Kategori: Nature

Oppdagelsesferd i Ytre Hvaler Nasjonalpark | Skjærhalden

Experience Hvaler and the national park with the children – let them wonder, be curious and explore the unique nature. Visit the national park's visitor center at Skjærhalden and the open air house at Storesand via the coastal path on the marked path; along the water, over the beach, mountains, paths and in pine forests. Here you will find beautiful beaches, exciting history and good food. You decide whether the day should be short or long, the experiences are not far apart.

Ytre Hvaler National Park is Europe's first marine national park. Here you can find rare and endangered plant species, insects and species of fungi and algae. The area also has a special and varied butterfly fauna. Ytre Hvaler National Park has its own visitor center in the old grain store at Skjærhalden. They have great exhibitions with text and pictures, examples of occurrences from nature in the national park and picture presentations on a screen. Here you can borrow an experience bag completely free of charge. It contains encyclopedias, trapping and gathering equipment and many more activities.

Storesand – a large, connected nature and outdoor area, arranged for swimming, walks, play and nature experiences. Throughout the year, Friluftshuset hosts exhibitions, activities and information related to the national park. In addition, you will find simple catering, sanitary facilities and service for outdoor life. Storesand also has a tent pitch, if you want to extend the trip by a day or two.

The coastal path from Skjærhalden is a walk in our finest nature in a landscape with rich history and memorials from changing eras. Bronze Age mounds, house foundations from the Middle Ages, medieval church, nature reserve, national park, remains from stonecutter activities, Rødshue sculpture park and Homlungen lighthouse. The journey follows a marked path; along the water, over the beach, mountains, paths and in pine forests.

Always remember; When you are in the national park, you are nature's guest.

The experiences are easily accessible, also with options for public transport from both Fredrikstad and Oslo.

Hankø – a charming island

Hankø has been a recreational spot since the 1870s, when sulphurous spawn was discovered on the island. In 1899, hares, pheasants and fallow deer were released on the island. In 1930, King Olav bought the Bloksberg holiday home here and more recently Princess Martha Louise and her family have taken over the summer residence.

The island of Hankø can offer everything you could wish for. Beautiful nature, activities, peace and quiet and accommodation. Swimming indoors in Roman surroundings at Hankø Fjordhotell & Spa or a fresh sea bath at one of the special bathing areas, such as Trouville.

Hankø's highest point is today 55 m above sea level. This means that all of Hankø was under water when the ice disappeared approx. 10 – 12,000 years ago. Approx. 4-5000 years before Christ, this highest point emerged in the water crust. At the end of the Stone Age, around 2000 BC, the water stood approx. 20 m. higher than now. Hankø consisted of 10 – 15 islets and reefs. It is from this time that we find the first traces of people.

Isegran

The small green island of Isegran is located in the middle of the Glomma River and right in the heart of Fredrikstad. It is the perfect place for food, culture and recreation.

Isegran has a vibrant maritime environment and is home to a well-known maritime centre for the construction and restoration of wooden boats. The island is also home to Norway’s only traditional boatbuilding school and a unique museum harbour filled with historic vessels. Østfold’s oldest wooden building stands here, surrounded by a beautiful Renaissance garden. Isegran can be reached via the Kråkerøy Bridge or by the city ferry.

Today, Isegran is a lively coastal culture park and a centre for sharing traditions, history and experiences. Boats are restored in the same buildings where they were once built, and the island’s unique history lives on in a green oasis between the city and the river. Isegran also serves as a museum harbour, where traditional boats line the docks, most of them privately owned.

Isegranhuset, also known as “The Yellow House” and “The Empire House”, was built in 1730 on the site of the old guardhouse on Isegran. It is considered the oldest standing wooden building in Østfold. The Renaissance garden outside Isegranhuset began restoration in 1985 and is maintained each year through impressive volunteer efforts. Visitors can enjoy views towards Cicignon and listen to the gentle sound of the waterwheel in the Glomma River.

The Renaissance garden contains historically accurate perennials, herbs and medicinal plants based on well-known records from the 18th century.

Isegran is the first place in Fredrikstad mentioned in historical records. At the end of the 13th century, the Earl of Borgarsyssel, Alv Erlingsson, also known as Mindre Alv, had a small fortress on the island. In the 1670s, Isegran was fortified with a large artillery platform and the Isegran Tower. Later, a small fort was added to protect the river passage. Until 1680, Isegran was Norway’s only naval harbour.

During the Great Northern War, the island served as a naval base for Peter Wessel Tordenskiold. At the end of the 19th century, Isegran became the main base for the mine defence of Svinesund and the mouth of the Glomma River.

Isegran is also home to The Cathedral of Hope, an open and inclusive art and environmental project focused on building hope through cooperation. Open to everyone, the cathedral is a meeting place for people of all ages, nationalities and beliefs.

Most of the buildings on Isegran are owned by Fredrikstad Municipality. Several of them are available to rent for conferences and private events.