Location
Norway
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Adults only
Terrain
Rock
Best season
June to August
About Hoøya
Hoøya is a small tidal island in the Beitstadfjord at Beitstad, about 10 km west of Steinkjer in Trøndelag. The whole island is a public outdoor recreation area (friluftsområde), bought by the state in 1971 and run by Steinkjer kommune, with forest trails, grill spots, a kiosk, floating piers, a diving tower and prehistoric burial mounds. The signposted naturist beach lies on the north side of the island path, about 150 m out from the shore, and is described as the municipality's only official naturist beach. It is not a sand beach: bathers lie on smooth rock shelves (svaberg) and swim off the rocks, which is why Norsk Naturistforbund calls it not especially good for small children. There are also rock shelves on the south side where some people bathe nude informally, but that area is not signed. The island is reached on foot over a causeway that floods at high tide, and many foreign tourists visit in summer. Tents may be pitched on the grass meadow near the beach.
Getting there
Leave the E6 just north of Steinkjer centre towards Sør-Beitstad on county road 285. After 7-8 km turn left at the Hoøya sign; after about 500 m you reach a barrier with a car park (address Hoøyvegen 150). Walk past the barrier and toilet building out onto the island. You can cross dry-shod except for about two hours either side of high tide, when the road floods, though rarely above knee depth. Motorhome overnight parking has been charged (NOK 27 a day in 2018).
Amenities
Legal context
Norsk Naturistforbund lists Hoøya as an official, signposted naturist beach, described as Steinkjer's only official naturist beach. The area is state-owned recreation land managed by Steinkjer kommune. Nudity on the unsigned south-side rocks is informal.
Naturism at Hoøya sits under Norway's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Norway public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 64.0203, 11.3610
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Norway
Frequently asked questions
Where exactly is the nude area?
On the north side of the island path, about 150 m out on Hoøya, where signs mark the naturist beach.
Can I walk to the island at any time?
Mostly yes. The causeway floods around high tide, but the water rarely comes above the knees; it is dry for all but about two hours either side of high tide.
Is it good for children?
The naturist spot is on rock shelves rather than sand, so the national federation calls it not especially child-friendly, though the wider recreation area has play equipment.
Are there toilets?
Yes, at the start of the island and between the beach and the car park, where there are also washing facilities.
Sources
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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