The Coastal Path around Jeløya - One of the Most Beautiful Trails in the Oslo Fjord

Whether you prefer walking, running, or cycling, the coastal path around Jeløya is an exceptional nature experience. The trail starts at the canal bridge in Moss city center and takes you through one of Norway's most beautiful coastal stretches. With a total length of around 9.4 kilometers for the southern part of the island, this trail offers a perfect combination of physical activity and cultural-historical experiences.

Jeløya is the largest island in the Oslo Fjord, covering 19 square kilometers, and is known for its unique cultural landscape and rich wildlife. The island was originally a peninsula but was separated from the mainland when the Moss Canal was built in 1855.

Getting There

Jeløya is easily accessible from Oslo. By train from Oslo Central Station to Moss station takes between 44 and 70 minutes, depending on whether the tunnel is open. From the train station, it's just a five-minute walk across the bridge to Jeløya. For those driving, Moss is only an hour's drive from the capital.

What Can You Experience on Jeløya?

• Active Holiday: The island is perfect for both hiking and cycling. With a bicycle, you can reach several attractions and many nature reserves in less time. The coastal path is also well-suited for jogging and is popular among runners.
• Nature Reserves and Landscape Conservation: Experience outstanding nature in Søndre Jeløy Landscape Conservation Area, established in 1983. The conservation area covers 3,946 acres with a magnificent cultural landscape and particularly rich biodiversity.
• Beaches along the Route: The coastal path passes several popular bathing beaches, including Moss Sjøbad with its beautiful sandy beach, Fiske beach, Søly beach, Albybukta, Bredebukt, and Tronvikstranda.
• Summit Hike to Bjørnåsen: North of Nes camping, the landscape rises markedly. From here you have a view towards Jeløya's highest point, Bjørnåsen, which offers a fantastic panoramic view over the fjord.

Cultural Highlights

The coastal path on Jeløya is not only a nature experience but also a cultural-historical journey. The landscape is characterized by what is described as a manor house landscape, with stone walls, avenues, large manor houses, and garden complexes. In fact, 25 percent of all Norway's manor houses were located in this region in the 18th and 19th centuries.

Alby Manor and Gallery F15

Alby Manor is the oldest farm on Jeløya, with roots dating back to the early Viking Age. The farm is first mentioned in historical documents from 1389. After a fire in 1866, the main building received its current Empire style form in the 1870s. Today, the manor houses Gallery F15, one of Norway's leading art galleries for contemporary art, as well as the popular Café F15 which serves the famous Albykringla pastry. At the manor, you'll also find Jeløy Nature House with information about the area's natural conditions.

Røed Manor

The neighbor to Alby, Røed Manor, is a nearly 300-year-old property that has been meticulously restored and converted into a diverse cultural center. Here you'll find workshops for artisans and visual artists, a gallery, farm shop, and farm café. Behind the main house lies a romantic landscape park with a trout pond, bridge, and gazebo. In spring, the entire park is a beautiful sight with blooming morello cherry trees and grazing sheep. The manor also arranges summer concerts in the lush garden, where many well-known artists perform.

Geological Distinctiveness

Jeløya belongs to what geologists call the Oslo Field, and the bedrock consists of lava rocks from the Permian period, over 250 million years old. Especially in the area near Stalsberget, you can discover traces of the half-billion-year-old bedrock. Norway's largest moraine from the Ice Age, the Ra moraine, runs across Jeløya and continues eastward through Sweden to Finland. This has created exceptionally fertile soil that made the area attractive for manor construction.

Accommodation and Dining

For those wishing to spend several days on Jeløya, there are good accommodation options. Refsnes Gods is a recognized hotel known for its excellent food and location. Hotel Jeløy Radio is beautifully situated on an idyllic headland by the Oslo Fjord and offers Restaurant Himmel og Hav with sea views. Both hotels are located along the coastal path and give you the opportunity to explore the area thoroughly over several days.

Practical Information

• Length: Southern route is approx. 9.4 km, but there are several variations and shorter routes
• Difficulty Level: Easy to moderate. The trail is partly paved, partly gravel road, and partly nature trail
• Stroller-Friendly: Some parts of the coastal path, especially from Søly, are well-suited for strollers and small children on bicycles
• Parking: Parking at Alby Manor, Moss Sjøbad (fee-based), Tronvikstranda, Røed Manor
• Toilets: At Nes recreation area and several beaches
• Best Season: The trail can be used year-round but is most beautiful from April to October

Conclusion

Jeløya combines diverse nature experiences with historical surroundings, making it an ideal destination for nature-loving guests. Whether you seek tranquility in the forest, a refreshing walk along the rocky shores, art experiences at the manor houses, or a refreshing swim in the Oslo Fjord, you'll find it here. The coastal path on Jeløya is considered by many to be one of the absolutely best hiking experiences in the Oslo Fjord.

For more information about tours and activities in the region, visit Visit Oslo Region or Moss Municipality.