Lake Farris is the largest lake in Vestfold, stretching from Larvik northwards towards Siljan. Covering approximately 22 square kilometres, the lake supplies drinking water to around 200,000 people. Its shores are lined with woodland, walking trails and places to swim, while islands and sheltered bays make it an inviting place to explore from the water. You can enjoy a woodland walk, find a spot beside the lake or head out by canoe or kayak. Choose a particular area to explore, as some of the swimming spots and trailheads are quite far apart.
Walk beside Lake Farris
For a woodland walk with lake views, start at Bøkeskogen. Follow the marked trails beneath tall beech trees and visit the Utsikten viewpoint overlooking the lake. For a longer outing, take Farrisstien, a walking trail leading from Bøkeskogen through varied woodland beside Lake Farris. Bring suitable walking shoes, a picnic and an up-to-date map if you plan to explore further.
Find a place to swim
In summer, Lake Farris offers several places for freshwater swimming, from sandy beaches to smooth lakeside rocks. Kattestranda at Framnesodden has a sandy beach, jetty, playground and benches. Roppestad near Kvelde offers rocky swimming spots and a grassy recreation area, while Delesand is a more secluded beach that requires a longer walk from the road.
Discover more options in Swimming Spots in Lake Farris.
Explore the lake by canoe or kayak
Lake Farris has numerous small bays and islands. Eikenesøya and Bjørnøya are among the places popular with paddlers. Exploring by canoe or kayak gives you a different view of the wooded shoreline. Choose a suitable launch point and plan your route according to the weather, wind and your experience. Respect other people using the lake and leave no litter behind.
An important source of drinking water
Lake Farris provides drinking water for much of Vestfold, making it especially important to protect the lake and its surroundings. Larvik Municipality monitors water quality, including seasonal blooms of cyanobacteria, often known as blue-green algae. Before swimming, check for local water quality advice and avoid water with visible algal blooms. Use established swimming areas where possible and take your litter home.
Part of Larvik's industrial history
At its southern end, Lake Farris drains into the Farriselva River, which flows into Larviksfjord. The river's waterfalls have played an important role in Larvik's industrial history for centuries. The landscape around Lake Farris also reveals traces of the Ice Age. From Bøkeskogen, you can see how the lake stretches between the surrounding wooded hills. The lakeside landscape can be explored throughout the year, while swimming and paddling are primarily summer activities. In winter, the surrounding walking trails offer opportunities to enjoy the forest when conditions allow.
Plan your visit
Lake Farris stretches from Larvik towards Siljan, with walking trails, swimming spots and quiet bays to explore. Choose your starting point according to the kind of outing you have in mind.
Walks and swimming spots
From Bøkeskogen, walk to the Utsikten viewpoint or follow Farrisstien further beside the lake. In summer, swimming spots include Kattestranda at Framnesodden, Roppestad near Kvelde and Delesand. Access and walking distances vary between locations.
Getting here and parking
There are several access points around Lake Farris. Kattestranda can be reached on foot from the Bøkeskogen and Lovisenlund area. Roppestad is reached via Farrisveien near Kvelde. Some swimming spots are a considerable distance from the road, and certain forest roads have barriers.
Terrain and accessibility
Surfaces range from wide gravel tracks to woodland trails, rocky shores and sandy beaches. Some locations have benches, toilets and other facilities, while others are more natural. Check the details for your chosen swimming spot or walking route.
Good to know
Lake Farris supplies drinking water to around 200,000 people. Help protect the lake and its shoreline. Avoid swimming when blue-green algae are visible and follow current advice from Larvik Municipality. Water and weather conditions can vary throughout the season.