Onsala

Onsala is a coastal locality on the Onsala Peninsula in southwestern Sweden. It belongs to Kungsbacka Municipality in Halland County, in the historic province of Halland. The community lies on the west coast, near Gothenburg, and is commonly considered part of the Gothenburg metropolitan area. The landscape features rocky shores, forests, and farmland, with beaches along the coastline.

The locality is best known for the Onsala Space Observatory, a major astronomical research facility located nearby. The observatory hosts radio telescopes used for astronomical observations and geodetic measurements and is operated by Chalmers University of Technology and the Swedish National Space Agency. The facility has contributed to international collaborations and space science since the mid-20th century.

Onsala is primarily a residential area with local services for residents. Many people commute to nearby Kungsbacka, Gothenburg, or other towns in the region. The area combines housing with preserved natural areas and access to the coast, making it a common location for outdoor recreation such as hiking and boating.

Historically, Onsala has been part of Halland County and has developed through coastal farm communities and maritime activity. In recent decades, the presence of the observatory and related research institutions has become a notable aspect of its modern identity.