Boat Tour to the Koster Islands, Naturum Kosterhavet and Seal Safari to Ursholmen
Taking a boat trip to the Koster Islands outside Strömstad is one of the most unique and memorable ways to experience the northern part of the Swedish West Coast. Just outside Strömstad, close to the Norwegian border, South Koster and North Koster offer car-free island life, small harbours, sandy beaches, bathing coves, smooth granite rocks, hiking trails, cycling routes and open sea in every direction. The islands are located in and around Kosterhavet National Park, Sweden’s first marine national park, known for its rich underwater environments, kelp forests, seagrass meadows and unique marine life. This makes the Koster Islands an ideal destination for anyone who wants to experience nature, the sea, tranquillity and a living archipelago environment up close.
With Selin Charter’s Koster boats, you can travel to both South Koster and North Koster from Strömstad or Resö. Step ashore and explore the islands at your own pace, visit Naturum Kosterhavet at Ekenäs on South Koster, get off at Västra Bryggan and walk across North Koster, or stay on board and continue towards Ursholmen to experience a seal safari, Sweden’s westernmost lighthouse station and the outer Koster archipelago. Selin Charter’s Koster and seal safari routes include departures from Strömstad and Resö, with stops at Koster Island jetties such as Ekenäs, Långagärde and Västra Bryggan. Whether you are planning a family-friendly day trip, a swim from the rocks, a cycling tour on South Koster, a walk across North Koster or a seal safari in Kosterhavet, there are several ways to experience the Koster Islands with Selin Charter.
Read more about Selin Charter’s boat trips to the Koster Islands, Naturum Kosterhavet and seal safari to Ursholmen...
With Selin Charter’s Koster boats, you can travel to both South Koster and North Koster from Strömstad or Resö. Step ashore and explore the islands at your own pace, visit Naturum Kosterhavet at Ekenäs on South Koster, get off at Västra Bryggan and walk across North Koster, or stay on board and continue towards Ursholmen to experience a seal safari, Sweden’s westernmost lighthouse station and the outer Koster archipelago. Selin Charter’s Koster and seal safari routes include departures from Strömstad and Resö, with stops at Koster Island jetties such as Ekenäs, Långagärde and Västra Bryggan. Whether you are planning a family-friendly day trip, a swim from the rocks, a cycling tour on South Koster, a walk across North Koster or a seal safari in Kosterhavet, there are several ways to experience the Koster Islands with Selin Charter.
Read more about Selin Charter’s boat trips to the Koster Islands, Naturum Kosterhavet and seal safari to Ursholmen...
South Koster and North Koster each have their own character, making the Koster Islands a flexible destination for both day trips and longer archipelago experiences. On South Koster, you will find Naturum Kosterhavet at Ekenäs, which makes the island a natural choice for anyone who wants to learn more about the national park, the marine environment and the wildlife in the area. South Koster is also well suited for cycling, swimming and exploring small roads, beaches and viewpoints at a relaxed pace.
North Koster is ideal for those who want to experience a more rugged coastal landscape with cliffs, open views, walking trails and a quieter archipelago atmosphere. Since the islands are car-free, you get around on foot or by bicycle, making the visit peaceful, close to nature and easy to adapt to the pace of the day. If you want to experience more of the outer archipelago, you can continue with Selin Charter towards Ursholmen. Here, seal safari, open sea, lighthouse history and one of Kosterhavet’s most characteristic coastal environments await. The tour is a good choice for anyone who wants to combine the Koster Islands with a more distinct nature and archipelago experience in the outer part of Kosterhavet National Park.
Please note that weather, wind and opening hours may affect the experience. It is a good idea to pack clothes suitable for the weather, swimwear, a water bottle and a packed lunch – or pre-order food on board via Selin Charter. For bicycles, kayaks, restaurants and other services on the islands, current opening hours should be checked with each respective operator.
What are the Koster Islands?
The Koster Islands are located west of Strömstad in northern Bohuslän, close to the Norwegian border. When people talk about Koster, they usually mean the two main islands: South Koster and North Koster. The islands are car-free, which makes them ideal for walking, cycling, swimming, hiking and slow island exploration. Visit West Sweden describes the Koster Islands as a scenic excursion destination outside Strömstad, where visitors can cycle, hike, swim and enjoy food in local restaurants.
