Salt & Sill: Feel the archipelago harmony

Fancy a taste of life by the sea? Head to Tjörn island on the picturesque west coast of Sweden. Here you’ll find Salt & Sill – home to the country’s first ever floating hotel and a renowned seafood restaurant, both inspired by the small island’s rich fishing legacy.

Far from the hustle and bustle of city life, Salt & Sill sits neatly on the edge of a jetty, inviting a sense of oneness with the sea. Here, where nature is close and the pace is slow, is a place ideal for recharging and enjoyment.

“We offer a 360-degree experience of food, drink and living, all year around. Some visit us to eat, others stay over, and some come to just soak up the relaxed atmosphere and beautiful surroundings,” says manager Jonas Espefors.

Sleeping on the sea

Although parts of the Salt & Sill establishment have been running for over 20 years, the hotel is a fairly new addition. Building a hotel completely afloat is not an easy task. What is though, is seeing the allure this has added to Salt & Sill’s overall offering.

“You really can’t get any closer to the water,” says Espefors. “In fact, you can dive straight in from outside your room while enjoying the views of the archipelago and sea. It’s an unusual setting which is easy to fall in love with,” he adds.

Inside the hotel, you will find bright and modern rooms designed with Scandinavian simplicity at heart, yet influenced by the fishing community, too. This combination makes for homely rooms that encourage relaxation, with the waves underneath gently rocking you to sleep.

A meal to remember

When it comes to Salt & Sill’s restaurant with the same name (‘sill’ being the Swedish word for herring), there’s plenty to eat and plenty to drink.

The restaurant’s focus is on high-quality fish and seafood, mostly sourced from the surrounding waters, and herring is the star of the menu. Indeed, eating herring is one of Sweden’s oldest food traditions. It can be enjoyed in countless of combinations, often with seasonal specialities for occasions such as summer and Christmas.

“Because this area has ties to the fishing industry dating back to the 15th century, it has always been part of our ambition and responsibility to share this legacy and grow visitors’ interest in food and flavour,” explains Espefors. “We want them to enjoy and appreciate the food in equal parts.”

The menu itself features classic dishes with a twist, attracting fish fanatics from near and far. And if you prefer meat or vegetarian choices? Rest assured that the menu has those covered, too.

Activities around the island

When you’re not eating or sleeping, there’s lots to keep you busy and plenty of pretty walking trails to discover. Those who want the full sea experience can rent kayaks and stand-up paddle boards or go on boat tours with Salt & Sill’s own fishermen. During lobster season in the autumn, it is also possible to accompany local lobster fishers on their ventures.

Staying on land? Try a cooking class to develop your kitchen skills or enjoy a soothing massage. You can also spot seals from one of the many beaches and cliffs around or rent bikes to discover the area on wheels. For a dose of culture, there is a dedicated museum for aquarelle paintings nearby, as well as outdoor art dotted around.

Time to chill
One of the most popular activities at Salt & Sill is a visit to S/S Silla – a catamaran which was built purely with relaxation in mind. “There is a sauna and spa lounge inside, while the outside features a jacuzzi and sun deck,” says Espefors. This catamaran can be used by both hotel guests and other visitors and is an experience not to miss – whatever the season.

About an hour’s travel from Gothenburg, Salt & Sill is easily accessible for foodies and nature lovers alike. Although the hotel and restaurant are open year around, a visit during the warmer months ahead is ideal (and recommended) if you’d like to experience the true beauty of Swedish summer on the west coast.

Web: www.saltosill.se
Instagram: @saltosill