In the heart of the Bohuslän archipelago, on Nord-Långö just outside Strömstad, lies Alaskaträdgården – Alaska Garden – one of the most fascinating and unusual attractions on the Swedish west coast. The place was created by Hilma Svedal, also known as Hilma Wounsch, whose life journey took her from the fishing communities of Bohuslän to America, the Klondike Gold Rush and the vast landscapes of northern Alaska.

Hilma grew up as the daughter of a fisherman on Syd-Hällsö and carried a strong spirit of adventure from an early age. In 1896, at only 26 years old, she travelled to America. She first worked as a maid in New York, but was soon drawn further west by the dream of gold, freedom and adventure. Life as a gold prospector in Alaska may not have brought her the riches she had hoped for, but it gave her experiences, strength and inspiration that would later shape one of Bohuslän’s most unique places. When Hilma returned to Sweden in the 1920s, then over 60 years old, she began to realise her vision: to create her own paradise in the Strömstad archipelago. Inspired by villa gardens in California, she combined the granite cliffs of Bohuslän with shells, cement, stone, plants and imaginative structures. The result became Alaska Garden, a unique meeting point between nature, craftsmanship, archipelago culture and human creativity. Here, terraces, paths, towers, temples and stone formations grew into a landscape that Hilma herself called her “Paradiso”. She lived on the island for the rest of her life and eventually became a local legend. In the 1950s, when she was 88 years old, she was interviewed and still spoke about future plans, including her dream of buying a blue moped. After Hilma’s passing, the garden fell into decline for a period, but it has since been carefully restored. Today, Alaska Garden is a living cultural heritage gem and a popular excursion for visitors who want to experience the Strömstad archipelago, the nature of Bohuslän, Swedish west coast history and a boat trip that combines relaxation, history and adventure.

For those searching for the best things to do in Strömstad, attractions near Strömstad, a boat trip from Strömstad, a day trip in Bohuslän or unique places on the Swedish west coast, Alaska Garden is an experience well suited for couples, families, groups and international visitors. The stone and flower garden is a much-loved day trip for visitors from Sweden, Norway, Germany and the Netherlands. Here, history, craftsmanship and archipelago scenery meet in one of the most original experiences near Strömstad.

Book your bout tour to Alaska stone- and flowergarden down below!