HVALER

A short trip of less than 2 hours from Oslo you can experience the world of Hvaler. A world which is best described as breathtaking and magical.

For a long time Hvaler has been regarded as one of Norway's most exciting holiday and recreational areas. The sea, the beauty of the coastal landscape, the many rustic villages and the record many hours of sunshine attract holidaymakers to this amazing archipelago.

Hvaler must be experienced, you must have been there to understand…

HVALER

Fantastic in the Summer, Magical in the Winter. Nice Experiences – All Year.

The archipelago and the unique environment of the rustic island communities have a magnetic attraction for visitors, whether they come by car, bus or boat. In the hectic summertime the inhabitants multiply because of all the cabin guests and holiday makers. A stunning archipelago and a 691 kilometres long coastline provide room for everyone - all year round.

However - more and more people are discovering that Hvaler has a lot more to offer. Also in the wintertime it is nice to go for a walk or take a trip to Herføl by ferry to really feel the weather and the changing nature. In contrast to the coastal environment you may also experience the inland idyll with its rare flora and abundant wildlife. The largest of the Hvaler islands also has vast forests with almost all the forest types you can find in Scandinavia. Here the forests alternate from coniferous to moist black alder swamp. And the best part is that you as a hiker or biker can use all of this wonderful nature, either via trails or over polished rocks.

FACTS ABOUT HVALER:

•              Over 4,000 inhabitants. The population multiplies in the summer because of all the cabin- and holiday guests.

•              The total area is 89.56 square kilometres.

•              Consists of 833 islands, islets and reefs. The biggest town is Skjærhalden.

•              The largest primary industry is fishing.

•              Is one of the places in Norway which boasts the most sunshine hours.

•              Outer Hvaler National Park was established in 2009 and has great conservation value.

A Trip On the Oslo Fjord Is an Experience!

The Oslo Fjord archipelago is large and diverse. Taking a trip on the fjord you will travel through quiet inlets and coves via huge fjords and out to the outer reefs that have been washed naked by waves from the Skagerrak. The coast of the Oslo Fjord is many things - depending on who sees it and where it occurs. Furthest out is the fishermen's kingdom. furthest in the agricultural fields, the woods and the farms take over, along with small settlements and cities. All possible transitions and combinations add up to a varied and interesting picture for lovers of nature. Here freedom is found in untouched nature, ocean, waves and fresh winds. And those living, vacationing and working here give both life and movement to the area.

Shoreline with pebbles in lovely grey and brown, rocks in glistening orange, beige and grey-black shades, blue sea against the wide horizon. This is how the coast of the Oslo fjord rises into the day. In this beautiful and interesting archipelago: Mølen, Heia, Svenner, Færder, Torbjørnsskjær, Tisler, Bolærne, Verdens Ende, Akerøya, the Søster islands, Struten, Kuvauen, Tønsberg Tønne, Hankø, Saltholmen, the Sletter islands and Jeløy.

Norway's capital Oslo is located at the beginning of the fjord. This lovely city, which is surroundedby hills, is probably one of very few capital cities that can offer such a wide and diverse range of sights and attractions - all year round!

The mighty Færder, Svenner and Torbjørnskjær lighthouses reminisce of human presence and are guiding mariners. Many sailors and ship's crews have been put to the test in storm and nice weather alike, against the treacherous underwater reefs, currents and breakers, in small and large boats and ships, all year round. The Oslo fjord has had its share of shipwrecks and acts of heroism. Thousands in the fishermen's cottages between rocky outcrops and in ports have been waiting for their loved ones during long stormy nights and days of uncertainty and fear.

The same coastline is also a vacation paradise in the summer, when the sea is calm and tiny waves gurgle against the boats cruising between islets and reefs in the archipelago. Plastic, wooden and sailboats swarm around, headed for fishing spots or a sheltered cove for picnics or sunbathing. Most vacationers at the Oslo fjord keep coming back, time and time again. No one remains untouched by the grandeur and splendor that the archipelago offers, the borderline between ocean and land.

Looking at the rocks, islands, islets and reefs around us, they seem eternally unchangeable and incorruptible. As they are colored red by the setting sun, or when sea foam detaches itself from the grey-blue waves and washes over the cliffs, we think that this is how it always will be. Our presence is but a glimpse in geological history...

Looking at the oldest bedrock (gneiss) along the Oslo fjord we need to go far back in time - 1 billion years! - to find the origin of the Oslo fjord and the surrounding landscape. During this period the south-eastern part of the country went through a troubled time. Land masses began drifting apart and volcanos appeared. Lava from the depths flooded large areas. Far down the lava congealed into rocks with large crystals. During millions of years everything on top of this bedrock was worn away. It was subjected to further wear. 600 million years ago the land was flooded. Norway transformed into a shallow tropical coral sea. 200 million years Oslo, as large parts of the rest of the country, was quite like today's Red Sea or the Great Barrier Reef along Australia's eastern coast. Several kilometers thick layers of sediments consisting of clay and limestones were built up during all this time. These sediments have since been petrified into cambro-silurian bedrock. Several places offer fossils and thus an insight into what the environment was like at the time. All the Oslo islands originates from this period in time.

Weather, wind, ice and water have done their work over millions of years. The last Ice Age, leaving a heavy sheet of ice across Norway, and the weight of the ice pushed the land down. About 11,000 years ago the climate became milder and the ice retracted from the coast. At the same time the sea level rose. The highest peaks along the shores of the Oslo fjord ended up 70 meters below sea level - as deep underwater reefs!

Where the front of the glacier stood still for a while, or where the glacier advanced, large masses of clay, sand and rocks were deposited. These moraines are called "ra" in Norwegian. The large ra going around the south of Norway actually starts in Østfold. Remnants of this ra can be seen on the large pebble beach on the Herføl island in the Hvaler archipelago. Remnants of the glacial moraine are also visually present on some of the other islands. The ra continues across the Oslo fjord south through Vestfold, plunges into the depths of the Skagerrak before it re-appears at the Jomfruland island outside Kragerø, Telemark, before continuing down the coast. 

After the Ice Age land masses began to arise, and soon the highest peaks emerged above sea level as islands and reefs. The land has continued to rise, more and more reefs have emerged, washed smooth by the waves, and have been joined together with the mainland and larger islands. Clay and gravel have been deposited in valleys and become the sandy and calcareous soil along the coast of Østfold. The land is still rising, at present approx. 2 millimeters per year, or about 20 centimers per century. In not too many millenniums the Oslo fjord and its islands may become landfast, a future we will not live to see. If the crustal continues at its present pace, Hankø and the Hvaler islands may be connected with the mainland in about 20,000 years. But for the time being we will still have to connect to the mainland by bridges, boats and ferries.

A Magical Welcome

Most people who are fond of Hvaler have a loving relationship with the grand and beautiful sight that meets the eye when driving over the "gateway" to the islands; the Puttesund Bridge. First time visitors who are being served this magical appetizer, ask with a captivated and puzzled face: "Does it get even better than this?"
Many feel that the first part after the bridge, where one drives by small islands, some of them only a few centimeters above water, is the best area in the whole Hvaler archipelago. They get so mesmerized sitting in their cars looking at the glistening sea with the many boats, that they just have to stop at the nearest islet and get out to study all the islands and the blue sea stretching outward as far as the eye can see. Not many municipalities in Norway are able to greet their visitors in such a spectacular way. Welcome to Hvaler!

MINI ISLANDS GUIDE TO HVALER’S ARCHIPELAGO

1. VESTERØY
Vesterøy is the first big island you arrive at when you drive by car to Hvaler. The island can be characterized as "Hvaler in a nutshell". Vesterøy has a very varied nature. Except for the high peaks, here you will find almost all the nature you would expect to find in Scandinavia. The western side of the island is dramatically beautiful with areas with big rocks and secret sandy beaches in the bays. Further inland are both wet alder woods and typical Norwegian spruce forests. Vesterøy is very popular with boaters because there are so many attractive natural harbors here. Vesterøy has many shops, some cafes and Hvaler's only manned gas station.

2. SPJÆRØY
Spjærøy is the smallest of the islands with a permanent road connection. Despite the island's modest size, it offers rich cultural and outdoor activities. You will find Kystmuseet ( The Coastal Museum) here, showing Hvaler's hisory, both on land and at sea. The amphiteater "Brottet" incorporates Hvaler's history in their performances on summer evenings. The scenery is magical, and a road trip on the Dypedal road turns into a wonderful and unforettable experience. A trip by boat or kayak in the idyllic Skjelbu sound is also something you should try. Except Sand Marina there are no no permanent shops or cafes on Spjærøy, but this is rarely any problem with the short distance to Vesterøy or Asmaløy. Hvaler Campground is located near Highway 108 - the last road to the right just before the bridge that runs over to Asmaløy.

3. ASMALØY

Asmaløy is the island for botanists, ornithologists, geologists and naturalists. Not only does the island give you great archipelago experiences through its large network of hiking trails, it also ooffers a rare species richness of plants, birds, butterflies and dragonflies. Of all the Hvaler islands, is Asmaløy the one island with the largest continuous areas of coastal heath. Here you can walk on purple blankets almost like fields of lavender. Listranda Camping is located by the sea on the island's eastern side.

4. KIRKØY
Kirkøy is Hvaler's largest island, and the "capital" Skjærhalden is located here with all its shops and restaurants and with Hvaler's largest marina. On Kirkøy you can walk on a marked trail through varied nature with a wind-swept old forest, sandy beaches and polished rocks. You can start from the National Park Center in Skjærhalden and follow the coastal trail to the protected lighthouse Homlungen. The trail runs through some rugged terrain to the beach at Storesand, which is one of the best sandy beaches in the country. A beach cafe here is open during the summer. The island is otherwise characterized by rustic and tiny settlements here and there, often with farms and agriculture in the surrounding landscape. Here is also a golf course. You can stay at Hvaler Gjestgiveri (Guest House), rental cabins, and you are free to find your own tent sites according to the Public Rights Act.

