Bakkestranda bathing place

About

The idyllic Bakkestranda swimming area is conveniently located on the north side of Hjellevannet, close to Skien town centre, about a 5-minute walk away. On warm summer days, this is a popular swimming spot for all ages. You can safely bring the family here, as there are plenty of activities for children to enjoy.

Beach and Recreational Area in Skien

Bakkestranda offers a lovely recreational area featuring a large lawn and a sandy beach. If you wish to barbecue, there are great grilling and picnic opportunities. The area includes both toilets and a universally designed playground.

Accessibility and Water Activities

Universally Designed Swimming Cage

A universally designed swimming cage is now available at Bakkestranda in Skien. This facility allows people who use wheelchairs to safely access the water.

The swimming cage consists of a graveled access path leading to a ramp. From the ramp, users can easily enter the water and the cage. The ramp has guardrails on both sides for added safety. The water level inside the cage is constant at 90 cm (3 feet). A gate leads from the cage out into Hjellevannet.

Canoe and Kayak Launch

A new universally designed canoe and kayak launch was opened at Bakkestranda in 2021. This dedicated slip area gives everyone who wishes to, the opportunity to put in or take out canoes and kayaks.

A loading and unloading zone is located along Strandgata. This zone allows you to stop briefly to load or unload equipment, which you can then carry down to the pier for water activities. Note: This zone is only intended for short-term parking. The car must be parked elsewhere while you are out, for example, in the main parking lot on Oscars gate.

Sports and Culture

Sports Facilities at Bakkestranda

Bakkestranda is constantly evolving, and you can now also play table tennis and volleyball here. These activities are a preview of Bakkestranda's development into an innovative sports and activity arena.

The Sculpture: Rottejomfruen

At Bakkestranda, you can see a 7-meter-tall sculpture named "Rottejomfruen" (The Rat Maiden). It is inspired by Henrik Ibsen's poem "Little Eyolf". The city's schoolchildren created the 2,349 eyes that adorn the sculpture.

Parking and Directions

For those arriving by car, the main Bakkestranda parking lot is located on Oscars gate, next to the yellow and blue apartment buildings. Access is via the location of the former Mobile shop. There are also 3 accessible parking spaces (HC-parking) available near the toilet facility.