Island of Källö-Knippla, archipelago of Gothenburg, Sweden

© Martin Wahlborg/Getty Image

Källö-Knippla, Sweden

We’re visiting a small fishing village on the island of Källö-Knippla in Gothenburg’s northern archipelago. Källö-Knippla, which was once two separate islands before the strait that separated them filled in, is authentic Sweden. The island is small with seemingly endless sea views and traditional architecture. There’s also a great walking trail on the northern part of the island, which is the perfect way to breathe in that fresh Scandinavian air and, if you’re brave enough, take a swim in the sea.

Speaking of bravery, around this time of year the Swedes enjoy their speciality, surströmming. Surströmming is Baltic herring that’s been caught in April and May, then lightly salted and allowed to ferment. People there enjoy some surströmming on top of tunnbröd flatbread. It’s common to then cover it in red onions, sour cream and dill, followed by a shot of alcohol, a beer or even milk. The taste is said to be very sharp, savoury and even acidic – some call it “the world’s worst smelling food”!

If you’d rather skip the fermented herring, this remote archipelago has enough beautiful scenery and authentic architecture to keep you exploring.