Saltstein
Southern Norway's spot and Oslo surfers' go-to: storm waves on the Skagerrak.
Saltstein is next to Larvik, on the Skagerrak coast, about two hours from Oslo. With southerly or south-westerly storms, waves arrive that break over stones and sand.
It's the closest spot to the capital and gets crowded when it works.
Spot facts
| Wave type | Reef |
|---|---|
| Direction | Lefts and rights |
| Level | Intermediate |
| Best swell | S, SW, SE |
| Best wind (offshore) | N, NW, NE |
| Tide | No significant tide |
| Size | 0.8–2 m |
| Best season | Autumn and winter, during southerly storms |
| Crowd | Medium |
| Localism | Medium |
Surf forecast
Loading the forecast…
Hour-by-hour forecast for 14 days, with stars for your board and level, and the whole site without ads.
Model forecast for open water a few kilometres offshore: it can't see sandbanks or the shelter of headlands and jetties. The rating (0–5) is worked out from this spot's ideal swell and wind. Use it as a guide and check the sea before paddling out. Data: Open-Meteo (DWD, ECMWF; CC BY 4.0)
Which board to bring
A shortboard or fish with volume. How many litres? Work out your volume with the volume calculator.
What to bring to surf Saltstein
The water is around 6 °C in winter and 14 °C in late summer. This is what we'd bring for this spot's water, level and boards.
For water below 7 °C.
View on AmazonWarm feet in winter and protection on rocks.
View on AmazonKeeps your board from drifting off or hitting someone.
View on AmazonThe classic fish fins: speed in soft waves.
View on AmazonSeal a ding on the spot and keep surfing.
View on AmazonWarm-water wax won't grip in this water.
View on AmazonAmazon affiliate links: if you buy through them, Shapers Europe earns a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases.
Localism and vibe
An Oslo-area crowd. Respect priority.
Surfing style
Storm waves.
Hazards
Stones and cold water.
Map
Other spots nearby
Farsund (Agder)
The Lista beaches, at Norway's southern tip, with lots of peaks nearby.
Hå (Jæren)
A right point by the old Kvassheim lighthouse, in southern Jæren.
Hå (Jæren)
A quiet beach in southern Jæren, with small waves and no crowds.
Sola (Jæren)
The Jæren beach closest to Stavanger, with the cleanest peak by the northern rocks.
Indicative information gathered from surf guides and surfers' experience. Conditions change with the sandbanks: check the forecast and ask at the beach.