In Vestfold you can paddle along marked and adapted routes of varying difficulty from Svelvik in the north to Larvik in the south.
Several padle huts have been built along the paddle trail, so-called "padlehuker". These huts are open for everyone and vary in size and design. In Færder municipality, you will find the paddle huts at Ildverket and at Østre Bolærne. In Larvik municipality, you will find two paddle hooks on Vestre Bramskjæra, and a smaller model on Ølbergholmen. A paddle hut has also been set up on the old railway route in Holmestrand.
Download the Outtt app to get an overview of the paddle routes in Vestfold. You will also find the tour suggestions on visitvestfold.com, as well as courses and rentals. Different types of courses are arranged for you as a beginner and you who have paddling experience. Vestfold is a perfect starting point for paddlers with beautiful skerries.
The project has been initiated by the county municipalities in Vestfold and Telemark, and is being carried out in collaboration with the coastal municipalities. Padleled Vestfold and Telemark will contribute to everyone finding suitable and safe trips to paddle along the beautiful Vestfold coast, through marking, signage, establishment of simple accommodation and other facilities.
The whole coastal path is approx. 13.1 km.
Rakkevik – Brunstad about 7 km
Brunstad – Melsomvik about 3.4 km
Melsomvik – Vårnes about 2.7 km
There are also 3 km marked trails in Bogen, from the quay up to Sundåsen hill.
We ourselves like to call the fairground 'Bymarka' in Sandefjord because it has easy access for pedestrians and cyclists, and 6 parking spaces have also been arranged on the edge of the area. The varied hiking landscape is easy going – and long stretches can also be cycled.
The forest area houses a beautiful golf course, Sandefjord Golf Club, an 18-hole modern course with many idyllic waters.
The nationally famous Istrehågan rock formations are also located in Marumskogen. Istrehågan is located on the border between Larvik and Sandefjord. A large stone ship with a small dinghy in tow lies in a separate forest glade, along with three other man-made structures. The stone setting has probably been there since the 4th-5th centuries, and is today a protected area. A large field of petroglyphs from the Bronze Age has its place on an ice-cut rock on the farm Haugen, a couple of km from Istrehågan. Note that it can be difficult to spot the many ship figures, cup marks and spiral figures.
Large car park at Store Bergan Skole, or at the golf course. Tour maps for both summer and winter can be downloaded from Store Bergan Ski's website.
About 1,5 km stroll along the Larvik seaside, from Skottebrygga to Kanalkaia. Information boards.
MARKING
The coastal path is marked with blue paint from Gokstad Kystlag at Framnes and from Djupsundveien in the inner parts of Mefjorden.
AVAILABILITY
The path follows a trafficated road. The standard is varying both in landscape and ground – some places can be a bit tough. The map in the brochure shows where it is hard to travel with wheelchair or pram.
NATURE
Both the flora and fauna are varied and luxuriant. The coastal path goes along fields, through wooden-areas, over slopes of bare rock, windswept crags and shallow creeks. Places with great views are marked along the path.
CULTURAL LANDSCAPES
Man's doing have left traces in the landscape – so we now have a cultural landscape. This is changing over time, depending on what people and animals do. Findings show how people have lived at Vesterøya since the later stone-ages (3000-2500 BC) and till today. Old roads of travel, stone fences, farm yards, charcoal kiln and other cultural traces along the coastline that tells us about the history of Vesterøya.
AGRICULTURE
The first inhabitants lived of hunting and fishing, later cultivating the ground and livestocks. Today, the agriculture is dominated by growing of corn, fruits and vegetables. Vesterøya exploits the very favourable local climate well. Remember that crops and gardening are important industry in the area. Please take heed to this when you travel along fields and farmhouses.
RESPONSIBILITY
Usage of the coastal path is on own responsibility. Damaged/missing markings and equipment is to be reported to Sandefjord Parkvesen.
RULES OF CONDUCT
The rules of conduct means that you have the right to travel in free nature, but it is a freedom with responsibility:
– It is not allowed to travel with motorised vehicles. On private roads, you need to get the permission of the landowner. This applies to mopeds too.
– Do not walk across cultivated fields.
– Use the allocated parking spots. If you wish to park in other places, you should first ask the landowner for permission.
– Respect flora and fauna.
– It is forbidden to make bonfires or to grill on the bare rocks because it leaves marks. It is strictly forbidden to light fire in nature from 15.April to 15.September.
– You may tent in open nature up to two nights without the permission of the landowner as long as you do not disturb those that live there and you have to be at least 150 metres from buildings.
Help us to preserve our nature and culture along the coastline. Show consideration towards other users.
Source: Sandefjord Town Council
