In the nature conservation area on Høgdalsneset in Strömstad municipality, you look straight across to the Hvalerøyene in one moment. In the next you are in one of the best preserved coastal primeval forests in Sweden. Many of the pine trees are well over 300 years old. The trip starts at Vagnsjö, a small pond in the middle of the forest. Mostly you walk in forest terrain. The trails are well marked. The forest is varied, in some places quite open, in other places denser. Abo

Between Lysekil and Kungshamn in Västra Götaland is a zoo whose purpose is to preserve endangered animal species. It also has a farm with ordinary livestock. Nordens Ark has programs to breed endangered species from around the world. It is run by the Nordens Ark Foundation. Here you get to see around eighty endangered species. The zoo has a varied selection of mammals, birds, and amphibians. The animals have plenty of space with a design that is adapted to their natural habit

Ramsvik Nature Reserve is located between Smögen and Hunnebostrand. It was originally a peninsula but was split from the mainland when creating the Sote canal. The canal was planned as early as the 19th century but was first opened in 1935. It provides safe inland intersection between Hunnebostrand and Smögen. The area outside the Ramsvik nature reserve (on the left side of the canal in the picture above) is one of the most wind exposed places on the west coast of Sweden. By

In the forest on the hill above Krokstrand at the very bottom of the Idefjorden where the border between Norway and Sweden runs, lies a small idyllic water. Here, the ice has shaped the mountain into a perfect swimming spot where you can stroll comfortably out into the water. There is not much space here, but it is not needed either, because although there are cottage areas nearby, there are few people here. If you arrive early in the morning, or a little out of season, you c

This is what Strömstad looked like in the old days, and this is what the old town in Strömstad looks like today. The old town is located directly opposite the southern harbor, close to the bus and train station. At the time, there was much disagreement about the location of the city hall, the green house. It was eventually placed on a hill near the northern harbor. Today, the distance seems like a stone's throw, but at the time, this was perceived as too far away from the cen

Thirty kilometers south of Strømstad you'll find Vitlycke Museum. It contains some of the best preserved rock carvings in Europe. Children can make their own art crafts and try archery. Northern Bohuslän has numerous ancient monuments such as tumuluses, rock carvings and symbolic stone formations. The cottages give a good impression of the living conditions at that time. Tha farm has a herd of sheep well accustomed to humans. Children can learn how to master the art of archer

A sunny day when the wind is not to hard, you should take the Kosterboat to Nordkoster. It's an island free from cars where you can go on trails and gravel roads, enjoy the silence and dream of past times. Nature ranges from lush forests to plainland and Danish sandy beaches in minature. On the east side it is easy to find a sheltered bay as the dominant wind direction is from south-west. Even in high season it's easy to find a place where you can be for yourself. Because the

Are you looking for a hike in an open forest with a hint of mountains which there is more to than just the beautiful scenery? Bring your children or grandchildren and let them lead the way to the top of the Bjørnerødpiggen. On the way up you will find remains of old 19th century quarries. Large symmetrical blocks of stone were cut out by hand. Krokstrand, located close by, was a major producer and exporter of stone from 1870-1930. Fun for the kids to lead the hike by finding

Saltö is an idyllic island with a beautiful sandy beach and nice hiking opportunities. If you like snorkeling, try the snorkel trail. The beach at Saltö is one of the finest in the area. It is located south-facing and thus sheltered from norhern winds. If you go west along the beach, nature changes. Here you will have a great view to the archipelago and to one of the gateways to the Kosterhavet National Park, which has about 12,000 different species. In the pebbles it is nice

Strømstad has many nice hiking trails in woods and coastal terrain. In the "industrial area" Prästengen there is a 1, 2 and 4 km slope runway where you can jog or walk on soft woodland in an open and airy forest where the field is always green all year round. The terrain has adapted wide paths of different lengths, 1 kilometer (red), 2 kilometers (blue) and 4 kilometers (white). Do you want to run 3 kilometers, you add one red and one blue loop, if you want to run for 5, 6 or

