In the season from May to September, there are free guided tours in the Geopark. The geopark is a limited area of 3.000 square kilometer and is in Telemark and Vestfold county, and includes the municipalities of Larvik, Bamble, Kragerø, Nome, Porsgrunn, Siljan and Skien.
At various geo-locations you can discover for yourself, and gain an increased understanding of, the dramatic events that have helped to shape the landscape.
The landscape in Larvik is characterized by the rugged landscape that a bedrock of larvikite often provides. Along the coast, the larvikite has been scoured by the ice that lay over the land during the last ice age. The result is the fine rocky cliffs that dominate the Vestfold coast.
Larvikite can only be found naturally in the Larvik area, and when you see this popular ornamental stone, cut and polished, with its beautiful play of blue colors on everything from wall facades on large buildings to worktops in kitchens and bar counters, you know it comes from Larvik. Larvikite is valued and in demand far beyond Norway's borders.
An art project that, in close collaboration with nature, affects everyone who visits the trail to give the senses free space. The path STI FOR ØYE is almost two kilometers long, available all year round.
The light designer Erik Selmer makes sure that the trail, nature and art are lit in an exciting and adventurous way. The lighting is automatically turned on every night at dusk and turned off at midnight.
The trail is made by the landscape architect Rainer Stange.
The path is covered in red rombeporfyr, "the red carpet", which is hardly anywhere else than in Stokke. The forest on both sides of the trail has Norway's richest incidence of laurel species. Each spring wood anemone cover the forest like a carpet. The area is also rich in birdlife, and each fall the chanterelle shows up in fine yellow bunches on the forest ground.
12 artists from 8 European countries were chosen to create their stories about the nature. The project started in 2001, and officially opened September 30, 2010.
The path is almost two kilometers long and winds its way towards Himmeltrappen (The Sky Stairs). From there, hikers have a clear view of Slottsfjellet in Tønsberg.
GROUP TOURS
Do you want a guided tour? STI FOR ØYE offers guided tours of one to two hours, or lectures followed by guided tours for groups of min. 10 people. Food and drink can also be offered. Get in touch for enquiries.
Tourists can visit the Memorial Hall all summer long.
The memomial is pyramid-formed, erected in commemoration of all Norwegian sailors in the fishing fleet and the merchant navy who lost their lives in naval service for Norway during World War I and World War II.
Minnehallen – the name in Norwegian – is meant to resemble a beacon, and is built of blocks of granite from a nearby rock. It was opened by HM King Haakon 7. in 1926 after two years of construction.
About 15.000 people visit the memorial from May to September every year. They find a 32-metre wide frieze inside the main hall that depicts different epoques from the dramatic lives of sailors.
In front of the sarcophagus wrapped in the Norwegian flag you find the famous sculpture "Abyss", and in the crypt 7562 sailors' names are carved on copper plates.
The altar in the main hall is engraved with a commemorative poem to the sailors, written by Norwegian poet Henrik Wildenvey.
The Beech Tree Forest is used all year round for cultural and recreational activities by locals and tourists alike.
In mid-May you'll find joy in the light green petals from the beech trees while strolling along the 270-meter-long Passion Path, and eventually you'll end up at the square close to the main entrance. If you come here at Constitution Day, May 17th, you will see lots of happy children parading waving their Norwegian flags. In autumn the forest turns to red and yellow, and during winter the trees are snow-covered.
You also find the charming cafe called Bøkekroa where you can enjoy live jazz every single Friday during summer. Bøkekroa is open all year and serves traditionally Norwegian food.
For the historian, there are 80-90 registered burial mounds. You will find the largest Iron Age burial ground in Vestfold and one of the largest in Norway at this site.
The highest point in the Beech Tree Forest is called "The Bellevue". It is situated in the north-western part of the area. This place gives you an excellent view of the Farris lake, and some good rest for your legs.
The Beech Tree Forest stretches inwards along the Farris lake, and as you walk you will find small, cosy cabins and unspoilt places where you can enjoy the views and eat your lunch in the great outdoors.
All together the three islands, Western Bolæren, Middle Bolæren and Eastern Bolæren cover over 2 square kilometers. In addition to this there are over 40 smaller islands, islets and skerries around the main islands. Due to the rich and varied flora and fauna that exists in the area, much of the archipelago is part of the Færder national park.
Transport
The only way to reach Bolærne is by boat. People will prefer to travel out in their own boat if they have one, but there is also a ferry which leaves daily from the town of Tønsberg in the summer. For more information on the ferry go to the official website Flybåten.no
There is also possible to go by taxiboat; Fjordtaxi.
Middle Bolæren
Considered by many the most beautiful island, Middle Bolæren is prized for its rich flora and scenic landscapes. There is a nice costal trail which connects the different sights on the island. Among other things there are various remnants from a POW camp built to house Russians during WWII,
several burial mounds from the viking age and a grand decidous forest. The Earls lodge is also a popular attraction. The most common way to access the island is from Kongshavnsundet.
Western Bolæren
Not as visited as the two other islands in summer, Western Bolæren nonetheless boasts many nice sights and swimming spots. Accessed mostly by the main quay at Jenserud, it is ideal for a quiet day out enjoying nature. There is a café, several cabins that can be rented and a big area where one can pitch tents for free. It has a coastal path, burial mounds, a viking camp and several fine beaches.
Eastern Bolæren
The most popular island of the three, Eastern Bolæren shows the strongest signs of human influence. Most of the buildings are situated around the guest port on the west side. These include a small hotel for overnight stay, a resturant and a kiosk. Bolærne fort organises guided trips of the islands defensive fortifications, but one may also walk among the bunkers and trenches at leisure. Like the two others, Eastern Bolæren has several bathing spots and paths crisscrossing the forests and rocks. There is also a designated area for pitching tents.
