KOSTER ISLANDS
INTRO
The Koster Islands are part of an archipelago in southeastern Sweden, just a stone’s throw from the Sweden-Norway border between Gothenburg and Oslo. Visitors arrive from the two major cities, seeking a rural respite from urban life on the scenic sister islands, Sydkoster and Nordkoster. The islands have a rich history of shrimp and lobster fishing, though tourism is now the most significant economic driver. The Koster Islands have activities for anyone, whether you’re looking for a cottage escape with a sea view, hiking over rocky bluffs, or snorkeling among fish and anemones.
The Koster Islands are surrounded by Sweden's first marine national park, Kosterhavets. The park was created to protect rich biodiversity found in the deep, saline waters close to the shore, rivaled by no other coral reef outside of the tropics. The national park was created only with permission and involvement from the local fishing community – which demanded concessions for shrimp trawling within the national park. The community developed more sustainable trawling practices, restricted to shallower depths where cold-water coral is not found, and utilizing specialized trawling nets that allow bycatch to escape and stir up less sediment.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
Duration: 2-3 days. Many people visit as a day trip from the mainland, but they’re probably from Oslo or Gothenburg. If you’re visiting Sweden from out of the country, you’ll want to slow down, relax, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the islands for at least two full days.
When to go: May to November, though the water is best enjoyed during the middle of the summer. The visitor center and many activities are year-round, but the only campsite is open June - August.
Accommodations + facilities: The islands themselves have a variety of options in cottages, bed & breakfasts, cabins, and even modern apartments. Check the official Vast Sverige website for booking (pro tip - the Swedish website has a lot more options and information than the English one, so click the Swedish flag and use Google translate in your browser). Popular vacation rental platforms also have listings on the islands.
There’s only one option for camping on the main islands, called Lyths Nordkoster. It’s a charming, family-run business located in a forest next to the beach on the lesser-populated northern island. They’ll even bring you homemade bread when you order it the night before! Try to book well in advance, as campsites are limited. If you venture into the archipelago by sea, camping is allowed on some islets, but be sure to read an updated map and regulations carefully.
Strömstad is the closest town on the mainland and where the ferry leaves from for the islands. Swedes know it as a charming weekend escape for wealthy Norwegians – and the accommodation+restaurant prices show it. It offers resorts, RV camping, and some tent camping, but keep in mind that the camping is typically booked a month or two in advance in the summer.
Food + water: There’s an ICA mini-market on Sydkoster with almost anything you could need for your stay on the island and a small convenience store on Nordkoster. You’ll find better prices in Strömstad before hopping on the ferry.
Guide or no guide: Anything on the Koster Islands is easy to navigate without a guide, including hiking, cycling, snorkeling, and even kayaking. If you’re venturing into the archipelago/marine national park and didn’t arrive via your own sailboat, you’ll need a guide. We always recommend starting at the visitor center to get oriented!
Make sure you have:
Warm clothes, raincoat - but also a swim suit! Swedes aren’t afraid of a little chilly water, and you’ll need to get in the ocean to truly experience the marine national park.
In 2022, we needed cash for some stores and restaurants (and fresh bread at Lyths!) but other stores had card readers. There are no ATMs on the islands.
Primary costs:
Ferry - 74 Kr (~8 USD) each way book and check schedules here
Camping - 220 Kr (~23 USD) for a 1-2 person tent at Lyths
Apartment/Cottage - Starting at 1400 Kr (~150 USD) per night for two people, with prices per person improving the larger your group is. There are plenty of family-sized cottages and vacation rentals!
Kayak Rental/Tour - Starting at 1000 Kr (~106 USD) per day
Bike Rental - 150-275 Kr (~16-25 USD) per day
THINGS TO DO
Kayaking: The only way to truly experience the marine national park is to get out on the water! More info on kayak tours and rental here.
Hiking: Large sections of the islands are part of the protected nature reserve, where houses were never built, and natural forests+grasslands still thrive. Check out the most peaceful hiking trails on the west of Nordkoster or the southwest of Sydkoster. See the interactive trail map here.
Biking: It’s the easiest and fastest way to get around Sydkoster to make sure you don’t miss anything! See the cycling map here.
Note - bikes are not allowed on Nordkoster.Snorkeling: Kosterhavets is proud of its snorkeling trail, an underwater “hiking trail” where you can learn more about the islands via educational signs just below the surface.
Boat tour: Get to know the marine wildlife, history, and fishing trade of the archipelago via a boat tour! Whether you want to watch seals playing in the waves, pull up lobster pots from the depths, or follow the trail of historical smugglers, there are two companies operating a variety of tours: Selin Charter and Kust Event.
GETTING THERE
From Gothenburg, it's 2.5-3.5 hours to Strömstad by bus or train + bus with one change in Udevalla. You’ll take a ferry from Strömstad to the islands. As always in Sweden, tickets for the trains, buses – and even ferry – are conveniently available online at sj.se.
Local organization spotlight:
Saami Council
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