Hampholmen Sauna

The boat ride from Smögen harbor cut through calm waters, with rocky islets dotting the horizon. I arrived at Hampholmen as the sun hung low, casting a golden light over the wooden buildings. This tiny island felt like a quiet escape, part of the Bohuslän archipelago where the sea meets rugged cliffs.

I had booked the place through Värdskap i Väst, reaching out to Maria Kjellsson via email. She handled the details smoothly, and soon I was stepping onto the dock at Hampholmens Magasin. The air carried a faint salt tang mixed with wood smoke.

The sauna sat right by the water, a simple structure heated by a wood fire. I stacked some logs and got the flames going, watching the heat build inside. The room warmed up steadily, with that dry, earthy scent from the burning wood.

Once it felt right, I stepped in and let the warmth wrap around me. Sweat came on slow at first, then faster as I sat on the bench. Outside, the sea lapped gently against the rocks.

After a good session, I needed to cool off. A quick dip in the cold plunge nearby did the trick, sharp and refreshing against my heated skin.

Next to the sauna, the hot tub waited, filled with heated sea water. It was wood-fired too, bubbling softly with that salty edge. I slid in, feeling the warmth seep into my muscles as I looked out over the water.

The island's setup made it feel private, like my own spot for the evening. They offer this as part of booking the whole island, or you can go for the option at Havets Magasin on the mainland, with apartments for staying over. I stuck to Hampholmen, enjoying the isolation.

As dusk fell, I thought about the other activities here, like sea kayaking or a seafood safari for lobster and oysters. But for now, the tub was enough, with steam rising into the cooling air.

I finished with a walk along the shore, feet crunching on pebbles. The sea access made it easy to rinse off in the waves, though I skipped a full swim that time. Back at the magasin, the atmosphere felt relaxed, perfect for pairing with some fresh seafood if you plan ahead.

Leaving by boat as stars appeared, I felt recharged. Hampholmen offers that mix of nature and comfort, all tied to the wood-fired setup. If you're in Bohuslän, it's worth the trip out.