Ytre Hvaler National Park: A Summer Paradise in Southern Norway

Ytre Hvaler National Park is a beautiful national park located in the municipalities of Hvaler and Fredrikstad in Østfold, Norway, right on the border with Sweden. It is the perfect place to go to relax in nature and enjoy gorgeous, sweeping coastal views!

Ytre Hvaler National Park

Ytre Hvaler National Park was established in 2009 with the aim of providing protection for the rich marine and terrestrial habitats contained within it. It was the first national marine park in Norway, and much as 96% of the park’s area is below water.

The park covers 354 square kilometers of coastline and contains one of the largest coral reefs in Europe. Many rare and International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) red-listed terrestrial plants can also be found in the park. Examples include the musk orchid and the horned poppy.

The park also preserves some important pieces of Norway’s cultural history.

First, it encompasses the sites of several prehistoric houses, which may have dated back to the Late Bronze Age. According to the park’s informational materials, these houses were likely seasonal dwellings used by hunters, trappers, and fishers.

The park also contains two lighthouses: Torbjørnskjær and Homlungen. Both were built in the mid-1800s and are now protected as cultural monuments. They are still in use today, although they are now automated.

Under the waters of the park lay many shipwrecks, including the frigate Lossen, which sank in 1717.

What can you do in Ytre Hvaler National Park?

Ytre Hvaler National Park is a popular place for outdoor activities, including hiking, boating, and swimming. Kayaking is a popular activity, and it is also possible to scuba dive in the park.

The hiking trails in the park are marked with blue paint. Staying on established trails helps to reduce wear and preserve the park for everyone to enjoy!

If you want to stay in Hvaler for more than a day, overnight camping is allowed in the park. Remember to be respectful of nature and follow the Leave no Trace principles if you do end up camping here!

Skjærhalden – shops and visitor center

There is a visitor center for Ytre Hvaler National Park located in nearby Skjærhalden. Here, you can learn more about the park, including its underwater residents.

In Skjærhalden, you can find several shops (including a grocery store) and restaurants – useful for refueling after a day in the sun. In addition, a local ferry from Skjærhalden provides transportation to Hvaler’s outer islands.

Getting to Ytre Hvaler National Park from Oslo via public transportation

There are a couple of different ways to get to Ytre Hvaler National Park from Oslo via public transportation.

The Vy bus 6 to Skjærhalden runs between Oslo Central Station and Ytre Hvaler National Park. Tickets can be purchased on the Vy website. Prices vary, but you should be able to find a ticket for around 300 NOK one way.

You can also take the Vy train to Frederikstad (RE20) and get on the bus from there. This option might take slightly less time, depending on when you want to travel, and it could give you the chance to see Frederikstad as well.

If you do choose to drive, there are several parking options close to the main road (108) from which you can easily access the hiking trails.

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Looking for more great day trips from Oslo? Check out this post!