5. SØNDRE SANDØY

Søndre Sandøy is the largest island of all the car-free islands and is perfect for island hopping by bike or for just filling a day with swimming and relaxation. The island has a pleasant cafe, Cafe Oline. It is the island's hub and several of Norway's most beloved artists perform every summer in the garden filled with a devoted audience. It is not just the concerts that attract many visitors. The legendary quiz nights are packed every Tuesday during the summer. Søndre Sandøy is Norway's most forested island, which opens for hiking in the summer, skiing in the winter and berry or mushroom picking in the fall.

6. NORDRE SANDØY
Beautiful Nordre Sandøy is Søndre Sandøy's neigboring island. The beautiful Graving sound that separates the two islands is one of the most lovely parts of Hvaler. Several grand villas are located at the Sanne ferry port. The picturesque island has an exciting nature, great beaches, and numerous hiking trails. Nordre Sandøy is a bit more hilly and rocky than its neigbor and you're on your own here without any kiosks or cafes. Nordre Sandy has fewer cabins, which makes most of the island pure nature. The island has lots of chanterelle mushrooms, which is ideal for combining mushroom picking with a hike in crisp autumn weather, which is when Nordre Sandøy perhaps is at its best.

7. SINGLØY
Singløy is the northernmost of the islands in Hvaler municipality and it is close to the Sarpsborg coast. The island is located north of Kirkøy in the Single fjord. There is no ferry to Singløy so you will need to go there in your own boat or by taxi-boat. This popular island has a few holiday homes and is covered by forest. The coastline is dominated by twisted pine trees. In the south-western part of Singløy you can enjoy interesting rock formations - potholes that capture your imagination. To see the amazing potholes should be a good enough excuse to visit Singløy. Chances are good that the fish is abundant near Singløy, and sea trout have a favorite place here. Singløy had its own school until 1939 and there are still residents on the island, which has an area of 2.2 square kilometers. Singløy's highest point is at 34 meters above sea level.

8. HERFØL
To visit Herføl is alone worth the trip to Hvaler. You have to look long and hard to find an island with more natural history and spectacular scenery. Herføl is located in the southern part of the Hvaler islands on the border to Sweden in the south-east and the open ocean to the south and west. The island is much calmer inland with forest and residences. The majority of both private homes and cabins are located here. Herføl has many potholes and the two largest Bronze Age burial mounds. An enormous pebble beach shows traces of the glacial moraine that formed this region. Heføl also has a cozy store with a cafe. Herføl's marina with a kiosk and a cafe is located near the ferry port.

9. LAUER
Would you like to take a trip to an idyllic island far out at sea? Go to the Lauer islands!

«I’m most at home in open landscapes, near the sea I want to live”. Such is the opening line of Swedish artist Ulf Lundell's beloved and popular song, "Open Landscapes". The song fits the Lauer islands very well. These naked islands are located 10 minutes by ferry south-west of Skjærhalden. There are beautiful white-painted cottages with small gardens on Nordre Lauer. The remaining summer houses can be found on Søndre Lauer, where there are excellent conditions for angling. Lauer was previously an important center for the extensive herring fishery in Hvaler. Today Lauer is a holiday resort with about 50 cabins. Here is nothing much else to do than just let life take its course and enjoy the sun and salty swims, which suffices perfectly for most people. If you move away from the cabin area on Nordre Lauer and follow the path down to the "Sauehølet", a deep ravine surrounded by dense brushes and small trees, you will have a sense of lush rain forest. Isn't it funny that of all places on earth you should find this exotic natural element on the almost naked Lauer? After you're out of the ravine, walk over a hill and on to a pier that leads you to the Rødskjær islet. Here is a nice recreational area and great swmming off the rocks. Sunbathers have great

conditions here. Lauer has no kiosks or cafes so remember to bring your own lunch and something to drink.

10. TISLER
This group of islands consists of the main island Tisler and numerous smaller islands around it. The islands are located far out at sea. In spite of their exposed position, the islands have been populated for centuries, maybe for over a thousand years. The settlement history dates back to the Middle Ages and until 1939. At the most, 30 people made their living here as fishermen or pilots. A few houses have been preserved as summer houses and there are also between 5 and 10 cabins here. Large areas on the islands are open for public recreation. There is no ferry to bring you to or from Tisler. If you want to visit these islands, you'll need your own boat or hire a taxi-boat. Here are two high-quality sandy beaches. Sheep graze here and the coastal climate helps in providing extra quality of the meat. Grazing is an important part of the maintenance of the islands so please keep your dog on a leash. Tisler is well worth a trip. However, being as far out in the ocean as they are, you'd better go there when tbe weather is nice.

11. HEIA

Fishing, also for lobster, have brough people out here in the past. Fishermen from Herføl put up five or six cabins here. The remains of the cabins can be seen in the bay. Activity is supposed to have been particularly great in the1870's, when "weekly commuters" both from Norway and Sweden, fished for lobster in the area. There is a large cairn with a cross on top of it on Heia, and beside

it two smaller cairns. There is also a rescue cabin for shipwrecked fishermen and sailors, and a restored signal basket on a rocker arm in which the shipwrecked could light a fire and signal for help. The rescue cabin was built of stone and was formerly a fishing cabin. It was given to the Norwegian Rescue Society after the ship "Savanna" wrecked at Christmas in 1896 and five survivors came ashore on the island. History has it that a hermit lived on Heia for a long period sometime in the 1800's. He was supposed to come from Kråkerøy and was called Ole Stråsen på Heia. It was told about him that he could cast spells and that heartbreak made him seek solitude for himself out here.

12. AKERØYA
Akerøya - what a summer paradise! After you have visited the island on a sunny summer day you will understand why boat- and swimming guests have taken this island to heir heart. Akerøya is located just west of the islands Spjærøy and Asmaløy. Akerøya is also a favorite spot for bird lovers and is the best known bird locality in the Outer Hvaler National Park. The island is an important resting place for migrating birds. An ornithological station is located on the island, which is considered the best place in the country to acquire knowledge about all the birds that arrive in Norway and use Akerøya as their first stop before continuing their journey. The oldest trace of human activity on Akerøya is a burial mound, probably from the Bronze Age (approx. 1800-500 BC). The Fortress islet with Akerøy Fortress is located just east of Akerøya. The fortress was built during the period 1680-1750 as an outer fortification of the Fredriksten fortress in Halden and the Fredrikstad fortifications. Akerøy Fortress is one of the most visible and spectacular heritage sites in the Outer Hvaler National Park. Here, both children and adults will get a sense of the archipelago's history, the islet's great location and the area's rich flora. The island has been inhabitated during several periods, and small farms have been here. Akerøya is one of the most widely used recreational areas in the Hvaler archipelago. The most attractive part of the island is the area around the farm in the middle of the island and the beaches and rocks on the island's north-eastern side. Here are good morring opportunities for your boat and for going ashore for a walk, a swim or to tent. Akerøya's popularity is also caused by the short travel distance, whether you come from Fredrikstad or any of the Hvaler islands. There is no ferry to or from Akerøya.

Polished Rocks and Potholes

The coastal landscape of Østfold is beautiful. Here are no high peaks or deep valleys, but in return the polished rocks and islets are ever so inviting. Do not be fooled into thinking that geology is not very exciting. The rock

formations you can see jumping ashore on an island or islet, tell us that mighty geologival processes have taken place here.

The nice, smooth forms of the rocks are ideal for sunbathing and as resting places for relaxing summer days.

Although the rock is hard, it is in a way like silk to the touch. The lines are soft and round. Who wouldn't doze off for a moment with the heat from the mountain on one side, the warming sun on the other, and the sound of the waves in the ears?

Most people know that polished rocks have something to do with the ice sliding over them. Ice and water formed the rocks. The glacier gathered pebbles and rock particles underneath. When it moved over water, sand and gravel, it acted like a gigantic water sander. Ice becomes plastic under pressure. The result is fantastic looking rocks, often with visible scratches from larger stones, called scrubbing stripes.

The reason why we rarely find smooth rocks inland is that the rocks have been covered by vegetation during the last 10-11,000 years. The plants' roots have dissolved the nourishing minerals, while the hard minerals remain. Thus the surface has been roughened over time. Only rocks that have been protected from plant roots have managed to retain their smooth surfaces.Out by the coast, only a "short" time has passed since the land rose, and the rocks have thus been protected by the sea and mud ever since the Ice Age. Today sea spray and harsh weather conditions ensure that there is no vegetation.

You have probably noticed that you always find the sandy beaches on the inner side of the islands while pebble and rocks are left on the outside? The ocean has washed the sand, gravel and small pebbles over the island and

left them on the inner side, where the waves are not so heavy. Sand desposits are also found at a few meters depth outside the pebbled beaches. This is sand washed out by the waves and left where the waves don't have the same force as on the surface. But some years they wash the sand back onshore and the result is an exotic, fresh beach.

Potholes are smooth, rounded depressions in the rock and have been made by glacier rivers setting stones and gravel in turbulent motion beneath the ice. The width and depth of potholes range from a few centimeters to several meters. In ancient times people believed that these potholes were created by wizards and giants.

Herføl

Few places by the Oslo fjord are perceived as axotic as the southernmost inhabited Hvaler island - Herføl. Rarely has anything as unmasked been as beautiful as on Herføl. Flirtatious in the summertime, icy cold and naked in the winter, and harsh in its own exciting way. One is lured here to the crossing point between the outer Oslo fjord and Skagerrak by nature, the rugged and beautiful rolling rocks, the country's largest burial mound, the spectacular potholes, and - of course - the delicious cinnamon snurrs at the café "På Posten".

