Swimming spots in Lake Farris
Discover sandy beaches, rocky shores and swimming spots around Lake Farris near Larvik.
Discover sandy beaches, rocky shores and swimming spots around Lake Farris near Larvik.
Lake Farris stretches north from Larvik towards Siljan. Along its wooded shoreline, you will find freshwater swimming spots ranging from sandy beaches to rocky shores and quiet little bays. Some are close to town, while others involve a walk through the forest. The lake is also an important drinking water source. Please take care of the surroundings and check current swimming advice before visiting.
Jomfruhalvøya – swimming from the rocks
Jomfruhalvøya, also known as Kilenhalvøya, is located near the southern end of Lake Farris. It has rocky shores and several places to stop beside the water. There is no sandy beach here, making it a good choice if you prefer swimming from the rocks and combining your visit with a woodland walk. At the outer end of the peninsula is a local viewpoint called Verdens ende. This should not be confused with the better-known Verdens Ende on Tjøme.
Kattestranda – a sandy beach at Framnesodden
Kattestranda is located at Framnesodden, north of central Larvik. The beach has sand, a swimming jetty, a playground, benches and toilets. It is a good place to spend a summer afternoon, with space for a picnic and useful facilities nearby. Further out on Framnesodden, Padlerhytta has traditionally served waffles on selected days during summer. Check current opening arrangements if you would like to stop by. You can approach the area from Bøkeskogen and Lovisenlund, continuing towards Framnesodden.
Delesand – a secluded sandy beach
Delesand is a sandy beach in a more secluded part of Lake Farris. It has shallow water, fine sand and a grassy slope behind the shore. It is a lovely destination for visitors who enjoy combining swimming with a longer walk or cycle ride. A barrier closes the access road well before the beach, so the final section must be completed on foot or by bicycle. Bring what you need for the day and check your route on a map before setting off.
Roppestad – rocky shores and open space
Roppestad, near Kvelde, is a spacious recreation area with rocky swimming spots, grassy areas and toilets. The area has two distinct sections. The southern section is a regular public swimming and recreation area, while the northern section is designated as a naturist beach.
Local rules apply, and visitors should follow the signs. Vestviken Naturistforening manages and supervises the area on behalf of Larvik Municipality. Roppestad is located at Farrisveien 863, Kvelde.
Explore the islands by canoe or kayak
Lake Farris has numerous small bays and islands. Eikenesøya and Bjørnøya are among the destinations visited by paddlers. Choose a route suited to your experience, check the wind conditions and wear a buoyancy aid. Some spots can only be reached from the water.
Help protect the lake
Lake Farris supplies drinking water to around 200,000 people, so protecting the water and shoreline is especially important. Larvik Municipality monitors water quality. Blooms of blue-green algae can occur during warmer periods. Avoid swimming where algae are visibly concentrated and follow the municipality's current advice. Swimming is mainly a summer activity, although many surrounding woodland areas can also be explored at other times of year.
Plan your visit
Lake Farris has sandy beaches, rocky swimming spots and secluded places along its wooded shores. Choose your destination before travelling, as access and distances vary considerably.
Choose a swimming spot
Kattestranda has a sandy beach and facilities at Framnesodden. Jomfruhalvøya offers rocky shores, while Delesand has a shallow sandy beach requiring a longer walk or cycle ride. Roppestad near Kvelde has rocky swimming areas, open recreational space and a designated naturist beach.
Getting here and parking
Kattestranda can be reached on foot from the Bøkeskogen and Lovisenlund area. Delesand is some distance from the road, with a barrier along the access route. Roppestad is at Farrisveien 863, 3282 Kvelde, with parking in designated areas. Use a map to plan the journey to your chosen location.
Facilities and accessibility
Kattestranda has toilets, benches, a playground and a swimming jetty. Roppestad has toilets and recreational grounds. Other swimming spots are more natural, with surfaces ranging from sand and rocks to woodland paths. Step-free access all the way into the water has not been confirmed at every location.
Good to know
Lake Farris is an important source of drinking water. Take your litter home and follow local rules. Avoid swimming where blue-green algae are visibly concentrated and check current municipal advice. Submerged logs may be present in Farriskilen. Always check the depth and underwater conditions before jumping or diving.