A Rare Experience - Crab Catching in Smögen.
Located about 130 kilometers north of Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city, Smögen is a beautiful resort town on the Swedish west coast. Whether you are driving or taking a regional bus (like those operated by Västtrafik), a one-way trip takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. It's a popular summer retreat for Nordics and gets wonderfully bustling during the summer months. However, what I'm introducing today isn't about drinking and chatting in a local bar; it's a unique activity—heading out on a fishing boat to catch crabs!
Local fishermen's shops offer fantastic sea crab-catching and archipelago guided tours. My friends and I, along with a diverse group of international tourists, joined professional local fishermen on a boat trip. We got hands-on experience pulling up crab pots and rebaiting them, all while taking in the stunning coastal scenery along the way. Afterward, we headed to the first floor of the shop to feast on freshly boiled crabs and crayfish. The entire experience lasts about 2 hours and costs 500 Swedish Krona (SEK).
The absolute highlight of our trip was getting to taste the brown crabs we caught (see the picture: an entire basket full!). They were incredibly fresh and sweet, packed with rich crab roe. Another unique perk is that on the return trip, the fishing boat sails right into the main harbor, giving you the chance to admire this picturesque fishing village from a completely different perspective.
Furthermore, if you're a water sports enthusiast, the area also offers diving and other aquatic activities. Those interested can easily find more information online.
Notes: 1. The shop provides life jackets, so non-swimmers are more than welcome to join.
2. Since it can get quite windy and choppy out at sea, there's a chance you might get a bit wet, mostly around the bottom of your pants.