Faerder National Park

Faerder National Park covers about 340 square kilometres at the mouth of the Oslofjord, most of it sea, protecting an archipelago of low rounded islands, skerries and shallow banks along with the seabed beneath. The land is bare glacier-scoured rock with thin soil, pine on the larger islands, and rare coastal plants on the limestone-influenced ground. Faerder lighthouse, a cast-iron tower of 1857 on the islet of Litle Faerder, marks the outer edge and is one of the most recognisable in Norway. Verdens Ende, world's end, at the southern tip of Tjome, is the road-accessible gateway with a viewpoint, a distinctive tipping lantern and a visitor centre. Kayaking between the islands is the natural way to see it.

What you actually see

• Faerder lighthouse - an 1857 cast-iron tower on the outer skerry.
• Verdens Ende - the road-end viewpoint with its tipping lantern.
• The rock islands - low glacier-worn islets and skerries.
• The kayak routes - sheltered paddling between the archipelago islands.

When to go

June to August for boats, swimming and warm rock; the park is exposed and bleak in winter, though the walking on Tjome stays open. Bird nesting restrictions close some islets from spring to midsummer.

Honest expectations

Reaching the outer islands needs a boat or kayak, and conditions in the outer fjord can turn quickly. Landing is prohibited on protected islets during nesting season and signs must be respected. Verdens Ende itself is small and busy in summer.

Nearby

Tonsberg, Norway's oldest town, lies north; the Hvaler islands are across the fjord mouth.