The islands are closely connected to Kosterhavet National Park, Sweden’s first marine national park. The national park consists mainly of water and underwater environments, with rocky shores, shallow bays, kelp forests, seagrass meadows and one of Sweden’s richest marine ecosystems. This makes the area especially interesting for visitors who want to combine archipelago scenery with knowledge about marine life, coastal nature and the distinctive Bohuslän landscape.
The Koster Islands are located west of Strömstad in northern Bohuslän, close to the Norwegian border. When people talk about Koster, they usually mean the two main islands: South Koster and North Koster. The islands are car-free, which makes them ideal for walking, cycling, swimming, hiking and slow island exploration. Visit West Sweden describes the Koster Islands as a scenic excursion destination outside Strömstad, where visitors can cycle, hike, swim and enjoy food in local restaurants.
The islands are closely connected to Kosterhavet National Park, Sweden’s first marine national park. The national park consists mainly of water and underwater environments, with rocky shores, shallow bays, kelp forests, seagrass meadows and one of Sweden’s richest marine ecosystems. This makes the area especially interesting for visitors who want to combine archipelago scenery with knowledge about marine life, coastal nature and the distinctive Bohuslän landscape.
South Koster and North Koster – Two Islands with Different Character
The Koster Islands consist of two main islands that complement each other. Both are car-free, both are surrounded by Kosterhavet and both are excellent for nature experiences, but they offer different types of days.
South Koster
Naturum, Beaches and a Family-Friendly Island Day
South Koster is the larger of the two main islands and the best choice if you want an accessible island day with several clear stops. This is where you find Ekenäs, Naturum Kosterhavet, Kilesand, Rörvik, Långagärde, Brevik and Kyrkosund.
Start at Ekenäs, visit Naturum Kosterhavet, walk towards Kilesand, swim from the beach or rocks, rent a bike, continue towards Långagärde or simply stay near Ekenäs and enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere. Naturum Kosterhavet is located on South Koster and acts as a visitor centre for the national park, with maps, exhibitions and information about the marine environment.
South Koster is especially suitable for:
- families with children
- first-time visitors to the Koster Islands
- visitors who want to see Naturum Kosterhavet
- beach days at Kilesand or Rörvik
- cycling in a car-free island environment
- a full day combining boat tour, nature, swimming and food
Naturum, Beaches and a Family-Friendly Island Day
South Koster is the larger of the two main islands and the best choice if you want an accessible island day with several clear stops. This is where you find Ekenäs, Naturum Kosterhavet, Kilesand, Rörvik, Långagärde, Brevik and Kyrkosund.
Start at Ekenäs, visit Naturum Kosterhavet, walk towards Kilesand, swim from the beach or rocks, rent a bike, continue towards Långagärde or simply stay near Ekenäs and enjoy the relaxed island atmosphere. Naturum Kosterhavet is located on South Koster and acts as a visitor centre for the national park, with maps, exhibitions and information about the marine environment.
South Koster is especially suitable for:
- families with children
- first-time visitors to the Koster Islands
- visitors who want to see Naturum Kosterhavet
- beach days at Kilesand or Rörvik
- cycling in a car-free island environment
- a full day combining boat tour, nature, swimming and food
North Koster
Rocks, Views, Hiking and Wild Archipelago Scenery
North Koster has a more open, rugged and dramatic archipelago character. Here you find rocks, heaths, shingle fields, small paths, sea views and a stronger feeling of the outer archipelago. For many visitors, North Koster is the right choice for walking, photography, coastal scenery and a closer connection to the open sea.
North Koster is especially suitable for:
- nature lovers
- hikers
- photographers
- visitors who want cliffs, open views and coastal trails
- those who want to experience the wilder side of Kosterhavet
- travellers continuing towards Ursholmen and the outer archipelago
Rocks, Views, Hiking and Wild Archipelago Scenery
North Koster has a more open, rugged and dramatic archipelago character. Here you find rocks, heaths, shingle fields, small paths, sea views and a stronger feeling of the outer archipelago. For many visitors, North Koster is the right choice for walking, photography, coastal scenery and a closer connection to the open sea.
