Saltö Nature Reserve

Walk from forest to open sea

A network of paths leads across the island through tall coastal pine forest, narrow valleys and over rocky ground. Some of the trails are easy to follow, while the exposed western shore is steeper and more uneven.

Walk towards the west coast to watch the landscape open up before you. Here, windswept pines give way to rocky shores, boulder beaches and beautiful views across the islands and skerries of Kosterhavet National Park.

Saltö’s old coastal pine forest is characteristic of northern Bohuslän. In the most exposed places, the trees grow low and twisted by the wind, while taller pines shelter woodland plants, birds and wildlife in the valleys.

Sturdy footwear is recommended if you plan to explore the rocky western side of the island.

Swim at Hasslebukten

There are plenty of places to swim around Saltö, from sun-warmed rocks to small, secluded coves.

Hasslebukten is the island’s best-known bathing spot. Its shallow water and sandy beach make it particularly popular with families. On warmer days, it is a lovely place to spend a few unhurried hours swimming, playing and enjoying a picnic by the sea.

Discover the snorkelling trail

Beneath the surface at Hasslebukten, you can follow one of Kosterhavet’s snorkelling trails - a nature trail under water.

The trail is approximately 200 metres long and lies in shallow water, around 1–1.5 metres deep. Follow the line along the seabed to eight information signs introducing some of the plants and animals that live in Kosterhavet.

Bring a mask and snorkel, and consider wearing fins and a wetsuit if the water is cold. For safety, always snorkel with someone else or make sure someone is watching from the shore.

Read more about snorkelling in Strömstad and Kosterhavet.

Traces of Saltö’s past

Saltö’s landscape also holds traces of the people who once lived and worked here.

At Saltpannebukten, seawater was once boiled to produce salt. Elsewhere on the island, you may come across old stone foundations and other reminders of the small farms, fishing and coastal industries that shaped life here.

Getting to Saltö

Saltö is connected to the mainland by road and can be reached by car or public transport.

By car

Leave the E6 towards Saltö and follow the road across Daftö, Öddö and Tjärnö. All the islands are connected by bridges. Use the designated car park on Saltö, where you will also find information about the nature reserve and Kosterhavet National Park.

By bus

Buses run from Strömstad towards Tjärnö. Get off at the Tjärnölaboratoriet stop, beside the bridge leading to Saltö. Check the Västtrafik journey planner before travelling, as routes and timetables may change.

Good to know

Near the car park, you will find visitor information, toilets and places to sit and enjoy a picnic. There are also designated barbecue areas. A small kiosk is usually open during the summer, but opening times may vary.

Saltö is a protected nature reserve. Please help us look after it:

• Keep dogs on a lead.
• Overnight stays and camping are not permitted.
• Light fires only at designated barbecue areas.
• Do not remove, move or stack stones.
• Cycling is only permitted on designated roads.
• Drones are not permitted.
• Always follow local signs and any seasonal restrictions.

Download the Saltö map and visitor guide in English.

For complete and current regulations, visit the official Saltö Nature Reserve page from the County Administrative Board.

Make a day of it

Saltö can easily be combined with a visit to Tjärnö Aquarium, located at the nearby Tjärnö Marine Laboratory. During the summer, visitors can discover some of the remarkable marine life found in Kosterhavet and meet the marine biologists who study it.