[2] Despite its small size, Strömstad is a bustling town throughout the year due to its international ferry link to Sandefjord, Norway.

This is particularly true for Easter (especially Maundy Thursday) and the months of June and July, when thousands of vacationing Norwegians are visiting Strömstad.

[6] Originally, the province Bohuslän, where Strömstad is situated, was Norwegian territory, which was transferred to Sweden according to the Treaty of Roskilde in 1658.

The warlike King Charles XII of Sweden, for instance, used it as his outpost for his campaign against Norway in 1716–1718.

The municipality of Strömstad is located in the Bohuslän province of Västra Götaland County in western Sweden.

Strömstad is the administrative centre of the municipality, while minor towns include Skee, Kebal, and Svinesund.

The islands are popular tourist destinations and the rural South Koster brags one of western Sweden's largest sandy beaches.

The nearby Kosterhavet National Park is home to the country's largest seal colony.

[citation needed] The Norwegians have been notoriously known for causing havoc on Maundy Thursday as this is a public holiday in Norway but not in Sweden.

[citation needed] For Easter 2008 the city council decided to keep Systembolaget closed on Maundy Thursday.

The train- and adjacent bus stations are located on Södra Hammen, across the street from the international ferry terminal on Uddevallavägen.

The Bohus Line runs from Gothenburg through the industrial city of Uddevalla, before terminating in Strömstad.

[2] Other attractions include Strömstad Church in the city center, which has decorative features such as busy frescoes, ship models hanging from the ceiling, 1970s brass lamps, and gilt chandeliers.