North Koster is especially suitable for:
- nature lovers
- hikers
- photographers
- visitors who want cliffs, open views and coastal trails
- those who want to experience the wilder side of Kosterhavet
- travellers continuing towards Ursholmen and the outer archipelago
Choose Your Koster Experience
South Koster, North Koster or Ursholmen
With Selin Charter’s boat tours to the Koster Islands, the same route can be experienced in several different ways depending on what you want from your day.
Option Best for visitors who want to Get off at South Koster, Ekenäs or Långagärde Visit Naturum Kosterhavet, Ekenäs, Kilesand or Rörvik, swim, cycle or enjoy a family-friendly island day Get off at North Koster, Västra Bryggan Experience rocks, views, hiking, rugged nature and outer archipelago scenery Continue to Ursholmen from the Koster Islands Join a seal safari, visit Ursholmen lighthouse station and travel further into the outer Koster archipelago Join the seal safari from one of the Koster jetties Board from Koster and continue towards Ursholmen and the seal areas
This makes the route especially useful if you want flexibility. You can travel out to the Koster Islands, get off at one of the jetties, explore the island at your own pace and be picked up when the boat returns. Or you can stay on board and continue all the way to Ursholmen.
South Koster, North Koster or Ursholmen
With Selin Charter’s boat tours to the Koster Islands, the same route can be experienced in several different ways depending on what you want from your day.
| Option | Best for visitors who want to |
|---|---|
| Get off at South Koster, Ekenäs or Långagärde | Visit Naturum Kosterhavet, Ekenäs, Kilesand or Rörvik, swim, cycle or enjoy a family-friendly island day |
| Get off at North Koster, Västra Bryggan | Experience rocks, views, hiking, rugged nature and outer archipelago scenery |
| Continue to Ursholmen from the Koster Islands | Join a seal safari, visit Ursholmen lighthouse station and travel further into the outer Koster archipelago |
| Join the seal safari from one of the Koster jetties | Board from Koster and continue towards Ursholmen and the seal areas |
This makes the route especially useful if you want flexibility. You can travel out to the Koster Islands, get off at one of the jetties, explore the island at your own pace and be picked up when the boat returns. Or you can stay on board and continue all the way to Ursholmen.
Things to Do on the Koster Islands
Activities, beaches and nature experiences
The Koster Islands are ideal for visitors who want to choose between a calm day on South Koster, a more active nature day on North Koster or a longer boat tour to Ursholmen. You can walk, swim, snorkel, cycle, paddle, watch birds, visit Naturum Kosterhavet or experience the archipelago from the sea.
The most important thing is to choose the right setup for your day. Choose South Koster if you want an accessible, family-friendly day close to Naturum and beaches. Choose North Koster if you want cliffs, open landscapes and sea views. Continue to Ursholmen if you want to travel further into Kosterhavet and see the seal areas of the outer archipelago.
Naturum Kosterhavet
Start your day at South Koster
Naturum Kosterhavet is one of the best places to start a visit to the Koster Islands. Located near Ekenäs on South Koster, the visitor centre introduces you to Kosterhavet National Park, the marine environment, the islands and the life below the surface. It is a natural first stop for visitors who want to understand the place before exploring the archipelago.
For families, Naturum is both educational and easy to include in a day trip. Children and adults can learn about seals, fish, kelp forests, seagrass meadows and the rich marine life that makes Kosterhavet one of Sweden’s most unique natural areas.
After a visit to Naturum, the rest of your day on South Koster becomes more meaningful. Walking, swimming, cycling or travelling by boat through the national park gives a stronger sense of place when you know more about the sea and the ecosystem around you.
Seal Safari via
Koster Islands
If you want to experience more than the islands themselves, you can continue by boat towards Ursholmen. The Koster Islands then become part of a longer route through Kosterhavet, where you can see South Koster, North Koster, the seal areas and Sweden’s westernmost lighthouse station. Ursholmen is a well-known destination in the Koster archipelago and is highlighted by Visit West Sweden as Sweden’s westernmost lighthouse station.
For visitors already on the Koster Islands, this is especially convenient. Instead of starting in Strömstad, you can board from one of the Koster jetties and continue towards Ursholmen for the seal safari.