THIS IS WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE WHERE THE FERRY DOCKS AT HERFØL

Magnificent Nature

There is no car traffic on Herføl - only cries from the sea gulls, the muffled "dunk-dunk" from the occasional motor boat, or kids racing the outboard or rattling their bottles. There used to be a customs station and a pilot on Herføl, and it once was an important fishing center. Today Herføl is a summer- and tourist center. There are only 14 permanent residents on the island. The summer guests dominate in the summertime, but it is still not an island with many cabins - only 150.

POTHOLE AT HERFØL’S SOUTH-WESTERN SIDE

For those of us wishing to go for a walk along the coast, Herføl is a great discovery - all year round! Only interrupted by a few cabins, which are not annoying at all, one can have a walk for several hours - at one's own leisure. Polished rocks, several bays, pebble beaches, the country's largest burial mounds and the largest collection of spectacular potholes and a heather moorland reminiscient of Norwegian mountains provide highly varied experiences.

THE OCEAN’S CATHEDRAL. YOU WILL FIND MANY INTERESTING POTHOLES IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF HERFØL. YOU CAN SWIM OR JUST SIT IN THEM. THE PICTURE SHOWS THE POTHOLE "THE OCEAN'S CATHEDRAL2 OR "THE WHALE'S MOUTH", AS OTHERS MAY CALL IT. LOCALS CAN'T AGREE ON THE NAME.

There is a ferry from Skjærhalden on Kirkøy, and a boat trip to the Herføl main pier on the island's eastern side provides a starting point for

wonderful walks. It might be a good idea to bring a bike to cover more ground.

Herfør is an unusually beautiful and interesting island divided into two

natural landscapes. You can draw a line from the northernmost point to

the southern tip, and you have to different nature- and landscape areas;

the tranquil and lush in the east and the rugged, wild and open to the west. The eastern part of Herføl is sheltered by the ridge dividing the

island. Therefore, the eastern part is protected from the ocean winds

that pound the western part. The island's eastern side has a tranquil archipelago scenery with forests, beaches, a great view of the Herfølrenna, the strait that separates Herføl and southern Sandøy. Most of the buildings on Herføl are located on the eastern side.

A CHARMING OLD SEA SHED WELCOMES YOU TO HERFØL.

THE ENORMOUS PEBBLE BEACH ON HERFØL IS A PART OF THE ORIGIN OF THE OSLOFJORD MORAINE STRETCHING ACROSS THE FJORD TO VESTFOLD AND WINDING SOUTWARDS TO JOMFRULAND OUTSIDE KRAGERØ ON THE COAST OF TELEMARK.

To take

advantage of the large parts of polished rocks, a powerful wind is

preferrable, and the wind is rarely in short supply on Herføl's western

side. All year round (watch your step when snow is covering the ground) it is a great experience to walk here in a strong southerly or westerly wind. It is a great experience to soak up the sun on the many rock shelves in the southwest that act as stands with the ocean as the stage. The shelves are also convenient to dive and swim from, or as solid ground for keen anglers.

A RAVINE FULL OF POTHOLES.

ANDHOLMEN IS AN IDYLLIC PART OF THE ISLAND’S SOUTH-EASTERN SIDE

The island's network of paths is remarkably well marked. In open landscapes, as in the rocks and the large heather areas, there are no signs showing you the way, but some painted marks on stones do. And if you move outside the paths, you can find your way easily enough because of the open landscape. Besides, it just adds some "spice" to the walk having to find your own way.

THE NAVIGATION MARK «lINNEKLEPPEN»

The Largest Burial Mounds in the Country

"Herfølsåta" is a large burial mound from the Bronze Age and can be seen from far out at sea. It has a great view in all directions, which is just as it should be. Herføl is the saga island of Østfold. The name Herføl, in old Norwegian "Herfyili", means a gathering site for the army. The island was a central location even in the Bronze Age and saga time. All the Bronze Age burial mounds indicate this. "Herfølsåta" ("Røsset" colloquially) is one of the country's largest mounds, with a diameter of almost 30 meters. This is one of Norway's finest burial mounds where it sits on top of Herføl's highest point. It bears witness of faith and beliefs of the people at the time.

HERFØLSÅTA – BURIAL MOUND FROM THE BRONZE AGE. HERFØLSÅTA IS ONE OF NORWAY’S LARGEST MOUNDS.

At the south of the island a rarity of a burial mound, about 100 meters long, "Langrøset" can be found. The burial chamber can be seen clearly, but you have to baloance your way there over pebbles. "Langrøset" is Norway's longest in its kind. Both "Herfølsåta" and "Langrøset" tell of the region's facinating Bronze Age history and make quite an impression with their age of well over 3,000 years.

HERFØL'S NATURE AND ENVIRONMENT MAKE THE ISLAND SPECIAL. THE ISLAND IS EXPOSED TO WIND AND WEATHER, AND THE LANDSCAPE THEREFORE CONSISTS OF NAKED ROCKS AND SPARSE VEGETATION. EXCEPT FROM THE ISLAND'S CENTRAL PART, WHICH IS COVERED BY FOREST.

Spectacular Potholes and the Bordering Ocean’s Navigation Mark

Another landmark which can be seen from far out at sea, is the 32 meters

high Linnekleppen with a towering 9 meters tall beacon. The beacon is

supposedly one of the most dominant in the archipelago. Linnekleppen is located south-west of the island, and if you walk up to the beacon you

will be rewarded with a breathtaking view of the horizon to Skagerrak and Sweden with the Koster islands. It is easy to understand why many sailors use the beacon as a navigating point to the Hvaler archipelago. From Linnekleppen you can continue your trip south across the rocks to "The Cathedral", the big pothole shaped as a Gothic church window. A stunning landscape of rocks is next to the pothole. Enjoy all the rocks' forms and shapescreated by the ice.

A Paradise For Swimming

There are many and varied possibilities if you want to go swimming on Herføl. The water is sparkling, salt,refreshing and tempting for all. We take the trip around the island, starting in the east:

IT IS A UNIQUE EXPERIENCE TO SWIM FROM A BEACH WITH AN ENDLESS VIEW OF THE HORIZON

Tøftebukta is a small and sheltered bay with a sandy beach. Stutehavna is located to the south and east. It has a landing pier and several smaller bays with sandy beaches. Gyltebukta with Gylteholmene near the south-east end of the island is a southern idyll with small islands and reefs. There are also some good fishing spots here. Vestre Gylleholmen has a great view from the beacon. Here is the monogram of the Swedish King Oscar II and the year 1904, the year before Norway left the union with Sweden. 

Stormona has a long sandy beach with a nice hinterland and is limited

on both sides by shielding rocks. Grønnebauen is located in the western

part of the island, a little north-west of Linnekleppen. Grønnebauen is

shielded from the south-west, and has a nice sandy beach. West of Grønnebauen is the paradise Svanetangen which is the favorite spot for many of the summer guests at Herføl. Here are many potholes in very unusual shapes, almost sculptural. Idyllic Kaffebukta is just 500 meters north of Grønnebauen. A grass level provides space for games and activities. Swimming should be done from rocks or diving boards found here. If you have your own boat, we recommend that you go exploring Herføl's skerries on your own. You will then find small islands and idyllic coves particularly on the west and north side of the island. Especially Fløyholmen with its little "south pacific"-like beach and Ekholmen with the Hvalertuftene are highlights in this area. See map below for location details.

The Island’s Great Son

Herføl's great son, Henry A. Larsen was born Andholmen at Herføl. He was the first to sail the Northwest Passage from the west to the east, and the first to do so without wintering along the way. Henry A. Larsen is famous in Canada, but relatively unknown in his native country Norway.
Andholmen is located on the eastern side of Herføl, and is a nice and idyllic place with a cluster of old stately homes and sea sheds. Here is also the old customs station which was closed in 1976.

 «På Posten» - The Island’s General Store and Meeting Point

Herføl’s flora
 

Some of the exciting aspects of Herføl's nature is the island's rich flora. Despite the fact that parts of the island are barren and harsh, there are rich types of vegetation and many rare plants to be found on this adventurous island. The highest density of plant species are to be found in areas with shell sand in the north-western part of the island.

Two particularly valuable vegetation types are present on Herføl: rødsvingelstrand, meadows, and calcareous meadows. Demanding plant species grow here, such as strandmalurt, smalsøte, dverggylden, hartmannsstarr og tusengylden.

Most of Herføl is being grazed, yet the island is about to be covered by forest. There are particularly many pine trees on the southern, central part of the island, and also some spruce trees. The deciduous groves in the north grow mostly on former farmland.

Strong Impressions and Nice Memories

We end our excursion on Herføl by walking the last leg on the gravel road from Andholmen to the ferry next to the marina. The first part of the road passes through lush forest. After a while everything opens up and we are walking by beautiful white houses surrounded by gardens with fruit trees. Onboard the ferry back to Skjærhalden we can see Herføl, and we're processing all the nice impressions this lovely summer island gave us during our 24 hours close to the ocean. We were mesmerized by this pearl of an island, and we can very well understand that most people visiting Herføl return there time and time again. No one are untouched by what this magnificent and wonderful archipelago has to offer, and neither are we. And if we visit Hvaler again, we will surely return to adventurous Herføl.

VEIERLAND

The Veierland Golf Club sits on the north end of the idyllic Veierland. The course is a 6-hole par 3 training course.

Island Hopping Gem Veierland 

Don’t like reading maps, but feeling adventurous? On the island Veierland, nothing can go wrong. You can cross the island on superb bike trails within an hour! If you’re looking to play some golf in these new surroundings, you've come to the right place.

Bring your family and friends on an island hopping adventure; explore the islands and the archipelago in Vestfold in a whole new way. Island hopping by bike is a popular activity for the whole family. Set aside a day of your holiday to visit the exciting and car-free island of Veierland. The island is made for bicycling around to find spectacular views. Here there is a large network of wide gravel roads and narrow forest trails. There are few steep hills on the island so you can rest assured that the whole family can manage a ride around the island. Veierland also has several nice child-friendly swimming areas where you can have a well-deserved, refreshing swim.

