Folehavna Fort is located at the southern tip of Vesterøya, outside Sandefjord. Walk among the remains of gun positions, bunkers and trenches from the Second World War, then continue towards the open coastal rocks overlooking the Skagerrak. Today, the former military site is an outdoor recreation area where coastal scenery and local history come together. The grounds can be visited independently throughout the year, with free access. Some of the terrain around the old military installations is uneven.
Explore the remains of the coastal fort
Follow the road from the parking area towards Folehavna and the fort at the end of the headland. The route passes through green surroundings before opening up towards the sea. Across the site, you can see traces of its military past. Old gun emplacements, concrete structures and trenches reveal how the coastline was defended during the Second World War. Some installations are partly hidden among trees and rocks. Take time to notice their positions in the landscape, overlooking the entrance to the Oslofjord.
A fort built in 1941
German occupying forces established the fort in May 1941. Known to the Germans as Vesterøen, it formed part of the coastal defence system in Norway. By the end of the war, the fort had four larger field guns, along with anti-aircraft and anti-tank weapons. The site also included bunkers, trenches, tunnels and other military installations. After the war, much of the area was taken over by the Norwegian Coastal Artillery. The fort was modernised in 1957 and remained in military use until 1993. Today, the surviving structures tell the story of both the occupation and the later Norwegian military presence.
Sea views from the tip of Vesterøya
Beyond the fortifications, the landscape opens into smooth coastal rocks and low rocky hills overlooking the sea. On a clear day, you can see towards Hvaler to the east and Svenner Lighthouse and the coastline to the west. Bring a drink and find a sheltered place to enjoy the view. The headland is also a good place to watch boats passing offshore. The exposed location can be windy, and coastal rocks may become slippery in wet weather. Choose your route according to the conditions.
Combine your visit with a coastal walk
Folehavna is part of the coastal trail on Vesterøya. The Vesterøya coastal trail network includes around 25 kilometres of marked walking routes. You do not need to walk the entire network to visit the fort. Explore the paths nearby or make the fort part of a longer walk through woodland, across rocky slopes and beside small bays. Just before the fort lies Folehavna, the sandy cove that gave the area its name. It makes a pleasant stop on a summer day.
Stay safe around the old military structures
Folehavna is a former military site with concrete installations, trenches and remains of underground tunnels. Stay in safe, open areas. Do not enter bunkers or tunnels unless they are clearly designated and secured for visitors. Take particular care near steep slopes and old structures. Wear suitable footwear, bring clothing for changing weather and keep a map available on your phone. The headland is exposed, even when conditions are calm in central Sandefjord.
