Kayaking - Kosterhavet National Park
Strömstad
The Koster Islands and the surrounding Kosterhavet Marine National Park offer amazing opportunities for kayaking. All the way from Ramsö and Ursholmen in the south to Saltholmen in the north are lots of small islands and rocks with inviting channels, rocky bays and beaches to explore.
Whatever your preferences, Kosterhavet offers wonderful and varied canoeing waters with plenty to discover both above and beneath the surface. Seals sunbathe on the rocks and underneath the surface unique sea creatures hide amongst seaweed and kelp. You don’t have to be a kayaking expert to navigate our archipelago. Feel free to take a shorter trip on your own or find a pleasant place and stay all day. The more adventurous kayaker can visit the open outer archipelago; perhaps a visit to Sweden’s most westerly built island, Ursholmen, seems attractive? Or try one of the guided tours on offer.
Bring your kayak to Koster
There is an extra charge for taking your own kayak on the ferry out to the Koster Islands. Remember that space may be limited in high season and that you may have to wait for the next departure.
Kayak rental
There are a number of rental firms in the area, examples include Kostercykeln/Skärgårdsidyllen and Kosterhavet Dykcenter/ Kosters Kajakuthyrning. When you rent a kayak, the following basic equipment is included: kayak, paddle, life vest, often also a cockpit cover and a pump. Remember to bring sunscreen, picnic, water and a change of clothes.
Map
A very good navigational chart, scale 1:10 000, and the map GS01 Strömstad Utekartan (printed by Tyvek) are available to purchase from the book store in Strömstad.
Useful information
Read more about conservation, camping and fire restrictions, and other exceptions from following publications:
Canoeing favourites
Below are a few top spots for enjoyable canoeing.
NOTE! From July 1 to August 15, it is forbidden to camp between 10 am and 6 pm at Tenholmarna, Burholmen, Bockholmen and Store Bror. Keep in mind that there are some bird and seal conservation areas in the Kosterhavets National Park. Read more abour rules in the national park
Burholmen
The island of Burholmen is located in the outer archipelago, outside the Koster Islands, and visible from almost everywhere in the southern part of the Koster Archipelago. The highest rocks on the island offer great views and the sight of the lighthouses on Ursholmen against the horizon. The island is a popular spot for both swimming and camping.
Arholmen
This area is yet another mecca for canoeists. It is part of the wonderful Koster Archipelago and located just south of Sydkoster and north of Bockholmen. On the eastern side of the island is a great channel to paddle through. There are also a number of fun passages and several islets to circle between. Waste bins and earth toilets.
Tjälleskär & the Stora Sockna ‘archipelago’
A secluded group of islands, where it is easy to find enjoyable places to paddle between the many small islands and in the maze of narrow channels surrounded by high walls. Note also the amazing natural dinosaur-like rock formations to the north. Definitely a must see!
Rundholmen-Tegelholmen
Rundholmen is in the western part of the Koster Archipelago and attached to the island of Tegelholmen, just outside Brevik, Sydkoster. Between Rundholmen and the mainland and north-east of the island are lots of lovely channels to paddle through. The islands have a number of small sandy beaches and two pleasant tent pitches.
Ursholmen – the most northerly lighthouse on the Swedish west coast
This island is a dramatic place in the outer archipelago and requires slightly more canoeing experience, as part of the route goes across an open sea, full of hidden rocks. Ursholmen is made up of two smaller islands, the Outer and Inner Ursholmen.
The islands are separated by a narrow strait. The two lighthouses on the western side give the island its characteristic skyline, visible from far way. The waters around the islands are home to lots of common seals. Waste bins, earth toilets and drinking water.
Guided daytrips
Koster Kayak Tours
Join us for a guided kayak tour of the Kosterhavet national marine park and explore the archipelago around the Koster Islands. We arrange various tours from early spring into wintertime with perfect paddling among the rocks and skerries, as well as culinary adventures. Contact: kosterstradgardar.se/English/guidings-kayak/ stefan@kosterstradgardar.se
Koster Adventures
You find us on Koster Islands and we offer guided tours & rental of kayak & SUP.
Contact
Skärgårdsidyllen Kayak & Outdoor offers a variety of guided kayak tours, both for beginners and for more advanced kayak paddlers. All year around. For more info; Skärgårdsidyllen