Hiking on the
Koster Islands
The Koster Islands are one of the best places in Bohuslän for walking and hiking in an archipelago setting. South Koster offers softer landscapes, leafy paths, coastal meadows and sea-facing trails, while North Koster has more rugged terrain, rocks, heaths, shingle fields and open views towards the sea.
On South Koster, a popular route is the walk from Ekenäs towards Kilesand. It starts close to Naturum Kosterhavet and takes you through coastal scenery, rocks, beaches and small paths before reaching one of the island’s most appreciated sandy beaches.
On North Koster, the hiking experience is more open and dramatic. Trails lead through coastal landscapes, small wooded areas, heaths, beaches and viewpoints. This is the right choice if you want to experience the wilder and more sea-facing side of Kosterhavet.
Swimming and Snorkelling on the Koster Islands
The Koster Islands are among Bohuslän’s most appreciated areas for swimming, snorkelling and summer day trips. Here you find sandy beaches, smooth rocks, sheltered bays and coastal paths where you can easily combine swimming with nature experiences.
On South Koster, Kilesand is one of the most popular beaches, especially for families. Rörvik is a good choice if you want to combine swimming with snorkelling and a closer feeling for the marine life of the national park. Kosterhavet National Park describes snorkelling as one way to experience kelp forests, seagrass meadows and underwater life in the area.
On North Koster, you will find quieter bays and rocks where the water often feels clear and close. This is a good option if you want a calmer swim surrounded by rugged nature and open coastal views.
Sea Kayaking around the Koster Islands
Kayaking is one of the most atmospheric ways to experience Kosterhavet. From the water, you get close to skerries, shallow bays, rocky shores and small islands, while experiencing the archipelago at a slower pace.
A good starting point is Ekenäs on South Koster, close to Naturum Kosterhavet. From here, shorter paddling routes can take you towards Rörvik, while longer tours may continue towards Kilesand, Kyrkosund or Brevik depending on weather, experience and conditions.
Because Kosterhavet is an open archipelago area, kayaking should always be adapted to wind, weather, experience and local regulations. For beginners, a guided kayak tour is often the safest and most informative way to discover the area.
Cycling on South Koster
South Koster is one of the best islands in Bohuslän to explore by bike. The island is almost entirely car-free, and the small roads make it easy to travel between beaches, cafés, harbours, viewpoints and nature areas in Kosterhavet National Park. The car-free island environment is one of the reasons the Koster Islands are especially popular for cycling and day trips.
A good starting point is Ekenäs, where you are close to Naturum Kosterhavet. From here, you can cycle towards Långagärde, Kilesand, Rörvik, Brevik and other parts of South Koster. For families, cycling is a flexible way to combine swimming, nature, food stops and short discoveries during the same day.
Birdwatching and Nature on Koster
The Koster Islands are also a rewarding destination for visitors interested in birds and coastal nature. The combination of sea, rocks, coastal meadows, shallow bays and open landscapes creates varied habitats for seabirds and other wildlife.
On South Koster, areas around Ekenäs, Rörvik, Nästången and Kilesand are good for combining birdwatching with shorter walks and coastal scenery. On North Koster, the landscape feels more open and wild, with cliffs, heaths and viewpoints where the sea is always close.
A visit to Naturum Kosterhavet also makes the nature experience more interesting. By learning more about the marine environment and the connection between life below and above the surface, you gain a deeper understanding of why Kosterhavet is one of Sweden’s most distinctive natural areas.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Koster Islands
What can you do on the Koster Islands?
You can hike, cycle, swim, snorkel, paddle kayak, visit Naturum Kosterhavet, explore South Koster and North Koster, photograph coastal nature or continue by boat to Ursholmen for a seal safari.
Which island is best – South Koster or North Koster?
South Koster is best for Naturum Kosterhavet, beaches, cycling, families and a more accessible island day. North Koster is best for cliffs, views, hiking and a more rugged archipelago feeling.
Where is Naturum Kosterhavet?
Naturum Kosterhavet is located by Ekenäs on South Koster. It is one of the main visitor points for Kosterhavet National Park and a natural first stop for visitors who want to learn more about the marine environment.
Can I travel with Selin Charter to the Koster Islands without continuing to Ursholmen?
Yes. You can use the boat tour to travel to the Koster Islands and get off at stops such as Ekenäs, Västra Bryggan or Långagärde. When the boat returns, you can be picked up according to the timetable.
