Natholmen

TL;DR: Natholmen (also called Knattholmen) is a stunning 22-hectare island paradise just 9km from Sandefjord center, featuring pristine beaches, forest trails, charming wooden houses, and Norway’s oldest campground. Accessible by bridge with free parking, it’s perfect for swimming, hiking, camping, and escaping the crowds.

Imagine discovering a place so beautiful that even locals don’t know about it. Welcome to Natholmen Island – a tiny slice of paradise floating in the Tønsbergfjorden that feels like Norway’s answer to a Mediterranean escape. This 0.22-square-kilometer gem is where fairy-tale wooden houses meet crystal-clear waters, and where you can swim, hike, and breathe deeply without fighting tourist crowds.

Why Natholmen Should Be Your Next Norwegian Adventure

Think you’ve seen all of Norway’s coastal beauty? Think again. Natholmen is to many a hidden and secret treasure – yes, even many of the residents in Sandefjord have never been here! This isn’t just another pretty island – it’s a place where time slows down, where only one road winds between white and red wooden houses, and where you can experience authentic Norwegian coastal life without the Instagram crowds.

What Makes Natholmen Special?

Size Doesn’t Matter: At just 900 metres long from north to south, and 400 metres wide at its widest, you can walk the entire island in under an hour. But don’t let its compact size fool you – this little powerhouse packs beaches, forests, historic sites, and stunning views into every square meter.

Rich History: The name Natholmen (“night islet”) derives from the older days when the island was used overnight for local fishermen. The island has been home to Knattholmen Campground, which is the oldest campground in Norway, established in 1923.

Accessibility: Unlike many Norwegian islands that require boat trips, Natholmen is connected to the mainland by a beautiful bridge in a nice coastal environment. You can literally drive (or walk) to paradise.

Getting to Natholmen: Easier Than You Think

Coordinates: 59.12373°N 10.32267°E

By Car (Recommended)

There are parking spots right next to the bridge that leads to the island, and there are 9 km between Sandefjord center and Natholmen. The drive takes about 15 minutes from downtown Sandefjord, and parking is free!

By Public Transport

There is a bus (route 163) that goes from Sandefjord that’ll take you to the same parking lot. Perfect for those who prefer to sit back and enjoy the scenery.

By Bicycle

This route is great for biking, if you like to use bicycles as your way of transport. The 9km ride from Sandefjord center is mostly flat with gorgeous coastal views – ideal for cyclists of all levels.

Getting to Sandefjord First

If you’re coming from further away, Sandefjord is about 121 km (75 mi) from Oslo, making for an easy and scenic drive. You can also catch a direct train to Sandefjord, which takes about 2 hours from Oslo, or fly into Torp Sandefjord Airport, just a short distance from the city center.

What to Do on Natholmen Island

Swimming & Beach Life

The island’s crown jewel is Sandbukta (“sand bay”), which is a beach on its eastern side. But that’s not all – you’ll find two bathing spots on this compact island. The water quality is excellent, and the beaches offer a mix of sandy spots and rocky areas perfect for different swimming preferences.

Best for: Families, solo swimmers, sun-worshippers When to visit: Mid-July to early August for the warmest water temperatures

Forest Trails & Hiking

Don’t expect epic mountain trails – instead, discover forest trails that wind through the island’s natural beauty. These paths are perfect for gentle walks, bird watching, and finding those Instagram-worthy spots without the effort of a major hike.

Difficulty: Easy (suitable for all ages) Duration: 30 minutes to 1 hour to explore all trails

Outdoor Activities Galore

It is also a common destination for recreational activities such as camping, paddling, sea trout fishing, hiking, and sailing. The surrounding waters are perfect for kayaking, and the fishing opportunities are excellent – especially for sea trout enthusiasts.

Photography & Sightseeing

It has surrounding views of the Tønsbergfjord and the nearby Stauper islands. The combination of traditional Norwegian architecture, pristine nature, and panoramic fjord views creates endless photo opportunities. A former customs station on the island, known as Blåsen, has also become a landmark.

Camping Experience

Stay overnight at Knattholmen Campground, where you can experience camping Norwegian-style. The campground has deep historical roots and offers a unique opportunity to sleep under the Nordic sky.

When to Visit Natholmen

Summer (June-August): Peak Paradise

The ideal time to soak in all that Sandefjord has to offer is from late June to mid-August, peaking in the third week of July. This is when you’ll get:

• Warmest water temperatures
• Longest daylight hours (up to 19+ hours!)
• Best camping weather
• All facilities operating

Shoulder Seasons: Hidden Gems

Spring (March-May): Perfect for hiking without crowds, witnessing nature awakening Fall (September-November): Stunning autumn colors, peaceful atmosphere, great for photography

Winter: While more challenging, the island offers a completely different, serene experience for hardy visitors.

Where to Stay & Eat

On the Island

• Knattholmen Campground: The authentic experience – Norway’s oldest campground
• Day visits: Most visitors come for day trips (highly recommended for first-timers)

Nearby in Sandefjord

Sandefjord offers excellent accommodation options just 9km away:

• Rica Park Hotel Sandefjord (luxury option)
• Various boutique hotels and guesthouses
• Camping facilities on the mainland

Dining

While Natholmen itself is more about bringing your own picnic, Sandefjord’s dining scene is excellent. Pack a lunch and enjoy it with surrounding views of the Tønsbergfjord.

Practical Information

What to Bring

• Swimwear and towels
• Hiking shoes (light trails)
• Picnic lunch and water
• Camera (trust us!)
• Sunscreen (Norwegian summer sun is stronger than you think)
• Light jacket (even in summer)

Facilities

• Free parking at the bridge
• Basic facilities on the island
• Campground amenities for overnight guests

Safety & Accessibility

The island is a gated community that is connected to the mainland by a private bridge. However, there is a parking lot by the gate, which can be accessed by pedestrians. The island is generally accessible, though some trails may be challenging for mobility-impaired visitors.

Why Visit Natholmen Instead of Other Norwegian Islands?

Accessibility: No boat required – drive right up to paradise Authenticity: Even many of the residents in Sandefjord have never been here! Size: Perfect for a day trip – you can see everything without rushing Value: Free parking, affordable access, maximum beauty per kroner spent Versatility: Swimming, hiking, camping, photography – all in one small package

Beyond Natholmen: Explore the Sandefjord Region

While you’re in the area, consider exploring:

• Sandefjord has a total of 116 islands and islets
• The historic whaling museums in Sandefjord
• The beautiful archipelago that surrounds the island

Final Thoughts: Your Norwegian Island Paradise Awaits

Natholmen Island proves that the best travel experiences aren’t always the most famous ones. Here’s a place where you can experience the essence of Norwegian coastal life – pristine nature, charming architecture, and that uniquely Scandinavian sense of peace – without fighting crowds or breaking the bank.

Whether you’re planning a romantic day trip, a family adventure, or a solo escape to recharge, Natholmen delivers that rare combination of accessibility and authenticity that makes for unforgettable travel memories.

Pack your swimsuit, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare to discover why this tiny island might just become your favorite Norwegian secret. Just remember – after you visit, you’ll be one of the few who knows about this coastal paradise!

Ready to explore? Natholmen Island is waiting just 9 kilometers from Sandefjord center. Your Norwegian island adventure starts with a simple drive across a beautiful bridge to paradise.