Looking for things to do in Strömstad? This lively coastal town in northern Bohuslän combines sea views, granite cliffs, historic sites, island ferries and relaxed Swedish summer life. Whether you are planning a weekend by the water, a day trip from Gothenburg or a stop before Norway, Strömstad offers plenty of memorable experiences beyond its popular shopping areas.
Explore Strömstad harbour and town centre
A walk around Strömstad harbour is one of the easiest ways to begin exploring the town. Fishing boats, leisure yachts and passenger ferries arrive throughout the day, while restaurants and cafés line parts of the waterfront. The harbour also provides a useful starting point for boat trips to the Koster Islands and other destinations in the surrounding archipelago.
From the waterfront, continue into the compact town centre. Strömstad has a pleasant mix of independent shops, cafés and restaurants, with many streets leading back towards the sea. During summer, the town becomes especially lively as visitors arrive for swimming, boating and island excursions.
Take time to look at the local architecture as you walk. Older wooden buildings and traditional coastal homes reflect Strömstad’s long history as a fishing and trading community. The town is easy to explore on foot, and you can comfortably combine a harbour walk with lunch, shopping and a visit to one of the nearby parks.
Visit Strömstads Museum
Strömstads Museum is a useful stop for anyone who wants to understand the area’s past. Exhibitions cover local history, maritime life and the communities that developed along this part of the Bohuslän coast. The museum helps put the town’s harbour, islands and fishing traditions into context.
Opening hours and exhibitions can change by season, so check the museum’s official information before visiting. A museum visit is particularly convenient on a rainy day or when you want a break from outdoor activities. It can also make your trip more meaningful by explaining how the sea has shaped life in Strömstad for generations.
Take a boat trip to the Koster Islands
For many visitors, a boat trip to the Koster Islands is among the best things to do in Strömstad. Passenger boats travel from the town to Sydkoster and Nordkoster, giving you the chance to experience one of Sweden’s most distinctive archipelagos without needing your own boat.
Kosterhavet National Park surrounds the islands and protects a rich marine environment. The water is known for its biodiversity, while the islands themselves offer open landscapes, small beaches, smooth rocks and walking paths. The journey is part of the experience, with views of skerries, islands and working boats along the way.
What to do on Sydkoster
Sydkoster is the larger and more developed of the two main Koster Islands. You can rent a bicycle, walk between villages or follow trails across the island. Cycling is a popular way to cover more ground, but walking allows you to slow down and enjoy the scenery.
Look for quiet swimming spots, coastal viewpoints and small places to eat. The island landscape changes from sheltered woodland to exposed granite and open sea. Pack water, sun protection and comfortable shoes, especially if you plan to explore away from the main landing areas.
What to do on Nordkoster
Nordkoster has a wilder character and is well suited to visitors who enjoy walking and natural scenery. Trails lead across rocky ground and through coastal vegetation, with excellent views from higher points. The island is relatively compact, but uneven paths mean that you should allow plenty of time rather than trying to rush through your visit.
Swimming is possible in suitable weather, although many shorelines are rocky rather than sandy. Check ferry times carefully before setting off, particularly outside the main summer season. Boats may run less frequently, and weather can affect services.
Discover Kosterhavet National Park
Kosterhavet National Park is Sweden’s first marine national park and one of the most important natural attractions near Strömstad. It extends across a large marine area and includes a remarkable variety of underwater habitats. The park is especially significant for its marine life, including species that are unusual elsewhere in Sweden.
You do not need to be an experienced diver to appreciate the national park. Boat tours, kayaking, swimming and coastal walks all offer ways to enjoy the area. At Naturum Kosterhavet on Sydkoster, visitors can learn more about the park through exhibitions and information about marine conservation.
If you go kayaking, choose a route that matches your experience and check wind conditions before leaving shore. The archipelago can feel calm in one sheltered bay and exposed in the next. Guided tours are a good choice for first-time paddlers and anyone who wants to learn about the local environment.
Walk through Nötholmen nature reserve
Nötholmen is a peaceful nature area close to Strömstad and one of the most accessible outdoor attractions in town. Walking paths pass through woodland and along the coast, offering views towards islands, boats and the open water. It is a good place for a quiet morning walk, a picnic or a short escape from the busier harbour.
The trails are generally suitable for a relaxed outing, though surfaces can be uneven in places. Wear shoes with a good grip if the weather has been wet. Bring a camera in spring and summer, when coastal plants and birdlife add colour to the landscape.
Nötholmen can also be combined with other Strömstad activities. Start with coffee in town, walk through the reserve, then return to the waterfront for lunch. The area is close enough to fit into a flexible half-day plan without requiring extensive travel.
Relax at Strömstad’s beaches and swimming spots
Summer visitors have several options for swimming around Strömstad. Some beaches are sandy and family friendly, while others consist of smooth rocks and sheltered bathing areas. The exact choice depends on whether you want shallow water, space for a picnic or a more natural setting.
Seläter is a popular coastal area north of the town, with opportunities for swimming and enjoying the sea. Other bathing spots can be found around the islands and in nearby coastal communities. Local conditions vary, so look for information about access, parking and water safety before travelling.
Swedish coastal swimming often involves entering the water from rocks or piers rather than a wide sandy beach. Bring a towel, water shoes if you have them and a warm layer for the boat trip home. Even on sunny days, the wind can make the coast feel cooler than expected.
See the historic stones at Blomsholm
Blomsholm, just outside Strömstad, is one of the area’s most interesting historical attractions. The site includes ancient monuments, burial remains and the well-known Blomsholm ship setting, a group of standing stones arranged in the shape of a ship. It offers a striking reminder that people have lived and travelled through this landscape for thousands of years.
