Sti for øye – Path for the eye
Discover art among the trees on the two-kilometre Sti for øye sculpture trail at Fossnes, Stokke.
Discover art among the trees on the two-kilometre Sti for øye sculpture trail at Fossnes, Stokke.
Sti for øye is an outdoor art gallery at Fossnes in Stokke, where sculptures, installations and nature come together along an almost two-kilometre woodland trail. Explore artworks that interact with the trees, light and landscape of the Vestfold forest. The trail is open year-round, and after dark, atmospheric lighting illuminates both the art and the surrounding woodland.
An art trail through the Vestfold forest
Sti for øye was created as a tribute to the forest and its natural diversity. Landscape architect Rainer Stange designed the trail to follow the contours of the terrain, winding between trees and art installations. The path is covered with distinctive red rhomb porphyry stone, creating a striking “red carpet” through the forest. The experience is about more than looking at art. Listen to birdsong, notice the changing light beneath the trees and discover how the artworks encourage you to see the surrounding nature in new ways.
Discover sculptures and installations along the trail
Sti for øye features works by Norwegian and international artists. Several installations were created specifically for the site, incorporating the forest into their artistic expression. Among the works are Morpheus by Lars Widenfalk, Ulvene (The Wolves) and Gaupa (The Lynx) by Sally Matthews, and Blåbær (Blueberries) by Sverre Tveito Holmen. You can also discover Lydstrålen (The Sound Beam), featuring poetry by Harald Sverdrup, and Poesioasen (The Poetry Oasis), where art, architecture and poetry meet. The artworks vary in size, materials and expression. Some are immediately visible, while others reward a closer look.
Himmeltrappen – the Sky Stairs
One of the trail's most distinctive features is Himmeltrappen (The Sky Stairs), designed by architect Todd Saunders. The structure offers a different perspective on the surrounding landscape, with views towards Slottsfjellet in Tønsberg. The trail is almost two kilometres long, so allow plenty of time to explore the installations and enjoy the woodland setting.
Experience the illuminated forest after dark
Sti for øye is open 24 hours a day, throughout the year. Lighting designer Erik Selmer created the illumination scheme that highlights the trail, artworks and surrounding trees. The lights switch on automatically at dusk. An evening visit offers a different atmosphere, with the illuminated installations emerging from the dark forest.
Art and nature for the whole family
Sti for øye is suitable for art lovers, nature enthusiasts and families looking for an unusual woodland walk. The trail has been designed to accommodate visitors using pushchairs and wheelchairs. The official trail map also marks a gentler approach suitable for wheelchair users. Conditions may vary with the weather, particularly during periods of snow, ice or heavy rain.
Guided tours for groups
Guided tours are available for groups of at least ten people. Tours generally last between one and two hours. Talks and refreshments may also be arranged on request. Contact Sti for øye in advance to discuss availability and arrangements.
Plan your visit
Sti for øye is located at Fossnesveien 3, 3160 Stokke, in Sandefjord municipality.
The outdoor gallery is accessible 24 hours a day, all year round. The trail is almost two kilometres long, but allow extra time to enjoy the artworks at a relaxed pace. Lighting switches on automatically at dusk. If you are planning an evening visit, contact the organisers to confirm when the lights are switched off. Visit the official Sti for øye website for more information and a map of the trail.
For more art experiences in Vestfold, explore Sculptures in Sandefjord or Midtåsen Sculpture Pavilion.