Island hopping Hvaler

Island hopping to Hvaler´s secret places. Hvaler is equally attractive by land as from the water.

Island hopping to Hvaler’s secret places. Hvaler is equally attractive by land as from the water.

Vesterøy, connected by road bridge to the mainland, is a verdant island with three nature reserves. If you come by boat you will experience a completely different Vesterøy, along the coastline it is the powerful elements of wave and wind that dominate. On Vesterøy you will find one of Norway’s largest fishing villages: Utgårdskilen. This idyllic place is also the best preserved fishing and pilot harbour on the Oslo Fjord.

Spjærøy is a rockier island than Vesterøy and has a long history as a boatbuilding centre. The traditional Hvaler Boat was built here, a vessel that, together with the Koster schooner, inspired the famous boat builder Colin Archer. Hvaler Coastal Museum is located on Spjærøy, here you can learn fascinating stories of the people who have lived their lives out here by the fjord. There is a new exhibition every summer.

A little to the southwest is Akerøy, a favourite destination for pleasure boats. Large parts of the island offer shelter from wind and waves, beautiful summer days can be enjoyed here on green picnic areas and sheltered bathing spots. Akerøy Fort, built in 1664, dominates the island. Thankfully a shot was never fired in anger from the fort. It was abandoned in 1807 and became a ruin when it was chosen as a target for artillery practice during a military exercise in 1833! Restoration work has been going on since 1962 on a voluntary basis.

Asmaløy has a bridge connection to Spjærøy and an underwater tunnel to Kirkøy. The island boasts an extraordinarily beautiful coastal landscape, a rich birdlife, rare plants, and good camping possibilities. Sandholmen in the northeast is regarded as a paradise for caravan enthusiasts.

The “capital” of Hvaler – with 700 permanent residents – is Skjærhalden on Kirkøy, the largest island. Here you will find the town hall and police station, small shops, restaurants, quayside pubs, and summer visitors in abundance. If you are looking for leisure activities or a lazy day in harbour, Skjærhalden is the place. The island hopping cruise with M/S Hollungen starts from here.