6 near Gläborg. For car travelers from the DACH region, the E6 is the main route through Sweden. Located right at the terminal is the Lysekil Garage for parking, although the number of spaces is limited and early inquiry for private vehicles is recommended. In addition, there are other motorhome sites in the municipality that can be used if necessary.
Train
Although Lysekil itself does not offer direct long-distance train connections, Uddevalla Central Station is an important hub for train travelers. From there, regular bus connections on line 840 or 841 run to the Lysekil station bus terminal. The journey takes about 1 hour and 10 to 15 minutes, and the bus terminal in Lysekil is conveniently located near the port.
Airplane
For international guests from the DACH region, Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT) is the most recommended choice. It is located about 84 to 150 kilometers south of Lysekil and offers a wide range of flight connections. The journey by car or private transfer from there takes about 1 hour and 50 minutes. Alternatively, there are bus connections (with a transfer at the Gothenburg Central Terminal) with a travel time of around 2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes. Due to the travel time, especially for long-haul flights, a pre-cruise overnight stay in Lysekil or Gothenburg is advisable to start the cruise relaxed. In Lysekil, you will find charming hotels near the port such as the Strandflickornas Havshotell or the Hotel Lysekil.
Check-in & Embarkation
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for your journey to the port accordingly and bear in mind that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The same applies during the cruise: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements and notices on board, as berthing and departure times can change at short notice.
From the port, you can easily reach the charming town center of Lysekil and the surrounding coastal towns thanks to short distances and practical connections.
On Foot
The walk from the cruise pier to the heart of the town takes about 10 to 15 minutes and takes you directly along the picturesque waterfront promenade. A relaxed stroll also provides direct access to the popular Havets Hus aquarium and the adjacent parks.
Carl Wilhelmsson Ferry
From the South Harbor, the passenger ferry connects Lysekil regularly with the idyllic fishing village of Fiskebäckskil on the opposite side of the fjord. The crossing offers a wonderful view of the archipelago landscape and is considered one of the most beautiful ways to discover the region comfortably from the water.
Taxi and Regional Buses
Taxis are available directly at the port exit for individual trips and quickly take guests to destinations such as the Stångehuvud nature reserve. In addition, the regional bus provider Västtrafik offers regular connections to the surrounding area, ensuring reliable mobility during your stay.
To make the most of your stay in Lysekil, we recommend a combination of the historical charm of the old town and the unique granite landscape directly on the archipelago coast.
Gamlestan
The historic Gamlestan district enchants with its well-preserved 19th-century wooden houses and invites you to take a relaxed stroll through picturesque, flower-lined alleys thanks to its immediate proximity to the harbor.
Stångehuvud Naturreservat
This impressive coastal area on the edge of the city fascinates with its striking, smoothly polished red granite rocks and offers spectacular panoramic views of the open sea as well as idyllic swimming spots thanks to its easy-to-walk paths.
Havets Hus
The modern saltwater aquarium directly on the promenade provides fascinating insights into the maritime underwater world of the Swedish west coast and, thanks to its central location, is also a perfect destination for an informative discovery tour.
Stångehuvud Naturreservat
The Stångehuvud Naturreservat can be reached after a short, approximately twenty-minute walk from the pier, where you can experience the famous pink granite rocks of the Swedish west coast. This location is ideal for a relaxed nature experience and offers direct access to the refreshing sea thanks to the installed swimming ladders and small swimming bays. The combination of striking nature and well-maintained walking paths ensures a pleasant atmosphere and also invites you to enjoy wonderful views over the archipelago. Ideally, start your excursion in the morning to enjoy the peaceful atmosphere by the water in peace, and plan your return to the harbor about ninety minutes before departure.
The way back to the port of Lysekil is very relaxed and safe thanks to the manageable size of the town, ensuring that you arrive back on board your ship punctually and stress-free.
On Foot
From the town center around the Kungstorget market square or the picturesque Gamlestån district, you can easily stroll back to the berth at Grötö Pier in about 15 to 20 minutes. The path leads directly along the waterfront promenade and is easy to find thanks to clear signage to the port area and the highly visible silhouette of the ship.
Taxi
Central taxi ranks are located at Rosvikstorg and in the immediate vicinity of the bus station (Lysekil Busstation), from where the ride to the pier takes only a few minutes. In addition, you can have a vehicle called at any time from the reception of the well-known Strandflickornas Havshotell or from the restaurants at the South Harbor to get back to the ship in comfort.
Bus and Ferry
If you have taken an excursion to Fiskebäckskil, the passenger ferry Carl Wilhelmsson will bring you directly back to the South Harbor (Södra Hamnen), from where the way back to the ship is just a short walk. Additionally, local buses on line 852 connect the town center with the outer districts and stop close to the port entrance upon request, making the return journey even easier.