Strømstad has many nice beaches, but those of Capri are perhaps the most beautiful. Here you can see the "Sekken" and the archipelago that merges with the Hvalerøyene on the Norwegian side. Capri is a nature conservation area with a distinctive nature. Here you will find both a sandy beach and a beach with smooth rocks. If you want to lie in the shade of a tree and look out over the sea, you can retreat to the open pine forest right behind the sandy beach. Or you can find a p

Nötholmen is an idyllic island at the gateway to Strømstad harbor. To get there, you have to go through a small neighborhood with narrow streets and canals where residents have their boats moored below the terrace. In the middle of the residential area there is a small sandy beach for the smallest. Nøtholmen was originally an island that became a peninsula when the passage between the island and the mainland was sealed by sand and gravel from the ocean currents. When entrepre

A few minutes drive from Strømstad lies a beautiful lake, ideal for swimming, fishing, picnics, canoeing or a peaceful walk in pleasant woodland. Here you usually get nature for yourself. The first part of the trip goes along the beach and in an open forest with mostly pine trees. The trails are quite wide and soft and comfortable to walk on. If you take a little detour outside the trail, you'll find smooth rocks that invites you to a break at beachside. A little further ahea

Källviken has its own pizza restaurant and rooms and cabins you can enjoy with views to the beautiful archipelago of Bohuslän, but you can also have nice walks in the woods and fields. At the top of the hill you get a wonderful view to sea. In the first and last part of the trail you go through a dark forest. The trail is marked with white marks on trees and rocks. Here and there the sun passes through the tree crowns and creates beautiful patterns in the green forest ground.

Sweden's westernmost point is only a few kilometers from Strømstad. It must be Sweden's most anonymous and secluded attraction. For those who like to go exploring, it's a nice goal. Along the road there are smooth rocks and shallow sand beaches. Time can be merciless to old woodworking in a rough environment with sun, wind and salt. The first part of the trail goes through idylic forests. When you stand at the top of Varden, which marks Sweden's westernmost point, you will se

If you want to experience wind and waves and rough nature, the Tjurpannan Conservation Area is the place. It is one of the most windy areas on the west coast of Sweden, but also a Mecca for divers and a beautiful place to go hiking. Tjurpannan lighhouse is supposed to help seafarers through the infamous Yellow Humpen which has caused a lot of shipwrecks. But few places are more beautiful than Tjurpannan when the sun is shining. The area is famous for its vast diversity of spe

If you want to say hello to cows or just experience a Bohuslän wetland area, you should go to the small conservation area Strømsvannet just off Strømstad city. You probably get the place for yourself, because this seems to be a well-kept secret. The wetland area around Strømsvannet reminds me of an African savannah. Here, reed, bushes and high grass grow side by side. It is a good idea to follow the tracs of the animals. Ground carrying a cow will usually withstand the weight

You can't miss it. The large house with the green roof that thrones over the rest of Strømstad is a landmark both on land and at sea. But what is it really? The short answer is the town hall - Strømstad town hall. The whole answer is full of drama, symbolism and mystery. The building was put into operation in 1917, but was first formally opened a hundred years later, in 2017. This was not due to forgetting, but a dispute between the politicians and the donor who had financed

The coastal path from the picturesque fishing port Selläter to Strømstad city passes through several beautiful beaches. Here you can take in the scent of the sea and enjoy the view of Bohuslän's archipelago accompanied by the sounds of seagulls. The horseshoe-shaped port of Selläter is well protected from wind and waves. Selläter beach is the first you'll meet when you start on the coastal path. Along the first part of the coastal path, you pass several small piers. And later

Just outside Strömstad lies the Koster Islands. It consists of two larger islands and numerous islets. Here time has passed slowly. Nature is typical of Bohuslän. The ice has shaped and rounded mountains and rocks. The vegetation is windblown, but beautiful. In southern Koster, bicycle is the most common means of transport. There are a few cars, but they are used for business activities. Three-wheeled mopeds with a small load plan are frequently used by the locals. The island