In Strömstad, you can plan a stay that combines city culture, trails through natural areas close to town and excursions into the archipelago. When looking for a hotel, it helps to decide on your priorities first: culture in the town, a hike or time on the islands.
Art and Cultural Heritage in Strömstad
Lokstallet is an art gallery in Strömstad that hosts exhibitions of contemporary art during the summer season. Friluftsmuseet i Strömsdalen offers a different focus: among the older buildings from the town and countryside are three old cottages, a grist mill and an old boathouse. Contemporary art and historic buildings thus offer two different cultural destinations.
The open-air museum is at Karlsgatan 43, in the eastern park area of Strömsdalen. It is within walking distance of the town centre and there is also a car park on site. If you are interested in Strömstad’s older buildings, you can combine your visit with a walk along Hälsans Stig: the easy-to-walk 7-kilometre circular route passes through natural areas close to town and residential areas, as well as several historic buildings and sites.
Rock carvings, ship settings and burial rings are also part of Strömstad’s cultural heritage. The Massleberg rock carvings are nearby: they are about 3,000 years old and comprise 160 figures. Alongside the buildings in town, they offer another way to explore the area’s history.
Nature Trails and Archipelago Scenery
Kosterhavet National Park, Sweden’s first marine national park, is near Strömstad. It is located in the municipalities of Strömstad and Tanum. Northwest of the town is also the Nord-Långö and Hällsöarna Nature Reserve, with beaches and hiking opportunities. These destinations complement the town with opportunities to explore the surrounding natural areas.
On Nord-Långö, a hiking trail loops around the northern half of the island. The route crosses rocky slabs, passes through woodland and leads to bathing coves; it begins and ends at Alaska. The Alaska site was created by Hilma Svedahl (1870–1965) in the late 1920s. You can combine the island route with a visit to this historic site.
Island Connections and Seasonal Planning
Kosterbåten operates boat services to Sydkoster and Nordkoster several times a day throughout the year. Boats depart from Ångbåtskajen at Norra Hamnen in central Strömstad. The crossing takes about 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the landing stage. Check the departure and landing stage that suit your trip.
Travel to Alaska on Nord-Långö is different: in summer, you can reach the site without your own boat on scheduled departures of an archipelago boat from the North Harbour in Strömstad. Check the latest departures before travelling. When planning, consider this seasonal service separately from the year-round Kosterbåten services.
Seaside Resort and Activities in Town
Strömstad developed into a seaside resort and has since been a popular destination for swimming and holidays. The cold bath house is on the waterfront promenade outside Laholmen in the town centre. Strömstads badhus has a 25-metre swimming pool with chlorinated seawater, as well as group training and a gym. The town therefore offers both a historic connection to bathing and practical swimming facilities.
Paddling is another option: an evening tour can follow the town’s shoreline. Friluftsfrämjandet occasionally organises guided paddling tours led by instructors, as well as introductory sessions; advance registration is required. If you are interested in one of these activities, check in advance whether a session is scheduled during your travel dates.
Discover more destinations: Flåghult, Stensvik, Skee, Nordkoster, Öfverby, Båleröd, Lökholmen, Tjärnö.
For the main travel overview: Strömstad.
