Hvaler: Marine National Park and Coastal Culture
Accommodation in Hvaler
On Hvaler, the archipelago and coastal landscape come together with an unusual variety of natural and cultural attractions. Ytre Hvaler National Park covers 354 km² of coast and archipelago and is Norway’s first marine national park. Large, continuous areas are home to rich biodiversity both on land and underwater. Tislerrevet is also part of what makes the skerries special: it is considered one of the world’s largest coral reefs within an archipelago.
Hiking between the coast and the archipelago
The national park has a network of trails suitable for hiking. The adapted trail system also includes the Coastal Trail, known in Norwegian as Kyststien. If you enjoy spending your holiday outdoors, these trails can be a focus of your trip to Hvaler. The national park is not just about the coast: its natural values include both the landscape on land and the diversity of life underwater.
For orientation, you’ll find a national park exhibition, brochures, paper maps, digital map services, information and literature at the Ytre Hvaler Visitor Center in Kornmagasinet in Skjærhalden. You can also get advice and tips there on trips and activities in the national park. If you like to plan your activities with maps or an exhibition, you can make a visit part of your trip planning.
Discover coastal culture and history
Hvaler’s cultural attractions offer a range of experiences. Hvaler Church is one of Norway’s oldest churches; it was probably built sometime in the 11th century. On Herføl, Langrøsset is considered Norway’s longest burial cairn and is around 100 metres long. Both places offer a chance to explore the archipelago’s long history as well as its natural attractions.
By the sea, Brottet Coastal Culture Centre is a visitor attraction where you can experience coastal history. It is distinct from the Brottet Open Air Theatre, built in an old quarry. Stenkunst Hvaler also displays artworks in an old quarry, with expansive views out to sea. These different places bring together art, coastal history and the distinctive landscape, while offering different experiences.
The Hvaler Coastal Museum is located at Nordgården Dypedal on Spjærøy and focuses on coastal culture. It includes the “Hewn in granite” exhibition in a protected quarry with associated workers’ barracks. Another way to discover local art is the Art Road near Hauge on Vesterøy: it features studios and galleries by artists working with ceramics, glass, jewellery, wood carvings, textiles and tapestries.
Include islands and transport in your holiday plans
From Skjærhalden, the Hvaler ferry carries passengers and bicycles free of charge to the eastern islands of Herføl, Lauer, Søndre Sandøy and Nordre Sandøy. If you want to include these islands in your trip, Skjærhalden may be a factor when choosing where to stay. Vy6 express buses connect Hvaler with Oslo and Fredrikstad several times a day, all year round. The ferry and bus services offer different options for getting here and taking trips.
For further information, you can also visit the pages for Nedgården. This can help you connect your search for a holiday rental with the places and experiences that interest you most: hiking in the national park, coastal culture, art or trips to the eastern islands.
For the broader travel overview: Østfold.
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