Hof church is a protected brick church from the Middle Ages with a rectangular nave.
In the 17th century, a sacristy was built at the east end of the choir. The church was restored in 1940, where the gallery on the north wall was removed and replaced with a two-storey gallery on the west wall.
There are preserved stone remains from the Middle Ages in the altar, as well as a large and detailed crucifix from the High Middle Ages above the chancel arch.
The church has 210 seats.
Vestskauen is a large woodland area west of Sande in Holmestrand Municipality. It offers marked walking trails, forest roads and several lakes where you can stop for a break or enjoy a swim in summer. When snow conditions allow, parts of the forest are used for cross-country skiing. With several trailheads and route options, you can choose a short outing or a longer day outdoors.
Woodland walks and forest trails
Vestskauen has marked paths through the forest and across wooded hills, as well as broader forest roads. There are several destinations and opportunities to combine trails for longer walks. Surfaces range from gravel tracks to natural paths with roots, stones and occasionally wet ground. Bring a picnic and use a walking map to select a suitable route. For longer hikes, plan your starting point and return journey in advance.
Swimming in woodland lakes
In summer, combine your walk with a swim in one of Vestskauen's lakes.
Myrvannet, Åsdammen, Kalmo and Øyvannet are among the lakes used for swimming. Find a place beside the water and enjoy a break from the trails. Late summer is also a good time to look for wild blueberries. Bring a small container if you would like to pick some.
Bergstigen – the historic route to Eidsfoss
Several trails through Vestskauen lead towards Eidsfoss. One of them is Bergstigen, an old route associated with the ironworks. The route connects the woodland with the industrial heritage of the village beside Lake Eikeren. Use an up-to-date map and arrange your return journey if you plan a point-to-point hike. At Eidsfoss, you can explore preserved workers' houses, a heritage trail and historic buildings. Visit Eidsfoss Ironworks to discover more of the area's industrial history.
Cross-country skiing in winter
Vestskauen is also a popular area for winter recreation. When there is enough snow, cross-country ski tracks are prepared through parts of the forest. Choose a shorter ski outing or explore further into the woodland. Grooming and snow conditions vary throughout the winter.
Check the latest trail conditions before setting out, and respect prepared ski tracks.
Getting to Vestskauen
There are several ways into the area, including Kalmoveien from Sande and access from the Fjellskard area. Forest roads lead towards parking areas within the woodland. Some access roads charge a toll, while winter access may be restricted. Choose your trailhead according to the route you want to explore and check parking, toll arrangements and road conditions before travelling. Vestskauen offers outdoor activities throughout the year, depending on weather and ground conditions. The entire trail network has not been verified as accessible for wheelchairs or pushchairs. For more woodland walks in the area, explore Skibergfjell and Vestfjellet or discover more activities in Holmestrand.
Plan your visit
Vestskauen lies west of Sande in Holmestrand Municipality and offers forest trails, lakes and winter ski tracks. Choose a short outing or explore further into the woodland.
Distance and route options
Vestskauen has a network of paths and forest roads. Walking distance depends on your starting point and chosen route. Several trails lead towards Eidsfoss, including the historic Bergstigen. Use a map to plan your walk and return journey.
Access and parking
Access routes include Kalmoveien from Sande and the Fjellskard area. Forest roads lead to different trailheads. Some roads charge a toll. Check payment arrangements, parking and current road conditions before travelling.
Terrain and accessibility
The woodland has rolling terrain with gravel roads and narrower natural trails. Surfaces may be wet or uneven. Wheelchair and pushchair access has not been verified across the entire trail network.
Good to know
In summer, Myrvannet, Åsdammen, Kalmo and Øyvannet offer places for a swimming break. In winter, ski tracks are groomed when snow conditions allow. Check the latest trail status, follow local signs and take your litter home.
Angers Kleiv near Holmestrand is a historic walking route along one of Vestfold's old travel routes. Discover ancient hollow ways and remains of the former Royal Road, which climbed the steep hillside between Bogen by the fjord and Kleivan on the plateau. Information boards explain how people and animals travelled through this demanding landscape before modern roads were built.
A royal road with a challenging history
Angers Kleiv was once an important route through Vestfold. The slopes were so steep that many travellers preferred to dismount and continue on foot rather than remain on horseback or in their carriages. In 1733, King Christian VI and Queen Sophie Magdalene travelled through the pass during their visit to Norway. An officer and 30 soldiers helped the royal party negotiate the difficult section. The story offers a glimpse of how challenging travel along the coast could be before modern roads.
