Holmestrand offers places to swim in the Oslofjord as well as freshwater lakes further inland. Dulpen and Hagemann are close to central Holmestrand, while Hof and Eidsfoss have sandy beaches, grassy areas and lakeside swimming spots. Some beaches have playgrounds, toilets and places to eat nearby. Others are ideal for a picnic and a few hours by the water. Here are some places to enjoy a summer swim.
Dulpen – a beach in the heart of Holmestrand
Dulpen lies at the northern end of Holmestrand town centre, directly opposite the railway station. There is a sandy beach, a large grassy area and a swimming jetty. You can also play beach volleyball, with toilets and places to eat close by. Two saunas at Bølgebryteren offer the chance to warm up after a dip in the fjord. Dulpen is a particularly convenient choice if you are arriving in Holmestrand by train.
Hagemann – a beach and park beside the marina
On the southern side of Holmestrand, Hagemann has a small sandy beach and a swimming jetty. A spacious lawn and park area provide plenty of room for picnics and games. There is also a playground, ball court, barbecue area and toilets, with parking available nearby. For a longer outing, combine your visit with a walk along the coastal path in Holmestrand.
Vikestranda – swimming in Lake Vikevannet
Vikestranda is a freshwater swimming spot beside Lake Vikevannet in Hof. It has a large grassy area, toilets and a fishing jetty. Bring a picnic and enjoy time beside the lake. Before swimming, check current municipal water quality advice, as blue-green algae can occur in freshwater during warmer periods.
Lake Eikern – beaches beside a large lake
Lake Eikern stretches through wooded countryside between Vestfold and Buskerud. Around Eidsfoss, there are several places to reach the shore. Verkstedstranda is a small sandy beach in the Eidsfoss recreation area, near Eidsfoss Scene. Picnic benches make it a pleasant place to stop for a break. Sandvik also has a sandy beach, benches, designated fire sites and simple outdoor shelters. If you would like to explore the lake by canoe or stand-up paddleboard, Aktiv i Eidsfoss offers equipment rental by prior arrangement.
Lake Bergsvannet in Eidsfoss – swimming near the historic ironworks
At Gatalandet in Eidsfoss, you will find a small sandy beach and grassy area beside Lake Bergsvannet. Toilets and parking are available. The beach is close to the historic ironworks community, making it easy to combine a swim with a walk past the old workers' houses. The lake is relatively shallow and can warm up during sunny summer weather.
Lake Bergsvannet in Vassås – a jetty and lakeside beach
At the northern end of Lake Bergsvannet in Vassås, there is a small swimming area with a floating jetty, benches and toilets. A few parking spaces are available near the beach. This lake is in the Hof area and is a different lake from Bergsvannet at Eidsfoss.
More places to swim
There are also plenty of beaches in Sande, including sandy shores along the fjord and freshwater swimming spots in the woodland. See Beaches in Sande for more ideas.
Check swimming conditions before visiting
Facilities and access vary between beaches. Some have nearby parking, while others require a short walk. Holmestrand Municipality monitors bathing water quality during summer. Conditions can change after heavy rainfall or during blue-green algae blooms. Check current local advice and avoid swimming in water that appears unusually green, cloudy or covered with algae.
Find more information on Holmestrand Municipality's beach guide.
Plan your visit
Holmestrand has swimming spots along the Oslofjord and beside freshwater lakes. Choose a beach near the town centre or explore the lakes around Hof and Eidsfoss.
Choose a swimming spot
Dulpen near Holmestrand railway station has a sandy beach, grassy area and beach volleyball courts. Hagemann has a smaller beach, playground and barbecue area. For freshwater swimming, try Vikestranda in Hof, Verkstedstranda or Sandvik at Lake Eikern, or the beaches at Bergsvannet in Eidsfoss and Vassås.
Getting here and parking
Dulpen is at Langgaten 1, beside the railway station. Hagemann is at Hagemannsveien 39. Vikestranda is at Vikeveien 35 in Hof, while Gatalandet is at Gata 19 in Eidsfoss. Parking and walking distances vary between locations. Use the municipality's guide to find the right access point.
Facilities and accessibility
Several beaches have toilets, grassy areas and seating. Dulpen and Hagemann have swimming jetties, while Bergsvannet in Vassås has a floating jetty. Surfaces range from sand and grass to rocky shores and footpaths. Contact the municipality if you need confirmed step-free access or accessible swimming facilities.
Good to know
Swimming is mainly a summer activity. Holmestrand Municipality monitors bathing water quality during the season. Check current advice, particularly after heavy rainfall or if blue-green algae are visible. Swimming is prohibited in Lake Blindevann and much of the Røysjø water catchment area, with some exceptions. Follow local signs and regulations.