Mølen is Norway's largest beach of pebbles, and it is a part of Vestfoldraet: the terrain left behind after the end of the most recent Ice Age 10.000 years ago.
The cultural landscape of Mølen, with its total of 230 cairns from the Iron Age, is one of the most majestic landscapes in Norway. The area has 16 large cairns, many up to 35 metres in diameter, with almost 200 small cairns in rows parallel to the shoreline. The cairns probably served as "sea markers" along the shipping lanes between different trading centres. This, combined with its striking natural beauty and position on the edge of the sea, makes it a must-see when visiting the area.
You can enjoy a lovely view of the sea at Mølen, and also study the beautiful type of stone called larvikite, a speciality for the Larvik area. There are actually more than 100 different types of rock at Mølen, and a total of 316 different bird species has also been found.
The arrival and departure of the migratory birds is a real treat for visitors. Twice a year the migrants visit wonderful Mølen, heading north in springtime and eventually heading back south when autumn looms.
In the summer of 2008 Mølen was officially made into an UNESCO Geopark Area.
If you want to get to Mølen by walking, the coastal path is easily accessible from either Helgeroa or Nevlunghavn.
Welcome to Mølen!
Fjordtaxi is based at Arås marina outside Tønsberg town. Public bus service from / to Tønsberg every 20 minute. There is also parking at the marina.
From Arås there are short distances to the archipelago and Færder national park. The boat is a fast Halco 29 'with 310 hp. and bears the name "The Crow".
It is registered for up to 12 people with luggage.
Fjordtaxi has one owner, Rune Hübner. He is an experienced skipper, raised in the archipelago and know all the islets, reefs and attractions that are worth visiting.
In addition, Fjordtaxi offer guided sightseeing tours, fishing tours, lighthouse visit and seal safari.
Slottsfjellsmuseet
In the middle of Tønsberg in beautiful surroundings you find Slottsfjellsmuseet. The museum and the area around it, is a cultural heritage site that represent the city’s long history. The castle ruins show the remains of one of Scandinavia’s largest medieval castles.
The Viking hall
In the museums Viking hall, you will find Norway’s fourth Viking ship; this is the only preserved ship which is placed outside of Oslo. Adding to that is the story of the Oseberg findings, the grave with Europe’s biggest Viking discoveries which was found only 3 km north of Tønsberg’s city center.
Medieval exhibitions
The museum has several medieval exhibits, focusing on the life of kings, nobles, clergy and the common people in medieval Norway. Here you can learn about King Haakon Haakonsson, the civil war era in Norway, and much more.
The Whale hall
This exhibition shows a variety of whale skeletons, caught by whalers in the late 19th and early 20th century. The centerpiece of this exhibit is our blue whale; the world largest animal, approx. 27 meters long and weighing around 150 ton. Our specimen is the biggest preserved blue whale skeleton we know of today. Adjacent to the whale hall is an exhibit about Svend Foyn, a whaling pioneer from Tønsberg.
Vestfold farmyard and world war two bunker
At the foot of the hill, there is a collection of farmhouses from around the county, with the oldest dating from the early 15th century. Here you will also find a charming café. The entrance to the world war two bunker is located next to the café. The bunker was built during the German occupation of Norway from 1940 to 1945 and served as a bomb shelter and ammunition storage.
Guided tours of the museum
For guided tours and prices, please contact the museum.
Midgard Viking Centre has interesting and exciting exhibitions which shows different aspects of the history. There are playgrounds where both kids and adults can try some Viking games and activities, such as bow and arrow and log games.
The Borre burial mounds
Midgard Viking Centre is situated near the Borre burial mounds, which form one of Norway’s most important cultural heritage sites. It was in use between the year 600 and 900 after Christ. This historical place played a central role in Europe’s Viking history. Experience Viking history, based on archeological knowledge, through your senses. Visit the great Viking Hall of Borre as well. The areas fresh and nice nature plus the historical factors makes this a popular destination for everyone interested in history. Midgards guides will bring you around the park and tell you all the stories and secrets of the burial mounds.
The Viking hall "Gildehallen"
In 2013 the Viking hall was opened at Midgard. The hall is a magnificent reconstruction of one of the Viking’s major party halls/rooms.
Big parts of the building are built by hand and with time appropriate tools, beautiful woodcarvings to show that the Vikings extraordinary woodcarvings are not forgotten. The guides have insight on all the exciting details of the building and the Vikings.
You have the opportunity to experience the Viking age and see it come alive. Serving time appropriate food with groceries from close by. You get stories about the food and drink, the Viking hall and Borre, and any questions you may have, answered.
Midgard Viking Centre offers activity days where you can experience the Vikings age, there is also possible to arrange activities for groups such as crafts, cooking, bow and arrow etc.
The café has a beautiful view over the Borre burial mounds and an auditorium for lectures and conferences.
Larvik Museum is the historically rich and exciting town museum in Larvik!
