Strömstad – An Active Holiday on the Bohuslän Coast
Strömstad, located on the beautiful coast in northern Bohuslän, is a perfect destination for active holidaymakers all year round. With its proximity to Kosterhavet National Park, charming archipelago, historical sites and lots of outdoor activities This is a place that offers adventure and relaxation in a beautiful balance.
Whether you want hike along Bohuslän's rocky coast, kayak in the archipelago or explore the city's culture and history, Strömstad has something for everyone. This guide gives you everything you need to know to plan an active vacation in Strömstad – from how to get here and where you live, to the best activities and nearby excursion destinations.
Contents of this page
How to get to Strömstad
Strömstad is easy to reach from both Sweden and Norway, and whether you come by car, bus or train, there are plenty of transport options.
Car and parking
If you are planning to travel by car, Strömstad is located right next to The E6, which runs along the entire Swedish west coast. The road from Gothenburg takes about two hours, while from Oslo takes about an hour and a half.
- Parking: There are several parking options in central Strömstad, especially in Torskholmen, South Harbour and North HarbourDuring the summer, parking can be limited, so it is a good idea to arrive early in the day or reserve a spot in advance.
Bus and train connections
For a more sustainable travel option, you can take bus or train to Strömstad. Both Bus4you and Flixbus has a focus on being climate-friendly. They stop at Oslo, Moss, Strömstad, Tanum, Uddevalla, Kungälv and Gothenburg. On to Malmö or Stockholm.
- Train from Gothenburg: Trains run regularly from Gothenburg to Strömstad, with changes in Uddevalla. Travel time is approximately 3 hours, depending on which departure you take.
- Bus from Oslo and Gothenburg: BohusExpressen and other regional buses offer frequent departures from Oslo and Gothenburg, which makes it easy to travel to Strömstad without a car.
- Local transport in Strömstad: Once in place you can use Västtrafik's buses and ferries to get around the city and to nearby areas.
Sustainable transportation options
For those who want to travel climate-smart and environmentally friendly Train is the best choice. Public transport and electric buses in Strömstad also makes it easy to explore the region without your own car. In addition, Strömstad is a bike-friendly city with bike rentals and a good road network that makes it easy to get around on two wheels.
Accommodation options in Strömstad – Hotels, Hostels and Camping
Strömstad offers a wide selection of accommodations, from luxurious hotels to cozy hostels and campsites. Here you can find something for all budgets and tastes, whether you are traveling as a couple, family or with friends.
Hotels in Stromstad
- Strömstad Spa & Resort – A luxurious hotel with fantastic sea view, spa, and relaxing atmosphere. Perfect for those who want to relax after an active day of hiking or kayaking. The hotel is close to both The beach and Kosterhavet National Park.
- Laholmen Hotels – Centrally located hotel with modern rooms and fantastic views of Strömstad harborHere you live in the middle of the city life but close to nature and the archipelago.
Hostels and budget accommodation
- The Rower Hostel – An affordable and homely alternative for those who want to stay in central Strömstad and be close to everything. The hostel offers both single and shared rooms, perfect for solo travelers and families.
- Källviken Holiday Village – Nature-friendly accommodation just outside Strömstad with access to swimming, hiking trails and cycle pathsHere you can stay in cozy cabins or book a place at the camping area.
Camping and cottages in Strömstad
- Daftö Resort – One of Sweden's most popular campsites, known for its lots of activities for both children and adults. Here you will find cabins, campsites and its own pirate theme park. Perfect for an active family vacation!
- Lagunen Camping & Cottages – A campsite located by the sea with tent sites, cabins and close to hiking and cyclingHere you live in quiet and scenic surroundings, with access to all the facilities you need.
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Hiking in Strömstad – The best trails for active explorers
Strömstad is an ideal place for those who love hiking. There is a wide range of hiking trails through forests, coastlines and nature reserves which offers both shorter walks and longer adventures.
1. Nötholmen Nature Reserve
Located just outside the center of Strömstad is Nutholmen a beautiful peninsula with hiking along cliffs and baysThe trail is about 5 kilometers long and offers spectacular views of the archipelago. It is a easy hike which is suitable for the whole family and is a perfect start for exploring the area's nature.
2. Tjärnö and Saltö
Part of Kosterhavet National Park, these islands offer fantastic walks through forests, across meadows and along cliffs with views of KosterfjordAlong the way you may encounter rare plants and birds, making the area a paradise for nature lovers. There are several trails here of varying lengths and difficulty.
3. Blomsholm Ancient Monument Area
Blomsholm is an area with ancient ruins and historical sights, and offers a unique combination of nature and history. Here you can hike among shipwrecks, burial grounds and rock carvings from the Bronze Age, and at the same time enjoy the beautiful Bohuslän nature. A perfect excursion for those who want to combine culture and outdoor activities.
Swimming spots in Strömstad – Sandy beaches and rock pools for all tastes
Strömstad and its surroundings have some of Bohuslän's most beautiful swimming spots, with both sandy beaches and cliffs where you can enjoy sun and seaThere is swimming here for everyone, from families with children to those who want to find a more remote bay.
1. Capri
Capri is a sandy beach with shallow water, perfect for families with children. There is also barbecue areas, toilets and parking spaces, making it a convenient outing. During the summer there is also a small café serving ice cream and light lunches.