Can I join the seal safari from the Koster Islands?
Yes. If you are already on the Koster Islands, you can board from one of the Selin charters Koster ferries and continue towards Ursholmen for the seal safari.
Where can you swim on the Koster Islands?
Kilesand on South Koster is one of the most popular beaches, especially for families. Rörvik is a good option for swimming and snorkelling, while North Koster offers quieter bays and rocks.
Are the Koster Islands suitable for families?
Yes. The Koster Islands are well suited for families thanks to the car-free environment, beaches, Naturum Kosterhavet, shorter walks and the option to choose between a calm island day and a longer seal safari.
Can you visit the Koster Islands as a day trip from Norway?
Yes. The Koster Islands are located close to the Norwegian border and are well suited for visitors travelling via Strömstad from Norway, including guests from areas such as Halden, Fredrikstad, Sarpsborg and Oslo.
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Activities, beaches and nature experiences
The Koster Islands are ideal for visitors who want to choose between a calm day on South Koster, a more active nature day on North Koster or a longer boat tour to Ursholmen. You can walk, swim, snorkel, cycle, paddle, watch birds, visit Naturum Kosterhavet or experience the archipelago from the sea.
The most important thing is to choose the right setup for your day. Choose South Koster if you want an accessible, family-friendly day close to Naturum and beaches. Choose North Koster if you want cliffs, open landscapes and sea views. Continue to Ursholmen if you want to travel further into Kosterhavet and see the seal areas of the outer archipelago.
Naturum Kosterhavet
Start your day at South Koster
Naturum Kosterhavet is one of the best places to start a visit to the Koster Islands. Located near Ekenäs on South Koster, the visitor centre introduces you to Kosterhavet National Park, the marine environment, the islands and the life below the surface. It is a natural first stop for visitors who want to understand the place before exploring the archipelago.
For families, Naturum is both educational and easy to include in a day trip. Children and adults can learn about seals, fish, kelp forests, seagrass meadows and the rich marine life that makes Kosterhavet one of Sweden’s most unique natural areas.
After a visit to Naturum, the rest of your day on South Koster becomes more meaningful. Walking, swimming, cycling or travelling by boat through the national park gives a stronger sense of place when you know more about the sea and the ecosystem around you.
Start your day at South Koster
Naturum Kosterhavet is one of the best places to start a visit to the Koster Islands. Located near Ekenäs on South Koster, the visitor centre introduces you to Kosterhavet National Park, the marine environment, the islands and the life below the surface. It is a natural first stop for visitors who want to understand the place before exploring the archipelago.
For families, Naturum is both educational and easy to include in a day trip. Children and adults can learn about seals, fish, kelp forests, seagrass meadows and the rich marine life that makes Kosterhavet one of Sweden’s most unique natural areas.
After a visit to Naturum, the rest of your day on South Koster becomes more meaningful. Walking, swimming, cycling or travelling by boat through the national park gives a stronger sense of place when you know more about the sea and the ecosystem around you.
Seal Safari via
Koster Islands
If you want to experience more than the islands themselves, you can continue by boat towards Ursholmen. The Koster Islands then become part of a longer route through Kosterhavet, where you can see South Koster, North Koster, the seal areas and Sweden’s westernmost lighthouse station. Ursholmen is a well-known destination in the Koster archipelago and is highlighted by Visit West Sweden as Sweden’s westernmost lighthouse station.
For visitors already on the Koster Islands, this is especially convenient. Instead of starting in Strömstad, you can board from one of the Koster jetties and continue towards Ursholmen for the seal safari.
Koster Islands
If you want to experience more than the islands themselves, you can continue by boat towards Ursholmen. The Koster Islands then become part of a longer route through Kosterhavet, where you can see South Koster, North Koster, the seal areas and Sweden’s westernmost lighthouse station. Ursholmen is a well-known destination in the Koster archipelago and is highlighted by Visit West Sweden as Sweden’s westernmost lighthouse station.
For visitors already on the Koster Islands, this is especially convenient. Instead of starting in Strömstad, you can board from one of the Koster jetties and continue towards Ursholmen for the seal safari.
