Koster Islands

The Koster Islands situated 10 km west of Strömstad, Sweden, comprises an archipelago surrounding the two largest islands, South Koster and North Koster. South Koster has an area of 8 km² and North Koster an area of 4 km². The landscape, dominated by smooth bedrock, bears witness to volcanic activity and subsequent wear due to the Ice Age. The rocky coastline is broken by many sandy beaches the largest being Kilesand on South Koster's east side overlooking the 200 meter deep Koster Fjord.CommunitiesSouth and North Koster are communities with a permanent population of around 340. There is a school, sports hall, shops, church and galleries where handcrafts and arts are exhibited. Both farming and fishing are important, and already during the 1600s Koster exported lobster to Holland. There are several small harbors, popular with sailors from both near and far. Rooms can be rented from the Ekenäs Hotel or from private homes or cabins. There is also a campsite on North Koster.An electrically driven ferry operates constantly between the two islands, a distance of 58 meters. As one moves inland, farmland, woods and rich vegetation becomes apparent and there are many trails. South Koster has a network of roads and paths, which can be explored by bicycle or in small golf-buggies, both of which can be rented. On North Koster it is also possible to rent small boats. Restrictions regarding the right of access, Allemansrätten, forbid open fires and camping is only allowed at the designated campsite. Private cars are not permitted.ClimateThe Koster Islands have a marine west coast climate that has a narrower range of temperatures than inland and areas on the east coast on similar parallels. The islands have a small diurnal temperature variation resulting in mild night time temperatures with frosts being less common than expected for areas on similar parallels both in Sweden and globally. Still yet, sleet was recorded on Nordkoster as late as June 12, 1981, at a temperature of only +2.7°C.