Strömstad – Seaside Resort, Cultural Heritage and Island Nature

Strömstad combines the character of a seaside resort and holiday town with art, maritime cultural heritage and nature experiences in the surrounding area. Strömstad developed into a seaside resort and has remained a popular seaside and holiday town ever since. When planning your trip, you can therefore explore the town through both culture and activities close to the centre and the islands, nature reserves and boat connections beyond it.

Seaside Resort, Art and Cultural Heritage

An important cultural venue is Lokstallet, an art gallery in Strömstad that presents exhibitions of contemporary art during the summer season. The Friluftsmuseet i Strömsdalen also offers historical insights. It consists of older buildings from the town and countryside; the site includes three old cottages, a gristmill and an older boathouse. The museum is located at Karlsgatan 43 in the eastern part of Strömsdalen Park. It can be reached on foot from the centre and also has a car park.

Strömstad's cultural heritage includes rock carvings, ship settings and grave circles. In the area around the town, the rock carvings at Massleberg are approximately 3,000 years old and comprise 160 figures. Visitors to the rock carvings near Strömstad may park at the farm. Alongside the contemporary art gallery and open-air museum, much older evidence of the region's history is therefore also a focal point.

Island Nature and Trails in the Surrounding Area

The Kosterhavet National Park is located near Strömstad. It is Sweden's first marine national park and lies in the municipalities of Strömstad and Tanum. The Nord-Långö nature reserve and Hällsöarna, with beaches and opportunities for hiking, are also located northwest of the town. On Nord-Långö, a hiking trail leads around the northern half of the island over slabs of rock, through woodland and to bathing coves. The trail starts and ends at Alaska.

Alaska is a site on Nord-Långö in the archipelago, created by Hilma Svedahl (1870–1965) at the end of the 1920s. If you would like to visit this place without your own boat, Alaska can be reached in summer on scheduled archipelago boat departures from the North Harbour in Strömstad. This connection makes the island experience an independent option during a stay in Strömstad, without requiring your own boat.

Activities and Swimming Culture Close to the Town

For a route closely connected to the town, Hälsans Stig is a good option. The 7 km circular route, which is easy to walk, passes through natural areas and residential districts close to the town, as well as several historic buildings and sites. Alternatively, you can visit Strömstads badhus, with a 25-metre swimming pool and chlorinated seawater. It also offers group exercise classes and a gym.

Strömstad's swimming culture also includes its cold bath house. It is located on the waterfront promenade outside Laholmen in the town centre. Guided activities on the water are occasionally available: Friluftsfrämjandet organises guided kayaking tours and introductory sessions in Strömstad; advance registration is required. Kayaking also offers the opportunity to take an evening tour along the town's waterfront.

Boat Connections and Orientation

The Kosterbåten operates year-round, offering boat connections several times a day from Ångbåtskajen at Norra Hamnen in central Strömstad to Sydkoster and Nordkoster. The crossing takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes, depending on the landing stage. The Koster Islands are therefore just as much part of the maritime landscape around Strömstad as Nord-Långö and Kosterhavet National Park.

For regional comparison, you can also include Svinesund, Båleröd, Hällestrand, Stensvik, Lökholmen, Rävö and Hogdal.

For the overarching travel overview: Strömstad.

More About the Destination

Relevant information for planning your trip:

Strömstad–Koster Islands.