Vesterøy is the first island you reach after leaving the mainland. It is also home to the highest point in Hvaler. Large areas in the west of Vesterøy lie within Ytre Hvaler National Park; there are recreation areas with deep forests, smoothly polished rocks and beaches. The island brings together a range of travel interests: paths by the sea, a cycling loop, climbing spots, art and fishing harbours. If you are looking for accommodation on Vesterøy, consider which of these aspects you would like to focus on during your stay.

Cycling Loop, Coastal Path and Climbing Spots

Two routes with different characteristics are worth considering when planning your day. The Vesterøy cycling route is a 12.5-kilometre loop, mostly flat, with a few longer, gentle climbs. The six-kilometre coastal path runs by the sea from Papperhavn to Kuvauen, continues via Guttormsvauen and ends in Utgård. The choice differs not only in length but also in format: a mostly flat cycling loop or a coastal path along the sea.

Guttormsvauen has a large, sheltered beach with shallow water. A path to Guttormsvauen passes a 15-metre-high rock face equipped with bolts for climbing. Kuvauen on Vesterøy is considered a popular bouldering spot. Check local conditions and access before planning a climbing or bouldering trip.

Harbours, Shrimp and Coastal History

Utgårdskilen is the largest fishing harbour east of Lindesnes and is known for fresh Hvaler shrimp. Availability of the shrimp may vary. Bukta and Papperhavn are old fishing harbours. By the bay at Kuvauen stand protected historic boathouses where fishermen once mended their nets.

Vesterøy’s geology is also rooted in specific locations: the Kuvauen area has gneiss, diabase dykes and pegmatite fields. The landscape here thus ranges from the protected boathouses to these named rock types.

Art and Handicrafts

The Art Road near Hauge includes studios and galleries run by local artists working with ceramics, glass, jewellery, wood carvings, textiles and tapestries. Established galleries are open every summer; availability at individual venues may vary.

Åse and Oluf Føinum live and work at Føinum pottery and glass art, where they sell their work. Opening arrangements may vary. Galleri Svalgangen shows watercolours by local artist Arild Ådnem; the works on display may change.

Flyndreflat presents ceramics with maritime motifs, including flatfish and well-fed seagulls. The availability of individual works may vary.

Hvaler in a Broader Context

In the wider destination of Hvaler, Ytre Hvaler National Park covers 354 km² of coastal and archipelago area and is Norway’s first marine national park. The archipelago within the national park forms large, contiguous areas with rich biodiversity on land and underwater. The national park includes a network of paths suitable for hiking; the Coastal Trail (Kyststien) is part of the adapted trail system.

Discover more destinations: Nedgården, Skjærhalden, Hvaler.

Back to the main travel overview: Hvaler.