Category: Articles

The Viking Heartland of Norway

Welcome to Vestfold – often called the heartland of the Vikings. Just an hour south of Oslo, this compact region blends Viking history, seaside towns, art and Nordic flavours seamlessly.

This isn’t about horned helmets and tourist traps, but about authentic encounters with Norse heritage, complemented by contemporary culture, coastal adventures and Nordic luxury. After all, Vestfold is where some of the most important discoveries in Viking history were made and you can explore some of them up close👇

Coastal Beauty Unchanged Since Viking Times

Island Escapes

The Vestfold archipelago remains hauntingly beautiful. These same islands that sheltered Viking longships now welcome modern explorers.

Go island hopping on ferries or taxi boats. Pack a picnic. Find a smooth rock for swimming. Explore hidden coves. The landscape feels untouched by time.

For something special, book a guided kayak tour. Local guides know the coastline like the back of their hand, and will ensure everything from safety and equipment to local stories and legends.

🚣‍♂️ Want to feel like a proper Viking?
Check out Saga Oseberg in Tønsberg city center, and book a session to row it on the fjord!

Verdens Ende: The World’s End

Vikings believed the world ended at Tjøme’s dramatic coastline. Today, Verdens Ende (The World’s End) offers spectacular views, a famous lighthouse and restaurants serving seafood caught hours earlier.

During high season it might feel a little touristy, but its well worth it. The dramatic rocks, crashing waves, and endless horizon explain why Vikings chose such a poetic name.

Feast Like You Mean It

Food is at the heart of the Vestfold experience. From seafood straight out of the fjord to farm-fresh cider and traditional dishes, food in Vestfold is rooted in local products which is reflected in the regions eateries.

Get a Taste of the Authentic Vestfold

Try Brygga 11 in Sandefjord, run by Michelin-starred chef Geir Skeie, or enjoy a harbour meal at Sjøslag in Larvik. For fine dining, Pileredet at Engø Gård on Tjøme serves seasonal Nordic dishes in a historic setting, while Taket Skybar in Tønsberg pairs modern bites with rooftop views.

For something truly special, head to World’s End Spiseriet in Færder National Park on the idyllic island of Tjøme – delicious dining with a horizon that never ends.

🧺 Do as the locals do: If you prefer to explore local flavours at your own pace, don’t miss the region’s farm shops. Pick up fresh apple cider, homemade cheese or traditional pastries.

Hotels & Charming Hideaways

Whether you prefer a spa weekend, seaside comfort, or countryside charm – Vestfold has it. Whether you’re looking for spa indulgence, seaside comfort, or peaceful countryside charm there are plenty to choose ffrom.

Easy Access: Fly in or travel by train

Norway’s Vestfold region is one of the country’s most accessible destinations – and a perfect getaway for couples, groups of friends, and travellers looking for authentic experiences at great value.

This compact region offers plenty of camping spots along the Oslofjord. Additionally, the direct ferry connection from Hirtshals to Larvik or Strømstad to Sandefjord makes visiting the region by car, motorhome or caravan is super easy.

A Favourite Destination Amongst Campers

Discover why Vestfold is the preferred camping destinations of Norwegians! Go from a morning swim in the archipelago, to visiting local farm shops for lunch and exploring Viking history by afternoon – everything quickly accessible (approx 1 hr by car).

The stunning Vestfold beaches are ideal for summer camping holidays with water activities and relaxation. Whether you’re bringing a tent, motorhome, caravan or staying in a camping cabin, Vestfold’s scenic coastline welcomes you 🚐🌅

♻️ To minimize the environmental impact and preserve the beauty of Vestfold for future generations, we strongly encourage you to use one of our many campsites in lieu of camping off grid on your trip to Vestfold. Read up on camping etiquette in Norway 💚

Coastal Camping – Activities and Relaxation

Enjoy water activities from sunrise to sunset! In Vestfold, the beautiful archipelago is only a short distance away from most towns and campgrounds. If you wish to explore this beautiful stretch of coast, there are several boattrips available across the region.

Several campsites offer pedal boats, canoes, kayaks and paddle boards (SUP) for hire. In Sandefjord, you’ll find Vøra Camping by a large, beautiful sandy beach, which offers kayak and SUP hire, and Asnes Camping, with a pleasant south-facing bathing area, which offers canoe hire.

