What to do in Sottunga with children?
Sottunga is also a great destination for families with children. There may not be a huge number of activities on the island, but perhaps that is exactly the charm. Here you can spend time outdoors, swim, explore and enjoy being together without a constant rush.
Swimming in Sottunga
Let’s start with one of the children’s favourites – swimming. Sottunga has no fewer than three different places where you can go for a swim, and two of them are very close to Strandhugget.
5-metre diving tower – for the brave
Very close to us there is a swimming spot with a diving tower for those who like a little more excitement. The highest platform is about five metres above the water, with lower platforms at 1.5 and 3 metres.
There are also swimming ladders, so you don’t have to climb all the way back up the tower every time you want to jump.
The water is about four metres deep, making this a great place for swimming and jumping. With smaller children, of course, you should take the depth of the water and everyone’s swimming ability into account.
This is definitely the place to head for if you have little daredevils in the family. And if the adults want to join in, we won’t judge. 😊
The guest harbour pier – for a calmer swim
Another swimming spot very close to us can be found at the guest harbour. From the pier, you can enter the sea using the swimming ladders.
This is a calmer option than the diving tower. The water is about 0.9 metres deep, so it is a good place for a quick dip or some more relaxed splashing.
For smaller children, it is a nice place to get used to the sea, but of course an adult should always be present and keep an eye on the children, just as with any natural swimming spot.
Munkvik – sandy bottom and a real beach feel
The third swimming spot is Munkvik, on the north-western side of the island.
Munkvik is different from the two swimming spots closer to us. There is a sandy and rocky bottom and more of a traditional beach atmosphere. It is a good place to spend a little longer by the sea, build things from stones or simply enjoy a summer day at the beach.
What about blue-green algae?
Fortunately, blue-green algae is usually less of a concern in Sottunga than at many inland swimming spots. We are far out in the outer archipelago, where the water circulates well.
It is still always worth checking the current water conditions on site – conditions in natural waters can change quickly.
Get out on the water with a SUP board
If you want to do more than just swim, you can also rent SUP boards from Strandhugget. They are an easy way to explore the nearby shores and the archipelago from a slightly different perspective.
SUP paddling is also a great activity for the whole family – and a good opportunity to find out who can stay dry the longest. 😊
Frisbee golf for the whole family
Sottunga also has an 18-hole disc golf course.
The first nine holes are fairly relaxed and suitable for less experienced players. Holes 10–18 offer more of a challenge, so even experienced players need to concentrate on their throws.
You don’t necessarily need to bring your own discs. They can be borrowed from Strandhugget, making it easy to give the sport a try without your own equipment.
Fishing from the pier
If you want to give the children a little taste of a real archipelago adventure, bring along some fishing gear.
A fishing permit is normally required in Sottunga, but there is an exception for children. A simple fishing rod and the piers next to Strandhugget are therefore a popular combination.
Perhaps the best part is that you don’t need a big plan. Put the bait on the hook, drop the line into the water and wait to see if a fish takes an interest.
Explore Sottunga by bike
Sottunga is also a lovely island to explore by bicycle.
Strandhugget has bicycles available to borrow free of charge, including bicycles for children. From a bicycle, the island suddenly feels a little bigger, and you also get to see places you might otherwise miss.
So grab a bike and head out on a little adventure. Sottunga is just the right size for it.
A little hike
Not everything has to be done by bike. A short hike is also well worth doing.
The hiking trail starting from the church leads to beautiful rocks on the western side of the island. It makes a nice little excursion, after which you can return to the village or continue the day with a swim.
The archipelago is at its best when you don’t try to rush through it.
Watching ships from the western shore
One of our favourite activities, and one that is completely free, is watching ships from Sottunga’s western shore.
Sottunga is located along a route used by cruise ships and cargo vessels, so you can watch the maritime traffic pass relatively close by. With children, it is especially fun to guess what kind of ship will appear next.
If you want to see more ships, timing your visit is worthwhile. In our experience, the route is busiest around 11:30–12:30 and again around 16:00–17:00.
Bring some snacks, find a good rock to sit on and start ship spotting. There is no entrance fee and no tickets need to be booked in advance. 😊
The schoolyard – a children’s favourite?
Sottunga’s schoolyard has a small football field and goals, so bring a ball and go play.
But in our experience, the biggest attraction is probably the zip line. Children of different ages enjoy it – and sometimes adults do too.
If the weather is not suitable for outdoor play, it is also possible to use the school’s sports hall. There is a small fee, and you can get the key from Strandhugget.
New for summer 2027 – Strandhugget’s first family room
For summer 2027, Strandhugget will have its first family room for four people, located next to the service building.
The location is particularly convenient for families: it has the shortest distance to the toilet and shower anywhere at Strandhugget. So if someone needs the toilet in the middle of the night, there is no long walk ahead. 😊
The room has its own fridge, microwave, dishes and kettle. This makes it easy to store and prepare the family’s own snacks and small evening meals.
The room also has outdoor terrace furniture for four people. You can enjoy breakfast, lunch or an evening snack on your own terrace – or simply sit down and enjoy the sea view.
The family room will be a new option for those who want to stay in Sottunga with the whole family while keeping the small practical things of everyday life as easy as possible.
On Sottunga, freedom is the best activity
Perhaps the best thing about Sottunga for families is not any single attraction, but the freedom to decide what to do without a timetable.
You can walk to the swimming spots, head out on a SUP board, explore the island by bike, try fishing from the pier, play disc golf or watch ships from the rocks. And if the rain arrives, there are also things to do indoors.
Here, children can simply be children – and adults can join in from time to time.
Welcome to Sottunga!
