The small community of Ström is located along the western shores of the river Göta Älv. The river separates Ström from the locality of Lilla Edet on the other side. It also acts as the border between the provinces of Bohuslän and Västergötland. Ström is today a part of what is known as Lilla Edet Western, which also includes Östra Berg. The locality has a total population of around 1.600 inhabitants.
A Short History of Ström
The history of Ström is strongly connected with the history of Ström House. This manor has its oldest known origins in the 14th century. The manor has had several owners during the centuries and in periods it was the largest farming estate in Sweden. Lilla Edet Municipality purchased the area of Ström in 1984. The estate was then split into several parts of which the houses and buildings were sold separately.
In addition to the manor, there were other developments here during the centuries. After that the oldest lock in Sweden had opened across the river in Lilla Edet in 1607, Ström got its own lock and canal in 1832.
Things to Do and See
A lot of the sights in Ström are in connection to the manor house and the canal. With Lilla Edet on the other side of the river and just a short drive to towns such as Stenungsund, Trollhättan, and Uddevalla, there is a lot to explore in this part of Sweden.
Ström House
This is the manor, also referred to as a castle, at the center of Ström. The manor was first mentioned in 1320 and has since had many owners over the centuries. The current main building dates, however, only back to 1851. The manor house is today privately owned and houses a daycare center, rental apartments, and space for events.
Ström Lock and Trollhätte Canal
Trollhätte Canal is 82 kilometers long and follows the river Göta Älv. It includes several locks, one of which is in Ström. It was opened in 1832 and replaced the locks on the other side of the river, in Lilla Edet.
Ströms Slottspark
This park is adjacent to the manor house, but outside of its gates. Here you can find shade from the trees during warm summer days, large fields for play or relaxation, and a playground for the kids.
Lilla Edet
Lilla Edet is just across the river, a short walk across the bridge from Ström. Here you find the oldest lock in Sweden and many of the amenities you will need for a visit to the area.
Read more about Lilla Edet here >>
How to Get to Ström
- Flights: There are domestic and international routes to and from Göteborg Landvetter Airport (GOT), which is 78 kilometers away.
- Car: Skärhamn is close to road 169, almost at its end in Rönnäng. The road connects with the E6 via road 160 at Stenungsund.
- Bus: Local and regional buses from Västtrafik connect Skärhamn with the surrounding region.
The driving distance from 5 major Swedish cities, according to Google Maps:
- Stockholm – 442 kilometers (5h 6min)
- Gothenburg – 56 kilometers (43min)
- Malmö – 329 kilometers (3h 26min)
- Linköping – 327 kilometers (3h 35min)
- Kiruna – 1539 kilometers (17h 42min)
Find out more about other destinations in Sweden by visiting our page Exploring Sweden
