Uddevalla Travel Guide

City City in Sweden known for its coastal views

A west-coast Swedish port facing the Bohuslän archipelago, Uddevalla sends out boat trips, seafood tables, and rocky-island vistas. Visitors kayak, hike coastal paths, and stop at the harbourfront to buy smoked fish.

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Costs
Expensive: $120-200/day
Swedish prices-accommodation and dining cost more than continental Europe.
Safety
Very safe, family-friendly
Very safe with low violent crime; standard city caution at night.
Best Time
May-September (archipelago season)
Late spring to early autumn for archipelago boating, swimming and festivals.
Time
Weather
Population
34,781
Infrastructure & Convenience
Good regional bus and road links, walkable centre, English common and tourist services in season.
Popularity
Popular with domestic holidaymakers and boaters; quiet for international tourists outside summer.
Known For
Bohuslän archipelago gateway, boating and sailing, seafood, coastal scenery, waterfront promenades, hiking nearby, regional trade port, local festivals
Uddevalla is a gateway to the Bohuslän coast and archipelago, popular with boaters and sea anglers.

Why Visit Uddevalla? #

Framed by the Bohuslän archipelago and Byfjorden, Uddevalla draws visitors for rocky coasts, seabird islands and a lively waterfront. The Bohusläns museum and local marinas highlight maritime history, while seaside promenades and nearby boat excursions make seafood and sailing easy to enjoy. Short hikes on forested ridges add inland contrast to the town’s coastal atmosphere, and year-round festivals and fish markets add local color.

Top Things to Do in Uddevalla

All Attractions ›
Don't Miss
  • Bohusläns Museum - Bohusläns Museum - regional displays of maritime history, local art, and coastal culture.
  • Uddevalla Strandpromenad - Uddevalla Strandpromenad - waterfront promenade with views across Byfjorden and seasonal cafés.
  • Greenstone Park (Gustafsberg area) - Greenstone Park (Gustafsberg area) - seaside parkland with picnic spots and access to coastal paths.
Hidden Gems
  • Uddevalla harbour workshops - Uddevalla harbour workshops - small artisan studios and boatyards offering glimpses of coastal crafts.
  • Skredforsen and local waterfalls - Skredforsen and local waterfalls - short woodland walks revealing small cascades and tranquil pools.
  • Roddarhuset rowing club shoreline - Roddarhuset rowing club shoreline - quiet early-morning waterside atmosphere and historic rowing heritage.
Day Trips
  • Gothenburg - Gothenburg - major port city with museums, shops, and restaurants reachable by car or train.
  • Lysekil and Bohuslän coast - Lysekil and Bohuslän coast - coastal villages, granite skerries, and seafood restaurants along the archipelago.

Best Time to Visit Uddevalla #

Uddevalla is best from late May to September when long summer days suit archipelago boating and outdoor cafés. Winters are cold and windy; bring warm layers and expect variable coastal weather.

Winter
December - February · -6-2°C (21-36°F)
Winters are cold with snow and strong west-coast winds; ferry services may be limited and outdoor plans curtailed by short daylight.
Spring
March - May · 2-12°C (36-54°F)
Spring slowly brightens with thawing landscapes and budding greenery; it's a fine season for quieter coastal hikes before high summer.
Summer
June - August · 12-22°C (54-72°F)
Summers are pleasantly warm, with long daylight ideal for boating, swimming, and island hops; mosquitoes can be noticeable near wetlands.

Best Time to Visit Uddevalla #

Climate

Uddevalla's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -4°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (871 mm/year).

