Särö’s history can be explored through two distinct traces: ancient coastal forests and buildings from the seaside resort era of the 19th century. When planning your visit, you can decide whether to focus on nature and forests or on historic architecture and local history.

Ancient Forests and Biodiversity

Särö Västerskog is a forest west of Särö. It is home to oak and pine trees that are 200 to 300 years old. Together with its sister forest, Särö Nordanskog, Västerskog is one of the most valuable coastal broadleaf forests on Sweden’s west coast. Both forests are known for their biodiversity, ancient trees and long-standing forest continuity. This continuity draws attention not only to individual ancient trees, but also to the forest’s long history.

A survey in Särö Nordanskog recorded a total of 143 lichen species in 2021–2022, including 35 protected species.

Särö Nordanskog is used for everyday exercise, dog walks and recreation. For a nature-focused stay, you can choose between the ancient oaks and pines in Västerskog, the diversity of lichens in Nordanskog, and the described uses of the forest.

Beach and Promenade

There are also specific points to consider when planning a visit to the Särö Västerskog nature reserve: Snäckstranden is a beach within the protected area. The promenade extends from the nature reserve and is about five kilometres long. The beach and promenade offer a different coastal experience from the forest features and the lichen survey in Nordanskog.

Traces of Seaside Resort History

In the 19th century, seaside resort life on Särö became popular among the upper classes. Many villas and bathing pavilions from this seaside resort era have survived to this day. The history of the area is evident not only in historical accounts, but also in buildings from that time.

Särö kyrka is a central landmark in the area’s architectural history. The church was built in 1922 and is centrally located on a hill in Särö, in an area of national cultural heritage interest. On 14 March 2005, the County Administrative Board of Halland County (Länsstyrelsen i Hallands län) designated it a listed building. The reason given is that its origins reflect the history and development of Särö as a seaside resort. The area’s history thus runs from the seaside resort life of the 19th century, through the construction of the church in 1922, to its designation as a listed building in 2005.

King Gustaf V is also part of Särö’s history: until 1949, he spent his summers on Särö, staying at Villa Gövik. This connection adds a specific person and named residence to the seaside resort history, while the surviving villas and bathing pavilions draw attention to the area’s architectural development.

Golf in a Historic Setting

Särö Golf Club is also set in a historic seaside resort environment. It has a practice area near Särö Långa Bana. The golf restaurant, clubhouse and reception are located at Särö Park 54.

Discover more destinations: Onsala, Backa, Gottskär, Hammerö, Kungsbacka, Frillesås, Anneberg, Kullavik.

Back to the main travel overview: Kungsbacka.