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“It’s the perfect place to unwind, recharge, and enjoy really good food.”

Part of the Gothenburg archipelago on the west coast of Sweden, the island of Klädesholmen feels like a place where time stands still. It almost feels unreal — sometimes the loudest noise is the sea water lapping against the shore. An early morning stroll takes you through narrow streets and winding alleys dense with small wooden houses. Head down to the coastline, inhale the cool salty air, and watch the fishing boats head out for the morning. It’s a small island, but it’s got a long history in the business of herring fishing, hence its affectionate nickname as the “island of herring.” 

Tjörn, Klädesholmen’s neighboring island to the east, is a popular year-round destination for those looking to immerse themselves in art, culture, and nature. Think of Klädesholmen like the little sister of the Bohuslän province — the small island, which measures just about 0.11 square miles, is equally as charming and sought after for its good food, boating, and access to prime swimming and sunbathing. 

No wonder one of the most tranquil and charming places to stay here is Salt & Sill (“Sill” means herring in Swedish). For generations, Klädesholmen has built its identity around herring, and Salt & Sill sits at the heart of that culture. Sweden’s first floating hotel, it doubles as a floating love letter to the herring industry—an ingredient woven deeply into the nation’s cuisine.

Salt & Sill, which opened in 2004, is somewhat of a dream realized by its founders, Susanna and Patrick Hermansson. What they hoped for was a hotel experience that combined food, drink, and accommodation while highlighting the beauty of the area. 

“The narrow streets, white wooden houses, and closeness to the sea give it an authentic coastal charm,” said Åsa Liljedahl Bagge, Hotel Manager at Salt & Sill. “Here, you can really slow down, breathe in the air, and enjoy life at a slower pace.”

Sustainability from the Sea Up

“We work every day to make choices that align with our sustainability goals and keep the environment in focus,” said Bagge. Salt & Sill is a part of Hållbarhetsklivet, an initiative in Western Sweden that brings together businesses committed to sustainability for tourism as well as the larger region.

According to Bagge, the floating hotel is heated with energy drawn from the ocean currents, a resource-efficient solution that reduces its environmental impact. The restaurant also uses locally grown and sourced ingredients whenever possible, working with eco-certified suppliers and Nordic Swan-labelled textiles across the property. 

At Salt & Sill, sustainability starts with herring. One of the most climate-friendly fish you can eat, herring is nutrient-rich and easy to catch close to shore, giving it an exceptionally low carbon footprint. The restaurant highlights this with a daily herring buffet—eight varieties with classic fixings like eggs, sour cream, onion, and cheese—and even crowns a “Herring of the Year” each June 6 on Swedish National Day. (In 2025, the winner was brynt smör, or browned butter.)

The Salt & Sill Stay

Salt & Sill’s 23 rooms embody coastal chic, blending modern Scandinavian design with recycled boat wood, granite floors, and tiled bathrooms. Each room nods to the herring cooking traditions with a spice-inspired name.

Though it sits on a tiny island, Salt & Sill offers more than a summer escape. September brings lobster season and a special menu, while autumn and winter highlight coziness with Archipelago and Hiking packages — three-course dinners, seaside breakfasts, and overnight stays. Guests can even celebrate Christmas with a buffet of homemade classics or ring in the New Year with a six-course feast.

“Guests love visiting in winter to experience the storms, the special light, and the stillness,” noted Bagge. “It’s the perfect place to unwind, recharge, and enjoy really good food.”

How to Get There

Getting to Klädesholmen from Gothenburg is a breeze—just 70 km (about an hour’s drive). Start on the E6 Highway north toward Oslo, then turn onto Route 160, winding past farmland with cows, horses, and sheep. From Stenungsund, a series of bridges carries you over the islands, leading straight to Strandgatan.

As you cross the final bridge, you’ll spot the floating hotel from above before pulling right into the parking lot on Rytterholmen. Look for the little red Sillboden shack—you’ll know you’ve arrived. It’s also the perfect place to grab a jar of herring (or two) to enjoy during your stay or take home.