Municipality

Sotenäs Municipality – facts, statistics, and insights

Sotenäs Municipality, beautifully situated on the Bohuslän coast, is perhaps best known for coastal gems like Smögen and Kungshamn. Here, strong fishing traditions coexist with modern tourism, and a small-scale feel characterizes both community life and business. The municipality stands out with its maritime heritage, high quality of life, and proximity to saltwater baths, cliffs, and archipelago.

Population and demographics

Sotenäs is one of the smaller municipalities in West Sweden in terms of population. It has just under 9,000 residents year-round, but the number multiplies during the summer thanks to vacationers and seasonal residents. The population is somewhat older than the national average, which is reflected in both service offerings and activities. Many young people move to larger cities for studies and jobs, but at the same time, immigration has increased somewhat in recent years—particularly among families attracted by a safe environment and seaside lifestyle.

Taxes, welfare, and municipal services

The municipal tax rate in Sotenäs is 21.99%, and combined with the county council tax (11.48%) and burial fee (0.29%), the total tax burden is 33.47% (excluding the church fee of 1.37%). Tax revenues mainly fund schools, elder care, social services, and infrastructure. Despite its small size, the municipality offers a wide range of services—from home care and libraries to sports facilities and recreational centers. The challenge is to deliver high quality all year round, even as the population fluctuates significantly between seasons.

• Municipal tax: 21.99%
• County council tax: 11.48%
• Burial fee: 0.29%
• Church fee (to the Church of Sweden): 1.37%

The economy is relatively stable, but like many smaller municipalities, it faces challenges related to an aging population and high service demands.

Economy and labor market

Sotenäs has long been characterized by fishing, shipping, and processing industries. Even today, the seafood industry remains central, with several large employers in fish processing and export. Tourism has grown rapidly and is now an equally important driver—especially during the summer months when restaurants, shops, and accommodations flourish. Unemployment is low, but the labor market is seasonal, and many commute to nearby towns. The municipality actively works to attract new businesses, particularly in the tourism and sustainable marine sectors.

Education and business

There are elementary schools in several localities within the municipality, as well as a high school in Kungshamn. The offerings are adapted to the smaller student numbers, but there is an emphasis on small classes and close relationships between students and teachers. Sotenäs also collaborates with neighboring municipalities to broaden educational opportunities. The business landscape is dominated by small, often family-owned companies, and it is common for multiple generations to work within the same industry. An interesting detail is that Sotenäs was an early adopter of marine innovation centers, where companies and researchers develop new products and services related to the sea and environment.

Geography and attractions

Sotenäs consists of a rugged Bohuslän archipelago with rocky cliffs, picturesque fishing villages, and deep fjords. Smögen is the most famous town, with its colorful pier, but also Kungshamn, Hunnebostrand, and Bovallstrand attract visitors year-round. Nature reserves, hiking trails, and opportunities for diving and boating make Sotenäs a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Here, you can still see fishing boats leaving the harbor at dawn—a living reminder of the maritime cultural heritage.

FAQ – common questions about Sotenäs Municipality

• What is the municipal tax rate in Sotenäs?
  The municipal tax rate is 21.99%, but the total tax (including county council and burial fees) is 33.47%, excluding church fee.
• What is Sotenäs known for?
  The Smögen pier, seafood industry, and beautiful Bohuslän coastline.
• What is the population of Sotenäs?
  Approximately 9,000 residents year-round, but significantly more during the summer.
• Who are the major employers?
  Fish processing companies, tourism businesses, and the municipality itself are among the largest employers.