Nord Långö & Alaska

Much of Nord Långö forms part of the Nord-Långö and Hällsöarna Nature Reserve, established in 2025. The reserve also includes Nord-Hällsö, Syd-Hällsö and the surrounding sea, while its western boundary meets Kosterhavet National Park.

Explore Nord Långö on foot

A walking trail begins near Alaska Garden and loops around the northern part of Nord Långö. It takes you across open granite rocks, through small areas of woodland and down to peaceful coves and swimming spots.

Another path leads from Alaska towards the larger beaches on the south-western side of the island. Along the way, you can enjoy wide views towards the Koster Islands, Kosterhavet National Park and Norway.

The terrain is hilly and uneven, with rocks, roots and some steeper sections. Sturdy footwear is recommended. Many parts of the trails are difficult to access with a wheelchair or large pushchair.

There are private homes on the island, so please keep a respectful distance from houses and gardens.

Swimming and nature

Nord Långö is a popular summer destination, with several lovely places to swim from both rocks and small beaches. The larger beaches are found on the south-western side of the island.

Spring and early summer are especially beautiful, when the island’s dry meadows are in flower. The reserve is home to several rare plants and butterflies, while the surrounding sea contains valuable eelgrass beds, shell-gravel habitats and deep rocky environments.

Please leave flowers, plants, stones and shells where you find them so that others can enjoy the island too.

Visit Alaska Garden

On the eastern side of Nord Långö lies Alaska Garden, one of the Strömstad archipelago’s most unusual attractions.

The garden was created by Hilma Svedal (1870–1965), who spent many years in America and joined the search for gold in Alaska. After returning to Sweden in her sixties, she began transforming the rocky landscape into her own paradise.

Using stones, shells and cement, Hilma built terraces, paths, bridges, towers and imaginative garden structures. Today, visitors can explore the restored garden, learn more about Hilma’s remarkable life and stop for something to eat or drink at the café.

The garden, museum and café are seasonal. Check current opening times before travelling.

Getting here

By boat from Strömstad

During the summer, passenger boats run from Norra Hamnen in Strömstad to Alaska Garden. The journey takes around 20 minutes.

Tickets must be booked in advance. Sailing dates and departure times vary, so always check the current timetable when planning your visit.

See the timetable and book your boat trip with Selin Charter.

By private boat, canoe or kayak

Nord Långö and the Hällsö Islands can also be reached by private boat, canoe or kayak. Mooring rings are available at several places around the islands. Visitors to the nature reserve may also use the jetty immediately south of Alaska’s T-shaped jetty.

Always check the weather forecast before setting out. Boaters should also be aware that anchoring is prohibited in water deeper than ten metres at Hällsöflaket, as anchors can damage sensitive marine habitats.

Help us protect the islands

Nord-Långö and Hällsöarna is a protected nature reserve. Please remember:

• Keep dogs on a lead.

• Light fires only at designated, prepared fireplaces.

• Do not remove, move or stack stones.

• Do not paint, carve or otherwise damage the rocks.

• Do not stay overnight in the same place for more than two consecutive nights.

• Keep noise to a minimum and respect nearby homes.

• Do not leave any litter behind.

• Follow local signs and any instructions from reserve staff.

Different rules may apply within the privately operated Alaska Garden.

For complete and current regulations, maps and information about the protected area, visit the official nature reserve page (in Swedish).