by: Tønsberg & Færder

Adventorous trail 

It takes about 30 minutes cross the island by foot. However, you should calculate a lot more time – the trail has surroundings that will make you explore many things along the way, i.e. the restored small farms and houses, burial mounds from the Bronze Age, traces of World War II, and one of The Count of Tunsberg's hunting lodges. Parts of the island are accessible by wheelchairs. There is an excellent coastal path from Jensundet to the east to Kogshavnsundet in the west. The length is approx. 1.5 km.

Boat and fishing

The island also has many nice places to moor your boat, as well as piers and fishing spots rich in sea trout and mackerel.

Protected National Park

The island is today a free area for the public, but it is important that visitors adheres to the rules for protected areas in Norway. Mellom Bolæren has a unique natural diversity of rare plant species and insects, and is therefore a protected national park – regularly visited by plant scientist.

History

One of the reasons for the island's attractiveness is that for nearly a hundred years it remained almost untouched due to the Armed Forces’ ownership. They had relatively little activity on the island. Nøtterøy municipality (now Færder) bought the Bolærne Islands in 2004. From then on, there has been a lot of voluntary work on Mellom Bolæren to bring back the island's old soul and charm.

The island has no residents, but it is visited weekly by volunteers who maintain the buildings on the island and clears the trails and roads for the benefit of the general public. If you need guiding on the island, Mellem-Bolærens Friends has exciting stories to tell. Here is the soul and charm that brings good stories to life. But there is also a darker story to tell – the one about the hundreds of sick World War 2 prisoners who were transported to the island and left to die.

Before the Armed Forces took over the island, it was inhabited by lodesmen and fishermen, and in the 19th century it had about 50 residents. The Count of Tunsberg also had his holiday home there. In the old days Tønsberg's population annually celebrated midsummer feast on the island.

Guiding

Guiding is available at Mellem-Bolærens Friends, or directly at Ragnar Gunnarsen on mobile phone + 47 975 91053 or e-mail: ragnargunnarsen@live.no

Access to the island

The Bolærne boat takes you to and from the island, departing from Husvik. During the high season in summer, there are regular departures. More information about transport can be found here.

Alternatively Fjord taxi can be ordered. Otherwise you have to use a private boat.

The area has ​​particularly good climatic conditions. This leads to great biodiversity, with a variety of warm-hearted plants and animals. However, the nature is vulnerable to intensive use. With some gentleness, future generations will also be able to experience this natural kingdom.

COASTAL TRAILS AT NØTTERØY
Årøysund to Stranda 1 km.
The coastal path begins where Middelborgveien takes off from Årøyveien, continues further south along Middelborgveien, over Middelborg and the Church of Norway, and down to the beach. The trail is marked with blue-colored piles and signs.

Hjemseng to Oterbekk 3 km.
The coastal path starts at Hjemseng and partly follows the narrow and idyllic road network along Nesbryggen and Dukenveien to Knarberg harbor. From the boat dock, the trail goes a bit on Ulvøveien before it continues on the trail system towards the swimming area, across Ulvøåsen to Ulvø.
From there on the road to Oterbekk. The trail is marked with approx. 50 blue-colored bars.

Hella to Vrengen 8 km
The coastal path runs from Søndre Hella where there are graves from the iron age until Vrengen bridge. Varied terrain along the Vestfjord, with swimming possibilities and several nice views along the way. Information boards along the way. The path is marked with blue-colored posts.

COASTAL TRAILS AT TJØME
Moutmarka ca. 3 km
One of the most beautiful places to go for a walk is to follow the coastal path from Mostranda to Skåebukta. The terrain is rugged and often windy, so make sure you have good shoes and a jacket. The trail is bluemarked.  A good starting point is the parking at the End of the World. Follow the fence along Stall Verdens Ende northwards, then Skåeveien westwards, across the field. Follow the blue-marked path north after passing through the gate. The path crosses small boulders, pebbles and grass hills up to Tjøme's finest swimming spot on Mostranda. From Mostranda you can walk the same way back, or follow Moveien up to Helgerødveien and then take the bike path back to Verdens Ende.

Verdens Ende
At the End of the World, on the southern tip of Tjøme, the view almost takes your breath away. The view to the horizon and Færder Lighthouse. A nature experience easily accessible to everyone.

Torås Fort – Havna ca. 2,5 km (unmarked)
Path between Vestfold's largest intact memory from World War II, Torås Fort to Havna Tjøme Hotell.

Around Hvasser 11,2 km
Beautiful paths along the coast all around Hvasser. Parking Lilleskagen or Fynsletta.

Lilleskagen to Sandøsund (Hvasser north) approx. 3,6 km.
Round trail from Sandøsund or Lilleskagen. From Sandøsund and north to Lilleskagen there is partly a narrow path, going over rocks and may be a little rough. From Lilleskagen towards the parking and beyond, there is mostly a wide road, gravel road and partly asphalt.

A map with hiking opportunities in Færder can be downloaded from Færder municipality's website. Free maps can also be obtained at the Services Center at Nøtterøy Town Hall. Note: The map and descriptions are only in Norwegian.