Visit Herregården and the maritime museum.
Larvik Museum is the town museum in Larvik with two arenas for visitors. Verksgården in the historic quarter Hammerdalen is an old, industrial site now converted into a heritage site with various cultural and business activities, and Herregården, the mansion built by Danish count Gyldenløve between 1674 and 1677.
In addition, Larvik Museum has passed on knowledge about Kaupang, first city in Norway, since excavations of the area around the extinct city started outside Larvik in the year 2000.
The thematic core of Larvik Museum activities is the historic period of Danish rule in Norway, when Larvik was one of two Danish royal counties in Norway (1537-1814). This historic era put its mark on Larvik with regard to industrial development, architecture and social structure. With this period as a backdrop, the museum intends to develop web-based research and display exhibitions on the Larvik community of today.
NB! Larvik Museum moves from Verksgården to Gamle Mesterfjellet school. All museum operations at Langestrand have been discontinued, and the exhibitions are being moved. The new exhibitions at Gamle Mesterfjellet School will be up in 2024 at the earliest.
In 1898 he bought a house built at the end of the 18th century. The house is now a small museum, open to the public where everything has been retained as it was when the artist lived there. The original studio building has been pulled down, but another building has been erected on the same site.
Edvard Munch painted many of his masterpieces in Åsgårdstrand, such as The Bridge, Four girls in Åsgårdstrand and The Dance of Life. These are now on view in major international art galleries.
The town hall in Åsgårdstrand
In the town hall you will find Digital Munch and a museum shop. Here you can experience the history of Edvard Munch and Åsgårdstrand in an innovative digital edition, meet the Åsgårdstrand history team in a newly renovated venerable city council hall and have a look in the museum shop. Read more on the website.
Travel guide on your own
The Munch Museum, together with Munch's house in Åsgårdstrand, has published a travel guide to all of Munch's places. The book provides information on viewpoints and experiences, so you can follow in his footsteps.
Vestfold Archives collects, preserves, distribute and communicate sources of knowledge of Vestfold's history.
Read more about the Vestfold Archives and see opening hours on their website (NO).
The Aluminum Museum in Holmestrand welcome an exhibition as modern and forward-looking as the aluminum industry is. The Aluminum Museum, which is a department of the Vestfold Museums, opened in 2002 and is the only one in Norway to have told the rich Norwegian tradition of further processing aluminum. The museum also communicates the industry's value chain and product development from the very beginning to today's high-tech business.
In an exciting exhibition architectural environment with parallels to innovation and development, the metal's properties and Holmestrand's history are communicated in a national and global perspective.
With the help of modern dissemination methods, digital solutions and updated design, the audience, regardless of age and gender, ethnic background and knowledge, is welcomed by the Aluminum Museum.
You can read more on their website.
Haugar Art museum is worth a visit. Andy Warhols tribute to Munch is some of the museums exhibitions, when it is not abroad. You can contact the museum for more information on this.
The museums also have different exhibitions throughout the year, which means its worth visiting more than ones.
Haugar Art Museum has high quality exhibitions at all times, and is one of the country's best art museums. The art museum is located in an impressive brick building, the former Seamen's School, right in the center of Tønsberg.
Private tour
If you want a private tour, the museum adapts this, contact Haugar for prices.
Events and activities
Haugar has various events and activities throughout the year for young and old. There are always activities for children at the museum, whether it is art hunting, activity rooms or Kunstporten – an app that engages children in an exciting and educational museum experience.
Museum shop
In the museum shop you will find gift items, such as books, jewelry, art glass, ceramics etc. Gift certificates are also sold in the museum shop with an optional amount. The shop follows the museum's opening hours and is open to everyone even without an entrance ticket.
The museum is closed on the following days:
May 17, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and Boxing Day, New Year's Eve and New Year's Day.
The Town
Kaupang was founded around the year 800. The location was significant when the town was established as a hub for trade and production. At Kaupang today there is built a Viking house like they think it could have been. You can also see a model of the town and get to know how the town was located.
Research
Many have dug and researched Kaupang from the 1800s until now. Most of the city is still not excavated.
In the exhibition "What Kaupang Earth hid" you get an insight into how archaeologists worked, what they did and what we know about Kaupang history today. A new exhibition on archeology, the town, trade and power opened in June 2021.
Activities in the Summer season
* Kaupang, The viking town: Come and see the exhibition.!
* Fasanatur: Task-track for everyone.
* Family day:, Every Wednesday from July 26 to August 14. Activities for children.
* Puppet theatre: Thursdays July 4 and 11 at 13.00 o’clock. Norvegian language only.
* Walking on Kaupang North: Thursdays July 18 and 25, August 1 and 8. Story telling, funerals and archeaology. Who was buried there and how was the funeral. The walk starts at 13 o’clock and lasts about one hour.
For groups
Activities are organized and adapted to groups as needed.
