Experience the Koster Islands on the West Coast near the Norwegian border

Explore Naturum Kosterhavet, swimming and hiking in Northern Bohuslän

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.

Båttur till Kosteröarna – upptäck pittoreska platser och bryggor med Selin Charter

For Selin Charter, the Koster Islands are more than a destination. They are a natural starting point for several experiences: boat tours from Strömstad, boat tours from Resö, visits to Naturum Kosterhavet, seal safari through the Koster archipelago and onward trips to Ursholmen. The journey is therefore not only transport to an island, but a complete archipelago experience where the boat ride, the sea, the nature and the stories of the area all become part of the day.

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 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
Book a boat tour to South Koster

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
Book a boat tour to South Koster
Map of the Koster Islands with Selin Charter’s Koster Boats

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.

OptionBest for visitors who want to
Get off at South Koster, Ekenäs or LångagärdeVisit Naturum Kosterhavet, Ekenäs, Kilesand or Rörvik, swim, cycle or enjoy a family-friendly island day
Get off at North Koster, Västra BrygganExperience rocks, views, hiking, rugged nature and outer archipelago scenery
Continue to Ursholmen from the Koster IslandsJoin a seal safari, visit Ursholmen lighthouse station and travel further into the outer Koster archipelago
Join the seal safari from one of the Koster jettiesBoard 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.

See departures to and from the Koster Islands and 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 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.

Book a boat tour to Naturum Kosterhavet

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.

See the current seal safari and book your place

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.

Book a boat tour and swim on 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.

Book your boat tour and explore the Koster Islands by kayak

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.

Book a boat tour and cycle on South 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.

Book your boat tour and discover Koster’s coastal nature

Hiking on the Koster Islands
Recommended hiking trails near the boat with Selin Charter

With Selin Charter, you can take the boat to both Nordkoster and Sydkoster and explore the Koster Islands on foot. We have selected a number of recommended hiking trails that are ideal for visitors who want time to experience the island, walk at a relaxed pace, and still have plenty of time to catch the boat back.

Whether you want to take a short walk, enjoy a longer hike, or combine hiking with swimming, coffee breaks, and island life, there are several beautiful trails to choose from. The trails below are ranked from longest to shortest and are especially suitable for day visitors travelling to the Koster Islands by boat.

There are also more hiking trails, paths, and routes to discover on the Koster Islands through the AllTrails app, which you can download to find additional options on Nordkoster and Sydkoster. Just remember to plan your hike around the boat’s departure time, so you make it back to the pier in good time before your return journey.

Estimated hiking time: 30–45 minutes

Brun stig, also known as Rörviksslingan, is the shortest trail in this Sydkoster list and is perfect for visitors who want an easy walk close to nature. The trail is a great choice for families, shorter day visits, and anyone who wants to experience Sydkoster without heading out on a longer hike.

The terrain is easy to walk but still varied, with sections of woodland, open areas, and coastal archipelago scenery. Rörviksslingan offers a pleasant introduction to Sydkoster’s nature and is especially suitable if you want to combine a boat trip, swimming, or a visit to Ekenäs with a shorter walk.

For those who want to experience the Koster Islands at a relaxed pace, Brun stig / Rörviksslingan is an accessible and nature-rich option with plenty to enjoy over a short distance.

Estimated hiking time: 45 minutes–1 hour

Blå Stig on Sydkoster is a short and easy hiking trail that is well suited for families, day visitors, and anyone who wants to experience much of Sydkoster’s nature in a short amount of time. The trail offers a beautiful mix of deciduous woodland, coastal meadows, rocks, and seaside environments.

The terrain is relatively easy but varied, making the trail both accessible and enjoyable. During the hike, you can feel the sea breeze, move through greener sections, and experience the calm island atmosphere that makes Sydkoster such a popular destination.

Blå Stig is an excellent option if you want to take a shorter walk after your boat trip to Sydkoster. Despite the short distance, the trail gives you a clear sense of the Koster Islands’ nature and the closeness to Kosterhavet National Park.

Estimated hiking time: 1.5–2 hours

Ekenäs – Långegärde is a practical and scenic hiking trail on Sydkoster that connects two important places on the island. The trail is ideal for those who want to walk between harbour areas, greenery, coastal sections, and classic Bohuslän archipelago nature.

The terrain mainly consists of easy paths and small roads, with sections of open landscape, woodland, and coastal surroundings. Ekenäs is a popular starting point on Sydkoster, close to Naturum Kosterhavet, while Långegärde is a central location for many visitors arriving by boat to the Koster Islands.

This trail works both as a convenient walking route between two parts of the island and as a beautiful nature walk in its own right. For visitors who want to discover Sydkoster on foot, Ekenäs – Långegärde is a great choice with a relaxed pace, beautiful nature, and proximity to the sea.

