Tjärnö Aquarium
Strömstad

The aquarium is part of Tjärnö Marine Laboratory, around 13 kilometres south of Strömstad. Here, researchers and marine biologists study the remarkable life found in Kosterhavet and the surrounding sea - and during the summer, visitors are invited to take a closer look.

Discover life beneath the surface

Each aquarium recreates a small part of the marine environment found along the Swedish west coast.

Peer into an eelgrass meadow where pipefish and brown shrimp hide among the swaying leaves. Meet the Norway lobster that lives on the soft seabed, explore the colourful world of red algae and discover a small cold-water coral reef.

Together, the aquariums offer a glimpse of the extraordinary variety of life beneath the surface of Kosterhavet.

Get closer in the touch pool

One of the highlights is the touch pool, where visitors can carefully meet some of the sea’s more unusual inhabitants.

Feel the texture of a sea cucumber, take a closer look at a starfish and discover the soft coral known as dead man’s fingers. The touch pool is a memorable experience for curious visitors of all ages and a wonderful way for children to discover that even the most unusual-looking marine inhabitants play an important role in the ecosystem.

Please follow the staff’s instructions and handle the animals gently.

Meet the marine biologists

Marine biologists are on hand during public opening hours to answer questions and share their knowledge about life in the sea.

You can also study tiny living organisms through a stereomicroscope and see details that are almost invisible to the naked eye. Live presentations explore subjects such as oysters, lobsters, crabs and jellyfish.

Please note that presentations, films and some of the information inside the aquarium are mainly in Swedish.

Opening hours and admission

Tjärnö Aquarium is open to the public on selected dates during the summer. Opening hours and admission fees may change from year to year.

Outside the public summer season, guided visits may be arranged for pre-booked school classes and other groups.

For current opening hours, admission fees and contact details, visit the official Tjärnö Aquarium website.

Getting here

Tjärnö Aquarium is located at Tjärnö Marine Laboratory on the island of Tjärnö. The island is connected to the mainland by road and can be reached by car or bus.

By bus

Buses run between Strömstad and Tjärnö. Get off at Tjärnölaboratoriet, a short walk from the aquarium.

Use the Västtrafik journey planner to find current routes and departure times.

By car

From the E6, follow the signs towards Tjärnö and Saltö. The road takes you across the islands of Daftö and Öddö before reaching Tjärnö.

The visitor car park is located on the left-hand side immediately before the bridge to Saltö. From the car park, follow the signs for Tjärnö Marine Laboratory and the aquarium.

Find Tjärnö Aquarium on Google Maps.

Good to know

• Tjärnö Aquarium is indoors and makes a great activity whatever the weather.

• The aquarium is particularly suitable for families and anyone curious about marine life.

• Opening hours are limited and seasonal, so always check before travelling.

• Presentations and films are mainly in Swedish.

• Children should be supervised, particularly around the touch pool.

• Postcards, posters and publications are available to buy.

Make a day of it

Combine your visit with a walk or swim at nearby Saltö Nature Reserve.

Saltö offers peaceful pine forests, rocky coastal trails, sheltered beaches and beautiful views across Kosterhavet. At Hasslebukten, you can even follow a marked snorkelling trail and continue your journey of discovery beneath the surface.