The trail from Hotel Refsnes Gods to Alby and return

The trail from Hotel Refsnes Gods to Alby and return.

The trail from Hotel Refsnes Gods to Alby and return
Jeløy is often called the Pearl of the Oslo Fjord, and geologically it is related to the west side of the Oslo Fjord. The big moraine ridge from Vestfold crosses the southern part of Jeløy and it has left large amounts of debris behind. The special soil here is the reason for its absolutely unique biological and botanical diversity. This whole section of the island has been designated as a protected landscape area. However, as long as you follow the rules of the routes that are displayed, you are free to roam around the area. You can get a taste of most things here: art, culture, history, nature, bathing, and life in the great outdoors. If you fancy a dip, you can follow the trail to Albystranda, a long, low-water, child-friendly sandy beach.
You leave the hotel through the garden. Walk down to the sea, turn left and continue along the beach. After approx. 100 m you reach the first information post of the Coastal Trail. From now on you follow the blue signs.
Continue along the sea, then pass on the backside of an estate with yellow buildings and soon you will be entering the Tronvik beach. Walking southwards along the beach you will see big masts on your left hand side. These are the radio masts of Jeløy Radio which provided Norway's transatlantic radio connection from 1930 until late seventies. The masts are now protected. You pass a red cottage on your left and after a while you reach a small farm and a field.
At the crossroad follow the direction to Stalsberget. Walking along Gullholmsundet you can make small sidetrips to admire the view of the Oslofjord. When entering the area of Stalsberget the trail gets a bit rocky. After Stalsberget you follow the signs to Bredebukt, the gem of Jeløy! Bredebukt is a 200 m pebble beach with majestic views almost all the way to Denmark. After admiring the view of you follow the trail to Alby and Gallery F15. The gallery's opening hours are Tuesday - Sunday 1100 - 1600 hrs and is reknowned for interesting contemporary art exhibitions.
For lunch Kafé F15 is an excellent choice! NB! If you are interested in learning more about the flora, fauna and geology of Jeløy you should visit Naturhuset (the red building) which provides excellent information.
After having relaxed and filled your senses you head back into the woods in direction Rødsåsen. Go to the parking area where the main trail starts and follow the signs to Rødsåsen. When you reach a signpost by a field which says Rødsåsen and on the backside Stalsberget, do not walk along the electric fence, but follow the path through the wood with the Coastal Trail sign, slightly upwards. At Rødsåsen you have a great view of the Oslo fjord and over to our neighbouring city, Horten.
Leaving Rødsåsen you follow the signs to Røed. Røed Gaard is a center for arts and handicrafts in a unique stately environment. Afterwards you walk down to the road where you find a trail parallel to it. Continue along this path back to Tronvik and further the same way you came, back to the hotel.
We hope you have enjoyed the trip!