Hiking on the
Koster Islands
The Koster Islands are one of the best places in Bohuslän for walking and hiking in an archipelago setting. South Koster offers softer landscapes, leafy paths, coastal meadows and sea-facing trails, while North Koster has more rugged terrain, rocks, heaths, shingle fields and open views towards the sea.
On South Koster, a popular route is the walk from Ekenäs towards Kilesand. It starts close to Naturum Kosterhavet and takes you through coastal scenery, rocks, beaches and small paths before reaching one of the island’s most appreciated sandy beaches.
On North Koster, the hiking experience is more open and dramatic. Trails lead through coastal landscapes, small wooded areas, heaths, beaches and viewpoints. This is the right choice if you want to experience the wilder and more sea-facing side of Kosterhavet.
Koster Islands
The Koster Islands are one of the best places in Bohuslän for walking and hiking in an archipelago setting. South Koster offers softer landscapes, leafy paths, coastal meadows and sea-facing trails, while North Koster has more rugged terrain, rocks, heaths, shingle fields and open views towards the sea.
On South Koster, a popular route is the walk from Ekenäs towards Kilesand. It starts close to Naturum Kosterhavet and takes you through coastal scenery, rocks, beaches and small paths before reaching one of the island’s most appreciated sandy beaches.
On North Koster, the hiking experience is more open and dramatic. Trails lead through coastal landscapes, small wooded areas, heaths, beaches and viewpoints. This is the right choice if you want to experience the wilder and more sea-facing side of Kosterhavet.
Swimming and Snorkelling on the Koster Islands
The Koster Islands are among Bohuslän’s most appreciated areas for swimming, snorkelling and summer day trips. Here you find sandy beaches, smooth rocks, sheltered bays and coastal paths where you can easily combine swimming with nature experiences.
On South Koster, Kilesand is one of the most popular beaches, especially for families. Rörvik is a good choice if you want to combine swimming with snorkelling and a closer feeling for the marine life of the national park. Kosterhavet National Park describes snorkelling as one way to experience kelp forests, seagrass meadows and underwater life in the area.
On North Koster, you will find quieter bays and rocks where the water often feels clear and close. This is a good option if you want a calmer swim surrounded by rugged nature and open coastal views.
The Koster Islands are among Bohuslän’s most appreciated areas for swimming, snorkelling and summer day trips. Here you find sandy beaches, smooth rocks, sheltered bays and coastal paths where you can easily combine swimming with nature experiences.
On South Koster, Kilesand is one of the most popular beaches, especially for families. Rörvik is a good choice if you want to combine swimming with snorkelling and a closer feeling for the marine life of the national park. Kosterhavet National Park describes snorkelling as one way to experience kelp forests, seagrass meadows and underwater life in the area.
On North Koster, you will find quieter bays and rocks where the water often feels clear and close. This is a good option if you want a calmer swim surrounded by rugged nature and open coastal views.
Sea Kayaking around the Koster Islands
Kayaking is one of the most atmospheric ways to experience Kosterhavet. From the water, you get close to skerries, shallow bays, rocky shores and small islands, while experiencing the archipelago at a slower pace.
A good starting point is Ekenäs on South Koster, close to Naturum Kosterhavet. From here, shorter paddling routes can take you towards Rörvik, while longer tours may continue towards Kilesand, Kyrkosund or Brevik depending on weather, experience and conditions.
Because Kosterhavet is an open archipelago area, kayaking should always be adapted to wind, weather, experience and local regulations. For beginners, a guided kayak tour is often the safest and most informative way to discover the area.
Kayaking is one of the most atmospheric ways to experience Kosterhavet. From the water, you get close to skerries, shallow bays, rocky shores and small islands, while experiencing the archipelago at a slower pace.
A good starting point is Ekenäs on South Koster, close to Naturum Kosterhavet. From here, shorter paddling routes can take you towards Rörvik, while longer tours may continue towards Kilesand, Kyrkosund or Brevik depending on weather, experience and conditions.
Because Kosterhavet is an open archipelago area, kayaking should always be adapted to wind, weather, experience and local regulations. For beginners, a guided kayak tour is often the safest and most informative way to discover the area.
