The Koster Islands
A car-free relaxing holiday on the Koster Islands in the Bohuslän archipelago on the border between Sweden and Norway in West Sweden.
Overview
One of our favourite places in Sweden and inaugurated as Sweden's first marine national park in 2009.
The car-free Koster Islands are at the northernmost part of the stunning Bohuslän archipelago which stretches 100 miles north of Gothenburg to the Norwegian border. An idyllic area with 8,000 rocky islands and skerries that is a popular summer destinations for Scandinavians. The area is scattered with tiny fishing villages and the Bohuslän archipelago, especially the area around the Koster Islands, is rich in marine wildlife. This national park boasts the richest marine waters on the Swedish coast. Fed by the warm waters of the Atlantic, the Koster Fjord has the optimum salinity for a diverse range of marine animals to thrive. As a guest in this area you will only be able to scratch the surface of this amazing marine kaleidoscope, as much of it is below the waves (try diving!).
The Koster Islands are easily accessible from Gothenburg. Just 2hr40 minutes from Gothenburg by train and a short ferry crossing from the town of Strömstad and across the Koster Fjord. These apartments are part of the Koster Hotel and offer unrivalled views across the Koster Fjord. Relax on your balcony and soak up the long summer days or explore this beautiful location by bike, foot, boat or kayak.
The highlights of this holiday include relaxing on your balcony with stunning views, the nature and calm outdoor life of the Koster Islands.
Suggested Itinerary
| Day 1 | Fly from UK to Gothenburg |
| Typical flight times from Heathrow 0740 landing 1035 | |
| Airport coach from Gothenburg Airport to Gothenburg Central Station | |
| Train to Strömstad | |
| Approx times 1240 arriving 1530 | |
| Short walk from Strömstad Station to the harbour (approx. 400m) | |
| Ferry to the Koster Islands | |
| Approx times 1630 arriving 1715 | |
| Short walk from the quay to your apartment (approx 100m) | |
| Check in and enjoy your holiday on the Koster Islands | |
| Day 2 - Day 6 | This is your holiday - stay as many days as you like! |
| This is a self-catering holiday on the beautiful west coast of Sweden | |
| Enjoy your days at leisure | |
| ´ | Rent a bike, hike around North Koster, take a seal safari, try sea kayaking |
| and so much more | |
| Day 7 | Short walk from Koster Hotel to the ferry terminal (100m) |
| Ferry to Strömstad - typical times 1250-1325 | |
| Short walk (400m) to Strömstad Station | |
| Train to Gothenburg - typical times 1425-17-20 | |
| Airport coach to Gothenburg Airport | |
| Typical flight times to Heathrow 1945 arriving 2050. | |
Accommodation
Koster Hotel - Koster Islands
Stay on the car-free Koster Islands in a spacious apartment at the Koster Hotel. Dive deep into this marine kaleidoscope. Take the passenger ferry to Sweden's most westerly populated islands, terminating just 100m from this coastal hotel. Attractions include a unique seaside location, beaches, rocky islands and of course the magic "Koster light", which has inspired many artists on the island. Renting a bike and a guided tour are strongly recommended so you can appreciate all that is surrounding you. In 2009 the Koster Archipelago National Park was inaugurated and the Koster Islands are now preserved as a spectacular marine nature reserve. The Koster Hotel has an excellent restaurant, and the terrace offers stunning views across the Koster Fjord. During the summer months there is often a live band in the evenings.
These apartments have the best views on the Koster Islands, with balconies facing the Koster Fjord and can comfortably accommodate four to six people (plus two more on a sofa bed), in two or three bedrooms. The main bathroom is an en suite to the master bedroom (double / twin) and there is also an additional WC. All apartments have a fully equipped kitchen, furnished balcony, wireless internet and are accessible by lift. There is a supermarket on the island (5 mins walk away) with an ATM. It is closed on Sundays.
Activities & Excursions
This holiday is all about enjoying the local scenery and culture.
Koster Islands
Take a guided walk / cycle ride with Steffan from the Koster Trädgård cafe / restaurant. Enjoy 'fika' at this cafe, rent a bike or walk and explore by yourself. Take a fishing or diving tour into the marine national park, seal spotting from a boat or relax on a beach under the warm summer sunshine. Rent a kayak and explore on a guided or self guided tour. Play boule or croquet next door to the hotel.
Other local activities include
Crabbing - popular with children
Badminton and tennis
Yoga
Segway tours
RIB tours
The Koster Islands are a marine national park - come visit, look after it and enjoy it!
Dates
Late May, June, July, August & September
(peak holiday season is mid-June to mid-August)
Prices
Prices from & based on 4 people including breakfast
| Up to 7Jun | 8Jun to 5Jul | ||
| from 24Aug | 10 to 23Aug | 6Jul to 9Aug | |
| Price per person | £850 | £960 | £1095 |
| Extra nights from per apartment | £350 | £385 | £455 |
Extra person from £330 per person
For 2 people
We recommend staying in a suite with sea view
| Up to 7Jun | 8Jun to 5Jul | ||
| from 24Aug | 10 to 23Aug | 6Jul to 9Aug | |
| Price per person | £1050 | £1135 | £1195 |
| Extra nights from pp | £125 | £140 | £150 |
Price includes
return flights from the UK
airport coach to / from Gothenburg airport and Gothenburg station
train to / from Strömstad & Gothenburg
return ferry ticket to Koster Islands
5 nights bed and breakfast in a sea view apartment / suite at Koster Hotel