Fun and Easy Family Adventures

Experience a combination of farm visits, swimming, kid shows, play parks, zip lines, trampoline parks, museums and viking activities – perfect as a supplement to your camping fun! There’s always something fun to do for the whole family in Vestfold🤸‍♀️

Culture and Nature

As the towns in Vestfold are close, you’ll get the best of both worlds. Proximity to nature and easy access to cultural events!🎭

During the summer months, both small concerts and large festivals are organised and stages such as Foynhagen in Tønsberg and Kurbadhagen in Sandefjord will be filled with live music – and they are easily accessible from most campsites!

Viking Adventures

Need a break from the beach? Take a step back in time while exploring some of Vestfolds rich Viking history.

Stretching about 60 km (40 miles) from Mølen in the south to Borre in the north, the Vestfold- region unveils a treasure trove of Viking history. Prepare to discover impressive burial mounds, remnants of Norway’s first town, and the very grounds where pivotal Viking Age discoveries have been made.

The Viking Trail offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore authentic Viking heritage. Dive into the heart of Scandinavia’s Viking Era and experience the wonders of Vestfold – by foot, car, train, bus or bike.

The Viking Trail in Horten

Curious to learn about local Viking history – and about Vikings in general? Make sure to add Horten to your itinerary!

Step Back in Time: Discover Viking Life at Midgard Viking Centre

Immerse yourself in Norway’s Viking Age at Midgard Viking Centre in Vestfold, the region’s premier destination for Viking history! Located in the heart of Borre, this historic site was once home to powerful chieftains and influential figures. Explore the sacred burial grounds where these leaders lived, ruled, and now rest and tour exhibitions to gain a unique glimpse into Viking leadership, traditions and society in Vestfold and Norway.

In the same area you can also experience an authentic glimpse into Viking life at the Guild Hall, a remarkable reconstruction of a royal hall from the Viking Age. 

Engage with Viking history by tasting Norse food and unleash your inner warrior at the Viking playground with activities like archery, axe throwing and more.

Borrehaugene

Midgard Viking Centre is located with a view over the majestic Borre Mounds. The mounds are the home to the Nordic region’s largest collection of monumental burial mounds from the Viking Age.

Most of the burial mounds are located within the 182-acre area covered by Borre Park, which is a listed cultural monument. Borre is a popular recreational area with information boards and facilities for walking and cycling.

The Viking Trail in Tønsberg

There are four large burial mounds in and around Tønsberg town: Farmannshaugen, Haugar and Oseberghaugen. They resemble each other externally, but their contents have been very different.

The Oseberg mound in Slagendalen contained the most spectacular find of all known Viking burial mounds. In addition to the Oseberg ship itself, the find consisted of a large number of artefacts from both everyday life and religious practice, many adorned with beautiful carvings in what we call the Oseberg style.

At the pier in Tønsberg you can visit Vikingodden and see a replica of the Oseberg ship. The Oseberg mound is equipped with information signs.

Slottsfjellet – The Castle on the Mountain

The castle ruins on Slottsfjellet mainly date from the middle of the 13th century, which is a couple of hundred years younger than the Viking Age. However, there was some form of defence here even before the 13th century, perhaps back in the Viking Age. When King Sverre besieged the Birkebeinerne on the mountain in the winter of 1201/02, there was a wooden castle up there.

In any case, the remains of Tunsberghus are so interesting that those who follow Vikingveien should also take the time for a detour up the mountain. From there you have one of Vestfold’s finest views of the town, the fjord and the beautiful surrounding cultural landscape.

Norway’s fourth Viking ship, the merchant ship from Klåstad, is presented in the Slottsfjell Museum’s Viking Hall, the only preserved Viking ship outside Oslo. There is also the story of the Oseberg discovery.

The Viking Trail in Sandefjord

Gokstad – a Viking Ship and a Burial Mound

When the Gokstad mound was excavated in 1880, for the first time we gained solid knowledge of what a Viking ship looked like. The Gokstad ship and its artefacts are on display at the Viking Ship Museum at Bygdøy (closed: will reopen in 2026).

Fortunatley, you don’t have to travel to Oslo to see what this Viking ship looks like. At Framnes, you can see the replica of the ship in the summer, built in 1990 and cared for by Båtlaget Gaia, which also has replicas of the small boats from the Gokstad Mound.

