Kosterhavet National Park covers almost 400 square kilometres, most of which is sea. It lies in the municipalities of Strömstad and Tanum and offers a glimpse of the marine nature that shapes a stay in this region. Cold-water coral reefs provide habitats for hundreds of animal species. You can dive or snorkel among kelp forests and seagrass meadows and discover the rich underwater world. Park rules and local conditions apply.
Sea, wetlands and nature trails
If you prefer to explore nature on land, you’ll find a variety of landscapes. Strömsvattnet is a nutrient-rich shallow lake; its wetlands offer many bird species places to rest, stay and breed. Ducks and waders are especially prominent, and the birdlife changes with the seasons.
On Nötholmen, by Kebalbukten north of Strömstad, there are about three kilometres of walking trails. A shorter nature trail runs close to the shore and is wheelchair accessible; conditions can change, so check before your visit. Hällekind offers another choice: a network of shorter walking paths leads to viewpoints and bathing coves.
A nature reserve northwest of the centre combines sandy and rocky beaches suitable for swimming with marked shorter trails. Rocky pine forest and views of the sea and the Norwegian mainland are also part of the area. It is easy to reach by car and other forms of transport; check access conditions before your visit.
The archipelago between Ramsö and Ursholmen in the south and Saltholmen in the north is dotted with small islands and skerries, with channels, rocky coves and beaches suitable for kayaking. Short self-guided trips are possible, as are guided tours; the availability of guided tours may vary. Recreational fishing is also possible in Strömstad Municipality, especially at sea. Potential catches include sea trout, mackerel and cod. Check the applicable regulations before fishing.
Trails with different perspectives
From Röseberget, also known as Oljeberget, you can look out over the archipelago and the town of Strömstad. The Strömstad–Daftö section of Kuststigen starts at Myrens hamn and climbs to the summit of Oljeberget. This combined walking and cycling route passes over rocky terrain, through forest paths and along pedestrian and cycle paths. By contrast, the coastal walking trail between Kebal and Seläters kallbadhus forms a short loop; a notable point along the way is Tjuv-Halvar Cave. The trail starts at the end of Kebalvägen; Strömstad station is listed as the bus stop.
Tjärndalen has a bike park and a three-kilometre running trail that is groomed for cross-country skiing in winter. Maintenance and grooming may vary. Along Strömstad’s access roads, paved walking and cycling paths run east towards the E6 and south towards Daftö. The paths and activities differ: one area centres on a bike park and running trail, while elsewhere paved paths lead in specific directions or a walking and cycling route climbs to Oljeberget.
The Kosterbåtarna ferries depart daily from the North Harbour in central Strömstad for trips to the Koster Islands. Check the timetable before travelling. Naturum Koster helps visitors get their bearings with exhibitions, films and image presentations about the national park and the surrounding nature. A touch pool focuses on the Koster Sea. Guided tours, talks and beach excursions, as well as maps and further information about the national park, are also available; programmes and services may vary.
Culture from archaeology to town life
Blomsholm is home to two remarkable archaeological sites: one of Sweden’s largest stone ship settings and Grönehög, the largest burial mound in Bohuslän. A signposted cultural trail leads from the car park at the manor to the stone ship setting, the stone circle and the burial grounds, then back again. A building in the heritage area houses a café and a museum; access may be seasonal. One of the four apartments is furnished as it was when people lived there in 1938.
The town itself also invites you to discover history and the present side by side. A digital walking tour of the centre takes you to historic buildings, sights, parks, façade paintings and public outdoor art. At Strömstad Museum, permanent exhibitions are complemented by images from extensive archives. Its themes range from dramatic events and everyday life to human stories and the relationship between sea and land.
Strömstad Church stands on higher ground beside Slottsberget, to its west, and offers views of the harbour. It is considered a visitor attraction and a cultural heritage site that reflects the municipality’s history and architectural traditions. For contemporary art, visit Lokstallet: the art gallery hosts exhibitions during the summer half of the year, with concerts, workshops and other projects added depending on the season. The programme varies with the season.
Bathhouse and nature knowledge
The bathhouse in Strömstad has a 25-metre pool filled with chlorinated seawater. It first opened in 1909. The Kallbadhuset is a separate facility, located on the waterfront promenade outside Laholmen in the centre. The two places offer different ways to enjoy swimming in Strömstad, from the pool to the waterfront setting.
At Ekopark Strömstad, a science centre combines nature topics with interactive learning. At Ekohuset, you can explore the basics of life on Earth, environmental issues and sustainable solutions. Ekopark also has a nature trail and a bird tower, offering different ways to learn and observe nature.
Discover more destinations: Kebal, Nordkoster, Strömstad, Svinesund, Båleröd, Hällestrand, Lökholmen, Öfverby, Rävö, Skee, Stensvik, Tjärnö, Flåghult, Hogdal.
For the regional travel overview: Västra Götaland.
