Islands / Nesodden / Landsteila
One of the islets in the Steilene group off Nesodden. A state-secured recreation area, bought for public use, with several buildings of conservation value from the group's older industrial history.
Landsteila lies in the Steilene group in the Vestfjord, west of the Nesodden peninsula. From the boat this is the islet with the guest harbour and some older buildings, the habitable one in the cluster, as opposed to the lighthouse islet and the bird reserve further out.
Seasonal ferry Undine from Alværn in summer, or own boat.
Times shift with the season, and several of the island boats run only in summer — check the current timetable at Ruter.
Landsteila, also written Landsteilene, is part of Steilene, which through the 1800s and 1900s was the pilot and lighthouse service's outpost on the approach to Oslo. Several buildings of conservation value from the group's older industrial history stand on the islet, and are managed today as part of the coastal heritage environment at Steilene. The lighthouse itself stood on the neighbouring islet Fyrsteilene from 1837 until it was automated in 1984. The name Steilene is traditionally linked to *steile og hjul*, the stake and the breaking wheel: an execution site and a warning to passing seafarers, though the origin is uncertain.
Landsteila is a state-secured recreation area with a guest harbour for small boats. Together with the rest of Steilene it is a favourite destination for boat people in summer, with the heritage buildings as part of the attraction.
There is a guest harbour for small boats, and landing is possible by kayak as well. In summer the seasonal ferry Undine runs from Alværn on Nesodden out to Steilene; timetables change with the season, so check them before setting out. The sources record no access restrictions on Landsteila itself. The neighbouring islet Knerten is a bird reserve, closed to landing from 15 April to 15 July.
Each islet in Steilene has its role: lighthouse, guest harbour, bird reserve, natural harbour. Landsteila is the one with houses and a quay.
The heritage buildings here are what remains of the group's industrial and maritime history, rather than cabins put up in later years.
Oslo Sea Experience passes Landsteila on its private fjord trips from Tjuvholmen.
The Norwegian version notes which facts were taken from each source: Landsteila på norsk.