The Koster Islands
Strömstad

Koster is a bit of an archipelago of its own, tucked up close to the Norwegian border in northern Bohuslän and reached by ferry from Strömstad. When people talk about Koster, they are usually referring to the two main islands, Nordkoster and Sydkoster. Sydkoster, the southern island, is about twice the size of its northern neighbour.

Sweden's only marine national park

What makes Koster unique is its striking proximity to Sweden's only marine national park, Kosterhavet National Park. The national park is home to a whopping 12,000 species, and roughly half of these can be found in the sea, while the other half are scattered across the islands, coves and skerries.

Photographer: Roger Borgelid

The unique Koster Islands archipelago is a world-class kayaking paradise. The best time for this is in early and late summer when the seal and bird protection zones are lifted and you are free to hug the coastline, enjoy the beaches, and find a tranquil spot to pitch your tent. There are plenty of activity companies offering kayak rental, beginner’s courses and guided day trips.

To experience the Koster Sea by boat you can take a guided boat trip with Selin Charter or Kust Event during the summer. To learn more about the animals and nature of the Koster Sea, visit the information centre Naturum Kosterhavet on South Koster. At Naturum you will find a great exhibition depicting the fascinating creatures that live in this northern sea and a petting aquarium that is much appreciated by adults and children alike.

Photographer: Jonas Ingman

Explore the islands on foot

Exploring the Koster Islands on foot brings you very close to the unique nature and there are several marked hiking trails you can follow. On North Koster there are two circular loops of just under 5 kilometres each. Don't miss the famous Klapperstensfälten, a shingle beach that has become stranded far from the sea as the island continues to rise after the ice age glaciers retreated. And don’t miss the panoramic views from the lighthouses on Högen, Koster's highest point.

A hike around South Koster is approximately 14 kilometres, but you can do shorter stages of 3–7 kilometres each. The main attractions are the viewpoint at Valfjäll, the beach at Kilesand, the snorkel trail at Rörvik, and the gardens and café at Kosters Trädgårdar.

Creative gems

Koster has become something of a West Coast hit with musicians and writers. The rock poet Plura Jonsson has had his writing retreat on South Koster since the end of the 1990s, and occasionally he leaves traces of the islands in his song lyrics. In 2011, the islands also got their very own tribute from the rock group Eldkvarn, with ‘Song from Koster’.

Another musician who has fallen hopelessly in love with Koster is the rapper Petter, who in the spring of 2020 released the book ‘Min plats på jorden: Koster’ – ‘My place on Earth: Koster’. The book is a declaration of love, filled with nostalgic anecdotes from childhood holidays, and his best tips on food and drink connected to the islands.

Garden with sustainability in focus

In the middle of South Koster, you will find the organic Kosters Trädgårdar, where Stefan von Bothmer works with a whole portfolio of roles. Stefan is a marine biologist and ended up at Koster almost 30 years ago. Kosters Trädgårdar developed over time into a cooperative where all members were given their own operating responsibility. Today you have a restaurant, tours of the gardens, guided bike tours, and kayaking in The Koster Sea.

Stay over on Koster

The sea is your constant companion when you stay over at one of the Koster Island’s cosy accommodations. Pensionat Ekenäs Koster is a classic archipelago hotel with a café and restaurant that can host conferences, events, weddings, and cosy weekend getaways. The restaurant's outdoor terrace has a magnificent view of the Koster Fjord. At their Café Ekner you can get simpler dishes and fika.

At Kläpphagen Koster near Ekenäs on South Koster, coastal accommodation is offered in 6 premium suites with their own terrace and barbecue, and a beautiful view of Bergdalen. You could also choose a luxurious glamping tent or more seclusion in the Gårdshuset. Kläpphagen's Restaurant & Café serves the best from nature of sustainable and traceable ingredients, cooked with fire.

Five tips for when you visit Koster!