Hvaler
Hvaler is Østfold’s sun-drenched archipelago — a municipality where 833 islands stretch like stepping stones across the Oslofjord, lighthouses double as overnight stays, and sea kayaking is practically a local dialect. With around 4,500 residents and a landscape shaped by skerries, sculpture parks, and saltwater breezes, Hvaler is the kind of place where you can hike to a marble cave, paddle past puffin reserves, and still catch a jazz concert in a boathouse. It’s got light, latitude, and a name that once meant “whale isles.”
Top Attractions
- Ytre Hvaler National Park – Norway’s first marine national park with coral reefs and seabird sanctuaries
- Hvaler Church – 900-year-old stone church with medieval architecture and coastal views
- Kystmuseet Hvaler – coastal museum exploring fishing, shipping, and island life
- Stone Art Hvaler – sculpture park blending granite carvings with sea cliffs
- Kuvauen – historic fishing harbor and beach with WWII bunkers and hiking trails
Unique Experiences
- Kayakomat – self-service kayak rentals at Sand Marina for island-hopping adventures
- Rødshue Sculpture Trail – coastal art walk with sea views and stone monuments
- Storesand Beach – family-friendly swimming spot with dunes and picnic areas
- Humle Yoga – open-air yoga sessions with fjord views and salty zen
- Frøkengården – historic house museum open on select summer Sundays
Places to Stay
Browse hotels, cabins & guesthouses in Hvaler
Where to Eat
Explore top-rated restaurants in Hvaler
Getting There
Hvaler sits just south of Fredrikstad, with Skjærhalden as its main town. The Rv108 road crosses bridges to Kirkøy, and ferries connect to Søndre Sandøy, Herføl, and Lauer. Buses run from Fredrikstad and Oslo, and the area is best explored by bike, boat, or bare feet — especially if you’re chasing sea spray, sculpture trails, or the hush of pine needles on granite.