Sandefjord Viking Park is located by the harbour in the city centre. Here you can watch the construction of the Gokstad ship and learn about traditional crafts. The construction of the ship will take place both in Sandefjord and at Vikingodden in Tønsberg.

The Viking Trail in Larvik

Istrehågan – a Ship Made of Stone

In between Larvik and Sandefjord you can dive back into old Norse times. Surrounded by nature, this ship constructed of stone can be gazed upon. The layout has so much in common with later Viking ships that we have chosen to include it on the Viking Trails – even though this burial ground is even older. Presumably, it dates all the way back from the 400s and 500s, also known as the Migration Period.

The stone ship is located at Jåberg in Tjølling, between Larvik and Sandefjord. The ship is 24 metres long and 9 metres at its widest.

Magnificent Mølen

For centuries, Mølen has captivated people with its wild beauty and magnificent nature. Discover over 230 ancient burial rock mounds, some reaching an impressive 35 meters in diameter, dating back to the Iron and Viking Ages (400-900 AD). Could this be the final resting place of the Ynglinge family, the Viking kings who once ruled these lands? Explore the unique boat-shaped stone setting, a possible site of burnt boat burials. Some cairns even predate the Viking age!

The area has some very distinctive nature, botany and geology and since 2008 it has been a part of the the UNESCO Global Geopark.

Kaupang – Norway’s first city

Extensive excavations were carried out in the Kaupang area in Larvik between 2000-2003. This research helped us understand more about Kaupang as a permanent and vital society which were in contact with much of Northern Europe during the Viking age.

The town was established in the first decade of the 800s and extended in a 500 m wide belt along the west side of the Kaupang inlet. There were probably around 500 inhabitants in the town, which was deserted some time in the 900s. There are several burial mounds from Viking times; at North and South Kaupang.

During the excavation remains of houses, roads, docks and production of various kinds were found. In total, more than 10,000 artefacts were uncovered – from glass beads to coins, moulds, bronze fittings and suit buckles, ceramics and combs.

The Kaupang Viking Town Museum is open to visitors during the summer season.

Vikings – Typically Norwegian

Visit Vestfold and Lorelou explain to tourists in 4 short films what is typically Norwegian. In part 4, the focus is on Vikings.

Experience the flavors of Vestfold through local ingredients and exciting food experiences. Visit producers, enjoy a great meal out, or bring the quality home and cook something truly delicious yourself!

Dine with a view

Verdens Ende Spiseriet is located at the far end of Tjøme, with the sea as its nearest neighbour. Here you’ll be served fresh seafood while enjoying a panoramic view of the horizon – an experience that tastes as good as it looks.

Taket Skybar at Hotel Klubben in Tønsberg is located on the 8th floor and offers panoramic views of the city. Japanese-inspired dishes are served here from lunch to dinner, and the bar tempts with creative cocktails.

The Pool Club at Quality Hotel Tønsberg is the place to be if you want to enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with something good in your glass. The dedicated bar on the 5th floor offers refreshments with city and sea views, perfect for lazy summer days or an atmospheric evening.

The Pool Club is open all year round with a heated pool at a lovely 32 degrees, and is completely free for both visitors and guests of the hotel🌊

If you get hungry, just head down to The Social Bar & Bistro on the first floor. It serves classic bistro dishes with a modern twist, all while enjoying the fantastic panoramic view of Tønsberg harbour and pier.

The Farris Bad roof terrace in Larvik offers a spectacular view of the sea. Here you can sit back in comfortable seating and enjoy the view. In season, simple snacks and refreshments are served in a relaxed lounge atmosphere.

Heads up! The roof terrace is open for the season🌅

Fresh quality and real flavors straight from the farm

Vestfold is brimming with quality ingredients, and its farm shops are filled with fresh local produce.

At Søndre Grevle in Stavern you’ll find fresh vegetables, juicy strawberries and flavoursome meat from free-range pigs. Everything is grown and produced on the farm or in the local area – it’s a short journey from farm to fork.

Not far away, at Kryssgaarden near Helgeroa, you can pick apples, Celina pears and raspberries straight from the trees. When the farmer isn’t around, the self-service farm shop is open, so you can buy fresh, local produce whenever it suits you.

Knatten Fruktgård is located in Sandefjord, an idyllic fruit farm with over three generations of experience in fruit production. Here you’ll find fruit, berries and their own apple juice – known for its pure and full-bodied flavour with no additives.

