Snarøya: Beaches, Coastal Paths and Local History

Snarøya offers several clearly distinct themes for planning a trip: a small sandy beach, coastal paths, special natural areas, and architectural and local history. If you are looking for a hotel on Snarøya, you can base your choice on the activities that matter to you. Fürst and Rolfstangen offer different coastal landscapes; the church, film history, curling and Hundsund Bad add other interests to the mix.

Coast and Nature on Snarøya

Fürst is a small sandy beach in the southeast of Snarøya. It can be reached via a coastal path to Strømstangveien; there is no parking at Fürst. If you include a beach visit in your day’s plans, allow for the walk and plan on there being no parking on site. Beach conditions may vary seasonally, so it is a good idea to check local notices before your visit.

Rolfstangen has a different kind of coastline: two sandy beaches there are separated by a rocky ridge. There are also areas of open, shallow limestone landscape that have particularly important natural values. The beach and landscape thus offer two distinct points of interest: the clearly defined shoreline and the unique limestone habitat.

The marine areas along the coast of Fornebu, Snarøya and Lysaker also contain extensive soft-bottom areas. The nature theme therefore extends beyond individual beaches to include the coastal waters of these places.

Coastal Path and Walks

The coastal path on Snarøya runs from Ankerbrygga to Langoddveien and is used by walkers and schoolchildren. The two endpoints provide a specific reference point when planning a walk. Path conditions may change as a result of maintenance, so check the current condition of the path before setting out.

Architecture and Local History

Snarøya kirke was completed in 1968 and built from concrete and glass. It was designed by Harald Hille and Odd Østby. The two architects received the Betongtavlen architecture award in 1985. This clearly distinguishes the dates: the church was completed in 1968, and the award for its architects followed in 1985.

Film history is also part of the area’s character. The Ivo Caprino film studio at Snarøen Gamle Hovedgård was built in two stages: in 1952 and 1962. The Ivo Caprino filmsenter is located on Snarøya, but is not open to visitors. Another trace of local history is the Snarøen Høvleri sawmill, which operated until 1907. The dates refer to different points in time: the sawmill’s period of operation, the construction stages of the film studio, and the completion of the church.

Swimming and Curling

Since 1978, Snarøya Curlinghall has been Norway’s national curling facility. It accepts group events for six or more people when booked in advance. If you are planning curling as a group activity, bear in mind that advance booking is required and confirm the conditions before your visit; booking conditions may change.

Hundsund Bad has a 25 × 12.5 m swimming pool. Alongside the sandy beaches described above, the pool offers a distinct type of facility. If you are planning a visit, check current availability, as facilities may change.

Discover more destinations: Stabekk, Høvik, Haslum, Lysaker, Sandvika, Fornebu.

For the overview of the wider area: Bærum.