Strömstad

Strömstad is situated on the Swedish west coast in the Bohuslän province of Västra Götaland County. With a rich cultural heritage and stunning natural beauty, Strömstad is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in exploring this part of Sweden.

On Ferryhopper, you can find lots of useful information about Strömstad, its must-see attractions and the ferries to get there. Browse all available routes and book your ferry tickets to Sweden easily and quickly!

Stunning view towards the Svinesund Bridge at the border between Norway and Sweden

Vacation in Strömstad

Strömstad is a charming town located on the west coast of Sweden, near the border with Norway. It is surrounded by breathtaking nature and offers a variety of outdoor activities for visitors.

Despite its small size, Strömstad is a town bustling with activity during Easter and the months of June and July, thanks to the international ferry link from Sandefjord, Norway. The town is perfectly situated as a base for further exploration. Yet there's no need to go right away.

Strömstad's coastal location makes it the ideal destination for visitors looking to explore picturesque islands and historical sites, to try water activities, or simply to breathe in the salty sea air. It has a relaxed vibe, great restaurants and charming shopping streets. So put down your bags, unwind and stay here for a night or two.

How to get to Strömstad

You can reach Strömstad by ferry, car or public transport, depending on your point of departure.

Strömstads’ strategic position makes traveling by ferry from Norway to Sweden nothing but smooth sailing! From the port of Sandefjord, it is possible to travel by ferry to Strömstad year-round. Learn more about ferries to Strömstad below.

If, on the other hand, you intend to reach Strömstad by car, you should know that the town is located on the E6 highway. If you are driving from Gothenburg, it takes about 2 hours to reach Strömstad. From Oslo, Norway, it takes about 1.5 hours. Regarding public transport, the city can be reached by train from Gothenburg and by bus from Smögen.

What to do in Strömstad

One of the most popular things to do in Strömstad is to take a boat tour of the archipelago. There are several tour operators offering guided tours and visitors can explore a variety of islands and islets, such as Koster, two beautiful, car-free islands, and the Weather Islands, 13 km west of Fjällbacka. In fact, this part of Bohuslän is often called the world's most beautiful archipelago. Here, you can visit the islands’ small harbors, do some fishing, take a nice walk or rent a bike, and enjoy good food. Keep in mind that you can also reach the nature reserves on Rossö and Saltö islands by car.

Another must-do activity in Strömstad is to visit the Kosterhavet National Park, the only national marine park in Sweden. The park covers 400 km2 and is home to around 12,000 animal and plant species. Visitors can take a guided tour of the park, rent a kayak to explore the coastline or go snorkeling. The park also has several hiking trails that offer breathtaking views of the archipelago, making it a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Another must for nature lovers is the Bohusleden trail along the wild and beautiful Bohuslän coast. 

Finally, history enthusiasts should not miss exploring the rock carvings in Tanum, which were added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1994. Just a short drive from Strömstad, these rock carvings are a unique example of Bronze Age art.

View to the small village of Fjällback and its breathtaking archipelago

Sightseeing in Strömstad

Strömstad is known for its stunning scenery and rich history. Sightseeing in Strömstad offers visitors a chance to admire the town’s charming streets, picturesque harbor and magnificent archipelago. We highly recommend the following sights in and around Strömstad:

• Strömstads Museum, showcasing the town’s fascinating history
• The Friluftsmuseet Fiskartorpet, an open-air museum featuring fishermen's cottages
• The church of Skee Strömstad, one of Bohusläns oldest churches
• The City Hall, dating back to 1917
• The new Svinesund Bridge, separating Strömstad from the Norwegian municipality of Halden
• The Blomsholm, an area with many ancient monuments from the Stone Age until medieval times
• The Tjärnö Aquarium, 14 km from Strömstad, this is the most species-rich aquarium in Sweden
• The Alaska stone and flower park, on Nord Långö island

The massive stone ship, the most known ancient monument at Blomsholm

Nightlife in Strömstad

Strömstad is a small town with a relaxed atmosphere. However, visitors can still enjoy a pleasant evening out with friends or family thanks to the few bars and restaurants that stay open late. 

The town tends to be more lively during the summer months when Norwegian visitors flock to the town for their holiday. There is a festive atmosphere in the air, with concerts often being held at Lokstallet Konsthall on Uddevallavägen. 

Another popular spot is the Strandpromenaden, a scenic waterfront promenade lined with restaurants and cafes. Here, visitors can enjoy a drink or a meal while watching the boats go by and taking in the views of the harbor.

Food in Strömstad

Due to its location on the coast, seafood is featured prominently in many of the town’s dishes. Strömstad used to be a fishing village and every morning, fishing boats still bring in their catch. Also called the “shrimp town,” Strömstad is particularly popular for its fresh shrimps and lobster.

In addition to seafood, there are also many traditional Swedish dishes available here, such as herring and meatballs with mashed potatoes. Visitors to Strömstad can also try the Västerbottensost internationally-acclaimed cheese, which is produced in the nearby town of Burträsk.

Useful information about Strömstad

In Strömstad, you can find everything you might possibly need for a relaxing, hassle-free vacation. Regarding medical services, there is a hospital and several medical clinics in town.

As for accommodation, options range from cozy Bed & Breakfasts to larger hotels. There are also vacation rentals and camping sites available for those who prefer more outdoor-oriented accommodations. 

Tip: Daftö, one of Sweden’s largest camping spots, is located less than 10 minutes by car from central Strömstad. Here you’ll find an amusement park, a pool, a playground, a fairground, and mini golf, the ultimate children’s holiday paradise!

Strömstad’s unique city hall built in Art Nouveau style

Important phone numbers for your stay in Strömstad

Check out some important phone numbers you might find helpful during your stay in Strömstad:

• Strömstad Port Authority: +4652619175
• Tourist office: +46052662330
• Aleris Hospital Strömstad: +46101673900
• Strömstad Health Center: +46526799000
• European emergency number: 112

Transportation in Strömstad

Strömstad is a walkable town and most of its attractions are within walking distance. Biking is another popular way to get around town. You can rent a bike at several locations in Strömstad and there are bike paths along the coast that offer scenic views of the sea.

Despite its small size, Strömstad also has a good transportation network that allows visitors to easily explore the town and surrounding areas. There are several local and regional bus routes that connect Strömstad to nearby towns and cities.

Ports in Strömstad

The Port of Strömstad is a small but busy commercial and passenger port in Sweden. It is located just a few minutes' walk from the center of town. The train station and nearby bus stop are across the street from the international ferry terminal on Uddevallavägen street.

Close to the port you will find several amenities, such as souvenir shops, bars, restaurants, and a tourist information center. There is also a large parking lot next to the port.

Strömstad ferry: schedules and tickets

Ferries to Strömstad from Sandefjord are primarily operated by the conventional ferries of Fjord Line and Color Line. Specifically:

• Sandefjord - Strömstad ferry: there are up to 4 daily Sandefjord - Strömstad ferries that make the crossing in roughly 2.5 hours. Ferry tickets from Sandefjord cost around €4-€5.

Boats at Södra Hamn marina

Book ferry tickets to Strömstad online

On Ferryhopper, you can browse all ferry schedules from/to the port of Strömstad and compare them in real time on our Map of ferries. Find the one that suits you best and book ferry tickets for your trip across Scandinavia without any hidden fees!