At Holt Gård in Undrumsdal, yoghurt, cheese and ice cream are made from organic milk from their own cows. In the farm shop you’ll also find fresh eggs, meat and vegetables – all produced on the farm and with a focus on sustainability and quality.

At Tjøme Kolonial, the shelves are filled with organic delicacies, fresh bread and the legendary pesto that people come from far and wide to get their hands on. Here you can both shop for something good to take home and sit down with a coffee.

Ocean’s finest – served fresh on your plate

With the sea close by, there’s no shortage of fresh seafood in Vestfold. In Sandefjord, you’ll find Brygga 11, the restaurant of Bocuse d’Or winner Geir Skeie. Here it’s all about pure, good flavours from the sea, served in a relaxed atmosphere.

Right next door is Brødrene Berggren, one of the country’s oldest fishmongers – and a trusted supplier of seafood to both restaurants and locals. Here you’ll always find fresh catch, whether you’re looking for today’s dinner or something extra special for the weekend.

Afternoon Tea

The British concept of Afternoon Tea, with delicate treats and something delightful in the cup, has made its way to Vestfold. Several places offer this cozy tradition, but be sure to book in advance – tables fill up quickly!

Here are some of the places where you can enjoy a really good Afternoon Tea:

• Engø Gård Restaurant on Tjøme
• Taket Skybar in Tønsberg
• Hotel Kong Carl in Sandefjord
• Naval Society in Horten
• Hotel Wassilioff in Stavern
• Grand Hotel in Åsgårdstrand
• Purple lavender in Helgeroa

Join us on a food journey through Vestfold

Some things just have to be experienced – and the flavour of Vestfold is one of them. This video gives you an insight into the ingredients, people and places that make the food experiences here so special.

Explore the archipelago by boat! Go ashore and explore the island life, or sit back and just enjoy the relaxing boat trip.

Tønsberg & Færder

Boat Trip in the Nøtterøy Archipelago

Join DS KYSTEN on a trip through Nøtterøy’s archipelago and experience the coast from the deck of Norway’s oldest steam-powered coastal vessel. The trip starts from Tønsberg pier and takes you on four hours of beautiful archipelago idyll.

Perfect for those who want to sit back, breathe in the sea air and enjoy the view in peace and quiet.

Boat Trip in Færder National Park

Fjordtaxi takes you out into Færder National Park, whether you want to experience the coastal landscape for a day or spend the night in a tent, hammock or coastal cabin🏕️

With regular summer routes to Ildverket and Færder Lighthouse or the islands of Ildverket, Vestre Bustein, Mostein and Lindholmen, it’s easy to explore the archipelago – even if you don’t have your own boat.

NB! Summer routes require an advance booking with 3 days’ notice.

RIB Tour from Havna Hotel Tjøme

Hop on for a high-speed adventure with RibWave! You’ll cruise past gems like Verdens Ende, Færder Lighthouse, Hvasser, and Bolærne – all from the sea, with the wind in your hair and a little adrenaline boost along the way.

Make sure to book in advance! Tours run daily from late June to early August.

Boat Trip between Husøy & Husvik

Skip the detour and hop on Ole III for a quick and free ride between Husøy and Husvik – it only takes two minutes! The ferry runs daily in the summer, fits 11 people, and yes, your bike is welcome too.

Heads up! Sailings might be cancelled if the weather gets rough 🌊

Boat Trip to Bolærne

Flybåten travels from Husvik in Tønsberg to the Bolærne archipelago, part of Færder National Park. Here you can explore Vestre, Mellom and Østre Bolæren, with lovely views, beautiful hiking trails and exciting history.

You can also get to Bolærne with Fjordtaxi 🛥️

Boat Trip to Veierland

Take the Jutøya ferry to Veierland from Tenvik on Nøtterøy or Engø in Sandefjord and enjoy a day on the car-free island. Fine cycle paths and hiking trails await you here, and we recommend stopping off at Dagro’s café or Villa Veierland for a bite to eat on the way.

ℹ️ You can also get to Veierland from Engø in Sandefjord

Along the way, you can greet sheep and cows while enjoying the rural tranquility—so bring your bike on the ferry and explore the island at your own pace.

Borrow a green bike 🚲
Veierland Velforening offers free loan of their green bicycles on the island. After use, they should be neatly returned to Tangen or Vestgården jetty.

