Welcome to Hankø – a gem in the Oslofjord

Fredrikstad has a stunning archipelago consisting of many islands, islets and skerries. The best-known island in the Fredrikstad archipelago is probably the beautiful Hankø, located just outside the city. Hankø offers scenic nature, accommodation, hiking trails and a beautiful coastal landscape – almost everything one could wish for.

There are 160 private summer houses on Hankø. Among these is the former royal family’s summer residence, located just a stone’s throw from the hotel. King Olav once owned the holiday house at Bloksberg. The royal family’s long-standing interest in sailing has connected them to Hankø for many years. The property is visible when crossing over to the island by boat, but today it is privately owned.

A popular Sunday destination

Hankø has excellent hiking areas suitable for both children and adults. The island is accessible by ferry from Hankøsundet or by private boat. It’s a good idea to stock up on food and drinks for the day at Vikane before crossing with the ferry, although many also choose to enjoy a meal at the hotel or the Seilerkroa when open.

By the ferry dock on Hankø lies the red-painted Seilerkroa, built in 1883 as part of Hankø Bath. After arrival, follow the path up to Hankø Fjordhotell & Spa, established in 1877. Turn left between the tennis courts and you’ll reach the old horse stables, built around 1900. The road to the right of the stables leads to Hankø Plads – one of the island’s two small farms. Turn left by the barn, then right at the next path junction along the power line. Cross the stream and turn left, heading northeast towards Karibukta. Along this trail, you might spot some of Hankø’s fallow deer if you’re lucky. Deer from Denmark were introduced here about 100 years ago, and the island now has a thriving population. Please remember to keep dogs on a leash. Continue along the path and turn left to end up at the cove by the hotel, directly across from Seilerkroa and Bloksberg, the royal family’s former estate up on the hill.

Hankø’s highest point today is 55 metres above sea level. When the ice age ended (about 10 000–12 000 years ago), the entire island was submerged. The sea level was 180 metres higher than it is today. Around 5 000 years before Christ, this highest point emerged above the water. At the end of the Stone Age, around 2 000 BC, the sea level was about 20 metres higher than now. Hankø then consisted of 10–15 islets and skerries. The first traces of human activity on the island date back to this time.

The sailing capital

Hankø is often referred to as the sailing capital of Norway – and for good reason. Regattas have been held here annually for over 100 years. The races can be watched up close from both the mainland and the island, as the boats often sail through Hankøsundet. When night falls, Kristian Blystad’s memorial to King Olav V can be seen out in the strait – a sailboat in glowing silhouette.

Recreation and spa

Enjoy relaxing days on Hankø – far from the hustle and bustle of the city. The island has been a recreational destination since the 1870s, when sulphuric mud was discovered here. Hankø Fjordhotell & Spa continues the traditions from 1877, when Hankø Bath and Coastal Sanatorium was established. Artists, wealthy families and nobility once travelled here for water therapy, mud baths, and health-boosting mineral water. This activity faded in the late 1930s, but half a century later it has been revived.

Hankø Fjordhotell has its own spa department, with wellness and relaxation at the core. The island also has roaming fallow deer and Bronze Age burial sites. The hotel offers tennis courts, minigolf, a sports hall (Hankøhallen), football pitch, and its own beach (Trouville). There is also a private chapel licensed for weddings – perfect for a dream wedding by the sea.

How to get to Hankø

From Oslo:
Drive south on the E6 towards Gothenburg. Exit at Råde and take RV 110 towards Fredrikstad. Drive through Råde centre and continue until you reach RV 116 with signs towards Engelsviken and Saltnes. Drive for about 5 minutes until you see a sign for Hankø – Vikane and RV 117. Follow the road down to the water and park at the parking lot in Vikane. Remember to pay for parking. The ferry takes you to Hankø in just a few minutes. You can find ferry timetables online.

From Fredrikstad:
From Fredrikstad, follow signs towards Oslo on RV 110. Turn left onto RV 116 towards Engelsviken and Saltnes. Turn left again onto RV 117 towards Hankø and Vikane. Drive down to the water and park at the lot in Vikane. Remember to pay for parking. The ferry crosses to Hankø in just a few minutes.

GPS address:
Vikaneveien 405, 1621 Gressvik – this takes you to the parking area and the ferry to Hankø.

Public transport:
Take bus route 115 (Øyenkilen–Vikane) from Fredrikstad bus terminal to Hankø.