This Strömstad 2 day itinerary combines the best of Sweden’s western coast, from the lively harbor and historic town center to the quiet islands of Kosterhavet National Park. It is designed for a relaxed weekend in Strömstad, with time for seafood, coastal walks, boat trips, and the distinctive atmosphere of Bohuslän.
How to use this Strömstad 2 day itinerary
Strömstad is a compact coastal town in northern Bohuslän, close to the Norwegian border. Its center is easy to explore on foot, while ferries connect the town with the Koster Islands and other destinations in the archipelago. That makes it a convenient base for a short break without needing a car for every activity.
This Strömstad itinerary assumes that you arrive on Friday afternoon or Saturday morning and leave on Sunday afternoon. The plan works best from late spring to early autumn, when ferries run more frequently and the days are long. Outside the main season, check opening hours and boat timetables carefully before you travel.
- Day 1: Explore central Strömstad, the harbor, local history, and the nearby coast.
- Day 2: Take a boat to Kosterhavet National Park and explore Sydkoster or Nordkoster.
- Best for: Couples, solo travelers, families with older children, and anyone who enjoys coastal scenery.
- Getting around: The town center is walkable, and the islands are best explored by bicycle or on foot.
Day 1: Discover Strömstad and the Bohuslän coast
Morning or arrival: Walk through the town center
Begin your weekend in Strömstad with a slow walk through the old town. Start around the main square and continue toward the waterfront, where narrow streets, small shops, cafés, and traditional wooden buildings lead down to the harbor. Strömstad has a relaxed feel outside the busiest summer hours, so this is a good time to get your bearings and see how the town is arranged.
Follow the waterfront between the smaller inner harbor and the more open harbor areas. Fishing boats, pleasure craft, and passenger ferries create much of the town’s character. In summer, the quays are especially lively, but even during the quieter seasons there are good views across the water toward the islands and rocky shoreline.
Allow around one to two hours for this first walk, including time for photographs and a coffee stop. If you arrive before check in, many hotels and guesthouses can store your luggage. Reserving accommodation close to the center or harbor will make the rest of the itinerary easier, particularly if you plan to catch an early ferry on day two.
Lunch by the harbor
For lunch, choose a restaurant or café near the harbor and look for local seafood if it is available. Shrimp, mussels, oysters, smoked fish, and seasonal catches are common features of the Bohuslän food scene. A simple seafood lunch can be one of the highlights of a Strömstad visit, especially when eaten outdoors beside the water.
Do not worry if you prefer something other than seafood. Strömstad has bakeries, casual restaurants, and places serving vegetarian dishes. The town becomes busier during the main summer season, so an early or late lunch can help you avoid the busiest period. It is also wise to check restaurant opening days before traveling in spring or autumn.
Afternoon: Learn about local history and coastal life
Spend part of the afternoon learning more about Strömstad and the surrounding region. Visit the local museum or cultural exhibitions that focus on Bohuslän’s maritime history, fishing traditions, trade, and everyday life. The exact exhibitions and opening hours change, but a museum visit adds useful context to the scenery you will see later in the trip.
Strömstad’s history is closely connected to the sea and to its location near Norway. The town has long been shaped by fishing, shipping, commerce, and summer visitors. Look for information about the old town, the harbor, and the region’s historic buildings as you walk. If a museum is closed, you can still make this a self guided history walk by following the waterfront and reading local information boards.
After the museum, take time to browse the town’s independent shops. You may find locally made ceramics, textiles, artwork, food products, and practical outdoor clothing. This is also a useful opportunity to buy snacks for the next day, since island cafés may have limited opening hours outside the summer season.
Late afternoon: Choose a coastal walk
When the weather is good, continue beyond the center for a short coastal walk. One easy option is to walk along the shoreline and quieter residential streets toward the outskirts of town, returning by the same route or using local transport for part of the journey. The landscape changes quickly from urban waterfront to smooth granite rocks, small coves, and low coastal vegetation.
Another option is to visit the area around Seläter or one of the nearby bathing places if you have access to a car or local bus. These areas offer a more open view of the coast and can be particularly attractive in the evening. Bring a light jacket even in summer, as wind from the sea can make the temperature feel cooler than expected.
Swimming is possible during the warmer months, although the water may be refreshing rather than warm. Wear shoes with good grip if you walk over rocks, and avoid climbing onto wet granite near the water. The coastline is beautiful but can become slippery, especially after rain.
Evening: Seafood dinner and a harbor stroll
Return to the center for dinner. A relaxed seafood restaurant is the natural choice, but you can also look for modern Swedish cooking, pizza, burgers, or vegetarian menus. In July and August, booking is recommended for popular restaurants, particularly on Friday and Saturday evenings.
After dinner, walk along the harbor as the light begins to fade. Summer evenings in Strömstad can stay bright for a long time, and the changing light over the boats and islands is one of the simplest pleasures of a visit. If you want a quieter evening, buy a pastry or takeaway coffee and sit near the water rather than choosing another busy venue.
Day 2: Explore Kosterhavet National Park
Early morning: Prepare for the ferry
The main highlight of this Strömstad 2 day itinerary is a day trip to the Koster Islands. Kosterhavet National Park is Sweden’s first marine national park and is known for its varied marine environment, rocky islands, walking paths, beaches, and clear coastal landscapes.
Passenger ferries to the Koster Islands usually depart from Strömstad, but timetables vary by season, weekday, weather, and operator. Check the latest schedule before your trip and arrive early, especially during July and August. Some departures may sell out or have limited capacity for bicycles, so reserve tickets when possible.
