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Simply Sweden

Gothenburg & The Koster Islands

Read what The Independent thinks of the Koster Islands

Gothenburg is Sweden’s second city and is the gateway to West Sweden and this impressive archipelago of barren islands and sheltered swimming coves. With its friendly atmosphere, shops, museums and cosy cafes, all within easy walking distance, it is easy to understand why Gothenburg is one of Europe’s most popular city break destinations.

Sweden’s first Marine National Park was inaugurated on the Koster Islands in September 2009 and the inauguration ceremony was shown live on national television. The guest of honour was the King of Sweden, King Carl XVI Gustaf, who opened the national park.

The car free Koster Islands are Sweden’s most westerly populated islands. They are easily accessible by regular passenger ferry from the town of Strömstad and this scenic journey takes just 40mins, terminating just 100m from your hotel. This beautiful location includes sandy beaches, rocky islands, clear evidence of the last ice age, interesting wooden churches & local museums and gorgeous relaxing views across the archipelago. We offer you both hotel and self catering accommodation on the Koster Islands.

Itinerary
Day 1 to 3
Gothenburg

Fly from the UK to Gothenburg. Spend 2 nights at a city centre hotel of your choice, including 48 hour Gothenburg Passes for all guests. Gothenburg is Sweden’s second biggest city and the gateway to West Sweden. One of the real joys of Gothenburg is its maritime locations. The local archipelago is made up of a myriad of islands with gently rounded rocky shores. They range from large inhabited islands to tiny, barren islets, and make it a very attractive summer destination. There are also plenty of museums and attractions to entertain all interests including Universium & Liseberg.

Day 3 to 6 – Take the train to the Koster Islands

Stay on the car free Koster islands at the Sydkoster Hotel Ekenäs and dive deep into this marine kaleidoscope. Park your car in, or catch the train to Strömstad and 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 is now preserved as a spectacular marine nature reserve.

Price from £835 per person based on 2 adults
Price from £2765 for a family of 2 adults & 2 children
Book / enquire about this holiday
 Price includes flights, accommodation as detailed above on a bed and breakfast basis, train from Gothenburg to Strömstad, return ferry to Koster Islands, train from Strömstad to Gothenburg & connecting coach to the airport.


Self catering options

Located at the Syd Koster Hotel above they may not be traditional swedish log cabins but they are spacious 3 bedroom apartments, with comfortable accommodation for 6 including stunning views across the Koster fjörd. A large hall off which there are 2 bedrooms, each with bunk beds, and a bathroom. There is a large lounge / kitchen area with a balcony offering impressive sea views and a double bedroom with a bathroom. As a guest in an apartment you will have access to all the hotels facilites & activities.

Price from £895 per person
Book / enquire about this holiday
7 night holiday. Price for self catering option is per person based on 6 adults and includes flights 2 nights B&B in double / twin rooms in Gothenburg including breakfast and 48hr Gothenburg Pass for all members of the party, train and ferry to the Koster Islands, 5 nights self catering at Syd Koster, ferry, train and coach transfer to Gothenburg airport.

Notes
Please remember we tailor make all our holidays to your specific request and the above itineraries are suggestions to feed your imagination.