Along the west coast, cold clean water gives oysters, langoustines, lobster and crab the conditions they want. Bohuslän is one of Sweden's most important seafood regions, not just granite and views. This is the guide we use ourselves: where the seafood and oysters are, when they are best, and how they end up on the table in the cabin.
Quick facts
| Species | Best season | Peak months | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oysters | Oct-Apr | Nov-Feb | Grebbestad, Lysekil |
| Lobster | Sep-Nov | Sep (premiere) | Fishing harbours, fishmongers |
| Langoustines | Year-round | Winter | Lysekil fish harbour, Bengts Fisk |
| Crab | Aug-Dec | Sep-Oct | Local boats, fishmongers |
| Shrimp | Year-round | Summer-autumn | Fish harbours, coastal boats |
Why is Bohuslän's seafood so special?
According to the County Administrative Board of Västra Götaland, the Gullmar Fjord outside Lysekil is Bohuslän's largest fjord and a true threshold fjord. Cold, nutrient-rich deep water meets clean, salty water and strong currents along the Bohuslän coast. That is why the shellfish here taste intense and clean, in a way that is hard to find elsewhere.
People have lived off the sea for generations. Fishing is a livelihood, and it also sits in how the coast works day to day.
Oysters, self-picking and safaris
The wild oysters along the coast are known for their quality, and Bohuslän has a long oyster tradition. The season is October to April, with a peak from November to February.
Pick your own
In parts of Bohuslän you may pick oysters yourself. In some places it is allowed for personal use. In others you need the landowner's permission, and local restrictions may apply. They sit on rocks and stones in shallow bays. Bring sturdy shoes, an oyster knife and something to put them in.
Our tip: Check with the county administrative board about current restrictions before heading out. Some areas may be closed during parts of the year.
Oyster safaris in Grebbestad
Grebbestad is about an hour from our cabins and the usual base for oyster safaris. Guided tours go out to the best picking spots. There you learn to shuck oysters properly and eat them on the rocks with lemon juice and a glass of chablis.
Langoustines, Bohuslän's everyday luxury
If there's one shellfish that truly symbolises Bohuslän, it's the langoustine (Nephrops norvegicus). These beautiful, orange-pink shellfish are caught in the Gullmar Fjord and along the entire coast. The flavour is sweet, delicate and completely unlike the frozen imported variety.
Where to buy fresh langoustines
Lysekil's fish harbour is your best friend. In the morning when the boats come in, you can buy langoustines directly from the fishermen, it doesn't get fresher than that. Bengts Fisk in Lysekil also sells the fresh catch.
How to cook them: Bring well-salted water to a rolling boil (about 3 tablespoons salt per litre) with some dill crowns. Add the langoustines and boil for 3-4 minutes. Let them cool in the broth. Serve with aioli, bread and a squeeze of lemon.
Lobster, the king of shellfish
In late September the lobster premiere is one of Bohuslän's biggest events. Only then may the pots go in. After that you fish until the season ends, for recreational fishers the end of November. You catch a fresh Bohuslän lobster, or you buy it in the harbour. Your own pots have to follow the rules: 9 cm minimum size, at most six pots per person, and the pots must be marked.
Read our complete guide to the lobster premiere in Bohuslän
Where to buy fresh fish and seafood near the cabins
Lysekil fish harbour
The obvious first stop. Here you can buy directly from the boats or from the small fishmongers at the harbour. Check what times the boats usually come in, early morning is best.
Bengts Fisk, Lysekil
A reliable fishmonger in Lysekil. Perfect if you want something to take back to the cabin.
Local boats and roadside stalls
During summer and early autumn, you'll find fishermen selling their catch at the roadside or from their boats in small harbours. Keep your eyes open, this is often the freshest fish you'll find.
Cook seafood in the cabin
Both our cabins have fully equipped kitchens with everything you need to prepare a proper seafood feast. Large pots, shellfish tools and plenty of serving space for laying out an authentic Bohuslän seafood spread.
If you want to grill seafood outdoors, ask us when booking which barbecue area is available during your stay. Imagine grilling langoustines and crab on a warm summer evening. That's the kind of evening that defines a Bohuslän holiday.
Torpet is perfect for an intimate seafood dinner for two. Prepare the oysters and langoustines, set the table and enjoy the silence.
Restaurants near Lysekil
If you'd rather let someone else do the cooking, there are excellent seafood restaurants in the area:
- Brygghuset Krog, Fiskebäckskil: Classic west coast cuisine with sea views; bleak roe toast and pan-fried scallops are signatures on the evening menu
- Havsbadet, Lysekil: West coast cooking with a modern touch, by the guest harbour (summer season, check opening hours)
Looking for first swims and blooming cliffs instead? Our spring guide picks up where the lobster season ends.
Want to experience Bohuslän when the seafood is at its best? Read about autumn and winter on the west coast
When is the best time for seafood in Bohuslän?+
It depends on what you want to eat. Oysters are best from October to April, peaking November-February. Lobster season runs September to November. Langoustines are caught year-round but are especially fine in winter. Crab is best from August to December.
Can you pick wild oysters yourself in Bohuslän?+
Yes, in some areas it's permitted to pick wild oysters for personal consumption. Rules vary by location, and close to shore you may need the landowner's permission. Bring an oyster knife and sturdy shoes. Always check with the county administrative board and current national rules before you head out.
Where can I buy the freshest fish and seafood near Lysekil?+
Lysekil fish harbour is the best option, you can buy directly from the boats in the morning. Bengts Fisk in Lysekil is a reliable alternative. During summer, you'll also find roadside stalls and local fishermen selling their catch along the coast roads.
Can I cook seafood in your cabins?+
Yes. Both our cabins have fully equipped kitchens with large pots that work for boiling langoustines or lobster. Ask us when booking which outdoor barbecue area is available during your stay.
What is an oyster safari?+
An oyster safari is a guided tour where you learn to pick and shuck oysters directly on the rocks. Grebbestad is the most famous location for these safaris. Tours typically last 1.5-2 hours and include tasting of freshly picked oysters. Book in advance, especially during peak season from October to February.
Updated: 18 August 2026