Strömstad: Coastal nature, trails and culture

Strömstad brings together very different natural landscapes: marine habitats shape the scenery in Kosterhavet National Park, while the wetlands around Strömsvattnet offer many bird species places to rest and nest. Archaeological sites, museums and trails add insights into cultural history to the nature experience. When planning, consider whether you would like to focus on the coast and wildlife, walking and cycling, or historical sights.

Archipelago Nature and Birdlife

Kosterhavet National Park is located in the municipalities of Strömstad and Tanum. It covers nearly 400 square kilometres and consists mostly of sea. You can dive or snorkel in kelp forests and seagrass meadows and discover the diverse underwater world; park rules and local conditions apply. The cold-water coral reefs are also among the park’s special habitats: they are home to hundreds of animal species.

Those who want to learn more about nature can find exhibitions, films and image presentations about the national park and its surroundings at Naturum Koster. A touch pool focuses on the Koster Sea. Guided tours, talks and beach excursions are also on offer; maps and further information about the national park are available there. Programmes and offerings may vary. The Kosterbåtarna run daily from the North Harbour in central Strömstad to the Koster Islands. Check the timetable before travelling.

A different aspect of nature can be seen at Strömsvattnet: the nutrient-rich, shallow lake is surrounded by wetlands that provide places for ducks and wading birds in particular to rest, stay and nest. The birds you can observe change with the seasons. In Ekopark Strömstad, the interactive Ekohuset combines nature topics with questions about environmental problems and sustainable solutions. The Ekopark also includes a nature trail with a bird tower.

Trails and Viewpoints

The trails in and around Strömstad offer a variety of experiences. Nötholmen, by Kebal Bay north of Strömstad, has around three kilometres of hiking trails. A shorter, wheelchair-accessible nature trail also runs near the shore; check conditions locally. In the Hällekind nature area, smaller walking trails lead to viewpoints and swimming coves. Catharinaskogen has a short nature trail through an English-inspired park with origins in the 18th century.

The coastal walking trail in Strömstad follows a small loop between Kebal and Seläters kallbadhus. The Tjuv-Halvar cave is a notable point along this route. Strömstad station is listed as the stop; the trail starts at the end of Kebalvägen. The Strömstad–Daftö section of Kuststigen starts at Myrens hamn harbour and climbs to the summit of Oljeberget. This combined walking and cycling trail passes through rocky terrain, forest paths, and walking and cycling paths. From Röseberget, also called Oljeberget, the view extends across the archipelago and the town of Strömstad.

Those who want to combine cycling with other outdoor activities will find a bike park and a three-kilometre running track in Tjärndalen. In winter, the track is groomed for cross-country skiing; maintenance and winter tracks may vary. Paved walking and cycling paths run along the approach roads from Strömstad east to the E6 and south to Daftö.

Culture between Blomsholm and the Town Centre

Two major archaeological sites are at the heart of the Blomsholm cultural heritage area: one of Sweden’s largest ship settings and Grönehög, the largest burial mound in Bohuslän. A signposted cultural trail leads from the car park at the manor to the ship setting, the Domarring stone circle and burial grounds, and back again. Check the signs and access conditions locally. One of the buildings houses a café and a museum; one of its four apartments is furnished as it was lived in in 1938. The café and museum may be open seasonally.

Strömstad Museum features permanent exhibitions and images from its extensive archives. Its themes include dramatic events, everyday life, compelling human stories, and the relationship between sea and land. The digital town walk offers a different perspective on the town: it takes you to historic buildings, sights, parks, façade paintings and public outdoor art.

Strömstads kyrka stands on elevated ground next to and west of Slottsberget, with views of the harbour. It is considered a place to visit and a cultural heritage site that reflects the municipality’s history and architectural traditions. During the summer season, Lokstallet Art Hall presents contemporary art exhibitions; the exhibition programme is seasonal. Depending on the season, concerts, workshops and other projects are also held there.

Water Activities and Trip Planning

In Strömstad, water means more than just the coast: the bathhouse has a 25-metre pool filled with chlorinated seawater and began operating as early as 1909. Operating arrangements may change. Kallbadhuset is located on the waterfront promenade outside Laholmen in central Strömstad.

If you are looking for a hotel in Strömstad, plan your trip around the experiences that interest you most: archipelago nature and birdwatching, outdoor trails, or cultural history and town life. This lets you plan your outings and sightseeing to suit your own interests.

Discover more destinations: Hällestrand, Lökholmen, Öfverby, Rävö, Skee, Stensvik, Tjärnö, Flåghult, Hogdal, Kebal, Nordkoster, Strömstad, Svinesund, Båleröd

For the regional travel overview: Västra Götaland.