The history of Vrångö
Vrångö's history stretches far back in time and is strongly linked to fishing and shipping. Vrångö, which is the last island of a string of islands that in ancient times was called Älvaskären, here ice and meltwater have shaped the nature.
According to history, the first person to settle on the island was a Dutchman named Wrangel. He was shipwrecked at the northernmost point of the island, which is still called the Dutch Ship. It was after him that the island was named Wrangelsö, which later became Wrångö and finally Vrångö. During the 16th century, when the herring periods occurred, many people moved out to the islands. Here people made their living from fishing and many of the stone settlements that were built during that time are on the northern part of the island.
Over the centuries that followed, pirates and buccaneers ravaged the waters around the island. Many stories about these pirates have been written down, and you may have heard of the cruel pirate queen Johanna Hård, who lived on the island in the 19th century. According to legend, she had a Danish ship captured, stole its cargo, and killed the entire crew. To help sailors find their way into Gothenburg harbor, Vrångö Lotsutkik was built in the 17th century, where pilots have saved ships and sailors in distress for generations.
Pilot's lookout
This little red cabin on the island's highest mountain is a memory from the time when there were pilots stationed on Vrångö. The activities here were very important for the island and the profession was often inherited. From most places on the island you can see this little house, whose history dates back to the 17th century. In this little cabin the Pilots were stationed to keep an eye out for arriving ships. During the years that the Pilots were active on the island, they contributed to many ships escaping shipwreck and were able to assist shipwrecked people in the best possible way. In the 1930s, the era of Pilots on Vrångö came to an end and the operations were moved to Vinga.
We at Hamnkrogen Lotsen usually boast that we live next door to the west coast's most beautiful sunset, but if you take the mountain path and the stairs where most pilots have walked before you and climb the small mountain. There you are greeted by a view without equal. here you see Vinga lighthouse, the Öcker Islands and the entire southern archipelago. Here you can experience the perfect sunset with the wings of history in the back.
Vrångö's beaches
Vrångö is often mentioned as Gothenburg's best bathing island. There are several beaches and bathing spots to choose from, regardless of whether you like to swim from a beach or a cliff - there is a beach for everyone.
NÖTHOLMEN on the south side of the island is the largest shallow swimming bay. Sand and grass beach, very suitable for small children.
You can reach KYRKOGÅRDSVIKEN on the east side of the island via Norra Slingan, a scenic beach with shady pine trees on the east side of the island.
VÄTTNA is located on the eastern side of the island and is a child-friendly lagoon with a sandy beach, large grass areas and a barbecue area. You can reach it via the northern walking trail.
KOHALLA below Lotsutkiken is something for those who like rock swimming. There are smooth rock ledges, a bathing ladder and jetties to swim from.
DJUPVIK on the eastern side of the island. There is a small beach here, a jetty for the daring and a bathing ladder for those who want to slowly get out into the water. The island's winter swimmers also gather here.
THE HARBOR BATH at the far end of the pier in Vrångö guest harbour, with deep water and a view straight west, is best suited for those who can swim. Swimming in the summer.
Stroll on Vrångö
Vrångö has a total of 8 km of walking trails, all easily accessible so you can easily get around with a stroller.
THE SOUTHERN PATH
The path starts where the archipelago boat docks in Mittvik. Follow the path past the restaurant Ternan along the sea. The path takes you to beautiful Nötholmen, which is also a popular beach in summer. After the beach, the path goes into the forest and up the mountain and offers magnificent views of Kungsö and Tistlarna. The loop is about 2.5 km.
TÄRNSTIGEN
Tärnstigen, which is about 2 km, is a simpler hiking trail where it is easy to get around with wheelchairs and prams. The start of this trail can be found at the far end of the bay on the west side of the island by the small red boathouses.
THE NORTHERN LOOP
The northern loop, which is about 4 km long, connects from Tärnstigen and, as the name suggests, takes you to the northern part of the island through the Vrångö archipelago nature reserve. In addition, you pass several nice bathing bays on the eastern side of the island. At the end of the trail you pass Vrångö's old cemetery from the 1600s.