Strömstad: National Park, Culture and Archipelago Views

Kosterhavet National Park is located in the municipalities of Strömstad and Tanum, covers almost 400 square kilometres and consists mostly of sea. In its kelp forests and seagrass meadows, you can dive or snorkel and discover the species-rich underwater world; cold-water coral reefs provide a habitat for hundreds of animal species.

Nature

Strömsvattnet is a nutrient-rich shallow lake. Its wetlands offer a variety of bird species, especially ducks and waders, places to rest, stay and breed. At Ekopark Strömstad, the Science Center in the interactive Ekohuset explains the basics of life on Earth, environmental problems and sustainable solutions. The Ekopark also includes a nature trail with a birdwatching tower.

Naturum Koster presents exhibitions, films and image presentations about the national park and the surrounding nature. A touch aquarium is dedicated to the Koster Sea. The facilities also offer guided tours, lectures and beach excursions, as well as maps and further information about the national park. In the municipality of Strömstad, there are many opportunities for recreational fishing, especially at sea; possible catches include sea trout, mackerel and cod.

Culture

Lokstallet is an art gallery in Strömstad that presents exhibitions of contemporary art during the summer season. Depending on the season, it also hosts concerts, workshops and other projects in addition to exhibitions. The bathhouse in Strömstad has a 25-metre pool with chlorinated seawater and began operating as early as 1909. Kallbadhuset is located on the waterfront promenade outside Laholmen in central Strömstad.

Strömstad Church is situated on elevated ground next to and west of Slottsberget and offers views of the harbour. It is considered a destination for excursions and a cultural-historical monument, reflecting the history of the municipality and architectural traditions. Strömstad Museum has permanent exhibitions and displays images from its extensive archives. It depicts dramatic events and everyday life, impressive human stories, as well as the relationship between sea and land.

The Blomsholm cultural heritage area is home to one of Sweden’s largest ship settings. Grönehög, the largest burial mound in Bohuslän, is also located there. A signposted cultural trail leads from the car park at the manor to the ship setting, the stone circle and the burial grounds, and back to the car park. Catharinaskogen has a short nature trail through an English-inspired park with origins in the 18th century. The digital city tour in central Strömstad leads to historic buildings, places of interest, parks, façade paintings and public outdoor art.

Places

Places in the Strömstad destination area include Hällestrand, Lökholmen, Öfverby, Rävö, Strömstad, Svinesund, Stensvik, Skee, Tjärnö, Flåghult, Hogdal, Kebal, Nordkoster and Båleröd.

Routes

Tjärndalen has a bike park and a 3-kilometre running track that is groomed for cross-country skiing in winter. Paved pedestrian and cycle paths run along the access roads from Strömstad eastwards to the E6 and southwards to Daftö. The Kosterbåtarna depart daily from the North Harbour in central Strömstad for the Koster Islands.

Röseberget, also known as Oljeberget, offers views of the archipelago and the town of Strömstad. In the Hällekind nature area, a network of smaller walking trails leads to viewpoints and bathing coves. The coastal walking trail in Strömstad begins at the end of Kebalvägen, with Strömstad station as a stop. The Strömstad–Daftö section of the Kuststigen begins at Myrens hamn and climbs to the summit of Oljeberget.

To the higher-level travel overview: Västra Götaland.