Furthest north, on the border with Norway, lies Sweden’s only marina national park, Kosterhavet, which releases itself from other archipelagos and forms the country’s western most inhabited group of islands. An archipelago environment that is so full of life, it is the country’s richest region in species, both above and below the water’s surface. Here, you can spend many fantastic days in a kayak.
DAY 1
If the weather is nice and the ocean is still you can start paddling from our kayak center in Grönemad, Grebbestad. Just north of our center you will pass the nature reserve Tjurpannan (bulls forehead), one of the coast’s most weather exposed routes, where the waves can be big and difficult. Ensure that you paddle this passage in relation to your own comfort level.
DAY 2
Continue north and paddle west of Rossö Island, in expansive, occasionally open paddling with the Koster Fjord to your left. If you kayak all the way up to the island of Saltö, the shortest route across the fjor is past the islands of Brattskär, which heedes a wonderful little bay on its west side, perfect for a lunch or an overnight.
DAY 3
Just north of Ekenäs, you enter the strait between South and North Koster. Let your journey be slow and treat yourself to a shellfish festival at restaurant Strandkanten on North Koster or Sundets Skaldjurscafé on the other side of the strait. A slightly longer stopover will allow you to walk into South Koster and a visit to Kosters Trädgårdar, where you will be served an ecological lunch or supper and perhaps some live music.
DAY 4
You will find the most stunning paddling on the west side of South Koster. On your way down south just explore and enjoy the many inlets, beaches and maze shaped islands. Måskär,
DAY 5
Let the lighthouses on Ursholmen be your guide for your continued journey southwest, go ashore at Yttre Ursholmen and explore Sweden’s westernmost lighthouse. Take a walk over the black penetrations of diabase into the mountain that form peculiar paths on the island floor of gneiss. Here, geological history has created exceptional natural works of art.
Be on the lookout for Bohulän’s provincial animal, the harbor seal, when changing direction and paddling northeast. The changes of an encounter with this curious seal are great. Remember to observe the seals at a distance, and to avoid disturbing them.
DAY 6
Steer the bow towards the island Saltö crossing the Koster Fjord on your way back to Grönemad, Grebbestad. On the way down towards Havstenssund, you will have the opportunity to choose routes other than those on the way north.
Perhaps the weather will permit a tour to the lighthouse Svangen or Ulsholmen for another overnight. When you have returned the kayaks you definetely deserve a nice meal at one of the many nice local restaurant like Telegrafen, Madvraget, Grebys to name a few.