VarbergSweden · Ferry Destinations

All About Varberg

Located on the western coast of Sweden, alongside the Kattegat, Varberg is a charming city with an unpretentious attitude. About 75km south of Gothenburg, this town of 35,000 is a genuine hidden gem. To date, not many international tourists are aware of Varberg’s spectacularly diverse shoreline that can give even the best seaside retreats of the world a run for their money.

Historically known as Getakärr, when the region of Halland was under Danish rule, it was in the 19th century that Varberg started to slowly transform into a spa town. An identity the city maintains even now. From surfing and cultural activities to shopping and gastronomic discoveries, modern-day Varberg is an all-around holiday destination you would want to visit repeatedly.
 

Routes and Ferries to Varberg

Ferry tickets to Varberg are the only way to arrive in the city directly. Stena Line operates boats from Grenå (or Grenaa) in Denmark that take roughly 4 hours to cross the Kattegat. With two sailings per day, even last-minute ferries are easy to book via Ferryscanner at any time during the year.

The single runway at Varberg’s airfield remains unused throughout the year. Even private aircraft require special permission to land there. Therefore, commercial travelers must take a flight to Gothenburg Airport instead. The airport has numerous connections with cities across Europe. Upon landing, take a shuttle to the city’s train station and then a 40-minute train to Varberg. There are multiple trains every hour running on this route. Do note that you cannot buy tickets on the train and must purchase them beforehand. If traveling without luggage, you could consider riding a bike to Varberg. Sweden’s famous 395km long national bike path, Kattegatleden, extends from Gothenburg to Helsingborg, with Varberg falling en-route.
 

Port of Varberg

The Port of Varberg might be small compared to the others in Northern Europe, but it is still highly functional and the country’s largest timber port. Offering its services to cargo ships, container vessels, and ro-ro ferries, it deals with moderate traffic on a day-to-day basis. Situated near the city center, the port has excellent rail and road connections to the rest of Sweden. In addition to having a large marina, the port’s ferry terminal is a convenient 10-minute walk from the central train station. Passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Varberg, and a lot of luggage, can hire a taxi from outside the terminal.
 

Best Beaches

Varberg’s varied topography features hills, forests, a mix of sandy and rocky coastline, and forests, making it truly unique. During the warm summer months, the city’s beaches are its main attraction, inviting surfers, sunbathers, and families to come and have a memorable time under the sun.

Kåsa Beach

A 10-minute drive from Varberg, Kåsa is a cozy little seaside nook that lies to the city’s south. While popular with the surfing crowd, everyday beachgoers will find the convenience of toilets in addition to the inviting clear waters, fine sand, and restaurants nearby to their liking. When planning your day at Kåsa, set aside some time to hike around the surrounding area and visit the Subbe Fyr lighthouse for amazing views of the Kattegat.

Barnens Badstrand

Close to the bathhouse and next to the city center, Barnens Badstrand is a tiny sandy beach, perfect for children and families. The 150-meter-long strip next to the marina is the first beach passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Varberg come across. On the beach are toilets, swings, a sandpit, and a climbing wall for kids. Furthermore, a jetty from the shore leads into deeper swimmable waters. The sea next to the sand is shallow and safe but sometimes filled with floating seaweed.

Käringhålan Beach

Adjoining the Varberg Fortress, Käringhålan is a nude bath for women. If you arrive by car, park next to the fort and then walk the short distance to this rocky coast. A green patch and cafe complete the scene at Käringhålan, where camping and dogs are not allowed. Skarpe Nord is another nude beach for women, a short walk from here. Men must walk further down the shore to the rocky Goda Hopp Beach to enjoy the sun in a naturalist state.

Apelvikstrand

Undoubtedly the best beach in Varberg, walking the 4km scenic coastal route to this charming sandy shore is highly recommended. Once at the beach, you can run around, swim, sunbathe, paddleboard, kitesurf, and have a merry time with your loved ones. The sand here is soft, the water level stays low enough for children to play unattended, and the dunes along Apelvikstrand’s edges give it a natural disposition. While activities on the beach increase during the summers, the cafes keep everyone replenished almost throughout the year.