Discover ancient hollow ways
The oldest traces of travel in Angers Kleiv are hollow ways – sunken tracks formed by centuries of people and animals passing through the landscape. Botne Historical Society, in cooperation with Vestfold County Council, has installed information boards explaining the ancient tracks and the former Royal Road. In May and June, the lower part of the hillside is often covered in wild garlic, creating a green carpet across the woodland floor.
A historic hike through steep terrain
The route passes through woodland and follows old tracks, with significant changes in elevation and some steep, rocky sections. Wear sturdy walking shoes and take extra care in wet or slippery conditions. Angers Kleiv connects with the Sande–Holmestrand Coastal Path, which partly follows a former railway line along the fjord and offers gentler walking terrain with coastal views.
Plan your walk
Angers Kleiv lies north of Holmestrand and can be reached from Kleivan on the plateau or Bogen beside the fjord.
From Kleivan: Turn off County Road 315 onto Rambergveien, then take Kleivanveien. Follow the signs to Angers Kleiv. Parking and an information board with a map are available at the end of the road.
From Bogen: Park at the rest area beside County Road 313 and follow the signs towards Angers Kleiv via Smørstein. Allow approximately 1.5 hours for the return walk, depending on your pace and breaks. The route is best suited to walkers comfortable with steep and uneven ground.
Important: The continuation of the old Royal Road further north has sections with a serious risk of rockfall. The published route description also mentions crossing railway tracks. Do not attempt this section without up-to-date information confirming that access is safe and permitted.
See the route description and access information from Holmestrand Municipality.
Ramberg School is furnished as a school museum so you can experience an old-fashioned school day in Norway.
At this school a Norwegian author Olav Duun was a teacher from 1908 – 1927, and his family lived in the first years at the second floor in an apartment.
Ramberg school is the oldest of five school buildings that the then Botne municipality built between 1893 and 1902. The school was originally located near Tvillingbro north of Holmestrand. The school here was in operation until 1952, and was then moved to Reidvintunet in the second half of the 1990s.
The other buildings are Nøtnes barn, Kåre Holt's poetry room, Stabburet and Gapahuken.
In the yard you can visit the herb garden and the perennial garden. The area is close to Møllerdammen.
Reidvin-tunet is run and developed today by the Association Reidvin-tunet, established in 1995.
Eidsfoss is located between the lakes Bergsvannet and Eikeren north in Vestfold. If you go there you will arrive at a charming village with an exciting history. Here you can enjoy the tranquillity, good food and drink and at the same time learn more about an important part of our cultural heritage; the iron works.
Take a tour along the cultural trail that goes through beautiful scenery and exciting historic buildings or book a tour in advance. At Hovedgården you can find out how the owners of the Jernverket lived while strolling through the partially restored baroque garden. There are people living in the three well-kept working areas today, and in some of them there are galleries and museum exhibitions.
In the summer both Eikern and Bergsvannet offer nice places for a swim.
Landhandelen is Norway’s oldest of its kind, which is still in operation, and here you are taken back to a time when the shop on the corner had it all.
At the Jernverket museum you can learn more about the 250-year history of the industrial company A / S Eidsfos verk and the local community that grew up around it. The well-preserved workers' homes form a historic framework form all the events that are held every year.
Together with his family, Olav Duun moved to Holmestrand in 1908 to work as a teacher.
Olav Duun's house is a red painted Swiss villa in Olav Duun's road 20.
Also when the house itself is closed, the garden is worth a visit.
In addition to communal swimming, Holmestrand swimming hall offers; sauna, swimming lessons, training and exercise for adults.
Note that the swimming pool is closed in summer and on public holidays.
For prices and opening times, see Holmestrand swimming pool.
Sande, in the northern part of Holmestrand Municipality, has swimming spots along the Oslofjord and at freshwater lakes surrounded by woodland. Choose a sandy beach for a family day out, find a place to swim from the coastal rocks or head inland for a quieter swim. Several beaches are close to the coastal trail, making it easy to combine walking and swimming. For a freshwater outing, Kalmovannet and Suluvannet are good places to start.
Hagasand – a sandy beach by the fjord
Hagasand lies on the coast between Berger and Sande. It has a sandy beach, an accessible toilet and good parking facilities. Bring a picnic and enjoy a summer day beside the Oslofjord. You can also combine your visit with a walk along the Berger–Sande coastal trail, which passes Hagasand.
