West Coast of Sweden, summer 2004
Stocken
Stocken It is the end of July 2004, wonderful weather. I had heard lots about Stocken and about the island of Orust, I've seen photos; beautiful ones. But when I crossed the bridge and was on Orust, I was amazed. This place is so beautiful!
We entered Orust from the north and quite quickly after you've entered the island you will come to this view point. I didn't need much time, I knew it right away, this is my kind of place!
The west coast of Sweden
Map
I doubt that many of you have ever heard of Orust before, let alone about Stocken. So let me start this page with telling you where it is.
The island of Orust is located south western part of Sweden, just above the city of Göteborg. It is located in the region of Västra Götelands Län.
The place I had as my 'home base' was the little village of Stocken. Stocken is located on the west side of the island. From here I visited several other places, mainly all of them located on the west side of the island.
Stocken; you have stolen my heart....
Stocken
Stocken; you have stolen my heart.....
Why? Well, hahaha, that might actually be hard to explain ;-) But maybe I can show you a little bit why on this page.
Stocken is only a small village, not much to do here, not much to see. But the place has a certain charm and the surrounding area is so beautiful and tranquil. I just loved it here.
The blue sea, the endless grey cliffs, the clear blue skies with a sun that shines brightly. The colourful little villages in the distance..... houses like little colourful dots, fighting to hang on to the steep cliffs. Painted in red, yellow and sometimes in shades of blue. Oh yes, and in white of course. And when you look closer you will discover hundreds of other shades, all mixing together in a beautiful colour palette. My eyes move back to the sea. I see the glistering of the sun in the calm waters, the white little dots of numerous sailing boats. Little islands in the sea, deserted, empty, nothing more than huge rocks. And here I am, sitting on the cliffs after an exhausting climb, gasping for air but amazed by another wonderful view....
Please tell me.... how can I not love this place?
View over Stocken
View over Stocken
We arrived at Stocken campground in the late afternoon. After quickly getting everything set up it was time to walk to the waterfront and enjoy the view over the village of Stocken. The water was amazingly blue, the sun was shining brightly and there was only a slight breeze. Perfect weather at a perfect place :-)
View over Stocken
Zooming in with my camera on the village of Stocken. Of course there are many little boats, as this area is the place to be if you love being on the water. You can see the picturesque red boathouses on the waters edge and behind it the houses of Stocken itself.
Let's take a look around in Stocken
Stocken cafe
Time to take a look around in Stocken. The best way to explore this village is by foot. Parking spots are hard to find, so park your car where you can and do the rest on foot. The best thing to do here is just 'get lost'. This way you find the most unexpected little places, beautiful views and picturesque streets. Hahaha, not that you can really 'get lost' in Stocken, it is too small for that ;-)
After your walk go back to the main street where you will find this perfect spot to have a drink and relax.
Little boat houses
Little boat houses in Stocken
In the picture you can see one of the many boat houses or sheds. They looks so picturesque on the waterside, several in a row, all painted in red. All of them have a little pier on the backside as the main reason to build them was as a storage place for the fishing boats. But these days are over, many of them now have been changed into little summerhouses. Only a few of them are in their original state.
But bring your wallet if you want one of these! They don't come cheap. I guess everyone would like to live on the waterside for little while, especially on one of these wonderful sunny summer days.
Across the water....
Red boathouse
In the picture you can see one of the many boat houses or sheds. They looks so picturesque on the waterside, several in a row, all painted in red. All of them have a little pier on the backside as the main reason to build them was as a storage place for the fishing boats. But these days are over, many of them now have been changed into little summerhouses. Only a few of them are in their original state.
But bring your wallet if you want one of these! They don't come cheap. I guess everyone would like to live on the waterside for little while, especially on one of these wonderful sunny summer days.
View to Råön
View to Råön
Another view across the water; this is the island of Råön. This island is only accessible by boat, and as I haven't got one, hahaha, I haven't been here. The view from Stocken to the island is lovely though. The bare cliffs, and than all of a sudden this group of colourful houses. Mainly in red and yellow, making it look so cheerful.
Read more on page 2 about Stocken.....