Bohuslän, Traditional province in western Sweden
Bohuslän is a traditional province on Sweden's west coast, stretching from Gothenburg to the Norwegian border and including about 8,000 islands and skerries. The landscape is shaped by granite cliffs dropping straight into the sea, while fishing villages sit in sheltered coves.
The province belonged to the Norwegian crown from the 9th century under King Harald Hårfagre and was ceded to Sweden through the Peace of Roskilde in 1658. The fortress of Bohus formed the center of a contested border zone between the two kingdoms for centuries.
The name comes from the old fortress district of Bohus län, which formed a Norwegian border zone until 1658. The west coast is now known for its wooden houses, often painted red or white, lining small harbors and islands.
The hiking trails Bohusleden and Kuststigen connect many coastal settlements and give access to the different islands and coves. Many sections run over flat terrain, while others cross granite rocks and require sturdy footwear.
Gullmarsfjorden is Sweden's only threshold fjord, whose deep basin is separated from the sea by a shallow sill. This formation creates its own ecosystem with species that otherwise occur only at greater depth.
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