BastøyBastøy at a Glance
About Bastøy
Bastøy is an island in the Oslofjord in Vestfold, Norway, known primarily as the site of the Bastøy open prison. The island has been associated with reform and rehabilitation programmes linked to the facility.
The island itself is sparsely developed compared with populated mainland areas; the principal point of interest is the prison and the overall site layout showing the low-security, community-style approach to incarceration. Observers and researchers visit to study the prison’s rehabilitative model rather than for conventional sightseeing.
The island has hosted an institutional facility since the early 20th century when it was used as a reformatory; it later became an open prison. The site is noted in criminal justice literature for its focus on work, responsibility and rehabilitation.
Located in the Oslofjord off the Vestfold coast near Horten, the island sits within fjord waters southwest of Oslo. It is reached by boat from nearby mainland points and lies within Norway’s coastal island groupings.
- Access: Access to the island is controlled because it is an active penal institution; public visits are limited and typically organised rather than casual tourist access.
What to See#
- Bastøy Prison: An operational open prison on the island, noted for a rehabilitative, low-security regime and for being colocated with island housing and facilities rather than high walls and cells.
Nearby Attractions to Bastøy
Best Time to Visit Bastøy
Best visited in late spring through early autumn when ferry schedules are more frequent and weather is mild.
Weather & Climate near Bastøy
Bastøy's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental - Warm-Summer Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -4°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (786 mm/year).
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -4° - 1° | -6° | 59 mm | overcast | 97% | 4.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| February | Poor | -4° - 1° | -7° | 41 mm | overcast | 96% | 4.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.0h |
| March | Poor | -2° - 4° | -3° | 57 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.4 m/s | 0.3 low | 11.6h |
| April | Acceptable | 2° - 8° | 2° | 44 mm | partly cloudy | 82% | 4.2 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 14.3h |
| May | Good | 7° - 15° | 11° | 49 mm | partly cloudy | 79% | 4.2 m/s | 1.0 high | 16.8h |
| June | Very Good | 11° - 18° | 15° | 59 mm | partly cloudy | 78% | 4.2 m/s | 1.4 high | 18.2h |
| July | Good | 13° - 21° | 17° | 64 mm | overcast | 81% | 4.0 m/s | 1.3 high | 17.5h |
| August | Good | 12° - 20° | 16° | 75 mm | overcast | 84% | 4.0 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 15.3h |
| September | Acceptable | 9° - 15° | 12° | 86 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.6 m/s | 0.5 low | 12.6h |
| October | Acceptable | 5° - 10° | 5° | 99 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 10.0h |
| November | Poor | 1° - 5° | -1° | 90 mm | overcast | 95% | 4.7 m/s | 0.0 low | 7.4h |
| December | Poor | -3° - 2° | -5° | 63 mm | overcast | 97% | 4.6 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.9h |
How to Get to Bastøy
Bastøy lies in the Oslofjord and is accessed by ferry from the mainland. Ferries depart from nearby ferry terminals - check seasonal schedules, especially in summer when services are more frequent.
Tips for Visiting Bastøy
- Reserve ferry or tour options ahead during summer peak season - space is limited
- Respect that the island is a former reform institution; some areas are still off-limits for privacy and conservation
- Bring insect repellent and a windproof jacket - island exposure can be abrupt