2. The Seal Bath
The salt water bath is another popular one family-friendly beach just outside Strömstad. Here you will find both sandy beaches and rock pools, so you can choose the environment you prefer. With proximity to both green areas and hiking trails, this is an excellent excursion destination for a full day of swimming and outdoor activities.
3. Saltö Nature Reserve
For those who want to swim in a lake pristine environment, is Salt Island an excellent choice. Here you will find rocky swimming areas with crystal clear water, and it is a popular place for snorkeling thanks to the rich underwater life in Kosterhavet National Park.
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Restaurants in Strömstad – Dining experiences with a focus on the flavors of the sea
Strömstad is known for its amazing seafood and fish dishes, and there are many restaurants that serve food directly from Bohuslän's salty waterHere are some of the best eateries in the city:
1. The Smokehouse in Strömstad – Seafood paradise by the sea
📍 Location: At the North Harbour
🦞 Must try: Shrimp sandwich, seafood platter and smoked shrimp
Rökeriet is one of Strömstad's most popular restaurants and specializes in freshly caught seafood, smoked delicacies and local fish dishes. Here you can enjoy flavors of the sea with a view of the archipelago, either on their cozy outdoor or indoor seating with panoramic views of the water.
2. Park – Modern food in an elegant setting
📍 Location: Central Strömstad
🍷 Must try: Fresh fish from the Kosterhavet Sea, local vegetables and wine packages
Restaurant Park is located in the heart of Strömstad and offers a modern menu with local ingredients and innovative flavor combinations. Perfect for a High quality dinner with a stylish atmosphere.
3. Kosters Gardens – Organic and sustainable at Sydkoster
📍 Location: South Coast
🥗 Must try: Wood-fired pizza with local vegetables, homemade bread and locally produced cheese
If you take a trip to the Koster Islands, you shouldn't miss Kosters Trädgårdar – a completely organic restaurant and garden café which serves food based on own farms and local ingredients.
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Culture and history in Strömstad – From fishing village to health resort
Strömstad has a rich history stretching back to the 16th century, and the city has been an important place for fishing, shipping and tradeThere are several historical attractions to discover here.
1. Strömstad Museum – Deep dive into the history of the coastal town
📍 Location: City center
🎟 Free admission
At Strömstad Museum you can learn more about the city's fishing traditions, smuggling history and its role as a health resort during the 19th century. Here you will find old objects, pictures and stories from the city's exciting past.
2. Blomsholm Shipyard – Bohuslän’s “Stonehenge”
📍 Location: 7 km outside Strömstad
🏺 Must see: Sweden's third largest ship crew
Blomsholm is one of Bohuslän's most impressive ancient remains, where you can see a Iron Age shipwreck, as well as several large burial mounds and rock carvings from Bronze Age. Perfect for a historical hike in beautiful nature.
3. Carlstens Fortress (Marstrand) – A day trip from Strömstad
📍 Location: Marstrand, 1.5 hours from Strömstad
🏰 Must see: Old dungeons and the view from the fortress walls
If you are interested in history and architecture, you can take a day trip to Carlsten's Fortress at MarstrandThis impressive building has been a prison for dangerous prisoners and a strategic defense point in Bohuslän's history.
Read about one Suggested 5-day itinerary around Strömstad.
Suggestions for excursions from Strömstad
If you want to explore more than just Strömstad, there are many exciting places and attractions nearby.
1. The Koster Islands – An archipelago dream outside Strömstad
🚤 Travel time from Strömstad: 40 minutes by ferry
🏝 Highlights: Cycling, canoeing and hiking in Kosterhavet National Park
The Koster Islands are Sweden's only marine national park, and here you will find untouched archipelago nature, fantastic hiking trails and crystal clear water. Perfect for a active day trip by bike or kayak.
2. Alaska – Bohuslän's most unusual attraction
🚗 Travel time from Strömstad: 10 minutes by car
🌿 Highlights: Hand-built rock formations and exotic plants
Alaska is a strange and fascinating place, created by Hilma Svedahl during the 20th century. She built a amazing garden of stone, shells and exotic plants, inspired by her time in Alaska.
3. Fjällbacka – Bohuslän's detective village
🚗 Travel time from Strömstad: 40 minutes by car
📚 Highlights: Kungsklyftan, Vetteberget and Camilla Läckberg's detective environments
Fjällbacka is a iconic coastal city, known for its steep cliffs, cozy fishing villages and a connection to the crime writer Camilla Läckberg. One of the highlights is the hike up Vetteberget, where you get a incredible view of the archipelago.
Sustainable travel in Strömstad and Bohuslän
If you want to travel sustainable and environmentally friendly In Bohuslän there are several smart choices you can make:
1. Travel by public transport and avoid the car
🚆 Train is the best option – take the train from Gothenburg and avoid traffic jams and parking.
🚲 Cycle and walk when you arrive – Strömstad is a small town with good walking and cycling paths.
2. Stay at eco-friendly hotels and campsites
🏕 Lagunen Camping and Daftö Resort has a sustainability program and is actively working to reduce its environmental impact.
🏡 Choose small-scale guesthouses and locally run hotels to support local tourism.
3. Choose food with a low climate impact
🦞 Eat locally produced food – Shellfish from Bohuslän have low environmental impact and supports local fishing.
🥦 Choose vegetarian options – Many restaurants in Strömstad offer sustainable and organic dishes.
Termination Strömstad
Strömstad is the perfect destination for an active holiday in Bohuslän – whether you want to hike, kayak, enjoy the archipelago or discover culture and history.
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