Attractions on Koster islands
Strömstad
Sights on Nordkoster
Photographer: Göran Assner westsweden.com
Nordkoster (North Koster) is more barren than Sydkoster. characterised by its desolate nature, rough waves and striking geology – not to mention its two lighthouses. Its landscape shows many traces of the most recent ice age. The landscape is more suitable for walking than for cycling, which is the best mode of transport on Sydkoster. Download hiking map here>>
Valnäs rubble-stone field
Valnäs is home to one of Sweden’s most impressive cobble fields. The distinct black lines you can see here are diabase sills cutting through the gneiss cliffs. They are sometimes called “the devils harrows”: legend has it the devil’s draught animal tore away as they were ploughing, scraping its hooves against the rock.
Lookout and lighthouses
Magnificent view point and the highest point on the island with two restored lighthouses and the ruins of the lighthouse keeper’s residence. Impressive views towards Norway in the northwest, Ursholmen in the south and Strömstad in the northeast.
Beach and the coastline
The landscape is incredibly beautiful and a nice walk that loops around the north of the island is the yellow trail, 5,3 km. There are smooth cliffs on the west side of the island, and lovely sandy beaches at Björnsängen and Norrvikarna.
Sights on Sydkoster
Photographer: Mikael Almse
Whether you prefer to travel on foot or by bike, you will find plenty of interesting sights and places to visit along the way. The island also offers coastal meadows with a rich flora and glorious sandy beaches and bays where you can stop for a well-deserved rest.
Valfjäll
Magnificent view point and the highest point on the island, from where you see the entire Koster Archipelago, including the neighbouring Hvaler, in Norway, and the lighthouses on Ursholmen in the southwest. Steps opposite the church lead up to the top.
Naturum Kosterhavet
Next to Ekenäs pier is the visitor centre for the Kosterhavet National Park, where you can learn more about life above and beneath the surface. The centre has exhibitions and slide shows, as well as knowledgeable staff. There is also a petting tank, where visitors can see and touch some of the residents of Kosterhavet. In the summer the centre offers guided tours of the beach and nature walks.
Sibirien Local History Museum
The old salting-house on Långegärde pier offers an insight into the history and local heritage of the Koster Islands. The museum has a large collection of objects from the local area, both from the fishing industry and from homes on the Koster Islands. One of the items on display is the huge jawbone of a blue whale that once beached near Koster. There are also images and written documents describing life on the islands in the last few centuries. The museum shop sells works by local artists and craftsmen. Open in the summer.
Koster Church
The small church on Sydkoster is located between Långegärde and the shop, next to the mountain of Valfjäll. The church is used as a concert venue in the summer and is a popular place to get married.
Farmshop Kosterlamm
Kosterlamm on South Koster runs a sheep farm where the animals graze in the Koster Islands nature reserves and on islands within Kosterhavet National Park. The operation helps keep the landscape open and active, and they sell lamb meat and sheepskins. They raise breeds such as pelt sheep, Gute sheep, and various crossbreeds.
Sale of organic lamb and mutton, sheepskin products. Open year-round – for current opening hours, please visit their Facebook page. The farm shop is located in the stable at Brevik on South Koster, here they usually put up an open sign (Öppet).
Tips for experiences on Koster:
Restaurants
On the Koster Islands, services are limited during the low season, so visitors are advised to bring their own food and supplies. The main visitor season, when most restaurants and cafés are open, runs from Easter through to early autumn.
Cable ferry between North-and Southkoster
To get between the Isands, you can either take the ferry over or you can ride the cable ferry (from north to south). This is a very small ferry that crosses between the two harbours, it’s also open to the public every day from June until mid-August. If you are visiting in this period, you can buy tickets with card. Outside of this period you will have to wait for the big ferry. Find out more here>>
