The lobster premiere — hummerpremiären — is one of Bohuslän's most beloved traditions. Every autumn, coastal communities and visitors gather to celebrate the season's first lobster catch, an event that rivals midsummer in importance along Sweden's west coast. Here's everything you need to know to experience it properly.
Quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Season opener | First Monday after September 20 |
| Recreational season | Premiere day to 30 Nov |
| Minimum size | 9 cm (carapace length) |
| Max traps per person | 6 |
| Fishing license | Not required (but traps must be labeled) |
| Best lobster safaris | Skälhamn, Fiskebäckskil, Smögen |
When does lobster season start in Bohuslän?
The lobster premiere always falls on the first Monday after September 20, and fishing starts at 07:00. This means the date varies between September 21 and 27 depending on the year.
For recreational fishers, the season runs from premiere day to November 30. Licensed commercial fishers can continue to December 31.
What is a lobster safari and where can you book one?
A lobster safari is the best way to experience the premiere without your own boat. You join a local fisherman out on the sea, help haul the traps, and learn about the lobster tradition from the inside. Most safaris include a seafood meal afterwards.
Popular lobster safaris near Lysekil
Skälhamn fishing harbour is just 15 minutes from our cabins and one of the most authentic spots for a lobster safari. Here you meet real commercial fishers who have caught lobster for generations. The harbour's modest size means it never feels touristy.
Fiskebäckskil offers several operators with polished setups, often including champagne, a seafood buffet, and a guided tour. Perfect if you want a more luxurious experience.
Smögen is the most famous lobster destination and has a wide range of safaris. Expect more people, but the atmosphere during premiere week is unbeatable.
What are the best lobster restaurants near Lysekil?
During lobster season, most coastal restaurants put lobster on the menu. Here are our favourites:
Brygghuset in Fiskebäckskil: A classic seafood restaurant overlooking the harbour. Their lobster comes directly from local fishers and is served boiled with mayonnaise and bread. Simple and perfect.
Lysekils Havsbad: The seaside restaurant serves the ocean's finest during the season. Book your table well in advance during premiere week.
Sjöboden in Grundsund: A cosy boathouse that transforms into a lobster paradise in autumn. Their lobster stew is legendary among locals.
Smögens Hafvsbad: If you want to treat yourself, the hotel offers special multi-course lobster dinners during the premiere weekend.
Can you fish lobster yourself in Bohuslän?
Yes, you can — and it's a fantastic experience. Recreational lobster fishing is permitted during the season without a fishing license, but there are clear rules to follow:
- Maximum 6 traps per person: labelled with your name and phone number
- Minimum size 9 cm: from the rear edge of the eye socket to the rear edge of the carapace
- Egg-bearing females: must always be released
- Traps must be checked at least every other day so the lobster does not die
- Escape openings required in every trap so undersized lobster can get out
You'll need a boat and traps. Traps can be bought or rented in Lysekil and Smögen. Ask at local boathouses — many rent out equipment during the season.
How to cook lobster — tips for outdoor cooking
The best way to eat freshly caught lobster? Cook it outdoors, close to the sea. Here's how we do it:
Classic boiled lobster
- Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil — generously salted (roughly like seawater)
- Place the lobster in headfirst
- Boil for 8–10 minutes depending on size
- Serve with melted butter, lemon, bread, and mayonnaise
Grilled lobster outdoors
If you're staying at Röda huset, you have an outdoor barbecue area right by the cabin. Split the lobster lengthwise, brush with garlic butter, and grill over medium heat for 6–8 minutes. Pair with a cold beer and a sunset — it doesn't get better than this.
The atmosphere around the lobster premiere
The lobster premiere is more than fishing — it's a celebration. In the fishing villages along the coast, harbours come alive with flags, music, and palpable anticipation. Many families have celebrated the premiere for generations, and the tradition runs deep.
In Lysekil and the surrounding villages, you notice it clearly: restaurants feature special menus, grocery stores fill up with lobster accompaniments, and the only topic on the docks is how the catch went.
It's one of those times of year when Bohuslän truly shows its soul. The summer tourists have gone home, and what remains are the locals and the visitors who've understood that autumn is the coast's finest season.
Read more about seafood in Bohuslän — oysters, crayfish, and prawns More reasons to visit Bohuslän in autumn and winterStay close to the lobster experience
Röda huset is perfectly positioned for the lobster premiere — just 15 minutes to Skälhamn fishing harbour where local fishers set their traps. With an outdoor barbecue area and views from the observation tower, you have everything you need to cook your own lobster outdoors.
Vita Torpet offers a peaceful base with a fully equipped kitchen for an indoor seafood feast. After dinner, unwind indoors and enjoy the autumn evening.
When is the lobster premiere in 2026?+
The lobster premiere in 2026 starts on Monday, September 21 at 07:00. The date is always the first Monday after September 20.
Do you need a fishing license to catch lobster in Bohuslän?+
No fishing license is required for lobster fishing in the sea. However, you must follow the regulations: maximum 6 traps per person, minimum size 9 cm, traps must be labelled with your name and phone number, and they must be checked at least every other day.
How much does a lobster safari near Lysekil cost?+
Prices vary by operator and package, but expect to pay 800–2,000 SEK (roughly 70–180 EUR) per person. A simpler safari with a local fisher costs around 800–1,200 SEK, while luxury packages with champagne and seafood buffets can run up to 2,000 SEK.
Can you buy fresh lobster directly from fishers in Lysekil?+
Yes! During the season, several fishers sell lobster directly from their boats at Lysekil harbour and Skälhamn. Prices vary but are usually lower than in shops. Come early in the morning for the best selection — popular fishers sell out quickly.
How long does lobster season last in Bohuslän?+
For recreational fishers, lobster season runs from the premiere (first Monday after September 20) through November 30. Licensed commercial fishers can continue through December 31. Lobster is most active in September-November.
Updated: 4 April 2026