The café and beer garden Dagros opens in the summer season where you can get a meal, snack, or something to drink. The cafe also has a restroom. On the north side of the island is Veierland church. A few yards off the church’s farm, you’ll find an outside toilet and sink.

The ferry "Jutøya" carries people and goods between Veierland and Tenvik on Nøtterøy Island, and Engø in Sandefjord every day. The ferry ride from the mainland takes just a few minutes (see timetable on vestfoldguide.no). If you don’t have time to go ashore, a trip to this cozy ferry can be a great trip in itself, also for children. From the sundeck, you’ll see the beautiful archipelago of Nøtterøy’s western side and the lush countryside of Stokke and Sandefjord's east side.

In the northern part of the island, there is a 6-hole golf course. It is both surprising and lots of fun to find a great golf course right in the archipelago paradise. The course is excellent as training for green cards. All are welcome to come along with a person who has a valid green card (see Veierland Golf Club on the web for further info).

Veierland has a 17 km land beach line, paths, and gravel roads without car traffic. The burial finds from the late Iron Age show evidence of early settlement here. The island is excellent for outdoor activities, rambling and cycling in these beautiful surroundings.
 

ARØYENE AND STOKKØYA

ARØYENE AND STOKKØYA

- VESTFOLD’S SOUTHERNMOST ARCHIPELAGO

THE ISLANDS STORE ARØYA, LILLE ARØYA, VESLE ARØYA, AND STOKKØYA ARE VESTFOLD’S SOUTHERNMOST ISLANDS, LOCATED RIGHT ON THE BORDER WITH TELEMARK. THE PHOTO WAS TAKEN FROM BIG ARØYA. LITTLE ARØYA IS TO THE LEFT AND SWEET ARØYA TO THE RIGHT IN THE PHOTO. THE ISLANDS ARE PERFECT FOR ISLAND HOPPING.  THE FERRY SKJÆLØY(TO THE RIGHT) TAKES YOU RIGHT OUT INTO THE ARCHIPELAGO – EITHER FRMOM HELGAROA OR LANGESUND. 

Archipelago on the border of the Telemark coast 

Vacation Idyll

Near Vestfold’s border with Telemark furthest out in the Langesundsfjord, are Stokkøya, Store Arøy, Lille Arøy, and Vesle Arøy. The Arøy islands are together with Stokkøya, the only one of the islands in Langesundsfjord that stands in Vestfold county and Larvik municipality. The four islands are located no more than a few minutes swimming distance between each other. Lille Arøy is the northernmost island with Vesle Arøy to the west, Stokkøya is located east of Store Arøy, which is the southernmost of the islands and is there as a last stand against Skagerrak. The islands are located in a wonderful archipelago in the outer part of the area between Helgeroa and Langesund. Most of the buildings on the islands are summer cottages. There are few permanent residents on the islands, mostly fishermen and some artists. The islands are connected by ferry with Helgeroa and Langesund throughout the year. During the summer, there are a considerable amount of summer visitors using the ferry connections. There is a summer kiosk in the bay at the top of Lille Arøy. This is the only retailer on the three islands.

THERE ARE MANY REALLY GOOD SWIMMING UTOPIAS OUT HERE. HERE FROM SANDSTRAND SOUTH ON STOKKØYA. 

If you’re choosing to take a trip to one of the islands in the summer, you are guaranteed an idyllic trip whether you arrive by boat or ferry from Helgeroa. The islands are located so far out in Vestfold that vacationing anywhere in Vestfold, a trip out here could be described as a day-long trip. It’s also this that makes it so exciting to visit these relatively unknown islands. Although there are many cabins on the islands, there are still much more space without buildings. There are large areas of forest, small sandy beaches, and lots of rocks. Here the clean seawater flows in and the fish bite often.

CABIN IDYLL FROM STORE ARØYA’S SOUTH SIDE 

NOT FAR FROM HELGEROA (BEHIND IN THE PHOTO), YOU’LL FIND A FANTASTIC ARCHIPELAGO WITH STORE ARØYA, LILLE ARØYA, VESLE ARØYA, AND STOKKØYA ISLANDS. 

On Store Arøya, there is a small campground with tent sites and cabins. The four islands are very suitable for outdoor tours, offering varied scenery and great experiences. On the largest island, Store Arøya, it may in some places have very dense vegetation so that you can hardly see the path, and all the lush vegetation and damp clay soil almost reminds you a little of swamp-like jungle. On Store Arøya, you can actually walk for an hour without seeing the sea, although the sea is seldom farther than 100 meters as the crow flies. On Lille Arøya, there are some great viewpoints where you have a great 360 degree views of Langesund, Porsgrunnlandet, Mørjefjorden, Helgeroa, and Skagerrak. Lille Arøya has an exciting landscape of numerous islets and rocks facing Skagerrak. You can literally "island hop" over the rocks and find your favorite rocks for sunny days. Especially in the southwest part of Stokkøya, there is the large area of open grassland and child-friendly sandy beaches. Yes, Stokkøya is probably the most kid-friendly if you decide to go out on a walk. IF you should just settle on a beach spot with the whole family one day, it really does not matter which of the islands you choose. You’re bound to find great archipelago experiences in any case.

WARM SUMMER’S EVENING IN STOKKØYSUNDET

The narrow, picturesque strait between Lille Arøya and Vesle Arøya is called Bukkespranget. It is said that the name comes from an observation of a buck that actually managed to jump across the narrow strait of the steep rock walls. Miles of film have been used over the years at this place.

SKAGERRAK’S HORIZON SEEN FROM LILLE ARØYA
 

HOLMESTRAND

Holmestrand

Travel to Holmestrand and experience the cozy wharf life, the sight of the trees in green splendor that climb along the black rock wall towards Holmestrand center, which was the architectural style of the 1700s. Go shopping in the city "To Levels", or just enjoy yourself at the town's two scenic beaches.

Even better than its reputation
Holmestrand has quite unfairly been perceived as a "town you pass by." Many people associate the city of waiting in endless queues, traffic congestion, and tunnel trouble. Earlier the heavy traffic on the E18 went right through Holmestrand’s narrow downtown streets. In 2001, the E18 moved inland, which led to Holmestrand regaining much of its former idyllic feel. It is amazing to think that the otherwise peaceful city was plagued by massive traffic problems before. We hope with this article to correct some of the false and negative impressions many have of this town with the dream location in Oslofjord.

Scenic recreational and leisure areas
Holmestrand is known as the town under the mountain. The cliff, Veggfjellet, behind the center gives Holmestrand a characteristic profile and creates contrast between the coast and inland. Holmestrand as a municipality is much more than the 11 km narrow coastal strip at Holmestrandfjord. From the bay, Holmestrand creeps up the mountain and extends inland. Here on top of the "mountains" are trade centers, large living spaces, and farmland.
The municipality's varied topography and geographical coverage is a good starting point for rich and varied outdoor activities. On the plateau of the center are very beautiful viewpoints with beautiful views of the bay and the scenic islands Kommersøya and Bjerkøya. The plateau behind the town also offers opportunities for great countryside experiences with a large network of trails that wind through forests and deep valleys. Some nice lakes are also along the trails.

But there is sun and sea which are natural summer attractions in the coastal town of Holmestrand. 1000 places for small boats and a premiere guest marina in the city center, clean water, and nice swimming spots are within walking distance just north and south of the city center. As so often when it comes to coastal cities, the brewery and the port area serve as the city's major tourist attraction. Here you can eat freshly cooked prawns on the wharf. Enjoy refreshments or a meal on the terrace while watching the crowded wharf and boating in the harbor. You can get up close and personal with the maritime environment and boat traffic. Leisure boats, fishermen, and merchant vessels lie side by side along the quays. Although it is nice and cozy in the harbor, it can be even better. The municipality has made a development plan for the port area and it is now gearing up for a NOK 100 million project which will result in even more magnificent facilities for city residents and tourists.

The islands in Homestrandfjord are well adapted for boaters with excellent swimming and recreation areas on the islands. Swim life is combined with plants and fossil studies in the nature reserves. The coastal trail through Holmestrand Municipality is part of the coastal path from Hurum in Buskerud to Borre in Vestfold.

Highway 319 winds and meanders along the coastal stretch of Sande and Svelvik. Sometimes down by the water, other times up on high hills and through valleys. The valley you see in the image extends from the highway down to the fjord at Sandvika in Sande.

Open your senses for our beautiful adventure in Vestfold’s two northernmost municipalities. Next time you are going to or from Vestfold, we recommend that you travel via Sande and Svelvik. Read why.
 

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Holmestrand

Reis til Holmestrand og opplev det koselige bryggelivet, synet av løvtrær i grønn prakt som klatrer langs den sorte fjellveggen ned mot Holmestrand sentrum, aristokratiets byggestil fra 1700-tallet, shopping i byens «to etasjer», eller bare rekreasjon på byens to naturskjønne badeplasser. 

Mye bedre enn sitt rykte
Ganske urettferdig har Holmestrand blitt oppfattet som en «by man passerer eller kjører igjennom». Mange forbinder jo byen med venting i endeløse køer, trafikkaos og tunneltrøbbel. Tidligere dundret tungtrafikk på E18 som gikk tvers gjennom Holmestrand smale sentrumsgater. I 2001 ble E18 flyttet innover i landet, noe som førte til at Holmestrand fikk tilbake mye av sitt tidligere idylliske preg. Det er utrolig å tenke på at den ellers så fredelige byen ble forpestet av all biltrafikk tidligere. Vi håper med denne artikkelen å rette opp noe av det feilaktige og negative inntrykket mange har av denne byen med drømmebeliggenhet ved Oslofjorden.