Larvik

Boat Trip to Svenner Lighthouse

Take the boat out to Svenner Lighthouse and experience the archipelago at its best! Here you’ll find sun-warmed rocks, clear water and an exciting history. Perfect for a day of swimming, fishing or a stroll around the island🎣

During the season, scheduled ferriesa and taxi boats depart from Stavern to Svenner Lighthouse.

We recommend reserving a seat in advance as the taxi boats have limited capacity!

Summer route with MS Øysprinten

Hop on board Øysprinten and enjoy the beautiful coastline around Larvik and Stavern! The passenger boat runs on set days in July and early August – perfect for a summer escape.

The route runs between Larvik – Stavern – Citadelløya – and Malmøya.

On Sundays in July, you can extend your boat trip with a scenic detour through Viksfjorden.

It’s an optional extra leg after the regular route – perfect if you’re up for seeing a bit more. Learn more about the Viksfjord Cruise and prices.

Island hopping with the Helgeroa Ferries

From late June to early August, jump aboard SKJÆLØY II for some island hopping fun! The route takes you from Langesund to Helgeroa, with stops at Langøya, Siktesøya, Lille Arøya*, and Store Arøya along the way.

On the boat trip, you’ll pass by several highlights of the archipelago – a great way to take in the coastal scenery.

Holmestrand

Summer Boat to Langøya

Langøya, just outside Holmestrand, is a unique environmental project where industrial waste is safely managed and the landscape is being restored after 100 years of limestone quarrying.

The northern part of the island is open to visitors and has hiking trails, paddling huts, and a sculpture park. You can get there by passenger boat in the summer.

Boat Trips for Groups

Are you a group that wants to get out on the water? Several of the boat companies also offer trips for groups – whether it’s a boat trip, a company outing, a stag party or a day out with friends and familie🧑🏻‍👩🏻‍🧒🏻

Some boats will take you out to the lighthouses, others will dock at islands where you can barbecue and swim, and some may even serve food on board.

Book Your Own Boat Transportation

Whether you want to explore the islands, go fishing, go on a seal safari or just enjoy a day at sea, there’s a taxi boat to take you there. An easy and flexible way to experience the archipelago!

Do you love locally sourced food, local treasures and a good dose of rural charm? Vestfold has many cosy farm shops and green inspirational gardens – perfect for a little excursion where you can buy straight from the farmer!

NB: Some of the farms and gardens are open seasonally, so be sure to check the opening hours 🌷

Larvik

The women of the fields

Along the Brunlane coast you’ll find Åkerkvinnene – six enterprising women, each with their own farm shop or garden. Together they offer local products, events and experiences. A perfect opportunity to make a pleasant stop along the way!

Søndre Grevle

In a charming yellow farmhouse in Stavern, you’ll find Søndre Grevle, where you can fill your shopping basket with fresh vegetables, sweet strawberries and tasty meat from free-range pigs.

Everything is grown and produced on the farm or in the local area – local and really good!

Grønn Glede

At Grønn Glede you’ll find beautiful, organically grown Eucalyptus and decorative greenery as wreaths – perfect for a fresh touch in your home. You’ll find them during the summer at Anvikstranda camping, so stop by and get inspired!

Ingunns Hage

Are you dreaming of a beautiful garden room? Ingunns Hage invites you to an inspiring garden walk among pergolas, pavilions and herb gardens – an oasis for anyone who loves green surroundings.

Also check out the greenhouse shop, where you’ll find interior and garden items with soul🌼

Skjærgårdshagen

At Skjærgårdshagen, organic vegetables, cut flowers and edible flowers are grown with love. The garden is open by appointment and on selected dates, so come along to secure yourself a piece of the best of nature!

Lillavendel

Lillavendel offers a cosy farm atmosphere with a café and country store in charming surroundings. Here you can enjoy food made from the farm’s own produce and shop for self-produced skincare products and natural candles.

Tip! They also have cute alpacas you can walk with🦙

Kryssgaarden

At Kryssgaarden, just outside Helgeroa, you can pick juicy, organic apples, Celina pears, raspberries and much more – straight from the trees and straight into your basket. When the farmer isn’t around, the self-service farm shop is open for those who want to buy local and fresh produce.

Sandefjord

Furu Egg

At Furu Egg, you’ll find fresh eggs straight from free-range hens, along with locally sourced goodies such as honey, jam, potatoes and apple juice. The shop is a little treasure trove for those who appreciate genuine flavours and local food.