Best Time to Visit
MayJulyJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
31°
Warmest Month
-26°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is freezing with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

31 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-4°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
5.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.9h daylight

February

February is the coldest month with highs of 1°C and lows of -4°C. Moderate rainfall (56 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

35 Poor

Comfort

-2°
Feels Like Freezing
-2°C
Temperature
-5°
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

56 mm
Rainfall
5.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.1h daylight

March

March is cold with highs of 4°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (55 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

50 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

55 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.3
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (51 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

60 Good

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

51 mm
Rainfall
4.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.6
UV Index
Moderate
14.2h daylight

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 6°C. Moderate rainfall (52 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°
80%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

52 mm
Rainfall
4.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.1
UV Index
High
16.6h daylight

June

June is cool with highs of 19°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (69 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 19°
79%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

69 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.4
UV Index
High
17.9h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (73 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

70 Very Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
12° 21°
81%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

73 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.3
UV Index
High
17.2h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 20°C and lows of 11°C. Regular rainfall (82 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

68 Good

Comfort

16°
Feels Like Cool
16°C
Temperature
11° 20°
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

82 mm
Rainfall
4.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
1.0
UV Index
Moderate
15.1h daylight

September

September is cool with highs of 15°C and lows of 8°C. Regular rainfall (85 mm) and partly cloudy skies.

66 Good

Comfort

12°
Feels Like Cool
12°C
Temperature
15°
86%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

85 mm
Rainfall
5.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.5
UV Index
Moderate
12.6h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 4°C. Regular rainfall (94 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

52 Acceptable

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
91%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

94 mm
Rainfall
5.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.2
UV Index
Low
10.0h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 1°C. The wettest month with 97 mm of rain and mostly overcast skies.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
95%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

97 mm
Rainfall
5.6 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
7.6h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -3°C. Regular rainfall (81 mm) and mostly overcast skies.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-3°
96%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
5.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.2h daylight

How to Get to Uddevalla

Uddevalla on Sweden's west coast is part of Västra Götaland and is best reached via Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT). Regional Västtrafik trains and buses link Uddevalla with Gothenburg and the surrounding area; a car is handy for coastal drives.

By Air

Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT): Landvetter is the main airport serving Uddevalla (about 70-90 km south). From Landvetter you can take an airport coach or train/bus combinations into Gothenburg and then a direct bus or Västtrafik train/bus to Uddevalla; total travel time typically 1-1.5 hours by car, longer by public transport.

Gothenburg City Airport/alternatives: There are smaller airports and ferry connections in the region but Landvetter is the principal international gateway for Uddevalla.

By Train & Bus

Train: Uddevalla has a central station (Uddevalla C) with regional train services on the Bohusbanan and connections via Gothenburg. Västtrafik operates trains and buses in the Västra Götaland region-check their site for current timetables and ticketing (region zones apply).

Bus: Västtrafik regional buses connect Uddevalla with Gothenburg, Trollhättan and local towns; buses are frequent on main routes and integrated with the regional ticketing system (journey price depends on zones and duration).

How to Get Around Uddevalla #

Uddevalla’s compact town centre is straightforward to explore on foot and by bike. The town has regular bus connections and rail links to the region, making it practical for day trips to larger cities. Taxis are available; if you plan to explore the Bohuslän coast a car adds convenience.

Where to Stay in Uddevalla #

Budget
Central / By the fjord - $50-90/night
Uddevalla has several economy hotels and hostels near the waterfront and bus routes; practical for short stays and travelers on a budget.
Mid-Range
Harbour / Town centre - $90-160/night
Comfortable mid-range hotels by the harbour offer good access to attractions and nearby islands; bookings fill on summer weekends.
Luxury
Waterfront / nearby resorts - $160-300+/night
Limited true luxury within Uddevalla; choose waterfront boutique hotels or nearby coastal resorts for premium amenities.

Where to Eat in Uddevalla #

Breakdown of cuisine types found across Uddevalla's restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.

Pizza
Kebab
Asian
Burger
Sushi
Salad
Thai
Indian
Falafel
Regional
Arab
Soda
Pasta
Ramen
Tapas
Arabic
Sallad
Chicken
Chinese
Italian

Nightlife in Uddevalla #

Nightlife is low to moderate: a handful of pubs, wine bars and restaurants provide most evening options, and some venues host live music at weekends. For a wider late-night choice, larger regional towns are a short trip away.

Shopping in Uddevalla #

Shopping in Uddevalla includes a mix of local boutiques, chain stores and supermarkets clustered around the town centre. You’ll also find seasonal stalls and smaller specialty shops selling local food and crafts.

Nearby Cities #