Koster Islands

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Satellite photo of Koster Islands.

The Koster Islands (Swedish: Kosteröarna) situated 10 km west of Strömstad, Sweden, comprises an archipelago surrounding the two largest islands, South Koster and North Koster. South Koster has an area of 8 km² and North Koster an area of 4 km². The landscape, dominated by smooth bedrock, bears witness to volcanic activity and subsequent wear due to the Ice Age. The rocky coastline is broken by many sandy beaches the largest being Kilesand on South Koster's east side overlooking the 200 meter deep Koster Fjord.

Lively Communities[edit]

South and North Koster are lively communities with a permanent population of around 340. There is a school, sports hall, shops, church and galleries where handcrafts and arts are exhibited. Both farming and fishing are important, and already during the 1600s Koster exported lobster to Holland. There are several small harbors, popular with sailors from both near and far. Rooms can be rented from the Ekenäs Hotel or from private homes or cabins. There is also a campsite on North Koster.

An electrically driven ferry operates constantly between the two islands, a distance of 58 meters. As one moves inland, farmland, woods and rich vegetation becomes apparent and there are many trails. South Koster has a network of roads and paths, which can be explored by bicycle or in small golf-buggies, both of which can be rented. On North Koster it is also possible to rent small boats. Restrictions regarding the right of access, Allemansrätten, forbid open fires and camping is only allowed at the designated campsite. Private cars are not permitted.

Tourism on the Islands[edit]

North Koster at the Koster Sound.

Koster is a well-established and popular tourist destination, attracting as many as 90 000 tourists[1] each year, renowned for being one of Sweden's sunniest places offering friendly service and great bathing opportunities. During the summer one can enjoy a variety of events and activities, such as a music festival, mackerel race and trips to the seal colonies. Several pubs and restaurants offer a varied menu, often based on seafood from local fisherman, such as shrimp, oyster, crayfish, crab and lobster.

Connections to the mainland are good with 16 ferry departures daily from Strömstad, a crossing of around 45 minutes. Private cars can be parked at the car park just outside the center of Strömstad from where buses run free of charge to the square where the harbor lies.


  1. ^ "Kosterhavets National Park". Retrieved 10 May 2011. 

2. "www.sydkoster.se" Information on Koster Islands + food, accommodations & activities

Additional Sources[edit]

External links[edit]

Coordinates: 58°53′N 11°0′E﻿ / ﻿58.883°N 11.000°E﻿ / 58.883; 11.000