Naturskjønne rekreasjons- og friluftsområder
Holmestrand er kjent som byen under fjellet. Fjellveggen bak bysentrum gir Holmestrand en karakteristisk profil og skaper kontraster mellom kyst og innland. Holmestrand som kommune er jo mye mer enn den 11 km smale kyststripen ved Holmestrandsfjorden. Fra fjorden kryper Holmestrand opp på fjellet og strekker seg innover i landet. Her oppå «fjellet» finnes handelssentra, store boarealer og jordbruksområder. 

Kommunens varierte topografi og geografiske utstrekning er et godt utgangspunkt for et rikt og variert friluftsliv. På platået over sentrum finnes svært flotte utsiktspunkter med flott skue utover fjorden og de naturskjønne øyene Kommersøya og Bjerkøya. Platået bak byen gir også muligheter for flotte markaopplevelser med et stort løypenett som snirkler seg gjennom skog og dype daler. Noen flotte innsjøer får du også med på turen. 

Men det er sol og sjø som er naturgitte sommerattraksjoner i kystbyen Holmestrand. 1000 småbåtplasser og premiert gjestehavn i byens sentrum, rent vann og trivelige badeplasser i gåavstand like nord og syd for sentrum. Som så ofte når det gjelder kystbyer er det brygge- og havneområdet som fungerer som byens store trekkplaster, så også med Holmestrand. Her kan du spise nykokte reker på bryggekanten. Hygge deg med forfriskninger eller spise et måltid på uterestaurant mens du ser på det yrende folke- og båtlivet i havna. Her kommer du tett innpå det maritime miljøet og båttrafikken. Fritidsbåter, yrkesfiskere og handelsfartøyer ligger side om side langs kaiene. Selv om det er fint og koselig i havnen, så skal det bli enda bedre. Kommunen har laget en utviklingsplan for havneområdet og det skal nå rustes opp for 100 millioner kroner som skal resultere i enda flottere fasiliteter for byens innbyggere og turister.

Øyene i Holmestrandsfjorden er godt tilrettelagt for båtfolket med ypperlige badeplasser og rekreasjonsområder på øyene. Badeliv kombineres med plante- og fossilstudier i naturreservatene. Kyststien gjennom Holmestrand kommune er en del av kyststien fra Hurum i Buskerud til Borre i Vestfold

Riksvei 319 slynger og bukter seg langs kyststrekningen av Sande og Svelvik. Noen ganger helt ned ved vannet, andre ganger opp på høye koller og gjennom dype daler. Dalen du ser på bildet strekker seg fra Riksveien og ned til fjorden ved Sandvika i Sande.

Åpne sansene for vårens vakre eventyr i Vestfolds to nordligste kommuner. Neste gang du skal til eller fra Vestfold anbefaler vi at du reiser via Sande og Svelvik. Les hvorfor.
 

Sande | Svelvik

The islands in Homestrandfjord are well adapted for boaters with excellent swimming and recreation areas on the islands. Swim life is combined with plants and fossil studies in the nature reserves. The coastal trail through Holmestrand Municipality is part of the coastal path from Hurum in Buskerud to Borre in Vestfold.

Highway 319 winds and meanders along the coastal stretch of Sande and Svelvik. Sometimes down by the water, other times up on high hills and through valleys. The valley you see in the image extends from the highway down to the fjord at Sandvika in Sande.

Open your senses for our beautiful adventure in Vestfold’s two northernmost municipalities. Next time you are going to or from Vestfold, we recommend that you travel via Sande and Svelvik. Read why.

Lovely from nature’s side
The two municipalities Sande and Svelvik are the farthest north in Vestfold. Sande and Svelvik have excellent conditions for agriculture and the nature in both municipalities is made up of beautiful landscapes, one of Vestfold's longest coastlines, the sea, and beautiful forests that offer many experiences – in both summer and winter. The municipalities have a rich cultural life and high population growth. There is an active forestry operation in Sande and Svelvik which also places great emphasis on facilitating the public so that citizens and tourists find their way more easily into the forest and islands to experience nature. Svelvik and Sande are a special experience by bike when the fruit trees are blooming from about mid-May. Open your senses to a wonderful adventure in Vestfold’s two northernmost municipalities.

The Coastal Road on Vestfold’s Northern Riviera
Rarely does someone recommend someone to take a route that takes a while longer. Next time you are going to or from Vestfold, we recommend just taking a detour via Sande and Svelvik. You won’t regret it! From Sande (from the south) and Svelvik (from Drammen and north), you can drive the coastal road by car along the northern Vestfold Riviera. Nowhere else in Vestfold can you drive so long on a main road which follows close to the sea like Highway 319 does. The route meanders along the entire coastline of the Sande and Svelvik municipalities is a great attraction and destination just in itself. At several places along the route, there are welcoming picnic areas in both Sande and Svelvik.
The village, Svelvik, was granted city status in 1998 and is idyllically situated almost utterly in Drammenfjord. Svelvik is a small village with narrow streets, sometimes called "Norway's northernmost Sørland idyll." Here is Drammenfjord at the narrowest, and the stream at the roughest.  The ferry from Svelvik crosses here to the plant in Hurum over the fjord and is actually part of the coastal path. The large ships carrying cars to Drammen harbor, heading into the narrow Svelvikstrømmen, look like they are driving through center of the main street. A beautiful summer day on a bench in the center, while the boats pass by, is quite a special experience. Svelvik is the port for the loading of sand and gravel and the sand hunter used to be a pictorial element in a picture of the fjord. The old port still retains much of the character of the times of sailing ships. It is said that there could be up to 100 ships here.

Historical Berger and Fossekleiva
If you are interested in the arts, you should take a trip to Fossekleiva in Svelvik. At Fossekleiva center, you can follow the beginning of beautiful glass and decanters. If you’ve take the tour through Berger Museum in Svelvik, you’ll get to experience how people lived in this little industry community when 200 workers were employed on the site’s two wooden mills.  The famous Berg blankets are still produced in one of the buildings. The beautiful Berger farm is located on a hill just off the main road and has stunning views over the fjord. Below the farm, there is a sloping landscape of lush meadows and green pastures with grazing cows that extends right down to the fjord. Today the farm is run by the couple Anne Ma Jebsen Holm and Egil Holm.

It was Anne Ma’s grandfather Jurgen Jebsen who bought the farm in 1880. Together with his son, they built up the woolen mill that was located just below the Berger farm. An industrial community was created at Berger, which until then only consisted of farms and some smallholdings. The new industrial society was then composed of two plants (Berger and Fossekleiva) and eventually 30 houses with housing for nearly 130 working families as well as banking, an electric power station, hospital, school, post office, and church were established. One worked the laundry, dye, spinning, and weaving; and the two factories and related industries employed usually 300 workers. There continued to be textile production in Berger until 2003. The production has now moved to Latvia. Today, the former industrial area is called Fossekleiva Center and buildings house many new features, such as galleries, shops, offices, homes, café and museum.

The coastal path
The coastal path from Svelvik town at the head of the Sande bay in Sande is about 25 km long and mostly continuous. The coastal path in the two municipalities includes other older roads and trails, but some stretches are somewhat rough and difficult for those who have leg problems. The beach area is varied with a beautiful coastal landscape which also includes a cultural landscape that has evolved over time.

It is highly recommended to take a tour of the aforementioned village, Berger. On your tour of Berger, you’ll take the coastal path, gravel roads, and nice trails. It is on the route from Bjerkøya Pier to Leina and the route at Bjerkøya where the coastal path is the prettiest and most pleasant, as it winds through beautiful natural areas. When you arrive at Bjerkøya by car, you can start at the pier just before Bjerkøya. The walking tour around the island starts on paved road, and eventually goes over the trail. Part of the trail goes through the woods and over the beaches, with some steep and narrow sections. On top of the island to the south, there are stunning views of Langøya, Holmestrand, and the Oslofjord. This round trip on Bjerkøya ends on paved road.
During the summer, it’s smart to have swimsuits in your backpack so you can easily take a refreshing dip at one of the many beaches along the coastal path. Making a stop at the pretty arches of Vammen is recommended. The arches were used for storing fishing nets for salmon fishing and on the mountains, there are still traces of yarn drying.
Common to both municipalities, the coastal path passes wetlands of Grunnane (Svelvik) and the Sandebukta wetlands (Sande). In both of the wetlands, there are numerous types of birds, vegetation, and other wildlife that are native to the areas.
Fruitful Svelvik
Old fruit varieties are living heritage and also taste great. Svelvik has a long tradition of growing fruits and has a true diversity of various fruit trees and sorts.
Apple blossoms and strawberry fruit are the symbols of Svelvik municipality, which despite its small size is Vestfold’s largest fruit supplier and the country’s 5th largest supplier of apples. Local fruit farmers believe Svelvik is the best place in Norway. Svelvik in Vestfold has a microclimate that is optimal for apple growing. Apples have been grown here since the 1840s and fruit farmers in Svelvik have built up a long history. But over the past few years, apple cultivation has become quite modernized. The trees are nearly 3 meters tall, and they are much closer than before. The same lighting conditions throughout the tree provide favorable growth conditions for each fruit. Nonetheless, the apples from Svelvik are just as juicy and delicious as they always have been. 

Swimming paradise. The coast of Sande and Svelvik has many lovely swimming areas. Here from Sandebukta in Sande. 

Krok in Svelvik is an idyllic region by Drammensfjord. Holmsbu at Hurumlandet can be seen at the other side of the fjord.

From the fruit blossoming in May. Svelvik is the largest fruit municipality in Vestfold county and the country’s 5th largest. 

Typical fjord landscape in Svelvik. Here you see Kroksbukta and Kjelleråsen.

