Sweden’s first marine national park

A unique Swedish environment
Kosterhavets is centred around the Koster Islands, two hours north of Gothenburg, and of the 450 sq km it covers, 390 are underneath the water’s surface. The Koster-Väderö Fjord is located within the park with 200 different species of animals and plants that can’t be found anywhere else in the country, including reefs of deep-water coral Lophelia Pertusa. The fjord’s seabed is a unique environment with both hard and soft seabeds at a depth of over 200 meters, along with shell sand bottoms, and shallow seabeds out towards Skagerrak. The Koster-Väderö Fjord is also connected to the Norwegian Trench, in turn connected to the Atlantic Ocean, with conditions in the trench that are almost oceanic. This means creatures that would normally be found on the continental slopes thrive here. The fjord is also an important breeding and nursery ground for fish and shellfish.

Activities in harmony with nature
Sydkoster Hotel Ekenas, located on South Koster island just 45 minutes by ferry from the town of Stromstad, offers warm hospitality in the heart of the marine national park. Staying at the hotel guests will be ideally placed to experience the unique Kosterhavet environment and try a range of activities that are sympathetic to the sea and landscapes. These include seal safaris, island cycle tours and, from spring 2010, trips on a scientific research boat fitted with an underwater camera for filming on the move, with images projected in the cabin and accompanied by expert commentary. The marine national park creates a fine balance between protecting the ecosystem, maintaining the area’s appeal to visitors and safeguarding its fishing industry.

To read more about Stromstad & Koster click here »