4 steps to understand Norwegians

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.

A Guide to Music Festivals in Vestfold

Plan Your Trip

Ready to enjoy all that Vestfold has to offer this summer? Don’t miss out on some amazing musical and social experiences – plan your trip here👇

Festivals in Vestfold

  • Midgardsblot Metal Festival 2025

    August 13–16 – Midgardsblot mixes metal, Viking vibes, and epic festival energy in the historic s…

  • Stavernfestivalen 2025

    July 3–5, 2025, Larvik Golf Arena is buzzing with music, summer vibes, and party — three days pac…

  • Slottsfjell 2025

    July 10 & 11 – enjoy music and festival fun right in the heart of Tønsberg, with everything you n…

  • Fjord Classics 2025

    From June 18–22, 2025, it’s time for Fjord Classics in Sandefjord!

What’s On in Vestfold

We’ve gathered everything that’s happening all year in one place 👇

En artist i fargerik blå og oransje drakt står med armene utstrakt på scenen foran en massiv publikumsmengde på Stavernfestivalen. Tusenvis av festivaldeltakere strekker seg så langt øyet kan se under en lys himmel. I bakgrunnen sees et pariserhjul og festivalområdet med telt og trær. Scenen er badet i sollys, og det sprutes vann eller røyk foran artisten, som skaper en dramatisk effekt

Plan your trip

Getting here and around🌍

  • How to get here and around

    The rest of the world is just a flight away via Torp Sandefjord Airport, or via ferry connections…

  • Accommodation in Vestfold

    Looking for accommodation options in Vestfold? Here’s the overview you need.

  • Food & drink in Vestfold

    Fancy a bite to eat at one of the many eateries in Vestfold? Whether you’re looking for a d…

Festival Vibes

Festival week is all about good vibes – and you’ll find them far beyond the festival grounds too 🎪☀️

Events all summer long ☀️

  • Foynhagen

    Foynhagen, in historic surroundings at the pier in Tønsberg is a wonderful concert arena in the s…

  • Kurbadhagen

    Kurbadhagen is Sandefjord's nicest garden!

"Stort pariserhjul på festival med mange mennesker samlet foran en scene. Solnedgangshimmel med rosa skyer.

Looking for a drink, a bite and a great view? Check out top rooftops, restaurants and cocktail bars near YOU 🗺️👇

Larvik & Stavern

  • Ellings – Festiviteten

    Ellings is a café located in historic and pleasant premises in Larvik.

  • Bedehuset

    Bedehuset restaurant, café and nightclub are centrally located in historic Larvik, as the nearest…

  • The Rooftop Terrace at Farris Bad

    Enjoy the town's best view from the roof terrace!

  • Stavissimo

    Italian Trattoria & Catering by Sjøslag

  • Palmehaven

    Hotel Wassilioffs Bistro & Coctailbar.

  • Grand Bistro

    Quality Hotel Grand Larvik has its own restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Sandefjord

  • Huset Sandefjord

    Huset Sandefjord offers good food and lots of fun in a relaxed atmosphere.

  • James Clark Pub & Restaurant

    James Clark Pub & Restaurant is a classic English pub and restaurant at the harbour in Sandef…

  • Kurbadhagen

    Kurbadhagen is Sandefjord's nicest garden!

  • Pir 4

    You will find Pir 4 along the pier in Sandefjord.

  • Bakgården Café

    At Bakgården Café, guests can relax in charming surroundings and enjoy delicious lunches, homemad…

  • Brygga 11, Geir Skeie

    Brygga 11 offers a informal atmosphere to taste the treasures of the ocean, to a good price.

🎉Don’t miss this in Sandefjord:

Touchdown at TORP Sandefjord Airport– the regions gateway by air. Alternatively, come by train, bus or ferry from Sweden. Whether you’re staying in town or heading to nearby festivals, Sandefjord is the perfect place to stay. For a seamless experience, check in to one of these central hotels – Scandic Park Sandefjord, Home Hotel Atlantic, or Hotel Kong Carl.

Tønsberg

  • The Social Bar & Bistro

    The Social Bar & Bistro offer a breathtaking panorama of the sea and the boats sailing in and…

  • Foyn Restaurant

    Foyn Restaurant, bar and nightclub can be found on the pier in Tønsberg, open from lunch to late …

  • Huset Tønsberg

    Tønsbergs newest meeting place, restaurant and bar!

  • Big Ben Pub

    English Pub located in historic premises in Tønsberg town centre.

  • Foynhagen

    Foynhagen, in historic surroundings at the pier in Tønsberg is a wonderful concert arena in the s…

Horten

  • Bella Vista Horten

    Experience the Italian cuisine at Bella Vista in Horten.

  • Restaurant Njord

    The Restaurant Njord at Noatun offers daily lunch buffets, whether you are attending a conference…

  • Baltzer Restaurant

    At Thon Hotel Horten you will find Baltzer Restaurant, where you can enjoy a tasty dinner in a pl…

  • Fjord Bistro & Vinbar

    Experience the restaurant by the waterfront in Horten.

Sun, Sea & Sand

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. ☀️

You might also like…

  • Boat Trip in the Archipelago

    Enjoy the archipelago life with a boat trip. Find an overview of scheduled and charter boats.

  • The Viking Trail in Vestfold

    Stretching about 60 km (40 miles) from Mølen in the south to Borre in the north, the Vestfold- re…

  • Flavors of Vestfold

    Experience the food platter of Vestfold.

  • The coastal path through Vestfold

    The coastal paths in Vestfold are a fantastic experience if you enjoy walking, as the paths are r…

  • Explore the Scenic Coastal Path in Stavern

    Everything you need to know for your trip on Kyststien in Stavern.

