Hvalgapet - Katedralen.jpg

Ole-Erik Yrvin CC BY-SA 4.0 Wikimedia Commons

Herføl

Island

A small island in Østfold's Hvaler archipelago, Herføl attracts boaters and summer visitors who use its walking tracks, rocky shores and simple cabin culture for low‑key coastal escape.

Herføl OsloDrammenRjukanLillestrømDrøbakLangesundOslo Opera HouseHeddal stavkyrkjeHerføl

Herføl essentials

Country: Norway
Driest months: Feb-Apr
Pay in: Krone (kr)
Language: Norwegian
Emergency: 112

Herføl at a Glance

About Herføl

Herff8l is a small island in the Hvaler archipelago in the former stfold county of southeastern Norway. It is part of Hvaler municipality and lies in the outer Oslofjord near the Norwegian-Swedish maritime border.

The island is known for a mix of year-round residents and summer cottages, with low-density development and forested areas. People visit for coastal recreation, walking and shoreline access rather than major built attractions.

Historically it has formed part of the Hvaler island group used for fishing, small-scale farming and seasonal residence; its pattern of summer homes grew through the 20th century. No large-scale industrial or urban development took place on the island.

Geographically it sits in the outer Oslofjord off Norway’s southeastern coast, within short boat distance of the Hvaler mainland and other nearby islands. It is administratively inside Hvaler municipality and lies seaward of the Norwegian mainland toward the Swedish border.

  • Settlement pattern: Located in the Hvaler archipelago in southeastern Norway, the island has a small permanent population and a larger number of seasonal holiday homes.
  • Access: Served by local boat services that connect it with other islands in Hvaler and with mainland piers, making it primarily accessible by sea.
Things to Do
When to Go

Best Time to Visit Herføl

The island is most accessible and pleasant from late spring through summer when ferry services are regular and weather is milder.

Summer (Jun-Aug)
June-August · 12-22°C
Long daylight and mild temperatures-peak time for island visits and camping.
Late spring (May)
May · 6-15°C
Quieter than midsummer, with emerging greenery and fewer boats.

Weather & Climate near Herføl

Climate

Continental climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -3°C to 20°C. Moderate rainfall (737 mm/year).

Air Quality: AQI 23 Good
Best Time to Visit
JulyAugustJune
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
30°
Warmest Month
-20°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions
Month Comfort Temp Feels Rain Sky Humidity Wind UV Daylight
January Poor -3° - 2° -6° 61 mm overcast 95% 6.2 m/s 0.0 low 6.9h
February Poor -3° - 1° -7° 42 mm overcast 94% 6.1 m/s 0.1 low 9.1h
March Acceptable -1° - 4° -4° 53 mm partly cloudy 88% 5.6 m/s 0.3 low 11.6h
April Acceptable 2° - 8° 2° 45 mm partly cloudy 82% 5.0 m/s 0.6 moderate 14.2h
May Good 7° - 15° 11° 45 mm partly cloudy 79% 4.9 m/s 1.1 high 16.6h
June Good 11° - 18° 15° 60 mm partly cloudy 79% 4.8 m/s 1.4 high 17.9h
July Very Good 14° - 20° 17° 54 mm partly cloudy 81% 4.7 m/s 1.3 high 17.2h
August Very Good 13° - 20° 16° 67 mm partly cloudy 83% 4.8 m/s 1.0 moderate 15.1h
September Good 10° - 15° 13° 79 mm partly cloudy 86% 5.6 m/s 0.5 moderate 12.6h
October Acceptable 6° - 11° 5° 85 mm overcast 90% 5.8 m/s 0.2 low 10.0h
November Poor 2° - 6° -1° 81 mm overcast 93% 6.2 m/s 0.0 low 7.6h
December Poor -1° - 4° -4° 65 mm overcast 95% 5.9 m/s 0.0 low 6.2h
Getting There & Around

How to Get to Herføl

Herføl is served by local ferries from Skjærhalden on Hvaler. Drive to Skjærhalden and take the scheduled ferry; timetables vary seasonally so check the Hvaler ferry service for the latest crossings.

Tips for Visiting Herføl

  • Take the ferry from Skjærhalden rather than attempting to find limited parking on Herføl.
  • Explore the island's short walking tracks and watch for the well-used stone steps and old fisherman's huts-small human traces reward slow walking.
  • Late spring is best for seabird activity and wildflowers; mid-summer attracts day-trippers from Oslo and nearby towns.