We recommend to secure one of their famous caramel puddings before you go!

Knatten Fruktgård

Knatten Fruktgård is an idyllic orchard where a variety of fruit and berries are grown. Their self-produced apple juice is known for its pure, full-bodied flavour with no additives.

At Strand Gartneri’s farm shop you can buy fresh fruit, vegetables and local delicacies in season – a taste of Vestfold’s best produce!

Did you know that the fruit farm has over three generations of experience in fruit production🍎

Bondens Hage

Bondens Hage has a charming flower shop and a cosy café. Here you’ll find beautiful bouquets, plants and interiors, while the café tempts you with homemade treats such as the popular cream-baked buns.

Explore the park area, meet sheep and rabbits, or enjoy a cup of coffee among the flowers🌷

Engøy Gjestegård

At Engøy Gjestegård you can shop in the charming “Vognskjulet”, where the farm shop offers local goodies.

Here you’ll find fresh baked goods, cured sausages, eggs, potatoes, onions and much more – and of course coffee and ice cream for a little break!

Villa Veierland

In the middle of the idyllic island of Veierland, you’ll find Villa Veierland, a charming garden café with homemade pizza, fresh baked goods and something good in your cup – all year round.

Veierland is car-free and easily accessible by ferry from Tenvik on Nøtterøy or Engø in Sandefjord. Feel free to bring your bike on the ferry – a great way to explore the island!🚲

Fat and Fe

Fat og Fe is an organic farm shop and grocery store with a good selection of food, interior and eco-friendly products, many in bulk – so feel free to bring your own packaging.

Sit on the porch with an organic coffee and ice cream while the chickens and Mikkel the cat stroll by 🐈

The Alonso House

Alonso House is a little paradise for those who love treasures with soul! In the cosy shop – or “the house with the weird in it” – you’ll find everything from vintage and second-hand finds to locally produced goodies.

Take a break in the courtyard, enjoy a slice of cake and, if you’re lucky, you might get to meet the house chickens and cats!

Hjortegården

At Hjortegården, the deer roam freely in beautiful surroundings, and you can get close to them while enjoying the tranquillity of the yard 🦌

In the farm shop you’ll find tasty cured sausages, venison and home-baked flatbread – perfect for a tasty bargain. They also sell coffee and ice cream for those who want to indulge a little extra!

Tønsberg & Færder

Holt Gård

At Holt Gård you get genuine, unspoilt artisan products straight from the farm. In the farm shop you’ll find everything from yoghurt, cheese and ice cream made from organic milk from their own cows to fresh eggs, meat, fruit and vegetables🍓

You can also meet the animals and enjoy country life with a freshly baked waffle, a cinnamon roll – or perhaps a freshly baked pizza from the farm café!

Ramnes Søndre Gård

At Ramnes Søndre Gård you’ll meet alpacas, mohair goats and Norwegian short-tailed sheep, and can take home soft yarn and woollen products. In the shop, you’ll find freshly baked pastries, honey, coffee, tea and spices – everything you need for a little taste of farm life at home.

Tip! The heir to the farm crafts unique wooden boards and handmade products – perfect as gifts or maybe a new favorite for your own kitchen? 👨🏻‍🌾

Tjøme Kolonial

At Tjøme Kolonial, good food and pure ingredients take centre stage. Here you’ll find organic delicacies, homemade jams, fresh bread and the legendary pesto that people come from far and wide to secure.

The coffee shop serves delicious coffee, sandwiches and soft ice cream with seasonal toppings – perfect for a little break or something good on the go🍦

Holmestrand

Sjue Gård

Sjue Gård in Hof has an idyllic location with views down to Bergsvannet in historic Vassås. The hosts are passionate about traditional Norwegian food and drink.

When in season, the farm offers pick-your-own organic black berries such as aronia, blackberries and blackcurrants🧺

10 good reasons to spend your summer holidays in Vestfold

Good sunshine, active nature experiences, swimming and crab fishing – the summer resorts of Stavern, Larvik, Horten, Åsgårdstrand, Holmestrand, Sandefjord, Tønsberg and Færder are like pearls on a string!

It’s a short distance between activity parks, city life and warm sandy beaches.

1. Archipelago and coastal life

The combination of archipelago, sea spray, rocky shores, sunshine and sandy beaches makes Vestfold the perfect summer destination!

