Family cycling on the Koster islands
Are you thinking of taking the family to the archipelago paradise on the border and wondering what you can do there? Whether you bring your own bike or rent one on Koster, the principle is the same: Koster is best explored on two wheels!
Explore Koster by bike
Photographer: Jonas Ingman
Nice stops along the way
The cycle paths on South Koster offer lots of enjoyable detours. Just north of Ekenäs you can stop at Rörvik and explore life below the surface along the marked snorkelling trail at the Rörvik shore. And don’t miss South Koster’s highest point, Valfjäll, for its breathtaking views of The Koster Islands and the surrounding archipelago, it’s quite a sight!
And don’t miss a visit to naturum Kosterhavet, the national park’s visitors’ centre. There is an interactive exhibition, petting aquarium, films, souvenir shop and excellent guides who can tell you all about the Marine National Park and life under the water.
Some other nice stops are the sandy beach at Kilesand, and Brevik harbour where there is a barbecue area and picnic tables.
Photographer: Katrin Sjögren
Good to know
Getting here
The ferries to Koster depart regularly from here, with even more departures in summer. Leave your car in Strömstad, because the Koster islands are car-free. From Strömstad and onwards to the Koster Islands, operates boats from the north harbour every day of the year. Time tabel and ticket >>
The boat journey to the Koster Islands – North Koster and South Koster – takes around 45 minutes. If you have your own bike with you, you can take it on board, space permitting, for a small fee. You also pay the ticket on onboard the ferry.
Bike rental
If you choose to make your way around by bike, you can see a lot in a short space of time as the distances are not particularly great. There are a number of signposted trailswhich take you around the island. If you don’t have a bike with you, you’ll be able to hire enough for the whole family from April to October near all the ferry landings on South Koster. If you disembark at either Långagärde or Ekenäs you will find bikes for hire at both locations. You can even rent the bike at one pier and return it at the other before taking the return ferry. There’s no need to back-pedal on South Koster!
Length
On the Koster Islands you’ll be cycling short distances of a few kilometres at a time and will always be close to somewhere to swim or have a fika.
Terrain
Gravel roads and cycle tracks, almost completely car free.