Skip Europe This Summer: This Coastal Town in Maine Is Just as Fun as Marstrand, Sweden

Lobster, shrimp, oysters—these are my favorite tastes of summer, preferably enjoyed on a boat or, at the very least, within sight of a large body of water. The years that I can’t swing an international getaway to Marstrand, Sweden, for fresh seafood, sailing, and hiking adventures, I head instead to the similarly coastal Bar Harbor, Maine.

Located on the Bohuslän coast on the west side of Sweden, Marstrand is technically a town, but it’s often referred to as a city due to its historical free port status. It then became a seaside resort in the 19th century and still is today, offering a robust boating culture and hosting the annual Match Cup Sweden (one of the longest-running events on the World Match Racing Tour) as well as the Marstrand Regatta, held every July by the Royal Gothenburg Yacht Club.

Being situated on the ocean means there is fresh seafood in nearly every restaurant—especially shrimp, or “prawns.” Räksmörgås, räkmacka, or toast skagen (open-faced shrimp sandwich) can be found on most menus, though there are also gorgeous pastries and more modern dishes to enjoy, too. I particularly like the century-old Bergs Konditori next to the ferry landing for breakfast pastries and lunch, and the nearby Lasse-Majas Krog that’s open late six days per week for dinner or drinks and a light bite.

Besides sailing and eating with a view of the water, walking and hiking are the other popular pastimes in Marstrand. Not only is it called “Sweden’s sailing island,” but it’s also known as “The Fortress Island” thanks to the 17th-century Carlstens Fästning (Carlstens Fortress). You can schedule a guided tour or simply walk the grounds and enjoy the seasonal Carlsten’s Waffle Café—there’s even lodging on the property that dates back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

I prefer to take in the natural beauty of the island, and there are seven easy-to-moderate trails in the surrounding area to explore, my favorite being the 6.6-mile Marstrandsön and Koön Loop that takes about two and a half hours to complete; enjoy the views of the rocky coastline and expansive sea while basking in that famous Scandinavian sunlight.

If a trip to Europe doesn’t fit into your calendar—or budget—this year, you can find many of the same sights, bites, and boats in Bar Harbor, Maine. It’s also a seaside resort town like Marstrand, located on Mount Desert Island in the North Atlantic Ocean and so also attracts sailing enthusiasts from around the world. Even without your own boat, you can still secure a maritime experience on one of the many nature cruises and private charters available.

Then, of course, there’s the seafood. Bar Harbor’s answer to Marstrand’s shrimp sandwiches are the plentiful lobster rolls found all around town. I’m a fan of the cold lobster rolls at The Travelin’ Lobster or the hot lobster rolls at Geddy’s on the waterfront, and a roll at Bar Harbor Lobster Pound is almost a rite of passage when visiting.

Bar Harbor is known as “the gateway to Acadia National Park,” home to many of the top-rated hiking trails in Maine, my favorites probably being the Beehive Loop and Ocean Path Trail. The town also has the Shore Path that’s not a part of the park, but this 1.5-mile out-and-back trail follows the shoreline and is a lovely stroll thanks to its sweeping ocean views and rocky coastline that will have you thinking you’re on the North Sea.

If you’re looking for a classic coastal summer vacation but can’t make it to Europe, Bar Harbor is the perfect destination this side of the Atlantic. Be sure to save this article to start your itinerary, and share it with your travel buddies.