Skrea Strand

For an eventful family day on the beach, take the hour-long bus to Skrea Strand. A taxi will take half that time but is considerably more expensive. Situated in Falkenberg, Skrea Beach is roughly 2km long and known for its rising dunes and 250-meter-long jetty. There is no shortage of activities here during summers, and beachside amenities include toilets, showers, and food stalls. Adding to the eccentricity of Skrea are the 1000 plus colorful wooden cabins, some of which tourists can rent. The beach is very much family-friendly with shallow water, although parking can sometimes be a hassle. Dogs are allowed on the beach and have a separate designated area for washing.
 

Things to Do

While the things to do in Varberg have a somewhat contemporary semblance, they tend to be traditionally classic at heart. When traversing through the city, be prepared to find historically noteworthy sites, culinary experimentation, and fabulous opportunities to relax and focus on your well-being.

Eat From a Food Truck

Varberg has a thriving food truck culture. Although operational throughout the year, you’ll especially come across an array of these mobile food stations during the summers. Parked near the beach or in the city center, food trucks in Varberg offer multiple cuisines, from fried comfort foods to South East Asian fare. The most popular among them is Rima’s Food Truck serving vegetarian Lebanese dishes, Nani with its delicious poke bowls, ZupBurger’s heavenly comfort bites, and the refreshing juices of Eco Vibes.

Learn and Play at the Grimeton Radio Station

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Grimeton Radio Station is the best place in Varberg to enjoy some informational entertainment. Opened in 1924, the station commemorates the origins of wireless communication, a step that brought the world closer in unimaginable ways. At Grimeton, you can see the only Alexanderson transmitter in the world, learn about the station’s construction, or climb up a 127-meter-high antenna tower. Educational games and detailed explanations make the experience a delight for all ages. The basic adult ticket for the museum is €18.30, with various activities costing extra.

Shop at Varberg Market

Awarded ‘Best in Sweden’ by the country’s tourist board, the farmer’s market of Varberg is where you’ll find most of the city every Wednesday and Saturday. The market occupies space in the central square with stalls selling fresh produce, regional specialties, handicrafts, flowers, and souvenirs. Besides bargain shopping, a visit to the market is ideal for mingling with locals and learning about the city and its people first hand.

Visit the Varbergs Fästning

The 17th-century fortification is possibly the most prominent tourist attraction in Varberg. Situated on a hill, Varbergs Fästning is an outstanding location to capture the beauty of the city and the sea from a high vantage point. Inside the fort, you’ll find the Halland Museum of Cultural History with exhibits celebrating the region’s past through displays and guided tours. Additionally, the fortress has a café and a hostel for travelers looking to spend the night in a unique location.

Relax at Varbergs Kallbadhus

Considering Varberg is a spa town, spending a day at a bathhouse is a must for anyone visiting from overseas. Kallbadhus is the most popular spa, famous for its waterfront setting. Built in 1903, it consists mainly of saunas and cold baths. Access to this building with Moroccan-style architecture is through a wooden bridge. Inside, there are separate sections for men and women. Tickets for the sauna start at €7.50.
 

Transportation Around Varberg

A few different types of transport options are available for tourists in Varberg. You can always book your ferry tickets to Varberg with a car or else rent one upon arrival. Parking in municipal carparks is free. Moreover, having a vehicle gives you the independence to explore other places in Halland County. Taxis are easy to find but are a costly affair. Since the city center is easily walkable, bus travel is primarily for trips to the outskirts.

Locals and many tourists in Varberg love to ride bicycles, especially since the city has several excellent bike routes. During the summer months, there is an opportunity to visit nearby islands by boat. As for families looking for a fun journey, hop on the Strandtåget, the city’s 30-passenger beach train that runs between the harbor and Apelviken camping facility.