Coastal Path on Kirkøy (Hvaler)

12 km walk in our finest nature on marked paths, crossing beaches, hills, and woods.

Homlungen and Storesand

Start from the National Park Center in Skjærhalden and follow the blue symbols of the Coastal Path out to Homlungen lighthouse, a listed building. The path continues through rugged terrain to Storesand beach, considered one of the finest bathing spots in Østfold. In the summer season there is a beach café.

Ørekroken

The path continues through the old pine forest in the Prestgårdsskogen Nature Reserve to the next sandy cove, Ørekroken. If you go down to the edge of the beach you will discover many fine shells. It is a lovely place to swim, surf in the waves, let the children play in the sand, or to just stand and take in the sea and horizon. 

Rødshue

You can continue to follow the Coastal Path, or perhaps take a little detour down to the mussel banks on the Tobakksbukta beach. Furthest out on Rødshue there are old stone quarries. Hvaler Fine Arts Society and Hvaler Rotary have together developed the area into a sculpture park, a fascinating art and cultural experience. Monuments and installations by internationally renowned artists line the path.

The Coastal Path continues across an exposed headland, passing a large stone cross. At this point, where waves often crash against the land, there is a splendid panorama. The path follows the route of the quarry workers all the way to the loading jetties at Grønne Bakke, which is also an ideal spot to stop and eat your packed lunch.

On the way back to Skjærhalden the path takes us through woodland. In the course of a few metres the landscape changes character from gusty coastland to lofty and sheltered forest.

The walk is ca. 12 km.