The surrounding countryside makes the visit especially enjoyable. Paths connect several historical features, and the open setting gives you a chance to combine cultural sightseeing with a countryside walk. Read the information boards to learn more about the people who created the monuments and the beliefs associated with them.
Blomsholm is easiest to visit by car or bicycle, depending on your route and fitness level. Allow extra time if you enjoy photography or want to explore the area at a slower pace. It is also a worthwhile stop for families, since the ship setting provides an engaging way to introduce children to Scandinavian prehistory.
Enjoy a day at Daftö Resort
Families searching for active Strömstad activities may enjoy Daftö Resort, a holiday park south of the town. The resort offers accommodation, outdoor activities and entertainment during the main season. Attractions can include swimming areas, play facilities and themed activities designed for children and families.
Daftö is best suited to visitors who want a more structured day with plenty to do in one location. Availability varies throughout the year, so check the current programme and ticket information before making plans. Even if you are not staying overnight, some facilities and activities may be available to day visitors at selected times.
Shop at Nordby Shoppingcenter
Nordby Shoppingcenter is one of the most visited attractions near Strömstad, particularly among visitors travelling from Norway. The large shopping area is located close to the Norwegian border and includes supermarkets, clothing stores, restaurants and other retail outlets.
Shopping may not be the reason you visit the Bohuslän coast, but Nordby can be useful on a rainy day or when you need supplies for a self-catering stay. Prices and product availability can change, and the centre can become busy around holidays and weekends. If you plan to visit, allow time for traffic and parking, especially during the summer season.
Nordby is outside the town centre, so check bus connections or plan to drive. It is easy to combine with a broader road trip through northern Bohuslän, but it is less convenient if your itinerary is focused entirely on walking and island ferries.
Try kayaking, boating and fishing
The sheltered waters around Strömstad make the area a natural base for water-based adventures. Kayaking allows you to move quietly between small islands and discover coves that are difficult to reach by road. Beginners can join guided tours, while experienced paddlers may prefer to plan an independent route through the archipelago.
Boat hire is another option, although you should make sure you understand local rules and weather conditions before setting out. The coastline contains narrow passages, exposed waters and busy boating routes. Follow navigation advice and give larger vessels plenty of room.
Fishing is also part of the local coastal culture. Sea fishing trips may be available from Strömstad during the warmer months, with catches depending on the season and conditions. Use a licensed operator when possible and follow current regulations concerning species, equipment and catch limits.
Take a coastal walk near Strömstad
Walking is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the landscape around Strömstad. Coastal paths reveal granite cliffs, sea views, small beaches and low vegetation shaped by wind and salt. You can choose a short stroll close to town or plan a longer route through nature reserves and nearby coastal areas.
Some paths are smooth and easy, while others cross rocks and roots. Good footwear is important, particularly after rain. Bring enough water, since services may be limited once you leave the town centre. A downloaded map or detailed route information is also useful if you are walking beyond the most popular areas.
For a relaxed experience, walk in the morning or later in the afternoon. Summer midday can be busy and exposed, while the softer light at the start or end of the day is ideal for photographs. Always keep a safe distance from cliff edges and pay attention to changing weather.
Visit nearby Tanum and its rock carvings
If you have extra time, travel south from Strömstad to explore the rock carvings around Tanum. The Tanum rock art area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and contains thousands of Bronze Age carvings. Images of boats, people and animals provide an exceptional glimpse into prehistoric life in Scandinavia.
The Vitlycke Museum is a good starting point, with exhibitions and information about the carvings and the wider cultural landscape. Outdoor sites can be visited at different locations, so check a map before travelling. The area is best explored slowly, since the carvings are spread across a rural landscape rather than concentrated at one single monument.
A visit to Tanum works well as part of a road trip through Bohuslän. It adds a cultural and historical dimension to a holiday otherwise centred on beaches, boats and seafood.
Eat seafood and local specialities
Fresh seafood is an important part of the Strömstad experience. Look for prawns, crayfish, mussels, oysters and locally prepared fish, depending on the season. Waterfront restaurants provide a scenic setting, while fish shops and delis can be useful if you are staying in a cabin or apartment.
Do not limit yourself to formal restaurants. A simple seafood lunch, coffee with a view of the harbour or a picnic bought from a local shop can be just as enjoyable. In summer, reserve a table in advance if you have a particular restaurant in mind, as popular places fill quickly.
Swedish fika is another easy way to slow down during your visit. Choose a café in town, order coffee and a pastry, and take a break between walks or boat trips. This relaxed pause can be especially welcome after a day exploring the islands.
Plan your visit to Strömstad
Strömstad is accessible by train and bus from other parts of Sweden, while car travel gives you more flexibility for visiting Blomsholm, Tanum and the countryside. Ferries to the Koster Islands depart from the town, but timetables change with the season. Check departure times before planning a full day on the islands.
Summer is the busiest period and offers the widest choice of boat trips, outdoor activities and events. Spring and early autumn can be quieter, with good conditions for walking and sightseeing. Winter is more peaceful, although some seasonal attractions, restaurants and ferry services operate on reduced schedules.
- Check ferry timetables and weather conditions before visiting the Koster Islands.
- Wear sturdy shoes for rocky paths, nature reserves and historical sites.
- Bring layers, since coastal wind can make temperatures feel cooler.
- Book accommodation and popular activities early for summer weekends.
- Carry water and snacks when travelling away from the town centre.
- Respect nature reserves, wildlife, private land and local swimming rules.
With its harbour, national park, historic landscapes and easy access to the Bohuslän archipelago, Strömstad is a rewarding destination for both short visits and longer holidays. The best itinerary usually combines a few well-known Strömstad attractions with time to walk, swim, eat seafood and enjoy the changing coastal scenery.