Nötholmen Nature Reserve
Strömstad

The island has around three kilometres of marked trails through pine forest, rocky coastal scenery and small beach meadows. It is a lovely destination for a walk, a picnic or a refreshing swim - whether you have a whole afternoon or simply want a short escape into nature.

Walking on Nötholmen

The blue trail is an easy 1.8-kilometre circular walk, marked in both directions with blue symbols on low posts. Together with the island’s other paths, there are approximately three kilometres of marked trails to explore.

Although Nötholmen is hilly, stairs and wooden walkways make several of the more difficult sections easier to negotiate. The trails lead through woodland, across rocky ground and close to the shoreline, with plenty of opportunities to stop and enjoy the view.

A shorter section along the northern shore is particularly suitable for wheelchair users and visitors with pushchairs. Other parts of the reserve have uneven surfaces, rocks, steps and steeper sections.

Download a map of Nötholmen and the walking trails.

Swimming and picnics by the sea

There are several lovely places to swim from both rocks and small beaches. Choose a sheltered cove, find your own favourite rock or simply sit by the water and watch the boats pass.

Nötholmen has two picnic areas with designated fireplaces. One of them also has a wind shelter. Bring something to grill, pack a picnic and settle in for a peaceful break beside the sea.

Fires are only permitted at the designated fireplaces. Always check whether a temporary fire ban is in force before lighting a fire.

Discover traces of Strömstad’s military history

Nötholmen has not always been as peaceful as it is today. In the south-eastern part of the island, you can still see the foundations of a gunpowder store and several artillery positions.

These defences were built during the early 18th century, when Swedish forces under King Charles XII were campaigning against Fredriksten Fortress in Norway. From Nötholmen, soldiers could guard the sea approach to Strömstad.

There is also an ancient cairn near the centre of the island - a reminder that people have moved through and used this landscape for far longer.

A varied coastal landscape

Nötholmen may be small, but its landscape changes constantly. Low pine trees and junipers grow between exposed granite rocks, while taller mixed woodland covers parts of the north. In damper areas, you may find lily of the valley and other woodland plants, while beach grasses and wildflowers grow along the shore.

The reserve is also home to several unusual species, including the rare large-leaved lime. Please enjoy plants and flowers where they grow and help protect the island’s sensitive natural habitats.

Getting here

Nötholmen is located beside Kebal and Strömstad Spa & Resort, approximately three kilometres from central Strömstad.

On foot from Strömstad

You can walk north from the town centre towards Canning and cross Bojarkilen using the small cable ferry Bojan. A cable ferry card is required.

Read more about Bojan and local transport in Strömstad.

By car

Follow the signs towards Kebal and Strömstad Spa & Resort. Visitor parking is located on the right-hand side of the road before the marina. The marked trail begins close to the parking area.

By summer shuttle bus

From mid-June to mid-August, the northern route of Strömstad’s free parking shuttle stops at Strömstad Spa & Resort and Nötholmen. Check the current timetable before travelling.

Help us protect Nötholmen

Nötholmen is a protected nature reserve. Please remember:

• Keep dogs on a lead.

• Light fires only at the designated fireplaces.

• Camping is not permitted.

• Do not set up caravans or motorhomes within the reserve.

• Do not cycle or ride on the nature trails.

• Do not damage trees, bushes or other vegetation.

• Do not pick wild plants or collect mosses, lichens or fungi. Berries and edible mushrooms may be picked for personal use.

• Do not disturb birds or other wildlife.

• Do not enter areas marked as restricted on the reserve map.

• Take all litter home with you.

For complete regulations and current visitor information, see Strömstad Municipality’s information about Nötholmen or the official nature reserve page.