by: Holmestrand

The coastal trail from Holmestrand to Falkensten in Horten is a challenging point-to-point hike alongside the Oslofjord. The full route is approximately 16 kilometres, or around 11.5 kilometres if you start at Mulvika. The walk combines woodland, beaches and elevated viewpoints, including Frebergkastet and Slettefjell. Several sections are steep and uneven, making this a route for walkers experienced with natural terrain.

From Holmestrand town centre to Mulvika
Starting in Holmestrand, follow the waterfront and pedestrian paths south. At Dulpen, you will pass a sculpture of the Norwegian writer Nils Kjær overlooking the fjord. The route continues past the former aluminium works, via Backersgate and Hagemannsveien towards Hagemannsparken. From here, the trail heads along the coast to Mulvika. This first section includes more established paths and is easier than the terrain further south. You can also start directly at Mulvika for a shorter hike.

Woodland and coastline from Mulvika
From Mulvika, the route passes Almedalen before continuing through woodland and countryside towards Ruseberget. Trail markings can be difficult to follow in places. Check your route map regularly, stay on the designated trail and avoid crossing cultivated fields.
From Ruseberget, the path follows the coast towards Snekkestad and Sandsletta. A detour towards Mulodden is another option if you have extra time.

Views from Frebergkastet
Beyond Sandsletta, the trail continues through woodland and holiday cabin areas towards Frebergkastet. This viewpoint is a place to stop for a break, with benches and a designated rest area overlooking the surrounding coastal landscape. The descent towards Frebergsvik is steep and uneven in places. Ropes have been installed along parts of the route, but the terrain can be difficult, especially when wet.

Slettefjell and the final stretch to Falkensten
From Frebergsvik, the trail continues beside the sea before climbing steeply towards Slettefjell.
Some sections require scrambling over rocky ground. There are steep cliffs at Slettefjell, so keep well back from exposed edges and take particular care in wet or slippery conditions. From the higher ground, enjoy views across the Oslofjord towards Langøya near Holmestrand and Løvøya near Horten. The descent towards Varnestangen is also steep. The final section follows a gravel road towards Falkensten Bruk.

Plan a full-day outing
This is a point-to-point hike. UT.no estimates around four hours from Mulvika to Falkensten, not necessarily including extended breaks. Allow additional time if you start in Holmestrand town centre. Bring enough food and water, wear sturdy hiking shoes with good grip and check the forecast before setting out. The route south of Mulvika is unsuitable for pushchairs, wheelchairs and bicycles.

For an easier coastal walk, explore the trail from Sande to Holmestrand only after checking the English page's title and content, or find more ideas in the coastal trails of Vestfold.

The coastal trail between Berger and Sande in Holmestrand Municipality combines woodland paths, beaches and views across Sandebukta bay. The route is listed as approximately 15–16 kilometres, although the exact distance still needs to be checked against an updated map. Walk the full route or choose a shorter section. Be aware that part of the walk follows a road without a separate pedestrian or cycle path.

Start with Berger's industrial heritage
The area around Berger Museum and Fossekleiva Cultural Centre is a useful starting point. Here, you can discover the textile industry that helped shape the village. From the museum area, follow the route down towards Bryggeveien and the coastal path at Bergerbukta. The trail continues south past Blindsand towards Leinastranda.

Beaches and rocky shores towards Bjerkøya
Between Berger and Bjerkøya, the trail crosses varied, sometimes hilly terrain. Woodland paths alternate with coastal rocks, beaches and minor roads. Along the way, you pass Sandvika beach and Hagasand. These are pleasant places to stop for a packed lunch or enjoy time by the water when conditions are suitable. From Vammen, the route continues towards Bjerkøya, where information boards display further walking options. This first section is listed as approximately five kilometres and is well marked, but some parts are unsuitable for bicycles or pushchairs.

Towards Bekkestranda and Nordre Jarlsberg brygge
South of Bjerkøya, the route initially follows the shore before reaching the main road.
The existing trail description states that approximately four kilometres of this section follow a road without a separate pavement or cycle path, towards Bekkestranda. Traffic is therefore an important consideration, and you should assess this section carefully before attempting the full walk.
From Bekkestranda, the route continues along local roads and pedestrian connections towards Sandebukta and Nordre Jarlsberg brygge.

Continue towards Sande
Beyond Nordre Jarlsberg brygge, the trail passes through woodland towards Lersbrygga and continues in the direction of Sande. This section has a different character from the coastal paths near Berger, with more stretches on walking and shared-use paths. The full trail is a point-to-point walk, so plan your return journey in advance.

Choose a route that suits you
The northern section from Berger towards Bjerkøya includes hilly woodland paths and rocky shores. Further south, the trail alternates between roads, pedestrian routes and woodland. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended, especially in wet weather. The coastal path can be explored in different seasons when conditions allow, although roots, rocks and coastal surfaces may become slippery.  For another day of walking, explore the coastal trail from Sande to Holmestrand or find more options along the Holmestrand coastal trail.

The coastal trail from Sande to Holmestrand is approximately 13 kilometres long, following the Oslofjord coastline. Around 7 kilometres of the route use the former railway line, offering a broad walking path with views over the water. The walk takes approximately three hours, and much of the route is also suitable for cycling and pushchairs.

Start at Sande railway station
Sande railway station is a convenient starting point if you are travelling by train. From here, follow the pedestrian and cycle path south towards Skjervikbukta. At Skjervikbukta, continue through the underpass and along Gamleveien, passing houses and holiday cabins. Towards the end of the road, another underpass and a gravel path lead up to the former railway track. This connecting path has an incline that may be difficult for wheelchair users without assistance. Much of the former railway section is relatively level.

Walk along the former Vestfold railway
Once you reach the old railway line, the coastal trail continues towards Holmestrand with views across the Oslofjord. This stretch offers a different experience from the narrower coastal paths found elsewhere in Vestfold. Much of the route is wide and relatively easy to walk, with places to stop beside the water. Along the way, you pass benches, rest areas and viewpoints. A former railway tunnel is one of the route's distinctive features. Some traffic noise can be heard from the road running parallel to the trail.

Take a break at Bogen
Bogen has a rest area near the foot of Angers Klev, a historic route leading inland from the coast. It is a place to stop for a picnic and enjoy the fjord views. If you would like to explore Angers Klev itself, check its separate walking description, as the terrain differs from the former railway path.

A stop at Tvillingbru
Approximately 1.6 kilometres north of central Holmestrand, Tvillingbru has a recreation area with benches, a play area and a designated fire site. The area also includes a shelter associated with the Padleleden coastal paddling network. A toilet is mentioned in the existing trail description, but its current availability has not been confirmed. Check local fire regulations before using the fire site.

Finish in Holmestrand
The final section continues towards Holmestrand town centre, where you reach the waterfront and harbour area. This is a point-to-point walk, so plan your return journey to Sande if you intend to complete the full distance. You can also walk in the opposite direction or choose a shorter section of the former railway path.

A coastal walk for different visitors
The mostly level terrain makes this an option for both walking and cycling. However, the entire route has not been verified as step-free or fully accessible for wheelchair users. The trail can be explored when weather and ground conditions allow. Take care in icy weather and share the path considerately with other users. For more routes in the area, explore Coastal Trails in Holmestrand or Hiking and coastal trails in Vestfold.