Sydkoster: Walk the Brown Trail from Ekenäs

Choose Ekenäs as your arrival pier for Sydkoster's brown trail. It takes you from naturum toward Rörvik's shore and back, giving a small island walk without committing to the 13 km blue route. Expect forest, sand, rock and short steep sections rather than a level harbor promenade.

West Sweden's tourism authority gives 2.5 km for the brown trail. The detailed Naturkartan entry lists 2.3 km for its mapped route. Plan around the longer published figure plus the pier approach, stops and ferry margin; do not turn either into a promise about walking time.

Keep Ekenäs on both ferry tickets

Depart from Ångbåtskajen in Strömstad on a sailing that calls at Ekenäs. The ferries serve several piers on two islands, so check the stop name in both directions. Naturum Kosterhavet is at Ekenäs and makes a useful first stop for a route map and current local advice.

From naturum, follow the brown markers up the initial asphalt hill with the other colored routes. Before the tennis court, turn toward Rörvik on the forest path. Follow the shore over sand and rock, then the brown route turns inland near the snorkeling-trail area and climbs a short steep passage. Keep the brown return via the gravel road and residential area toward the tennis court, then descend to naturum and the pier. Do not take the blue extension toward Långegärde unless you have planned that different finish.

Use the new ferry information

Västtrafik's September 27, 2026 changes introduced Kosterlinjen as operator and a new summer line 898 alongside 899. Use the current planner for your date, not a saved older island timetable. The extra summer line is not an October departure option.

Current ferry information explains ticket options and links the planner. Confirm the sailing in the published timetable or To Go app and leave a margin at the correct pier before departure.

Dogs must be leashed in the nature reserve, and moving stones is prohibited. Keep to the walking trail and respect signed protected areas. Return to Ekenäs early enough that a slow rocky section does not consume the ferry margin. Our car-free nature guide helps build that margin around a walk rather than treating the boat as an afterthought.