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Smögenbryggan, Sweden (No. 3)

The small island of Smögen in Bohuslän has no more than 1,300 inhabitants. During the summer, however, the population doubles. Additional several hundred guests can be found in the harbour on numerous sailing boats and motorboats. In Smögen the peak season is indeed a very busy period.

For over a hundred years Smögen has been a popular seaside resort. In contrast to other resorts such as Varberg (in Halland) or Gustafsberg (near Uddevalla, Bohuslän), the “high society” has never been at home in Smögen. Today many Swedes and Norwegians connect Smögen not only with sailing, motorboating, diving and other water sports, but also with parties, nightclubs, alcohol and amorous adventures. Many rich young people come here on their yachts to party.

The Smögen Pier (“Smögenbryggan”) – an almost 1,000 m long wooden pier – is  the biggest summer attraction in Bohuslän. Along and on the pier it tends to be very crowded in July and early August. The boats lie in several rows along the pier. The shops, cafés, restaurants, pubs and clubs are jam-packed when the weather is fine.

In the boats it is cramped, too. Some young people sleep on the floor, among bottles, cans, chips and waste. From the pier you can see it all quite well.