Åstol is a small fishing town nestled among the rugged rocks rising from the sea in Bohuslän, Sweden. The town has an impressive atmosphere with its white wooden houses situated on the volcanic cliff. The bedrock of the island consists of eroded amphibolite, a volcanic rock type, on which plants have managed to grow despite the harsh climate. With its narrow and car-free streets, the harbor is calm and quiet most of the time.

Image Credit: mannsheimerphoto / Instagram

Åstol was a major fishing town up until the 1970s but since then, with the decline of fishing, it has struggled.

The island was first inhabited in the mid-18th century in connection with one of the great Scandinavian herring periods. The fishing community continued to grow in the following years. During the golden days of fishing, there were around 500 residents. The industry declined during the 1970s and many people moved away from the island.
There are about 300 permanent residents living on the island. However, it is also popular as a summer retreat. The island has cozy cafés, galleries, and restaurants. In the middle of the island, there is a little park with a memorial for the lost fishermen.

Åstol is only accessible by ferry from Rönnäng and is located between Tjörn and Marstrand.

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