Berger farm. Watercolor painting by Johs. Torbjørn Rudrud
 

HORTEN

Horten – a capital of great holiday experiences

In the middle of Vestfold, you’ll find Horten with its pleasant gardens, shopping, military past, museums, and last but not least, swimming areas. No matter where you have a cabin in Vestfold, the town is within easy driving distance and it’s not far from Østfold and the Bastøy ferry either. Horten is also a small boat’s town and the guest port has been on the top 10 of Norway’s best guest ports many times. You’ll find a jetty for bathing, restaurants, playgrounds, and the Horten Tourist Office here. Horten Harbor 

Her finner vi badebrygge, spisesteder, lekeplass og Horten turistkontor. Horten Harbor puts out overnight-buoys in the Horten archipelago, in cooperation with Oslofjord Recreation. 

Mistletoe
Horten is a green town. Horten’s characteristics are small houses in lush, green gardens and large magnificent deciduous trees in the city's many green spaces. Part of what makes Horten so beautiful are the tall canopies bursting with mistletoe. The plant that otherwise is so rare in northern latitudes is found in Horten in large quantities. If you’d like to experience large trees and mistletoe, Lystlunden Park, Horten forest, and the marine station Karljohansvern are places you should definitely visit.

A Little History
Horten was an early ferry hub. There has been a ferry connection between Horten and Moss since 1582, but in 1815, Horten was designated to become Norway's new fleet station, which replaced Fredriksvern in Stavern. Plans for a new Norwegian Navy were large and the fleet port of Stavern was too small. At the time, Horten had a population of about 100 people at four farms and the old ferry landing. Karljohansvern was established in Horten Navy Headquarters by royal decree in 1818, a few years after the signing of the union with Sweden. They needed better defense for Oslofjord. Horten naval base was controversial from the start, and over the years, the naval base endured many setbacks. Work on the fleet station began in 1820, but it wasn’t ready until 1850. The many challenges of a destitute Norway, as well as the conflict between the monarchy and parliament, led to the naval base in Horten never to become what it was going to be. There were plans to build a large fortress at Hortenstangen, but these were shelved prior to 1850.

The houses that were built for the workers and soldiers in connection with yard eventually became the basis for Horten city. Horten grew rapidly and developed into a town of over 5,000 inhabitants as Karljohansvern stood ready. In 1963, the Navy headquarters moved to Bergen, but Karljohansvern had lots of military activity and still was the base for the Eastern Norway Naval District. It was the defense’s need for modern technology that led to the research that cared for a number of technology companies and has made Horten a marine electronic center in Norway.

Karljohansvern today
Today, the old naval base at idyllic Karljohansvern is under conservation protection by the culture center. Over time, the defense limited its military operations here. Several buildings, including the shipyard, have been sold for civilian use. In addition, you’ll find the Marine Museum here, which incidentally is the world's oldest naval museum in operation. Preus museum, which is the national museum for photography, is also worth a visit with its treasure trove of photographs, equipment and photography literature in a historical building. In addition, Karljohansvern offers everything from small specialty stores to large chain stores. Cafés and eateries with and without galleries are tempting with food from all over the world. There is no through traffic on the island. There are beaches, Horten forest and the picturesque Horten Channel that separates Karljohansvern from Horten city. Along the canal, you can walk in peace and quiet, only occasionally interrupted by an occasional silent “snekke,” or picnic boat, that uses this shortcut between the inner harbor and Oslofjord.

The Fortress
If you want to find an overview of Horten municipality, you should visit viewpoint "Festningen", or “the fortress,” which is an old military facility from the previous century. Here you can see the entire municipality surrounded by Oslofjord.

Explore the Submarine «Utstein»
The Mrine Museum in Horten is the oldest of its kind. The Marine Museum is located at the old naval headquarters and now has large collections related to the navy’s history through war and peace. Many items are unique globally. The collection includes vessels and equipment related to the Norwegian Navy, Allied and German equipment, ship models, paintings, and pictures just to name a few. The 45 meter long submarine "Utstein" occupies the land outside the Navy Museum in Horten, and is open to the public. "Utstein" operated at sea from 1964 until 1998.

Alfred Berg – Good old-fashioned colonial in Horten

On your visit to Horten, you should take a trip to the store of Alfred Berg on Storgata. The traditional, nostalgic store is 115 years old, and gives you the feeling of having traveled far back in time. Everything from the building, style, and products on old shelves is original from back in the day. The store was originally one of the few stores that only included the best ingredients, such as imported Swiss cheeses and healthy juices, and could rightly call itself "prettier colonial". Alfred Berg is up to this day a great colonial focusing on service and quality goods.
 

 
Exciting Car Museum
In traditional Horten Brewery's old beer halls is the Horten Car Museum. Here you can see a large collection of vehicles from 1900 until 1970. The collection includes everything from rare cars to old used cars. The museum went through a renovation period in winter, but opened recently with an upgrade of the exhibition and premises. A model railway of 24 m² is an extra special touch to your experience. 

Løvøya
Slightly north of Horten is the historic island called Løvøya. The peninsula is the western of the three islands originally named Western, Central and East Løvøy. Being  merely 0.7 km², Løvøya is a relatively small island. The bedrock of the island consists of lava from volcanoes that were active in the Permian period about 250 million years ago. Previously, it was possible to take boats across the strait between Løvøya and Drasundodden, hence the name Drasundet, or “the Dra sound.” This was practiced until the 1950s. Today, the sound is filled up and a road goes over Drasundet.

Løvøya has a nice marina for visitors at the bay Løvøypollen on the east side of Falkensten Bay. The place offers various facilities there including electricity, toilet, washing machine, garbage collection and camping. East of the island is a 200 meter long beach. It's nice to take a dive in the outdoors at Løvøysund. Remember to bring your fishing pole. The area around the strait and the bridge between Løvøya and Mellomøya are considered to be the most popular fishing spots in the region. There is a nice three kilometer long marked trail on the island and there are several sights worth checking out. There was a settlement here in the Viking Age.

The Løvøy Chapel
Løvøya is perhaps best known for its stone chapel that adorns the landscape when was built in the 1200s from local stone. The chapel is the smallest of Horten Municipality's three medieval churches, and is considered to be the most distinctive of them. The church was in ruins for many years after the Reformation in 1536, and became protected in 1882. Long restoration work started in 1928, and in 1950, the chapel could be reopened to religious use.

St. Olav’s Wells on Løvøya
According to legend, St. Olav was in contact with higher powers. It was discovered that water sources around the country were associated with Olav the Holy. It was said that the water in the well could cure disease. Adjacent to the chapel on Løvøya we find the holy well of St. Olav. The well was one of the main places in Østlandet of Catholic times. The belief in the healing waters was long lived and it is said that a sailor as late as 1820 went from Stavern to Løvøya and returned with two bottles of spring water to a sick marine captain. Today, the well is bricked up and restored.

Robber Cave
If you are good at climbing, you can search for caves on the north side of the island, the Veggfjell by Jesus Bay. There are a lot of legends and stories about Røverhulen, or Robber Cave. A legend tells of robbers who abducted a service girl in the neighborhood by the cave. One day when she was sent out to buy food, she was threatened with death if she were to reveal them. The girl did not dare reveal the robbers but was clever enough to cut a hole in a bag of noodles that she brought with her, so she was found. Røver trail runs 200 m along the vertical rock wall. There is also another cave which bears the “røver” name. This cave is difficult to get to, but a long mysterious cave.

Bicycling Haven
Horten and the surroundings are a paradise for cyclists. On all sides of the city, there is magnificent scenery that ranges from the general surface tension between Åsgårdstrand and Horten to forests and rolling hills and rural landscape on the other edges of the city.

Lovely lazy days on Løvøya

Shopping in the cozy town center. 
Next time you go shopping in Vestfold, give Horten a try! The city has a cozy trade center with pedestrian streets, squares, and a large variety of a very diverse range of shops. The three shopping centers along Horten’s new beautiful pedestrian street offer a total of 70-80 stores. You will find everything you need - and you will find that the Horten has a very dynamic and exciting commercial center to offer! The newest mall, Scales Farm, offers the city's "best" parking facility. Easy access - great spots - and very reasonable prices! Free after 4 p.m. and direct access into the Spar supermarket means easy and comfortable access to groceries.

Two of the country's leading museums within its genre are located inside the Karjohansvern. The Marine Museum shows Norway naval history and photo art, and you’ll find photographic history at the Preus Museum.

Løvøy Chapel. The island was flocked by people of the Catholic world. It was no more than reasonable that a church was built on site. Exactly when this happened is not known, but it must have been in the 1200s. To the right in the picture, you can see St. Olav's well.

Horten city seen from the southeast. 
 

TØNSBERG

Tønsberg

In the heart of Vestfold, you’ll find Tønsberg, the charming town that grows each and every summer. Tønsberg offers everything from fantastic beaches to shopping and visiting the wharf – in addition to cultural activities such as summer shows, art exhibitions, and music festivals.

From hibernation to vibrant life

Tønsberg is like a bear that hibernates every winter. Not before the ice melts and a horse hoof trots along the grass, Vestfold’s main city comes back to life. But in turn keeps the city as vibrant and full of desire until the autumn darkness once again arrives.

Tønsberg folk who have been wearing black throughout winter sitting down on the wet asphalt and taking a taxi to get away from the cold and other people, now get to use their spring clothes, hop on a bike, and buy rosé at one of the wharf’s outdoor seating areas. Suddenly, you’ll understand the joke of the locals.

Bustling Summer Life

Summer is finally here and glistens from dawn till dusk from the canal which runs through Norway’s oldest town. We celebrate the joy of winter’s bitter winds by traveling out to the nearby archipelagos. Here we can relax, enjoy the warmth of the tide pools, bathe in crystal-clear lakes, maybe even fish. Hum along with Tønsberg-born Jahn Teigens old melody. Breathe. After a refreshing swim and boat ride, we look for the exciting and historically interesting town with festivals, theater, revues, and concerts. Or simply wander the streets with an ice cream cone in hand. We are able to get our shopping “scavenger hunt” done in the beautiful market and the surrounding cozy quarters of the town's alleyways and historic surroundings.