Sandviken – a small beach on the coast
Sandviken is located on Sandvikveien in Sande. It has a sandy beach, an accessible toilet and a small number of parking spaces. It is a pleasant place to spend time by the water. Parking is limited, particularly on busy summer days. The coastal trail between Berger and Sande also passes Sandviken.
Bekkestranda – small beaches and coastal rocks
Bekkestranda has several small swimming spots with sandy areas and rocky shores. There is also a swimming raft and toilet facilities. Choose a place beside the water and enjoy a swim, or combine your visit with a walk along the coast. A few parking spaces are available nearby.
Kverntangen – swimming from rocks or sand
Kverntangen offers both rocky shores and a small sandy beach. The main car park is beside Fremad community hall, while designated accessible parking is closer to the beach. Nearby Lersbrygga recreation area has walking paths, a coastal trail and a disc golf course.
It is a good place to combine an outdoor activity with a swim.
Skjervika – a grassy recreation area and swimming jetty
Skjervika is located on Gamleveien in Sande. The recreation area has a grassy lawn, rocky shores and a swimming jetty. Settle down on the grass or take a dip in the fjord. Toilets and parking are available. The coastal trail passes Skjervika, making it a convenient stop on a walk towards Holmestrand.
Nordre Jarlsberg Brygge – a beach with a playground
Nordre Jarlsberg Brygge has a sandy beach, playground and toilets, with good parking facilities nearby. It is a convenient choice for a day at the beach with children. You can also explore the waterfront, with places to eat and a sauna nearby.
Sandsletta – a longer sandy beach nearby
Sandsletta is located on the coast south of Holmestrand. It has a sandy beach around 100 metres long and a spacious grassy area. Facilities include a volleyball court, toilets and a seasonal kiosk. Sande Bade- og Campingplass and a coastal cabin are nearby. Spend the day swimming, playing volleyball or relaxing beside the fjord.
Kalmovannet – a woodland swimming spot
For freshwater swimming, head to Kalmovannet. A small peninsula has been prepared for bathing, with tables and benches beside the lake. From Sande railway station, follow the signs towards Kalmoskog. Park beside the road and continue approximately 500 metres along the marked footpath. Kalmovannet lies in the Vestskauen woodland area, making it a good destination for a forest walk as well.
Suluvannet – swimming in the forest
Suluvannet is another freshwater destination in the woodland around Sande. Lensmannsodden and the beach below Speiderhytta are popular places to swim. Combine a swim with time outdoors. There is road access to the area, but follow local signs and use designated parking spaces.
Check swimming conditions before your visit
Facilities and access vary between beaches. Some are close to parking areas, while others require a short walk. Holmestrand Municipality monitors bathing water quality during the summer season. Conditions can change after heavy rainfall or when blue-green algae appear in freshwater.
Check current swimming advice and take your litter home. Addresses and further information are available in Holmestrand Municipality's beach guide.
Plan your visit
In Sande, choose between sandy beaches and coastal rocks beside the Oslofjord or freshwater swimming spots in the Vestskauen woodland.
Choose a swimming spot
Hagasand, Sandviken and Nordre Jarlsberg Brygge have sandy beaches. Bekkestranda, Kverntangen and Skjervika offer swimming from sandy shores, rocks or jetties. Kalmovannet and Suluvannet are freshwater alternatives. Sandsletta is a larger beach further south towards Holmestrand.
Getting here and parking
The beaches are spread along the coast. Parking is limited at Sandviken, while Hagasand and Nordre Jarlsberg Brygge have more parking facilities. The main car park for Kverntangen is beside Fremad community hall. Kalmovannet is reached by a marked footpath approximately 500 metres from the road.
Facilities and accessibility
Several beaches have toilets, seating and swimming jetties. Hagasand and Sandviken have accessible toilets, while Kverntangen has designated accessible parking near the beach. Surfaces range from sand and coastal rocks to grass and woodland paths. Accessible entry into the water has not been confirmed at every location.
Good to know
Swimming is mainly a summer activity. Check Holmestrand Municipality's current water quality advice, especially after heavy rainfall or if blue-green algae are visible. Follow local signs and take your litter home.
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.
Holmestrand Church is located in Botne Parish, and is one of Norway's only four remaining Y-churches.
The church had most of its furnishings replaced in 1829-30, including a new altarpiece, pulpit and new galleries. In 1911, the benches were also replaced.
P. Peterson's "Women with the angel at the empty tomb" adorns the altarpiece, inspired by Eckersberg's work from 1814 in Sem church.
The church is protected, and has 300 seats.