Bohuslän

Klädesholm Tennisplan

Carved from calm

Once known as "The Herring Island" during the golden years of fishing, Klädesholmen has been a centre of Sweden’s herring industry for centuries. Remarkably, the herring tradition remains very much alive here. Klädesholmen Seafood AB, formed from a merger of local family-owned businesses in 2002, now produces more than half of all Sweden’s pickled herring. The island’s maritime heritage is ever-present, with narrow lanes like Coastguard Road and Fish Harbour Road leading towards the old harbour, where herring boats once docked.

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But the small, picturesque village of white wooden houses is more than just fish. It also embraces a serene pace of life, where “lugn” – that calm, unhurried feeling the Swedes speak of – settles gently into your bones. And that same calm follows you onto the court. Almost carved into the rocks right next to the sea, it offers a truly unique setting for tennis. The hard court has taken its share of weather over the years, but its charm remains intact, with rallies pleasingly accompanied by the sound of swimmers plunging into the water. Your match begins just a few hundred metres away, at the small, cosy harbour office where you collect the keys to the court.

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After the match, and once the keys are returned, tradition calls for a herring feast. Local favourites Restaurant Kylen and Salt & Sill are the perfect places to follow suit.

Käringö Tennisklubb

At the Edge of the Archipelago

On the endless horizon lies Käringön, a small, car-free island reachable only by boat or ferry, most commonly from Tuvesvik on the nearby island of Orust. The ferry ride itself is a scenic 40-minute journey through the Bohuslän archipelago, passing skerries, seal colonies and the picturesque island of Gullholmen. Home to fewer than 300 houses, Käringön is often cited as one of the most beautiful islands in the western Swedish archipelago and boasts a charming harbour lined with restaurants and shops.

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Just beyond this lively waterfront, you'll discover a thriving, intimate tennis club.​Käringö Tennis Club has around 150 members and is responsible for maintaining and managing the clay court. The court dates back to the early 1930s, when an initiative to build an asphalt court coincided with the construction of the marina. The current club was founded in 1956 by a group of summer residents, who later introduced the clay surface. Today, the court is meticulously maintained, offering a crisp, consistent bounce with a subtle sensation of playing on solid rock, underlining exactly where you are.

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Over the years, the club has become a cherished part of the island's summer rhythm, hosting annual tournaments and tennis schools for both children and adults. Modest in size but rich in character, Käringö Tennis Club reflects the island’s essence, where tradition, community and nature intertwine in perfect balance.

Fiskebäckskil Tennisklubb

Where Björn Borg’s Legacy Began

Fiskebäckskil’s tennis story begins in 1914, when the village built its first wooden courts. The game later found a new home at Bökevik beach, where three clay courts were established, and Fiskebäckskils Tennisklubb was officially founded in 1956, taking over the seaside facility from the local bathing house. Since then, the club has hosted Swedish Championships as well as exhibition matches featuring top players.

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But its most iconic moment came in 1970, when a young Björn Borg won gold here in the 14-and-under category at the Swedish Junior Championship – a triumph he later described as a breakthrough moment in his career. Borg’s connection to the club has remained strong, and in 2013 the Björn Borg Trophy was established as a challenge cup for both men and women.Following an extensive renovation in 2023, which included new drainage systems, resurfaced layers of crushed stone and clay, and reinforced court perimeters, the club now welcomes players of all levels to its beautifully maintained clay courts.

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Set on the island of Skaftö, Fiskebäckskil is a former fishing and shipping village that has gracefully transformed into a tranquil summer retreat. It lies at the edge of Gullmarn, the longest and only true fjord in Sweden, with deep waters between steep shores. The old windmill stands watch above the village, gazing across the fjord towards Lysekil, where the famous granite church rises like a sentinel.

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A version of this journey is also featured in the coffee-table book, "The Tennis Travels — Europe", which explores more than 50 European outdoor courts open to guest play. Further details on the book can be found here

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