Kosterhavet National Park and Naturum

Kosterhavet National Park
Along the coast outside Strömstad lies Sweden’s first marine national park, opened in 2009. Here, land and sea meet in a unique archipelago where more than 12,000 species live side by side – half underwater and half on land. The area is managed with care so that both people and nature can thrive, and so that the distinctive coastal landscape is preserved for the future.

The tradition of protecting nature on land is long, but protecting life beneath the surface is still relatively rare. Kosterhavet National Park covers almost 400 square kilometres, with a full 98 percent consisting of marine environments. The park is shared between the municipalities of Strömstad and Tanum and borders the Norwegian sister park Ytre Hvaler. Together, they form a large, continuous area with strong protection of coastal and marine nature.

The waters around the Koster Islands are teeming with life – from corals and seagrass beds to fish, shellfish, and rare species that can only be found here. The goal of the park is to preserve this unique environment and keep it as untouched as possible.

The idea of protecting the marine areas of Kosterfjord was proposed as early as 1979, when the area was highlighted for conservation in the environmental plans for Gothenburg and Bohuslän. It took many years of collaboration between researchers, authorities, municipalities, and local associations before the park was finally established.

Naturum
On South Koster (Sydkoster), you’ll find Naturum – the gateway to the national park. Here, you can learn more about life both above and below the water through exhibitions, photos, films, and interactive stations. You can experience the sea up close in a small touch aquarium, ask questions, and find maps and information about the entire area.

Audio guides are available in Swedish, English, German, Norwegian, and Arabic. In the shop, you can buy books, postcards, and small souvenirs, and payment is possible by card, cash, or Swish. Admission is free.