Best lakes around Strömstad offer a unique blend of marine and coastal experiences, particularly around the Koster Islands and Kosterhavet National Park. This region, Sweden's first marine national park, features sheltered waters, diverse ecosystems, and lush landscapes. Visitors can explore car-free islands with walking trails, sandy beaches, and rich marine biodiversity. The area provides lake-like tranquility within a coastal setting, making it a notable destination for nature exploration.
Last updated: May 13, 2026
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Ormtjernhytta is owned and operated by TTIF and has its own cabin management. The cabin is located by the water in a scenic setting, approximately 1 km from Route 21. Ormtjernhytta appears to be a very popular sports cabin. Tables and benches are available by the water and in the sun wall. The cabin has wheelchair access to the cabin itself and to the restrooms. There are marked hiking trails and a lit path in the area. There is a large parking lot on the main road (near the toll booth) and a large parking lot directly at the cabin. There is also a large parking lot in Krusseter (near the kiosk/beach) and a smaller one in Blæsemoen (Route 21). A beautiful circular trail of approximately 0.8 km leads around the lake. The start/finish is at the cabin. From mid-September to Easter, the hut is open every Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Food and drinks can be purchased at the hut. Weather permitting, the hut is also open during the Christmas and winter holidays. When possible, ice skating rinks are set up on the ice surface in winter. Young and old can enjoy themselves here in good weather. Skates in various sizes and ice skating penguins are available for rental at the hut during opening hours.
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A beautiful rest area. Words can't describe how beautiful it is; just go there yourself. Just above the playground, you enter between the permanent campsites. After 40-50 meters, you reach the rest area. The view is simply outstanding.
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easily accessible, without mudders and therefore good for swimming and refilling water
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The short detour is really worth it. Whether for a lunch break or an overnight stay at the windbreak.
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Near the square there is campfire wood for the night at the windbreak, which is a little further along the lake.
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Did you tour upside down. If you walk in the direction of Bjälveröd Camping, you can clearly see the trail markings.
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The Strömstad region offers unique 'lake-like' experiences primarily within its marine environment, particularly around the Koster Islands and Kosterhavet National Park. These areas feature sheltered, calm waters, diverse ecosystems, and lush landscapes, providing opportunities for activities like swimming, kayaking, and exploring rich marine biodiversity, similar to traditional lakes.
Yes, several spots are great for families. The Path to the lake and wind shelter is a family-friendly lake highlight. Another excellent option is the Lakeside Rest and Swimming Spot, which is easily accessible and good for swimming. The Koster Islands also offer long sandy beaches and car-free environments perfect for family exploration.
The Koster Islands, part of Kosterhavet National Park, are ideal for hiking. Sydkoster offers several color-coded walking trails ranging from 3 to 5 kilometers, while Nordkoster has shorter loops. For more detailed routes, you can explore the Hiking around Strömstad guide, which includes trails like the Nordkoster Orange Loop and Sydkoster Blue Trail.
Yes, the Ormtjernhytta and Lakeside Recreation Area is wheelchair accessible. The cabin itself and its restrooms are designed for wheelchair access, and there are marked hiking trails and a lit path in the area, including a beautiful circular trail of approximately 0.8 km around the lake.
Absolutely. The Koster Islands are known for their long sandy beaches, perfect for swimming. The Lakeside Rest and Swimming Spot is also easily accessible and recommended for swimming. Kosterhavet National Park's clear waters are also popular for snorkeling and other water activities.
You can observe diverse natural features, from the lush broadleaf forests and flower-filled coastal meadows of the Koster Islands to the unique rounded rock formations of the Klapperskär fields. Kosterhavet National Park is incredibly rich in species, with approximately 12,000 different plants and animals, both on land and underwater, making it a prime spot for marine biodiversity.
The Koster Islands are one of Sweden's sunniest places, making spring and late summer particularly good times to visit for calm waters and abundant birdlife, especially for kayaking. The Ormtjernhytta and Lakeside Recreation Area is open on Sundays from mid-September to Easter, and offers ice skating in winter when conditions allow.
Yes, the View of the Fjord offers a beautiful rest area with an outstanding view, located just above a playground. The Path to the lake and wind shelter is also suitable for a lunch break or even an overnight stay at the windbreak. The Ormtjernhytta and Lakeside Recreation Area provides tables and benches by the water.
Beyond hiking, the region is excellent for cycling, kayaking, and snorkeling, especially around the Koster Islands and Kosterhavet National Park. In winter, the Ormtjernhytta and Lakeside Recreation Area offers ice skating when conditions permit. For more options, explore the MTB Trails around Strömstad or Gravel biking around Strömstad guides.
The Koster Islands are easily accessible by daily ferries from Strömstad. Once there, the islands are largely car-free, encouraging exploration by foot or rented bicycle. Kosterhavet National Park surrounds the islands, and guided tours are available, or you can explore the archipelago independently by kayak or boat.
Yes, the View of the lake near Bjälveröd Camping provides a clear perspective of the lake, especially when walking towards the camping area. Another outstanding spot is the View of the Fjord, which offers a beautiful rest area and exceptional views.
The Ormtjernhytta and Lakeside Recreation Area offers food and drinks for purchase when the hut is open, typically on Sundays from mid-September to Easter. The Koster Islands also have various establishments, especially during peak season.


Still not found your perfect lake around Strömstad? Check out the guides of these regions to see even more beautiful places.