Hello, friends, travelers, and community, greetings! I hope you all are doing well and having a good time with your loved ones. Happy summer to the northern hemisphere, and a nice winter to the southern hemisphere.
Today, I am exploring a place where we took a walk exactly on the summer solstice. The weather was perfect, with a clear sky, plenty of sunshine, and no wind, surrounded by lush, green nature.

Vikerøya is a small island located in the Viskfjord, which is the second-largest saltwater island in the Larvik municipality. This area has been designated as a protected landscape since 2006 due to its sensitive coastal ecology. It is particularly known for its oak meadows, farms, and shorelines, which host nationally rare species of orchids, fungi, coastal plants, and birds. Additionally, historical remnants, including burial mounds from the Bronze and Iron Ages, have been discovered in this region.

It is about 20 kilometers by car from our home to the town of Tjolling. After reaching Tjolling, we followed the road toward Viskfjord Harbor, close to the Vikerøy Bridge, where there are parking facilities. When we arrived at the harbor, it wasn't very crowded, making it a peaceful and pleasant experience.

From a distance, we can see the bridge, which we should cross to connect to the island by walking. That area is not allowed to vehicles.

Walking across the bridge was a pleasant experience, especially as I learned about the traditional technology used in its construction by the Norwegians. The bridge is situated in a popular and picturesque natural area with a diverse landscape, serving as a central hub for the water circulation and tidal currents in the inner part of Viksfjorden. The surroundings are widely utilized for recreational activities, and there is an easy and popular round trip on Vikerøya, perfect for walkers and runners. The waters and currents beneath Vikerøy Bridge are often highlighted in environmental reports due to the area's rich yet vulnerable marine plant life. Additionally, simulations of water circulation and particle transport have been conducted with tidal gates in place at Vikerøy Bridge.

Enjoying the view from the bridge is wonderful.

After crossing the bridge, we can read the rules and regulations about visiting this area that are written in Norwegian.
It means: Be respectful and responsible. This island is a landscape area. No camping, tents, or fixing bird photography cameras in the area. Do not disturb any animals, birds' nests, or eggs. Protect the area while enjoying your walk.
Visitors are not allowed to drive motorbikes or any vehicles on the bridge and the island area. Dogs are allowed on the leash from 1 April to 14 October. Hunting is forbidden without the permission of the landowner. Some wild flowers are forbidden to pick.
Many restrictions. Even you can't walk close to the houses.

We keep our walk according to the guideline, walking through the farmland was an amazing feeling, both side of road nice green smooth and shiny fields waving on wind feeling the fresh energy inside us. After that, a small path through the forest comes to the end of the road. The private property was located exactly where the road ends and the water starts. On the other side is the nature reserve, where we went into the forest.

Haven't seen anybody walking there, and no walking marks usually seen as directions. So wasn't very comfortable getting inside the bushes.

Eventually, we reached the water, which was very shallow. There were no places to sit or walk across it. We turned back.

looking around to explore in the open nature, but all places are occupied by private houses.

Walking along the farms also not helpful, as roads are blocked everywhere.

We were considering returning, and luckily, we met a friend whose daughter has a summer house nearby. She said we can take that road to reach the viewpoint for bird observation and the area.

After following the path that friends house, walking through nice farmland, we came closer to the view. When we looked around, we were mesmerized by the beauty of nature. Looking at that house, we decided to walk there, and it was an amazing experience. I will share with you in the next post.
Thank you for now. See you soon.

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