Lobster season 2026 opens on Monday 21 September at 07:00. That is when the traps go in, and the recreational season then runs through 30 November. The date follows the rule that the premiere always falls on the first Monday after 20 September, and is confirmed by the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management.
The lobster premiere, hummerpremiären, is one of Bohuslän's most beloved traditions. Every autumn, coastal people and visitors gather around the season's first lobster. In the fishing villages along the west coast it weighs about as much as the crayfish premiere. Here is what you need for the lobster premiere and a lobster safari in Sweden.
Quick facts
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Season opener 2026 | Monday 21 September, 07:00 |
| Date rule | First Monday after September 20 |
| Recreational season | 21 September to 30 November |
| Minimum size | 9 cm (rear edge of eye socket to rear edge of carapace) |
| Max traps per person | 6 |
| Fishing license | Not required (but traps must be labeled) |
| Best lobster safaris | Skalhamn, Fiskebäckskil, Smögen |
When does lobster season start in 2026 in Bohuslän?
Lobster fishing in 2026 starts on Monday 21 September at 07:00. The premiere always falls on the first Monday after September 20, which 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?
Without your own boat, a lobster safari is the simplest way to take part. You join a local fisher, help haul the pots, and hear the tradition from the person who sets them. Most tours include a seafood meal afterwards.
Popular lobster safaris near Lysekil
Skalhamn fishing harbour is about a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive from our cabins and is 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 Krog, Fiskebäckskil: A classic seafood restaurant overlooking the harbour, known for seasonal ingredients from local fishers. Check the current evening menu at brygghusetkrog.se.
Havsbadet, Lysekil: The restaurant at Lysekil's seaside bath serves west coast cooking in summer season — check opening hours for premiere week.
Smögens Hafvsbad: If you want to treat yourself, the hotel offers lobster and seafood menus (check the current menu for 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
- Escape openings required, at least two circular openings (minimum 60 mm diameter) in the lower edge of each compartment's outer wall
- An escape hatch is also required, at least one per compartment in the lower edge of the outer wall, large enough for a cylinder of at least 15 cm diameter to pass through. It must be held shut with a single untreated cotton thread without a core, no more than 3 mm thick, which rots away if the trap is lost
- Recreational fishers must also mark their traps with the letter "F" in addition to name and phone number
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. 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 want to grill at the cabins, ask us when booking which outdoor barbecue area is available during your stay. 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 winter
Stay close to the lobster experience
Småbåtslaboratoriet is perfectly positioned for the lobster premiere, about a 20-minute walk or a 5-minute drive to Skalhamn 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.
Torpet offers a peaceful base with a fully equipped kitchen for an indoor seafood feast. After dinner, unwind indoors and enjoy the autumn evening.
Compare both cabins and book direct with us ahead of the lobster season.
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 (plus the letter "F" for recreational fishing).
What are the rules for lobster traps in 2026?+
Every trap must have at least two circular escape openings of at least 60 mm in the lower edge of each compartment's outer wall, plus at least one escape hatch large enough for a cylinder of at least 15 cm diameter to pass through. The hatch is held shut with a single untreated cotton thread without a core, no more than 3 mm thick. As a recreational fisher you may use a maximum of six traps at a time and must mark them with your name and phone number plus the letter "F". Current rules are published by the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management at havochvatten.se.
How much does a lobster safari near Lysekil cost?+
Prices vary by operator, date and package. Always check the current price and what is included directly with the operator before booking.
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 Skalhamn. 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: 18 August 2026