The Hvaler and Fredrikstad archipelago boasts a rich diversity of species both on land and below sea level. Most of the park consists of seabed. With its soft bottom, rich kelp forests and corals, the park has complete subsea ecosystem. Above sea level, you can enjoy a landscape ranging from rocky shores worn smooth by ice and water to coastal woodland shaped by the wind.
Ytre Hvaler National Park is one of the most important areas for outdoor life in the Oslo Fjord. The area is attractive for boating and hiking, sunbathing and swimming. Many people regard it a summer paradise, but its scenery and natural history also have much to offer the rest of the year.
A boat gives you many islands to choose between. Kayaking is popular and an excellent means of exploring the park. The waters are also suitable for diving.
Skjærhalden is the city center of the Hvaler Islands, with many shops and restaurants. From Skjærhalden you can catch the local ferry and go island hopping on the outer islands.
Located both on Skjærhalden and Storesand beach you find Visitor centers for the national park where you can see more of what is hiding under the sea.
The park is great for hiking and there are several coastal trails; on Kirkøy, Asmaløy and Vesterøy. These are marked with coastal trail signs and blue paint. By using the established trails in the national park, you also help to protect nature from wear and tear and disturbances.
Remember that you are Nature’s guest in the national park.
Ytre Hvaler national park is easily accessible by boat, car and public transport. There are parking options close to the main road (108), which are good starting points for hiking the coastal trails. See map of parking spaces here.
Hiking: Visitors can hike throughout the national park, except in zones designated for nesting seabirds from 15 April to 15 July.
Cycling: Visitors must use roads and routes approved for cycling in the national park. Here is an overview of permitted cycling routes (electric bikes are not permitted).
Cycling is prohibited throughout the year at Ørekroken outdoor recreation area on the island of Kirkøy. This is in accordance with the special regulation for Ørekroken dated 18.06.2022.
Horse riding: The use of horses, unless it is organized riding, is permitted on roads and trails on uncultivated land in the national park. No areas in the national park are suitable for organized riding. At Ørekroken outdoor recreation area on the island of Kirkøy, horse riding is prohibited all year round.
Jet skis: Jet skis are prohibited throughout the entire national park.
Boats: Boats can be used throughout the national park, with the exception of zones designated for nesting seabirds and seal haul-out sites from 15 April to 15 July. Visitors must keep a distance of at least 50 meters from these areas. This also applies to surfing, kayaking/canoeing, diving and other types of water sports. The national park has areas with speed limits at sea .
Drones: The use of drones is prohibited.
Campfires and barbecues: Visitors are permitted to light campfires or disposable barbecues/grills, but never on bare shoreline rocks or other vulnerable substrate. The heat can cause the bedrock to crack and be permanently damaged. We recommend that visitors use the designated/established campfire pits. Remember that it is generally prohibited to light campfires between 15 April and 15 September. At Ørekroken outdoor recreation area on the island of Kirkøy, campfires/disposable barbecues/grills are prohibited all year round.
Taking breaks and pitching tents: You are welcome to take breaks and pitch tents on uncultivated land, with a few exceptions. Pitching tents is prohibited year-round on the islands of Akerøya, Vesleøya and Heia within the zone designated for nesting seabirds. Otherwise, the general rule (the Outdoor Recreation Act) is that you can pitch a tent/hang a hammock for up to two days without the landowner’s permission, at least 150 meters from the nearest inhabited house or cabin. Adapted campsites and specific rules for longer stays can be found at Storesand.
More about the nature in the national park:
The landscape of Ytre Hvaler national park ranges from coastal woodland and rocky shores to depths of 400 metres. Most of the national park is below sea level and ranges from depths of 470 m to shallows where skerries pierce the surface.
The National park has a rich animal life including an abundance of birds. Islets, narrow inlets, wetlands and shore meadows offer breeding, resting and overwintering sites for seabirds. The park also has many species of butterflies and moths, many who are Red-listed. The sea between Heia and Torbjørnskjær is an important pupping area for common seals. Several coral reefs occur where strong currents flow; Tisler has the largest inshore reef in Europe, 1200 m long.
The park has many rare plants, many who are red listed, like musk orchid and horned puppy.
The cultural history and former land use have left their mark on the national park. Hvaler has ancient settlements sites ranging up to the end of the 16th century, and some may be as old as the Late Bronze Age. Fishermen’s shacks are a reminder of Hvaler’s long history of fishing. Shrimps trawling is now the most important fishery.
The sea conceals at least 50 shipwrecks, including the frigate, Lossen, which sank off the islands of Vesterøy in 1717.