Estimated hiking time: 1.5–2.5 hours

Gul Stig on Sydkoster is a popular hiking trail for visitors who want to experience the island’s greener and more varied landscapes. The trail passes through deciduous woodland, open fields, dry meadows, and areas with a distinct archipelago character.

The terrain is relatively easy to walk but varied, with a mix of soft paths, gravel roads, and natural trail sections. One of the highlights along the route is the proximity to Valfjäll, one of Sydkoster’s best viewpoints. From here, you can enjoy beautiful views over the Koster Islands, Kosterhavet, and the Bohuslän archipelago.

Gul Stig is perfect for those looking for a medium-length hike on Sydkoster with nature, views, and local island character. It is a great option for day visitors who want to combine a boat trip, hiking, and archipelago experiences without setting out on a full-day hike.

Estimated hiking time: 3.5–4.5 hours

Kyrkosund – Långegärde – Rörvik is one of the longer hiking trails on Sydkoster and is ideal for visitors who want to experience a large part of the island in one walk. The trail passes through a varied archipelago landscape with coastal paths, open fields, lush areas, small roads, and charming village surroundings.

The terrain is varied but generally comfortable to walk. Along the way, you will experience several of Sydkoster’s most characteristic environments – from the historic archipelago atmosphere of Kyrkosund to the harbour setting at Långegärde and onwards towards the more nature-focused and coastal landscape around Rörvik.

This is an excellent choice if you want to combine a boat trip to Sydkoster with a longer day hike on the Koster Islands. The trail offers fresh sea air, open views, swimming opportunities, and a clear sense of Kosterhavet National Park.

Book boat trip to South Koster

Estimated hiking time: 45 minutes–1 hour

Fyrerna på Nord Koster Ön is a short but rewarding hike for visitors who want to reach one of Nordkoster’s most classic viewpoints. The trail is perfect if you want a shorter walk while still getting a strong sense of the island’s nature, history, and coastal location.

The terrain is relatively easy to walk but may include some slightly hillier sections as you approach the viewpoint. The hike takes you through an open and rugged archipelago landscape where rocks, sea breeze, and views over Kosterhavet create a clear feeling of the Bohuslän outer archipelago.

This is an excellent option for anyone who wants to combine a boat trip to Nordkoster with a short walk to a memorable place. From the area around the lighthouses, you can enjoy beautiful views over the Koster Islands, Kosterhavet National Park, and the surrounding archipelago.

Estimated hiking time: 1.5–2 hours

Nordkoster Vit slinga is a peaceful and varied hiking trail for visitors who want to experience Nordkoster’s nature at a comfortable pace. The trail is especially well suited for those who want a shorter hike while still getting a strong sense of the island’s archipelago character.

The terrain is mostly easy to walk, with a mix of paths, smaller roads, woodland sections, open fields, and coastal environments. Along the way, you will experience the quieter side of Nordkoster, where the landscape shifts between sheltered sections and open views towards the sea.

Vit slinga is a great choice for anyone who wants to combine a boat trip to Nordkoster with an easier hike close to Kosterhavet National Park. It is well suited for day visitors who want to discover the island on foot without choosing the longest route.

Estimated hiking time: 1.5–2 hours

Orange Slinga on Nordkoster is an accessible and scenic hiking trail for visitors who want to discover the island on foot without setting out on a full-day hike. The route is a good length for day visitors and is well suited for couples, families, and smaller groups who want to combine a boat trip, hiking, and archipelago experiences.

The terrain is relatively easy to walk but varied, with a mix of paths, open landscapes, woodland sections, and coastal environments. Along the way, you will experience Nordkoster’s typical nature with rocks, bays, heaths, and views over Kosterhavet.

Orange Slinga is a great option for those looking for a medium-length hike on Nordkoster with plenty of nature experience in a manageable distance. Here, you get a clear sense of the island’s calm atmosphere, fresh sea air, and rugged landscape that makes the Koster Islands one of Bohuslän’s most appreciated destinations.

Estimated hiking time: 2.5–3.5 hours

Ålviken – Valnäs – Duvnäs is the longest trail in this Nordkoster list and is ideal for those who want to experience a more extensive hike through the island’s rugged and varied archipelago landscape. The trail takes you through some of Nordkoster’s most natural surroundings, with bays, rocks, open fields, woodland sections, and coastal stretches.

The terrain is varied and slightly more hilly in places than the shorter trails on the island. Here, you walk through both sheltered areas and open landscapes where the wind, sea, and rocks create a strong feeling of the Bohuslän outer archipelago. This route is especially well suited for visitors who want to enjoy a longer day hike on Nordkoster and discover more of the island beyond the most visited areas.

This is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to combine a boat trip to Nordkoster with an active nature experience. The hike offers peace and quiet, sea views, archipelago character, and proximity to Kosterhavet National Park.

Book boat trip to South Koster

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.