Koster Islands
Encyclopedia
The Koster Islands situated 10km 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.
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.
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.
For further information contact the Strömstad Tourist office at +46 (0) 526 62330 or browse www.kosteroarna.com.
Strömstad
Strömstad is a locality and the seat of Strömstad Municipality, Västra Götaland County, Sweden with 6,110 inhabitants in 2005.Strömstad is, despite its small population, for historical reasons normally still referred to as a city.- History :...
, Sweden
Sweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
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
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 1600’s 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
Koster is a well-established and popular tourist destination, attracting as many as 90 000 tourists 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.
For further information contact the Strömstad Tourist office at +46 (0) 526 62330 or browse www.kosteroarna.com.
External links
- Koster: Islands in the Skagerrak
- Kosterhavet National Park
- Map of Koster Islands
- Koster Festival
- Basteviken Stugby