Discover Tjärnö: Marine Life, Coast and Island Culture

Tjärnö combines a distinctive coastal landscape with the University of Gothenburg’s marine research station and its offerings. The island is home to the University of Gothenburg’s marine research station, a workplace and knowledge centre that shapes Tjärnö. Tjärnö marina laboratorium is located in Sweden’s most species-rich marine area, in northern Bohuslän, directly beside Kosterhavet National Park. From Tjärnö, there are views over Kosterhavet. At the same time, the island forms part of an island chain south of Strömstad, connected by bridges, comprising Öddö, Tjärnö and the more outlying Saltö. Tjärnö is characterised by a coastal landscape with small, narrow cultivated areas in crevices between the rocks.

Nature and Marine Life

Tjärnö Akvarium is home to more than 200 different animal and algae species from the marine world beneath the surface of Kosterhavet, as well as a Swedish coral reef. The aquarium is open to the public in summer. Two marine biologists answer questions on site and give live presentations, for example about oysters, lobsters, crabs and jellyfish. The aquarium also has a touch pool where visitors can get to know, among other things, dead man’s fingers, cushion stars and sea cucumbers at close range.

Tjärnölaboratoriet also conveys knowledge through a variety of approaches. There, children learn more about life in the sea through stories, their own investigations and experiments. One morning takes place on the beach, and the next at Tjärnölaboratoriet. In summer, Tjärnölaboratoriet also hosts popular science lectures about life in and around the sea. School classes and the general public are welcome at Tjärnö marina laboratorium.

During a guided visit to the station, visitors receive explanations from a marine biologist about the sea and marine environmental issues. The visit includes the opportunity to see parts of the research and teaching facilities as well as the ships; it also includes a visit to the aquarium and a film about Kosterhavet National Park.

Beneath the Surface

In the nearby Saltö Nature Reserve, there is an approximately 200-metre-long underwater snorkelling trail at a depth of 1 to 1.5 metres, with eight information boards beneath the water. Another scientifically oriented excursion takes visitors out on the research vessel Nereus to explore marine diversity: algae and animals are collected from the seabed and then examined at the station under a stereomicroscope. The Nereus excursion offers the chance to discover life beneath the sea surface in summer. During the “Filmning i Kosterhavets djup” tour, a remotely operated underwater vehicle camera films life 100 metres below the boat. The footage is shown live on board and explained by a guide.

Coast, Trails and Swimming Spots

Nearby Saltö lies at the western end of the Tjärnö archipelago. It has hilly woodland, meadows and pastures; granite is the predominant bedrock. Easy-to-walk trails run through the pine forest, and there are opportunities for swimming, fishing and hiking. Saltö is also one of the gateways to Kosterhavet National Park.

On Tjärnö, the swimming spot at Bofors Camping has a narrow strip of shoreline. The seabed consists of sand and small stones. The swimming spot has a car park, toilets, a kiosk in summer and bathing jetties. The sandy beach at Svallhagen is another destination for an outing on Tjärnö.

Culture and Island Life

The present-day stone-built Tjärnö Church was constructed in 1855 according to plans by the architect Carl Gustaf Blom Carlsson. Written evidence of a stone church in Tjärnö has existed since the Middle Ages; the earliest records date from 1391. Summer concerts are held in Tjärnö Church.

Gullnäsgården on Tjärnö offers courses and retreats focused on active relaxation, conscious breathing, self-care, yoga, mindfulness, meditation, health-oriented topics and Qi Gong. Havtornscaféet has its own cultivated areas.

Connection to the Aquarium

Bus route 891 provides a connection from Strömstad to Tjärnö Akvarium.

More places to consider in the region: Svinesund, Hogdal, Nordkoster, Flåghult, Stensvik, Kebal, Rävö, Strömstad.

To the higher-level travel overview: Strömstad.