Vestfold between the Skerry Coast and Cultural History

The skerries of Færder National Park and the pebble beach at Mølen reveal two different sides of Vestfold’s coastal landscape. The region lies just south of Oslo and brings together striking natural areas and places whose history spans from the Iron Age to the Norwegian Navy. You can tailor your trip to your own interests, perhaps spending time by the water, visiting historic sites, or exploring art and architecture.

Coast, Skerries and Glacial Landscape

Færder National Park is a distinctive skerry landscape shaped by the immense ice masses of the Ice Age. Its area of 340 square kilometres encompasses mainland, islands, reefs and seabed in Færder Municipality. Popular activities in its coastal outdoor areas include boating, kayaking, hiking and swimming. This variety makes the park appealing if you want to spend time outdoors and choose between water and land activities.

Verdens Ende is a recreation area with fjord views, rocks, fishing spots and skerries. From there, Færder National Park can be reached by boat, car and public transport. Check the current transport arrangements and access rules before setting out. This will help you plan your visit without assuming a particular way of getting there.

Mølen also brings together natural and cultural history. The site is considered Norway’s largest pebble beach and is part of a landscape left by the last Ice Age around 10,000 years ago. Migratory birds visit Mølen twice a year: in spring on their way north and in autumn on their return south; specific sightings may vary. The cultural landscape also includes 230 Iron Age stone mounds. The beach, shaped landscape and archaeological traces offer several distinct ways to experience the area.

Places of History and Art

Kaupang, in Larvik, was founded around the year 800 as a centre for trade and production. A reconstructed Viking house and a model of the town are on display at the site. Together, the site’s historic role and these two exhibits offer a tangible way to explore Kaupang’s past.

Åsgårdstrand is closely associated with Edvard Munch, who painted “The Bridge”, “Four Girls in Åsgårdstrand” and “The Dance of Life” there. His former home is now a small museum, preserved as it was during his time there. If you would like to visit the house museum, check the seasonal visiting arrangements in advance. This helps ensure your plans reflect the visiting opportunities actually available.

In Stavern stands Fredriksvern Church, built in 1756 and Norway’s first garrison church. In Horten, the Naval Museum is located at Karljohansvern; it is one of the oldest naval museums in the world. Its coverage of the history of the navy and the Royal Norwegian Navy spans from the dissolution of the Kalmar Union to today’s Norwegian Special Operations Command. Visitors can board the gunboat KNM Blink and the submarine KNM Utstein. As access to the vessels may vary due to operational requirements, it is advisable to check before visiting.

Art is also on display in Tønsberg and Sandefjord. Haugar Art Museum in central Tønsberg presents art in a permanent collection and in temporary exhibitions; their contents may change. The Midtåsen estate in Sandefjord has a sculpture park and offers views of Sandefjord. These places offer different experiences: exhibitions in the city centre at one, sculptures and city views at the other.

Time on the Coast and Ways to Make the Most of It

For a specific coastal route, there is an approximately 10-kilometre coastal path from Åsgårdstrand to Tønsberg via Ringshaugstranda. If you would rather focus on a variety of activities by the water, Færder National Park offers boating, kayaking, hiking and swimming. If you are more interested in the region’s past, you can choose places such as Kaupang, Mølen or the Naval Museum according to your interests.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Horten, Lardal, Larvik, Nøtterøy, Tønsberg, Sandefjord, Tjøme, Stokke, Andebu, Sande, Svelvik, Duken, Tjøme, Re, Hof, Holmestrand.

For the main travel overview: Norway.