Østre Bolæren is one of the three Bolærne islands. The islands have been inhabited since the 15th–16th centuries by smallholders, fishermen and pilots. They belonged to Sem royal manor, later to the Jarlsberg county and entailed estate.
In 1916 Bolærne was expropriated from the Jarlsberg county and remained in the Armed Forces’ hands until 2004. Residents had to move and a coastal fort was built. Most of the military facilities were placed on the island of Østre Bolæren. The buildings on the island date from before 1916, from the establishment of the fort in the 1920s, and from the administration and barracks area of 1990–1992, with a total floor area of about 7,000 m². A small part of Østre Bolæren is a nature reserve, and the birdlife on many of the skerries around is protected.
Østre Bolæren was home to the former military barracks. On the top are the signal station and gun positions with a fantastic view; on clear days you can see both Fulehuk and Færder lighthouses. More than 900 species of butterflies have also been recorded on the island. Today you can spend your summer holiday on the island, whether you have your own boat or want to rent a room. An exciting guided tour of one of the gun positions and the fire-control centre is also offered.
On Østre Bolæren you will find
- Coastal-trail (Kystled) accommodation. The commandant’s residence dates from 1917 and was formerly home to the fort’s commandant. The kitchen has a fridge, cooker and other necessary equipment.
- A restaurant with outdoor seating
- Good capacity for conferences and meetings
- A sports hall sized for handball and other ball sports
- A grass pitch for football and handball
- A beach volleyball court
- Rental of rowing boats, canoes and life jackets
- Barbecue spots
- Beaches
- Good roads and hiking trails
- A wireless internet zone