Cycling on South Koster
South Koster is one of the best islands in Bohuslän to explore by bike. The island is almost entirely car-free, and the small roads make it easy to travel between beaches, cafés, harbours, viewpoints and nature areas in Kosterhavet National Park. The car-free island environment is one of the reasons the Koster Islands are especially popular for cycling and day trips.
A good starting point is Ekenäs, where you are close to Naturum Kosterhavet. From here, you can cycle towards Långagärde, Kilesand, Rörvik, Brevik and other parts of South Koster. For families, cycling is a flexible way to combine swimming, nature, food stops and short discoveries during the same day.
South Koster is one of the best islands in Bohuslän to explore by bike. The island is almost entirely car-free, and the small roads make it easy to travel between beaches, cafés, harbours, viewpoints and nature areas in Kosterhavet National Park. The car-free island environment is one of the reasons the Koster Islands are especially popular for cycling and day trips.
A good starting point is Ekenäs, where you are close to Naturum Kosterhavet. From here, you can cycle towards Långagärde, Kilesand, Rörvik, Brevik and other parts of South Koster. For families, cycling is a flexible way to combine swimming, nature, food stops and short discoveries during the same day.
Birdwatching and Nature on Koster
The Koster Islands are also a rewarding destination for visitors interested in birds and coastal nature. The combination of sea, rocks, coastal meadows, shallow bays and open landscapes creates varied habitats for seabirds and other wildlife.
On South Koster, areas around Ekenäs, Rörvik, Nästången and Kilesand are good for combining birdwatching with shorter walks and coastal scenery. On North Koster, the landscape feels more open and wild, with cliffs, heaths and viewpoints where the sea is always close.
A visit to Naturum Kosterhavet also makes the nature experience more interesting. By learning more about the marine environment and the connection between life below and above the surface, you gain a deeper understanding of why Kosterhavet is one of Sweden’s most distinctive natural areas.
The Koster Islands are also a rewarding destination for visitors interested in birds and coastal nature. The combination of sea, rocks, coastal meadows, shallow bays and open landscapes creates varied habitats for seabirds and other wildlife.
On South Koster, areas around Ekenäs, Rörvik, Nästången and Kilesand are good for combining birdwatching with shorter walks and coastal scenery. On North Koster, the landscape feels more open and wild, with cliffs, heaths and viewpoints where the sea is always close.
A visit to Naturum Kosterhavet also makes the nature experience more interesting. By learning more about the marine environment and the connection between life below and above the surface, you gain a deeper understanding of why Kosterhavet is one of Sweden’s most distinctive natural areas.
FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about the Koster Islands
What can you do on the Koster Islands?
You can hike, cycle, swim, snorkel, paddle kayak, visit Naturum Kosterhavet, explore South Koster and North Koster, photograph coastal nature or continue by boat to Ursholmen for a seal safari.
Which island is best – South Koster or North Koster?
South Koster is best for Naturum Kosterhavet, beaches, cycling, families and a more accessible island day. North Koster is best for cliffs, views, hiking and a more rugged archipelago feeling.
Where is Naturum Kosterhavet?
Naturum Kosterhavet is located by Ekenäs on South Koster. It is one of the main visitor points for Kosterhavet National Park and a natural first stop for visitors who want to learn more about the marine environment.
Can I travel with Selin Charter to the Koster Islands without continuing to Ursholmen?
Yes. You can use the boat tour to travel to the Koster Islands and get off at stops such as Ekenäs, Västra Bryggan or Långagärde. When the boat returns, you can be picked up according to the timetable.
Can I join the seal safari from the Koster Islands?
Yes. If you are already on the Koster Islands, you can board from one of the Selin charters Koster ferries and continue towards Ursholmen for the seal safari.
Where can you swim on the Koster Islands?
Kilesand on South Koster is one of the most popular beaches, especially for families. Rörvik is a good option for swimming and snorkelling, while North Koster offers quieter bays and rocks.
Are the Koster Islands suitable for families?
Yes. The Koster Islands are well suited for families thanks to the car-free environment, beaches, Naturum Kosterhavet, shorter walks and the option to choose between a calm island day and a longer seal safari.
Can you visit the Koster Islands as a day trip from Norway?
Yes. The Koster Islands are located close to the Norwegian border and are well suited for visitors travelling via Strömstad from Norway, including guests from areas such as Halden, Fredrikstad, Sarpsborg and Oslo.