Blessed with a long coastline and a large archipelago park with fine beaches, smooth rocks and pier life – just a short train journey from the capital. This is part of what makes Vestfold perhaps the best starting point for a typical Norwegian summer.

Visit the iconic Tilting Lighthouse at Verdens Ende, or take a stroll along the coastal path (don’t forget your sunscreen and swimwear for a cooling dip on the way) to maximise that holiday feeling.

2. Children’s summer paradise

Vestfold offers lots of fun for families with children🛝 There are climbing parks, farm experiences, trampoline parks and playgrounds to name but a few. Throughout the summer, families can choose from many different activities – both indoors and outdoors.

There’s also a whole host of fun events for kids throughout the summer!

3. Concerts & festivals

Summer in Vestfold is not only about sun, sea and archipelago cosiness – it’s also a time for some of the country’s biggest festivals. It doesn’t get any better than that 🎶

4. Food from nature

Vestfold is Norway’s vegetable garden and larder – and the distance from farm to fork is particularly short here. The good soil and favourable climate mean that a large proportion of the country’s grain, potatoes and vegetables are produced here. In other words, there is plenty of access to local and organic food and drink.

This is reflected in the produce available in the restaurants – and you can even visit charming farm shops selling everything from homemade ice cream to eggs, strawberries or scented candles, skincare, knitted sweaters or other craft products.

Several of the farm shops have cafés with homemade cakes and pastries, and some also have different animals you can meet.

5. Active leisure

Not a fan of sitting still all holiday? We got you!

Spend your holiday cultivating your interests! Vestfold is beautiful and relatively flat, and is ideal if you love cycling and golf. If you like to challenge yourself, there are opportunities for both indoor and outdoor climbing, via ferrata and ziplines.

Blessed with a long coastline, paddling is a favourite with residents and visitors alike. Vestfold can tempt you with Norway’s first continuous paddling trail from Larvik in the south to Svelvik in the north. There are companies that offer kayak hire if you want to paddle yourself, or you can join courses and guided tours.

6. Shopping streets and quayside

Cosy shopping streets, shopping centres and boutiques await those who want to go shopping. You’ll also find a number of cafés and restaurants with both indoor and outdoor seating.

7. Boating

If you love spending time in the water on warm days, Vestfold is perfect. If you come with your own boat, there are several guest harbours in Vestfold. Some are located in the town centre, while others are idyllically situated in the archipelago.

Even if you don’t have your own boat, everything is in place to get out on the water. Use the scheduled boats for a sightseeing tour or island hopping in the archipelago, or hire a RIB or taxi boat for more speed and excitement if you’re a group.

8. Viking & Munch

Vestfold has an exciting Viking history that you can explore and take part in. Families can explore the history of Norway from the Viking Age, the Middle Ages and today’s Norway. At Borrehaugene in Horten, you’ll find the Midgard Viking Centre with Viking history, exhibitions and activities for children.

Norway’s first town, Kaupang, was located in Larvik, which you can also visit. Tønsberg is currently Norway’s oldest town, and here you can see the Slottsfjellet mountain and visit the Slottsfjell Museum – where you can see the only preserved Viking ship outside Oslo.

Åsgårdstrand is known as a town of artists, but you can get particularly close to Edvard Munch and his artist’s home there. The house is located close to Grand Hotel Åsgårdstrand, and if you walk around the area you can recognise several places that were immortalised in several of Munch’s masterpieces – including the iconic Girls on the Bridge.

9. Accessibility and short distances

Vestfold is a compact region that is easily accessible. There are short distances between towns, beaches and the various experiences. Stavern, Larvik, Sandefjord, Tønsberg, Tjøme, Nøtterøy, Horten, Åsgårdstrand and Holmestrand are all within easy reach of each other. Check out bus and train services to get around Vestfold.

10. Lots of sun!

Did you know that Sandefjord is the municipality with the most summer sun in the country? That’s what the results showed when 90 weather stations’ measurements over a 30-year period were summarised in 2017. And with the short distances in Vestfold, we dare to say that the sunshine coast is an apt description. There are many beautiful beaches for those who want to enjoy the sun and take a dip.

Spend your holiday in Vestfold! Expect sandcastle building and crab fishing, long evenings on the pier, fresh seafood and lots and lots of swimming🌊

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.

– Lorelou afroginthefjord.com

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.