Cycling with children on the island of South Koster
There is something special about cycling on the almost completely car free island of South Koster. The island is only 8 square kilometres in size, so the distances are perfect for cycling with the whole family. The ferry ride out to the islands is beautiful and makes a great start to the day. If the weather is good, make sure you take your swimsuit because South Koster has plenty of lovely swimming spots and safe, gently sloping beaches.
Cycling on Koster facts
Length: On the Koster Islands you’ll be cycling short distances of a few kilometres at a time and will always be close to somewhere to swim or have a fika.
Terrain: Gravel roads and cycle tracks, almost completely car free.
Remember: Always wear a cycling helmet, respect the traffic and wear/take clothes suitable for the weather. Pack a water bottle and snacks in case you run out of energy. It’s a good idea to bring a repair kit with tools and spare inner tube.
Ekenäs and Långagärde – start and/or stop
Depending on where you plan to go you can hop off the ferry at Ekenäs or Långagärde. If you disembark at Ekenäs then a visit to the visitor centre for the Koster Marine National Park, Naturum, is an absolute must. There is an interactive exhibition, petting aquarium, films, souvenir shop and excellent guides who can tell you all about the Marine National Park and life under the water.
Photographer: Mikael Almse
At Långagärde on the Kostersundet you could try the stone-baked pizza from Restaurant Sundet, or why not visit the heritage museum that is also open during the summer!
Nice stops along the way
The cycle paths on Koster offer lots of enjoyable detours. Just north of Ekenäs you can stop at Rörvik and explore life below the surface along the marked snorkelling trail. And don’t miss South Koster’s highest point, Valfjäll, for its breathtaking views of The Koster Islands and the surrounding archipelago, it’s quite a sight!
Photographer: Jonas Ingman
Some other nice stops are the sandy beach at Kilesand, and Brevik harbour where there is a barbecue area and picnic tables.
Bike rental
If you disembark at either Långagärde or Ekenäs you will find bikes for hire at both locations. You can even rent the bike at one pier and return it at the other before taking the return ferry. There’s no need to back-pedal on South Koster!
Photographer: Åsa Dahlgren
Get here with Kosterbåten – the Koster Boat
The Koster Islands lie just off Strömstad in north Bohuslän and are easy to get to with or without your own boat. The Koster Boats (Kosterbåtarna) have frequent departures from Norra Hamnen (the North Harbour) in Strömstad and call at each of the ports on the Koster Islands several times a day, all year round. You can also take bicycles onboard, If there is space, for a fee.
See the current timetable and price list for Kosterbåtarna here.
Cycling on Koster facts
Length: On the Koster Islands you’ll be cycling short distances of a few kilometres at a time and will always be close to somewhere to swim or have a fika.
Terrain: Gravel roads and cycle tracks, almost completely car free.
Remember: Always wear a cycling helmet, respect the traffic and wear/take clothes suitable for the weather. Pack a water bottle and snacks in case you run out of energy. It’s a good idea to bring a repair kit with tools and spare inner tube.
