Kategori: Nature

Coastal Path on Kirkøy (Hvaler)

Homlungen and Storesand

Start from the National Park Center in Skjærhalden and follow the blue symbols of the Coastal Path out to Homlungen lighthouse, a listed building. The path continues through rugged terrain to Storesand beach, considered one of the finest bathing spots in Østfold. In the summer season there is a beach café.

 

Ørekroken

The path continues through the old pine forest in the Prestgårdsskogen Nature Reserve to the next sandy cove, Ørekroken. If you go down to the edge of the beach you will discover many fine shells. It is a lovely place to swim, surf in the waves, let the children play in the sand, or to just stand and take in the sea and horizon. 

 

Rødshue

You can continue to follow the Coastal Path, or perhaps take a little detour down to the mussel banks on the Tobakksbukta beach. Furthest out on Rødshue there are old stone quarries. Hvaler Fine Arts Society and Hvaler Rotary have together developed the area into a sculpture park, a fascinating art and cultural experience. Monuments and installations by internationally renowned artists line the path.

The Coastal Path continues across an exposed headland, passing a large stone cross. At this point, where waves often crash against the land, there is a splendid panorama. The path follows the route of the quarry workers all the way to the loading jetties at Grønne Bakke, which is also an ideal spot to stop and eat your packed lunch.

On the way back to Skjærhalden the path takes us through woodland. In the course of a few metres the landscape changes character from gusty coastland to lofty and sheltered forest.

The walk is ca. 12 km.

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.