Boat trips in Vestfold in winter

Here you have the archipelago all to yourself.

See Norway’s magical archipelago in winter

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

Art experiences in Vestfold

There are many opportunities to go on an art-trip in Vestfold.

Edvard Munch

Edvard Munch spent a lot of his summers at Åsgårdstrand, at the same time as he lived a roving life-style where he travelled to multiple cities in Europe, such as Paris, Nice, Berlin, Dresden, Antwerpen, Roma and Firenze. In 1898 Munch bought a little house in Åsgårdstrand and listed an atelier at his estate.

Gult trehus med rødt tegltak og hvite vinduskarmer. Bygget står på steinmur ved asfaltvei med et 30-sone skilt synlig i hjørnet.

From this little house, it’s possible to recognise the surroundings that is mirrored in his paintings. Pebbles, the coastline and moonlight. This is found in “Livsfrisen”. The connection between “Livsfrisen” and Åsgårdstrand was recognised early in the art scene.

It is 70 years since Munch home opened as a museum. Here you can see his little house of happiness. The landscape is found in his paintings. It is possible to experience Munch art with a walk in his footsteps either with a knowledgeable guide or on your own following the art on the map.

Haugar Vestfold Art Museum in Tønsberg

Haugar Vestfold art museum is worth a visit, it is located on a historical ground between Tønsberg city centre and Slottsfjell. The building by itself is outstanding and likewise is the treasure of the contemporary art.

Andy Warhol the pop artist, had Edvard Munch as one of his absolute favourite artist, has created a series of artwork as attribute to the Norwegian artist. 13 of these artworks is a part of Haugar permanent exhibition, as well as Warhol’s portrait of Queen Sonja of Norway.

En person med langt hår sett bakfra betrakter kunstutstilling med verk av Warhol/Munch. Flere portretter av kvinner i ulike farger henger på hvite vegger i et galleri med treparkettgulv.

Andy Warhol’s artwork is at all times be available to watch, the artwork is covering one third of the area devoted to display art from the museums own collections.

🎨 Haugar Art Museum host exhibitions throughout the year, as well as the museums own collections.

The photography’s world

The photography and its world is in focus at Preus museum, which lie on a monumental ground at Karljohansvern in Horten. In this one-of-a-kind national photo-museum, you get a look at the photo’s technical evolution from camera obscura to mobile camera, and all the different photograph techniques in the museum’s permanent exhibition.

Utstillingsrom på Preus museum med murhvelvinger, trepaneler og glassmontere som viser fotografihistorie. Myk belysning skaper en stemningsfull atmosfære.

Further, it also consist of different themed exhibitions throughout the year. At the museums simple café you can buy coffee and cakes, and if the museum has inspired you to explore more of the photography’s history, the gift-shop has many treasures.

Sculpture-walk

The nature’s panoramic view and Knut Steen’s sculptures have created a special interaction between the two, it is located on the city’s roof at Midtåsen in Sandefjord. 16 of the artist artworks are displayed, the building is unique with its simple design of windows and concrete which enhance the art experience.

Innvendig utsikt fra Midtåsen Skulpturpaviljong. Store glassvegger fra gulv til tak rammer inn utsikten over furuskog og fjorden i det fjerne. To hvite marmorskulpturer står på hver side av utsikten. Paviljongen har lyse trevegger og et minimalistisk uttrykk.

The sculpture pavilion is located a part of a bigger park in Midtåsen, Anders Jahres was the previous owner. By visiting the sculpture pavilion it is perfect to combine with a walk around the park. The park has many viewpoints that show beautiful Sandefjord and the coastline.

Informasjonskart over turområdet "Sti for øye" med en hånd som peker på kartet. Kartet viser fargekodede stier og attraksjoner med små bilder av naturopplevelser og severdigheter langs rutene.

There are multiple possibilities to go on sculpture walks in Vestfold, where “a path for your eyes” is a declaration of love toward Vestfold’s beautiful forests. 12 artist from different countries have contributed to this art experience, it is a path of 2 km not far from “allfarvei” by Fossnes in Stokke, available all year round.   

The art of words is the theme of Larvik’s poetry-park. Words and quotations is displayed around the city, for inspiration, reflection and to provide the readers with a good feeling.

Art for All in the world

10 walls in Sandefjord city now display artworks of artist from all around the world in the project Art for all. The art project was hosted for 14 days in July 2017.

Fargerik gatekunst med stiliserte ansikter i sterke farger. En person står foran den store veggmaleriet som viser portrettutsnitt i vertikale bånd.

The murals are located in the city centre and are easy to find.

Art-galleries and exhibition

Sandefjord art association is located by Scandic Park Hotel and are open Wednesday to Sunday. The arts foundation convey professional art by locals, national and international artists. Further, it arranges courses and lectures.

  • Galleri ER

    Gallery ER is a gallery located in the middle of Sandefjord over a total of 300 square meters and…

  • Galleri Ask

    Galleri Ask is an idyllically located gallery in Åsgårdstrand!

  • Ulving Kunsthandel

    Ulving Kunsthandel is a family-run gallery that has been in the same premises since the 1930…

  • Galleri Brown

    In the gallery you can find ceramic designer, Rita Lysebo Egren artist Unn Holvik Stenersen.

  • Galleri Gudem

    Galleri Gudem is based in idyllic Hvasser and is a sales and exhibition venue for contemporary ar…

  • Sandefjord Art Association

    Sandefjord Art Association promotes professional art through solo exhibitions, collective exhibit…

  • Vestfold Kunstsenter

    Vestfold art center show exhibitions of high artistic quality.

Visit more galleries in Vestfold and look out for exhibitions you can attend in our Whats on calendar. Especially Easter and fall-exhibitions in Stavern attract a lot of audience and artists.