About

Welcome to the island Bjørkøya, a beautiful island located just outside Brevik in the Porsgrunn municipality – a perfect destination for a family-friendly day trip in Telemark. The island is home to fantastic, easily accessible coastal paths (Kyststi), which were officially opened in August 2017 as a collaboration project between DNT Telemark, local associations, and the municipality.

The Trails: Varied and Easy Terrain

The coastal paths on Bjørkøya consist of two marked hiking trails that lead you through a beautiful and diverse coastal landscape. The route passes charming cabin areas, runs along scenic beaches, and leads up to stunning viewpoints. The terrain is predominantly easy and suitable for most people.

Universal Design: Loop Trail 2 is specially adapted and is excellent for bicycles, strollers/prams, and wheelchairs.

Highlights and Detours: You can easily take short detours to popular viewpoints such as Rørholmen (0.3 km), Kreppa (0.5 km), and the view north of the ice pond (0.3 km). Benches are available for a rest.

Swimming: The island offers several great swimming spots along the path, perfect for enjoying a summer day.

Map: The trail map for Bjørkøya can be downloaded under the "Useful links" section.

Access and History

Getting to Bjørkøya (Access)

Bjørkøya is car-free and easily accessible, either by private boat or by using the Breviksfergene (Brevik ferries) from the mainland.

Bjørkøya's Rich History

The island, which spans 1400 acres, has a history dating back to the Bronze Age. Historically, Bjørkøya was an old trading post where residents earned a living from fishing and agriculture. A central chapter in its history is the production and export of natural ice which began around 1880. The large ice pond, today known as Vannliljedammen (Water Lily Pond) near Bjergli, is a famous historical landmark from this era.

Responsible Travel

To preserve the beautiful coastal nature, it is important to practice responsible travel/hiking:

  • Follow the marked paths to avoid damage to the environment.
  • Always take all litter with you.
  • Be considerate of wildlife and respect local regulations.

Would you like me to find the ferry schedule for Breviksfergene, or perhaps suggest other coastal walks in the Telemark region?