24 hours in Varberg

08:32 | Take the train to central Varberg – or park for free

What’s the best way to get to Varberg for a full day, weekend, or long weekend? Taking the train is smooth, sustainable, and drops you right in the heart of the town centre. If you're driving, Varberg also offers free parking throughout the entire town (you're welcome!).

Once you arrive, you're immediately welcomed by a classic New York-style street grid, complete with cobblestone roads and picturesque houses dating as far back as the 1600s. And the sea? That's right next door.

09:05 | Morning dip at Kallbadhuset

Even though popular Apelviken just outside the town centre is the top spot for swimming and surfing, you don't need to go far to take a dip. Kallbadhuset (The Cold Bathhouse) right in town is a striking landmark with its magnificent architecture, showcasing Varberg’s rich history as a spa town since the early 1800s.

Forgot your swimwear? No problem! Clothes-free bathing is the norm at Kallbadhuset. During the summer, it's open every day, and four days a week throughout the rest of the year.

If you prefer sand between your toes, Barnens Badstrand (Children's Beach) right next door is a great choice. And don't forget to snap an essential sea selfie—perhaps from the top of Fästningsbadet, a seaside bath equipped with a diving tower for the brave!

10:15 | Check-in at a hotel with a rooftop bar - and a rooftop pool

If you're visiting a true spa town like Varberg, we highly recommend Varbergs stadshotell & Asia Spa. How about an illuminated rooftop pool with panoramic views over Varberg’s picturesque rooftops, the fortress, and the sea?

The welcoming, rustic Hotell Gästis also offers a unique spa set in 18th-century cellar vaults—a blue-tiled replica of Lenin’s favorite bathhouse in St. Petersburg.

Alternatively, why not opt for Hotell Havanna with its Hemingway-inspired bathhouse, cigar lounge, and rum bar featuring over 300 varieties to choose from?

Finally, Varbergs Kusthotell is within easy walking or cycling distance along the popular coastal promenade, where historic spa town traditions meet modern comfort right by the ocean.

10:45 | Takeaway Brunch at Varbergs fästning (Varberg Fortress)

"Take me to the ocean" seems to be the unspoken theme on every takeaway-friendly delicacy in Varberg. Why not enjoy a picnic brunch out on Getterön peninsula or up at historic Varberg Fortress (Varbergs fästning) with sweeping sea views?

With 105 outdoor market days a year, Varberg boasts one of Sweden’s most vibrant and frequent square markets. Every Wednesday and Saturday—depending on the season—you can feast on locally grown, baked, and caught specialties at Varberg Town Square:

• Local Langoustines fresh from Träslövsläge (Läjet, as locals call it)
• Strawberries from Vareborgs Bärodling
• Tomatoes from Warberg Tomateria

If you prefer not to pack your own food, you can simply unwind at one of the many seaside bars and restaurants lining the coast.

13:10 | Cobblestone Stroll – With an audio tour in your headphones

Take in the city's beautiful historic architecture on a cultural walking tour! With the Visit Varberg app in your headphones, you can listen to guided audio walks in Swedish, as well as discover the town's history in English and German. Alternatively, if you'd like the opportunity to ask questions along the way, you can hire local historian Peter Börjesson for a personalized guided walk.

When it's time for a fika break, Varberg has no shortage of great spots:

• Kustbageriet, located down by the harbour
• Lilla Träslövs Finbageri, a classic local bakery and café
• Dan Bakstudio, a modern, artisanal bakery right in the heart of town where baking is taken very seriously

If you'd like to explore the town a bit faster afterwards, you can rent a bicycle or an e-scooter. At Varbergs fästning (Varberg Fortress), Sweden's second-largest building, you can also visit the legendary Bocksten Man at the Hallands kulturhistoriska museum (Halland Cultural History Museum) and take a walk down into the historic prison dungeons.

14:32 | Culture, art and captivating light displays

Culture is buzzing in the heart of town! For art lovers, a visit to Varbergs Konsthall inside the Kulturhuset Komedianten cultural centre is a must, showcasing both national and international contemporary art. Right next door is Varbergs Teater (Varbergs Theatre), a historic venue dating back to the 19th century.

At Hamnmagasinet, located right beside Varberg Fortress, you'll discover art and handicraft exhibitions, a silversmith, a glassblowing studio, and local ceramicists with crafts available for purchase.

If you're visiting Varberg in the autumn, don't miss the award-winning outdoor event Rys och Mys in the town centre, a captivating light festival designed for visitors of all ages.

15:22 | Skate at an Olympic-Standard Skatepark

One of Europe’s finest Olympic-standard skateparks is located right in Varberg. Everyone is welcome to visit and hang out at this vibrant haven for boarders!

The street area caters well to both beginners and elite riders, while the park terrain and bowl section offer a more advanced challenge. In the evening, floodlights illuminate the park, making it perfectly equipped for night sessions.

Find Varberg's skateparks here.

16:10 | Afternoon shopping and an evening out in town

Varberg’s history as a historic trading hub shines through in its high level of service across a wide variety of cafés, urban concept restaurants, bars, and unique boutiques. The fact that the town boasts an entire "shoe street" (Drottninggatan) hints at why major footwear brands like Nilsson Group, Scorett, and Vagabond all keep their headquarters here. Don't miss Parfymeri Viola either—Sweden’s largest privately-owned perfumery, spanning over 300 square metres.

Hungry and thirsty after shopping? The town is buzzing with restaurants and bars offering everything from international sharing menus, wood-fired dishes, and upscale dining to local craft beer, impressive wine lists, and delicious cocktails.

Looking for more recommendations? Scroll down to check out our curated lists!

Recommended Hotels in Varberg

• Varbergs Stadshotell
• Fästningens Vandrarhem (Fortress Hostel)
• Varbergs Kusthotell
• Hotell Havanna
• Hotell Blanka
• Hotell Gästis
• Clarion Collection Hotel Fregatten

Recommended Restaurants & Bars in Varberg

• Glou Glou – Wine bar
• Bank28 – Brewpub & food
• Bränn Pizzeria – Artisanal pizza
• Villa Celine – Tapas
• Varbergs Ölhall – Beer hall
• Luna Bar – Cocktails
• Bar Munken – Hotel bar inside Stadshotellet
• Nami & Bold – Japanese sharing restaurant with an urban bar
• Gästis Kafé & Matsalar – Courtyard dining in a sunny spot
• Joels på Hooken – A summer-open gem in Varberg harbour

Fancy a Rooftop Bar?

• Torellska Takterrassen – Hotell Gästis
• Bar Sora – Stadshotellet's rooftop bar
• Hemingway's Bar – Hotell Havanna
• Fästningsterrassen – The West Coast's best sea view?!

Recommended Things to Do in Varberg

• Take the beach train to Apelviken and try surfing, then enjoy dinner at one of the bay's great eateries.
• Take the electric boat to Getterön for a dip in the ocean.
• Visit the outdoor market at Varberg Town Square—every Wednesday and Saturday.
• Walk along the coastal promenade, or rent a bicycle or e-scooter.
• Visit Varbergs Fästning (Varberg Fortress).
• Take a clothes-free dip at Kallbadhuset.
• Join a historic walking tour of the town.
• Visit the Freden skatepark in the heart of town.
• Check out the art at Kulturhuset Komedianten.
• Discover Varberg's wide selection of footwear on "Shoe Street" (Drottninggatan).
• Explore Varberg's unique boutiques- Basement Design, Parfymeri Viola, Tre Systrar, Studio Bliss, K.Lagerqvist, Hagedorn, Saphran, Marina, and Wonder.