The Koster Islands
Strömstad
Almost the same distance from Oslo (130 kilometres) and Gothenburg (160 kilometres), Strömstad is ideally situated between two of the most vibrant cities in Scandinavia. Strömstad has the saltiest water on the west coast, and is the location of the Kosterhavet National Park, the only marine national park in Sweden. Just 45 minutes by boat to the west, the Koster Islands offer excellent opportunities for walking, kayaking and cycling.
Remember that the choice of activities, and opening times of restaurants, shops and hotels vary over the year. Check the companies’ own websites for current information.
The islands are to a large extent nature reserves, and you will encounter a lovely mixture of coastal meadows with a rich flora, rolling countryside, and a windswept outer archipelago.
Photographer: Jonas Ingman
Walk or cycle on South Koster
South Koster is ideal for exploring on foot or by bike as the island has virtually car free.
If you choose to make your way around by bike, you can see a lot in a short space of time as the distances are not particularly great. There are a number of signposted trailswhich take you around the island. If you don’t have a bike with you, you’ll be able to hire enough for the whole family from April to October near several of the ferry landings on South Koster. the ferry landings on South Koster.
While you’re wandering the island don’t miss the view from Valfjäll, the highest outlook point on South Koster looking out over the Koster Islands and Ursholmen.
If you prefer to explore the area from a kayak, there are ample opportunities in Kosterhavet. You can find more information about kayaking in the area here.
Bicycle Rental
There are opportunities to rent a bike for the whole family at all the ports on South Koster and you do not need to pre-book.
Pickup here – Leave there; rent a bike at the port of Ekenäs and drop it off at Långagärde. Or the other way around. Simple & convenient!
Photographer: Roger Borgelid
Hiking on North Koster
You can easily make your way to North Koster directly from Strömstad. During the summer and on public holidays in spring you can also travel by cable ferry between the two islands North- and South koster (Västra Bryggan-Långegärde). If you travel to North Koster outside peak season, remember to bring something to eat and drink for the whole trip as there is no shop on the island that is open all year round. During summer there are restaurants open on North Koster.
On North Koster there are two main signposted walking trails, 5.4 kilometres and 5.5 kilometres long, passing through rich and varied natural landscapes. Along the trails there are many opportunities to make a detour. Högen Hill, with Koster’s two lighthouses, is 58 metres above sea level. It is the highest point on the Koster Islands and provides a stunning view. If you want to go for a swim, you can do so both from the beach or the rocks.
Photographer: Kristina Gillerstedt
Restaurants
During winter there are no restaurants open on the Koster Islands – but during the rest of the year you can round off the day with something to delicious to eat at one of the restaurants in the area. Some of these restaurants usually open around Easter. There’s also an ICA supermarket open all year round on South Koster.
Getting here
From Gothenburg, you can make your way easily to Strömstad in northern Bohuslän by Västtrafik train or bus. The journey takes about 2½ hours. From Strömstad and onwards to the Koster Islands, you can also travel with Västtrafik, which operates boats from the north harbour every day of the year.
The boat journey to the Koster Islands – North Koster and South Koster – takes around 45 minutes. If you have your own bike with you, you can take it on board, space permitting, for a small fee.
Accommodation
There are many alternatives on the Koster Islands and can be found here.