Pack water, a packed lunch or snacks, sunscreen, a rain layer, and comfortable walking shoes. There are places to eat on the islands during the main season, but relying on every café being open can make a short trip stressful. A small daypack is more practical than a suitcase, and a portable battery can be useful if you are using maps on your phone.
Late morning: Choose between Sydkoster and Nordkoster
Many visitors choose Sydkoster because it has a larger selection of services, cycling routes, beaches, and places to stop for food. You can rent a bicycle near the ferry arrival area during the high season, subject to availability. Cycling makes it easier to cover several parts of the island in one day, although walking is also a rewarding option.
Sydkoster has a mixture of open farmland, pine woodland, rocky coastline, and small settlements. Follow marked paths toward the sea and make time for unplanned stops. The island is not about ticking off a long list of attractions. Its appeal comes from the contrast between broad views and sheltered corners, with the sea visible from many parts of the route.
Nordkoster is generally quieter and more rugged. It is a good choice if you prefer walking, nature, and fewer services. Trails lead through rocky terrain and coastal landscapes, and the island rewards visitors who are comfortable with a slower, more outdoors focused day. If you want to visit both islands, check ferry connections carefully so that you do not miss the return boat to Strömstad.
Lunch on the islands
Have lunch at an island café or enjoy a picnic near the coast. Keep food waste contained and take rubbish with you if there is no suitable bin. The islands are popular, but they are also sensitive natural environments. Staying on marked paths helps protect vegetation and makes the experience more pleasant for everyone.
Local seafood may be available, along with sandwiches, baked goods, salads, and ice cream. During the shoulder seasons, bring your own food because some businesses operate reduced hours. A packed lunch also gives you more freedom to stop at a scenic viewpoint instead of planning the day around restaurant opening times.
Afternoon: Walking, swimming, and viewpoints
Spend the afternoon following one of the marked walking routes. Exact route choices depend on which island you visit, how much time you have, and whether you rent a bicycle. A short loop near the ferry landing is suitable for travelers who want a gentle day, while longer routes allow you to reach quieter beaches and more exposed viewpoints.
Look for the characteristic smooth granite shoreline and the low vegetation shaped by wind and salt. Kosterhavet is also an important marine area, so keep an eye on the water around sheltered bays. You may see seabirds, seals, or other wildlife, although sightings are never guaranteed. Give animals plenty of space and avoid disturbing nesting birds.
If you swim, use a designated or commonly used bathing area and be aware of boat traffic. The water around the islands can be cold, and rocks may be uneven under the surface. A towel and dry change of clothes are worthwhile even if swimming is not part of your original plan.
Late afternoon or evening: Return to Strömstad
Leave enough time to reach the ferry before departure. Weather can affect services, and the final boats of the day may be busy during the summer. Once back in Strömstad, choose a simple dinner near the harbor or take a final walk through the center.
If you still have energy, enjoy the waterfront from a different section than the one you visited on day one. The harbor looks different in the evening, when the boats are quieter and the town begins to slow down. For an early departure the next morning, keep dinner convenient and confirm your travel arrangements before going to bed.
Alternative ideas for a rainy day
Weather is part of the west coast experience, and a Strömstad itinerary should allow some flexibility. If rain or strong wind makes the Koster ferry unattractive, spend more time in town and look for local museums, galleries, cafés, and shops. A long lunch followed by a sauna or spa session can turn an unsettled day into a comfortable one.
You can also visit nearby coastal communities by car or local bus, depending on the season. Grebbestad and Fjällbacka are well known for their harbor settings and rocky landscapes, while smaller villages offer a quieter look at Bohuslän. Check transport connections in advance because services can be limited outside summer.
If the ferry is running but the forecast is mixed, choose Sydkoster rather than planning a demanding route. Carry waterproof layers and use short walks between sheltered stops. Conditions can change quickly along the coast, so it is better to enjoy a shorter route safely than to force a long walk in strong wind.
Where to stay in Strömstad
Staying near the center or harbor is the most convenient choice for a short trip. You will be close to restaurants, shops, the waterfront, and ferry departures. This is especially useful if your day two boat leaves in the morning.
- Town center: Best for first time visitors who want restaurants, shops, and easy access to the harbor.
- Waterfront: A good choice for views, evening walks, and a more maritime atmosphere.
- Outskirts: Suitable for travelers seeking more space, nature, or family accommodation, especially if traveling by car.
- Camping and cabins: Popular in summer and useful for visitors who want a self catering base near the coast.
Book well ahead for July weekends, public holidays, and periods when the weather forecast is especially good. Prices and availability can change significantly between the quiet season and peak summer.
Getting to Strömstad and planning tips
Strömstad is connected to Gothenburg and other Swedish destinations by train and bus services, while international visitors may also arrive via Oslo or the ferry connection from Sandefjord. Check current schedules before traveling because routes and departure times can change. If you drive, remember that parking in the center may be limited during summer.
- Check ferry schedules for Kosterhavet before booking your accommodation.
- Bring a card and some backup payment options, as small businesses may have different payment arrangements.
- Wear layers and waterproof shoes for coastal walks.
- Reserve popular restaurants and island bicycles during the high season.
- Do not assume every island service is open outside summer.
- Respect nature reserves, marked paths, wildlife, and local residents.
With its walkable center, accessible archipelago, and excellent coastal food, Strömstad works particularly well for a short break. Follow the plan closely for a classic weekend in Strömstad, or use it as a framework and leave extra time for the places that catch your attention along the way.