The French author Lorelou Desjardins moved to Norway in 2010 and discovered the realities foreigners face when they try to adapt a new culture. In a humours way she wrote the book “The Frog in the Fjord – The Art of Being Norwegian”.
I am hoping to give non-Norwegians a glimpse of what make Norway and Norwegians so awkward and so lovable; and to give Norwegians something to laugh or to think about.
If you are a tourist and try to blend in, make sure to watch our movies about Norwegian culture. Visit Vestfold and Lorelou will explain in 4 short movies a glimpse of what makes you a true Norwegian.
Festival vibes + spa + soft beds = Farris Bad. Just a short drive from Stavernfestivalen, this is the perfect place to catch some quality sleep between concerts, find your zen in the spa and maybe do a spot of celebrity watching (most artists live here during the festival).
Just a short walk away, you’ll find Quality Hotel Grand Larvik, which has a cozy bar with shuffleboard and a great outdoor seating area. The hotel has one of the best locations in the area, as it is just across from the train station in a newly renovated area of Larvik, close to shopping, great dining and the fjord.
Both hotels are within easy walking distance of the festival grounds!
Sandefjord
Huset Sandefjord
Huset Sandefjord offers good food and lots of fun in a relaxed atmosphere.
A festival day in Vestfold isn’t quite complete without a swim in the ocean and a laid-back beach break. 🏖️
Take a look at our beach guide to find your nearest spot – and don’t forget to swing by a local café for a tasty lunch before you dive into a few hours of swimming, beach volleyball, sunbathing and pure summer vibes. ☀️
Just a few minutes away from one of Vestfold’s town center lies the wonderful archipelago. Most people experience this only in summer, but winter has its very special charm. The low winter sun, the light and animal life make the boat trip extra nice if you want to take pictures.
Færder National Park in winter
Fjordtaxi offer fishing trips, lighthouse visit to Fulehuk and sightseeing tours as well as regular transportation all year round. Here you will find an experienced skipper who knows all the attractions, islets and skerries, and the best fishing spots.
Enjoy speed and sightseeing with RIB
Throughout the year you can get a RIB tour with the activity company All Onboard. Note that it must be ice-free and not under 10 degrees Celsius. All Onboard is a total provider of group activities. With a RIB trip you get speed and excitement in a safe environment close to nature
From this house, you can still recognize the landscapes from his paintings: the pebbled shoreline, shimmering moonlight, and coastal scenery. These motifs are central in his famous Frieze of Life.
Munch’s house has been a museum for more than 70 years. Visitors can step into the artist’s “little house of happiness” and follow in his footsteps along the coast, either on a guided tour or with a map.
Haugar Art Museum in Tønsberg
Haugar Art Museum is a striking red-brick building between Tønsberg’s city centre and Slottsfjell. Inside you’ll find an exciting mix of Norwegian and international contemporary art.
Pop icon Andy Warhol admired Edvard Munch and created a series of works inspired by him. Thirteen of these, along with Warhol’s portrait of Queen Sonja, are part of Haugar’s permanent exhibition.
Alongside its collection, Haugar hosts changing exhibitions throughout the year, making it one of the top art museums in Vestfold.
🎨 Haugar Art Museum host exhibitions and events throughout the year – a must visit for all art enthusiasts visiting the area.
Preus Museum: The National Photo Museum in Horten
Located at Karljohansvern in Horten, Preus Museum is Norway’s national museum of photography. Its permanent exhibition take you on a journey through photography’s history, from camera obscura to today’s smartphone photography.
The museum also offers themed exhibitions, a cozy café, and a well-stocked gift shop for photo enthusiasts.
Nerdrum Museum, Stavern
The Nerdrum Museum located in the idyllic village of Stavern, is dedicated to one of Norway’s most renowned contemporary painters, Odd Nerdrum.
Known for his figurative, timeless style, Nerdrum draws inspiration from classical masters while exploring themes of humanity, mythology, and the raw drama of nature.
The museum offers visitors a rare opportunity to experience his powerful works in an intimate setting, surrounded by the landscapes that have shaped much of his art.
🎨 In Stavern for the art? Take a break at Havfuglen – the cute coffeshop next door run by the Nerdrum family – or check out the rest of Sjøparkens amenities.
In Stokke, the trail Sti for Øye (“Path for the Eye”) combines contemporary sculptures with Vestfold’s beautiful forest landscape. Twelve international artists have contributed to this two-kilometre walk, open year-round.
Sandefjord Art Association ocated next to Scandic Park Hotel, showcases professional art by local, national, and international artists. The gallery is open Wednesday to Sunday and also hosts courses and lectures.
There are plenty of cute little galleries to explore around the Vestfold towns. Check out some of them👇
Galleri ER
Gallery ER is a gallery located in the middle of Sandefjord over a total of 300 square meters and…