The wharf in Tønsberg has become the town’s outdoor venue, a magnet for visitors. Could you think of something more pleasant than a summer evening along the wharfs of Tønsberg? The countless restaurants on the wharf offer a wonderful view of the canal and pier. Here we sit and enjoy a long evening dinner with good drinks. From the restaurant table we admire the boats of varieties and sizes that sit anchored one after another along the entire pier.

There is a crowded and relaxing atmosphere on the pier now being covered in the warm orange color of the evening sunshine. From the crowds of vacationers on the pier sums of the voices that both have their origin in Europe and other continents, plus a great mix of Norway's many dialects. It is cheerful mood here now. Some come from cinema, some are on the way home at a leisurely pace, some hurry to arrive before the last food serving, and others have just started the evening and will participate in the festivities until dawn. Ignore the worries of tomorrow; everything seems at least carefree now.

When we leave the restaurant, the sun is at peace having disappeared behind the Stokkes hills to the west. Tønsberg will apparently have gone by the name “The party town Tønsberg” by the numerous events in the town. The locals are known to be in a good mood and go clubbing in the summer nights. On the Tønsberg Wharf and on Nedre Langgata Street you’ll find nightlife lined up in a row.

Tønsberg is the summer town with the liveliest nightlife and it can get very impetuous and hot. Even under the under the darkest hours of the night, we jump into the water to wash the sweat off from the dancing at a packed nightclub off of Nedre Langgate street.

Archipelago life and island hopping

The islands outside of Tønsberg are abundant and diverse. The seaplanes navigate Vestvold’s archipelago well and know where the treasures amongst the island lay. The seaplanes based in Husvik take you island hopping out amongst the archipelago and is one of the great experiences in the area. Also, the seaplanes take route over the fjords in Oslo to Østfold.

Art and culture

Tønsberg has a vibrant arts and cultural life that is worth seeing it. We'll treat you to a weekend in Tønsberg and check out a real Viking ship, the largest Blue Whale, and Vestfold's whaling history at the Slottsfjell Museum which sits in a beautiful setting at the foot of Castle Rock. The museum and surrounding area is a part of the cultural heritage of the city's long history, and close by the Slottsfjell plateau shows the remains of one of the largest medieval castles. On Tallak, the plateau between Slottsfjellet and the main museum by Farmannsveien, is the museum's air department. Vestfold courtyard house contains several transferred homes, including Vestfold's oldest: a medieval loft dated 1407.

Art is displayed in the impressing brick building that houses the Hauger Vestfold Kustmuseum. The museum is located by the early Seaman’s school in the middle of Tønsberg town center. The location is beautiful and historic, with the museum sitting in a park between the antique Haugating and a few even older burial mounds.

Known artists from all over the world visit the popular Slottsfjell festival every summer. In addition to the festival, you can pick and choose among small and large music events in all genres. The Tønsberg medieval festival on the first weekend of June is the largest of Norge. It is an enormous celebration of Tønsberg’s rich middle age history that attracts craftsmen and artists from all over Europe.

Tønsberg is among Norway’s most important show-towns and has proud traditions from the 60s with Dizzie Tunes, Wesenlund, and many others. Today, the Slottsfjell festival, the Thespian Theater in Thaulowhullet, and the celebrity show on the wharf are some of the many annual events that are worth making a trip to in the summer. 

The History

Tønsberg is Norway’s oldest town, founded in the time of the Vikings. The biggest piece of evidence from the time is the world-famous Osebergskip that was found just north of the center of Tønsberg. In the middle ages, Tønsberg was a power center. The houses, churches, monasteries, and graveyards of Tønsberg have characterized the town. Up until 1671 it was the only town of Vestfold. As well as being a trade and maritime town since the Vikings, Tønsberg is known as a whaling and hanseatic town.

According to Snorre, Tønsberg city had already existed when Harald Fairhair was passing through on the way to his decisive blow upon Hafrsfjord. The year of the battle has been stated to be in 872, but evidence for such an advanced age is not yet available. What’s for certain is that, in 1871, the city celebrated its grand anniversary in 1000 and a hundred years later, celebrated a no less magnificent 1,100-year anniversary.

Historical source criticism of the Snorre is necessary because he wrote his records of history several hundred years after the Battle of Hafrsfjord. Perhaps it will be necessary to revise the city's founding story, as Oslo has had to do.

It has been suggested that around the year 1100 could be the correct year in which Tønsberg was founded.  Tønsberg must have been nonetheless founded before 1130 because in that year, Tønsberg was first mentioned in resources of the same time. It will continuously be discussed whether Tønsberg has connections back to the time before Christ, but the town’s old age is still solidly documented. The Oseberg ship that was found in Tønsberg in 1903 was first built in the south west of Norway as early as 820.

Slottsfjell is a little mountain in Tønsberg in Vestfold with an elevation of 63 meters (about 206 feet). There you’ll find the ruins of a church and the Tønsberg fortress of the Middle Ages, as well as the Slottsfjell tower, the town’s landmark. 

In the 1300s, Tønsberg was the most central place in the country. Many historical events took place on Slottsfjell which is why it is the largest group of ruins in the North. The heyday came to an end once Norway and Denmark created the union, and Copenhagen became the power’s center.  

The castle atop Slottsfjell. The Tønsberg fortress (Castrum Tunsbergis) on top of the mountain has most likely dominated the town and the surrounding land area before the 1100s when the Baglers (a faction participating in the Norwegian Civil Wars) fortified themselves there under siege of King Sverre and the Birkebeiners. The fortress went through a large-scale development under Håkan Håkansson’s and Magnus Lagabøte’s reign in the 1200s. Up until 1503, the fortress was occupied, but then it was burnt down and never built back up. Today the foundation ruins still stand on the mountain.

The Slottsfjell tower was erected in 1888 on a private initiative as a memorial of the thousand year anniversary of Tønsberg. The 17 meter high tower is built of stone and a simple, round-arched new renaissance style that relates back to the Donjon of the Middle Ages. The façade is decorated with a quote from Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson, inscription “871-1871 Maa Byen som paa Tunet staar, faa blomstre nye Tusind-aar” (The town standing in the yard, the flowers will live another thousand years) and the signatures of Kings “Haakon R August 1st, 1906,” “Olav R July 1st, 1958,”and “Harald R. March 9th, 1992.” The stone tower replaced a tower of three that stood on the on the mountain from 1856 to 1874, then it burned down. The Slottsfjell tower was in use as the Tønsberg museum from 1894 to 1930.

Maritime History. Tønsberg is a historic seafaring town. Maritime has always characterized Tønsberg since Viking times. In the old, newly restored customs house on the Tønsberg pier, you’ll find Tønsberg Maritime History Center, a center crammed with maritime history from the time Tønsberg was one of the greatest seafaring towns up to today.

One of the people who put the greatest impact on Norway's whaling history was Svend Foyn. The modern industrial whaling was developed by Svend Foyn of Tønsberg in 1860. He had lots of experience of seal hunting in northern waters and in 1864, he ran experimental whaling in Finnmark in northern Norway. He combined three factors: a harpoon and grenade were combined into a modern grenade harpoon and placed in a steamboat. In 1863 he developed the world's first grenade harpoon which in 1864 was installed at the world's first steam-powered whaling ship, "Spes & Fides". Foyn helped greatly with the financial support of the local population in Tønsberg in the form of houses of worship, schools and orphanages.

Tjøme

Tjøme´s archipelago paradise 

Out by the sea, south of Tønsberg and the island Nøtterøy, you´ll find the holiday paradise and island of summer, Tjøme. That´s where the sun is shining, the waves are coming in, and the people enjoy life. It is one of Norway´s cities with most hours of sun, combined with great sandy beaches and warm rocky shores which has made Tjøme´s islands to an attractive destination and a place for artist, nature enthusiasts and boaters. Tjøme, the next to largest city in Vestfold offers varying nature, summer life, hotels of top notch, music and shows, relaxation and a wonderful boat life.

Tjøme, the island kingdom
In addition to the main islands Tjøme, Brøtso and Hvasser, the county consists of about 500 smaller islands, islets, and skerries. The three main islands has permanent settlement and a bridge connection. Some of the other islands has been inhabited earlier, like Sandø (or Sandøy), the vacation colony island Hudøy (Hudø or Hui) and Ildverket. Furthest out towards the Oslo fjord lies Leistein which shows the sailors the direction of Vrengsundet. Furthest south lies the Tristein islands and Færder lighthouse. This is considered the Oslo fjord´s most southern point.

Tjøme lies on old sea floor which the old clay deposits in valleys and singings clearly shoes. When the last ice age started to withdrawal about 200 000 years ago, Tjøme was under the surface of the sea. About 4000 years ago, the contours of today´s Tjøme started to take shape.

Naturally, Tjøme is most known as a holiday paradise because of the beautiful nature. You cannot find more holiday houses anywhere else in Norway.  There are 2800 of them in the county. In the month of July, the population rises from about 4 500 to 50 000. The largest proportion of the holiday guests are the cabin people. The recent years, more and more hotel guests, camping guests and one-day guests have found their way to this summer paradise. In addition to this, the boaters visit the guest docks. Tjøme´s city center, originally called Kirkely is the county center. There are about 800 jobs in Tjøme.

Unique Nature

Green forest trails leads to polished rock formations almost wherever you go. Tjøme has great hiking areas that are great for the whole family. It is often surprising how many great forest trails you can find out on this island by the ocean. At Rød, straight south for the Town Hall, you can find a small golf court, and westbound, by the coast, is Øvre Rød Natural reserve. The archipelago around Tjøme, Brøtsø, and Hvasser can offer many islands and islets with thick vegetation, polished rocks, fine-grained sandy beaches and many sheltered boat places. At the very south of Tjøme, the walk is short to the islands most famous places, The World´s End and Moutmarka.
The coastal landscape in the southern part of Tjøme with Moutmarka and The World´s End has always pulled a large audience. This is because of the location with a great view of the sea, but also the special nature with thick vegetation between naked mountain crags.

The World´s End
At the World´s End, it is easy to gaze at the horizon towards the ocean and the sky that meet at infinity. If you look eastbound, you can see the neighbors in Østfold, or maybe even Sweden.

Bring a lunch basket and enjoy it on one of the outermost islands you can get to. Polished rocks honed by the ice age, and salty water through thousands of years seems special designed to sit and lie down on. In these surroundings, you´ll find hundreds of places to have nice conversations with family and friends, sunbathing, read a book, or just gaze at the archipelago life with music from seagulls, waves and kids bathing.

The area called The World´s End was originally called Helgerødtangen. The name The World´s End was given by travelers at the beginning of the 19th century. Earlier, the area was most knows as a fishing harbor and a lookout spot for sailors looking for missions.

The nature is dominated by rocky shores formed by glaciers over 10.000 years ago. Strandnelliken is one of the few plan species which lives in the cracks of the rocks facing the sea. In the north and south facing mountain hills are bushes and trees sheltered from the wind. The birds species are common gulls, herring gulls, black-backed gulls, eiders, and oystercatchers. South of the restaurant lives the nightingale. If you´re lucky, you might spot the seals laying on the outermost rocks.

The restuarant, the lighthouse and the old aquarium was built in 1932-35. The lighthouse has no historic background in the Tjøme area, but was built in the end of the 30s as a tourist attraction as well as the restaurant. Pebbles for these building was picked up from the pebble beaches of Moutmarka, among other places. The recreation area of The World´s End is especially adapted for disabled, with a bathing platform and a fishing ramp, among other things. The aquarium was closed in 1974. The harbor with the pier was constructed in 1946 as a fishing harbor and emergency harbor. Today, the harbor is also used as a guest harbor for hobby boats, with a service building, water and electricity for the boats. A new fishing harbor with boathouses for the fishermen was constructed in 2002. The restaurant and kiosk are open in summer.

Moutmarka
On the west side along the archipelago is a natural area called Moutmarka. This is a great recreation area where you can walk all the way down to the water. Moutmarka has a great collection of large rock ridges which you can only see a few places in the coast of Vestfold. It´s tempting to just look at the view, but if you look down to the water, you might find some small orange snail houses which kids in many generations have been making jewelries from or collection into mason jars. Remember, when you´re on vacation, you have the time to just stop and enjoy summer.

Moutmarka used to be a shared pasture for many farms in the area. Most of the animal business ended in the 50s and 60s, and therefore also the pasturing. This resulted in the open fields being overgrown by blackthorn, juniper, rose hip bushes, and other bushes. Large parts of the Mouthmarka is therefore not easily available, but there are three different marked trails that will take you through the area.

The beach trail is marked with blue and heads south along the sea. The landscape will go from grey rocks, pebble beaches and open fields. Normal plant species in this area are gulmaure, yarrow, blue button, Geranium, bluebell, tiriltunge and many more. In the spring, different kinds of orchids will flourish in Moutmarka.

Hvasser
Hvasser is the nest to largest island in Tjøme county. The road leading to Hvasser crosses the Vrengen bridge from Nøtterøy to Tjøme, then to Ormelet and across the Røssesundbroa to Brøtsø. A bridge will lead to Hvasser from here. Hvasser has a unique contact with the archipelago and the sea.

Few places has such a significant maritime atmosphere like Sandøsund, which is considered Hvasse´s center. Krukehavn, or Sandøsund like most people call it nowadays, is an old fishing harbor with a fish store that sells shellfish and the fish of the season.

It is one of the most used harbors around. This is also where the rescue company´s coastal patrol is stationed, ready for escort services across the Oslo Fjord tip Hvaler. Sandøsund also has a harbor for small boats and guests.

In 1882, our great artist Christian Krogh creates his well known painting «Hardt le.» The painting is showcased at the National Gallery. A funny thing about this is that Krogh used the sailor Julius Pedersen Grepan from Hvasser as the model.The island Hvasser in Tjøme county was at that time - and still is - the most important pilot station in Vestfold. Already in Magnus Lagabøter´s law from 1276, the provision of piloting was embodied, but in 1561 a pilot obligation for ships was introduced.

Sandøsund has through all times been the place for both small and big events. The vikings has sailed here, Tordenskjold´s naval vessels stayed here in 1718 as a shelter from the storm, Norwegian canon boats were stationed here during the Napoleon War of 1807. Intense smuggling of spirits during the prohibition also took place here. From 1858-70s ocean postal expedition had its own stamp from Sandøsund postal office of post between Norway and United Kingdom. But also the passenger traffic to Denmark, Germany and England had its headquarters in Sandøsund. If you´re visiting Sandøsund, we recommend visiting the Coastal Museum, which is about Tjøme´s maritime history and the sailor business here.

At the pier, there is a grocery store and the cozy coastal restaurant «The Blue Pier». On the other side of the harbor, you´ll find the «trattoria» of the area, The Sunny Side, where Giuseppe Sapienza offers great Italian dishes for both dinner and lunch. Giuseppe is also responsible for the most popular take away among the vacationers. Many also visits the restaurant´s ice cream and coffee bar. They also have an outside restaurant where you can enjoy the view of the teeming life of the harbor. Hvasser Guesthouse is the last addition to the restaurants in Sandøsund which opened its doors in 2011. This restaurant also lies in the harbor and has a great view of the ocean and harbor.

You´ll also find the Gudem Gallery in the harbor which opened in 2011. A place for sale and showcasing of contemporary art; pictures and crafts. On the «strip» leading away from the harbor are several specialized stores like interior stores, boat equipment and clothing, ceramic workshop, antiques and the venerable Hvasser Motel. Slightly outside of Sandøsund, you can visit the popular Kilen Gallery to get inspiration from art and crafts of high standard.

But Hvasser is much more than a harbor and a base for the coastal patrol and sailors. The people who lives there or owns a summer house, would call Hvasser a summer paradise. Hvasser offers rocky shores and nice beaches, forests, hills, and mountains, sheltered bays, islets and reefs. At the northern part of the island lies Lilleskagen. This place is idyllic and has a nature of great flowers. The name Lilleksagen (Little skagen) is a new name, and comes from the flat landscape of sand which can remind some of Skagen, north in Jylland, in Denmark. This 350 acre recreational area lies next to cabin areas in both north and south. The area has both hills and plains, forests and rocks.

Rocks polished by the ice made of monzonite are nicknamed whale-carcasses mountain     s.  There are several potholes by the shore, and one is below the small lantern. The area has two great beaches with a lot of people on sunny days. The area is also used for hiking. Parking spaces can be found close to the Hvasser Chapel. Paths lead to Lilleskagen from there. South of Krukehavn is Mellombakken with the Fyn beach - another name that comes from the similarity of Danish nature. This 40 acres space is a great recreational area.

Rich and unique fauna and flora
If you keep traveling south of Krukehavn, you´ll end up in the natural reserve of Storemyr-Fagervarn Conservation Area. This area has a large selection of noble woodlands. Half dry areas are dominated by hazel and pine trees with some aspen in the southern parts. You can also find a few cherry trees. The more humid swamp areas are dominated by black alder. There are also some ash and elm here.

There are colorful flowers in this natural reserve during the spring and summer. There are white anemones, blue anemones, golden stars, Solomon´s seal, early purple orchids and Lesser celandines. On the dry fields, especially at Fagerbakke, the special and poisonous Small Pasque Flower blooms. Small Pasque Flower grows only in this area and few places along the Oslo Fjord. The most northern part a Small Pasque Flower has been found is Hovedøya in Oslo.

The birdlife is especially rich in the conservation area. You´ll find a lot of nests for robins, blackbirds, thrush, redwing, chaffinches, monks, gardensingers, willow warblers, great tits, blue tits, Nuthatch, great spotter woodpeckers, woodcocks, and more. The loud singing of the nightingale can also be heard here, and in May, the Cuckoo is crowing. The forest has a rich insect fauna, and you can also meet predators like foxes, badgers and deers. In some ponds inside the protected area lives the small salamander, and the rare moor frog, but it seems like the most normal frog is absent in Hvasser. Several red listed dragonfly species has been observed in Hvasser. Remember that the adder is preserved!

After the hike through the lush forest, the landscape will open up to nice fields and rocky shores. There is also a great view of the Færder lighthouse from here.

Sandø
Sandøsund separates Sandø from Hvasser in the west. Sandø is something special. In the northern part, there is a big, beautiful beahc, Furustrand, which is very much known and used, but has no harbor. The waters here are shallow, so the boats has to stay pretty far away from the beach. South in Sandø, the terrain is more varied. There are lots of cabins, around 50 of them, but most of the cabins in Sandø are located along the Sandøsundet in the west, towards Hvasser. Along this strait, are some old, well tended and small farms. The sailors, the master pilots and the ship owner who lived out there.

Boat trip in Røssesundet
Røssesund is the strait between Hvasser and Brøstso in the east, and the island of Tjøme in the west. Røssesundet goes all the way from Engø in the north and the World´s End in the south, and contains many small islands. If you travel by boat, the Røssesund is a fun, tight and crooket, and of course crumble, sheltered from all the islands facing the sea.

Several types of cabins has national price records.

Rich Culture
Tjøme is not only nature, the island also has a rich culture. Tjøme, and the islands of Brøtsø and Hvasser can offer a rich culture life with art galleries which presents everything from ceramics to paintings and photographies. The concert stage at the Old Ormelet has a lot of traditions, and a sunrise concert at The World´s End is recommended. Outdoors concerts with well known artists can also be experienced in the garden of Engø Farm. The many artists at Tjøme got their inspiration from the landscape and the beautiful and special lighting. If you take some time off after a long day at the beach to visit one of the galleries, you might return home with a piece of one of the local artists, a memory for life.