Discover Sandefjord: Viking ship, whaling history and nature

Explore Sandefjord through its archaeological traces, whaling history, signposted cycling route and nature-rich places.

Gokstadhaugen and historical motifs

Gokstadhaugen is laid out as a park with seating and information boards. It is on Helgerødveien, about 2 km from the centre of Sandefjord. The famous Gokstad Viking ship was excavated here in 1880. Seating and information boards shape the site as a designed outdoor space; the find also connects it to Sandefjord’s history.

The rock carvings at Haugen in Sandefjord offer another historical theme: they depict ships as well as spiral figures with feet. The ship motifs in the rock carvings can be considered alongside information about the Gokstad Viking ship without equating the two: one concerns depicted figures, the other a ship excavated in 1880. Those interested in different forms of historical representation will find two clearly distinct topics here.

Whaling history in art and exhibitions

Knut Steen created the Whaling Monument in the late 1950s as a monument to whaling. It depicts whalers with oars in an open boat, ready harpoons and splashing water. The scene conveys movement; the monument’s distinctive design is another feature: it is modelled on a compass rose and slowly rotates on its own axis. Its subject and form thus offer two different ways to appreciate the work.

The exhibition “VI VAR UTE ETTER HVAL” at the Whaling Museum offers another perspective on the subject. It explores Norwegian discoveries and Norway’s presence in Antarctica, cultural encounters in whaling, as well as family life and gender roles. The exhibition’s themes therefore range from exploration and encounters to everyday life and social roles.

The whaling ship “Southern Actor” is also part of this historical context: until 1962, it was used for whaling in the Southern Ocean. You can go aboard during the summer season. As this opportunity is seasonal, it is best to check before your trip.

Routes and nature outdoors

Marumrunden is a signposted cycling route from Sandefjord town centre via Marum to Istrehågan. Its route type, starting point and named waypoints are therefore clearly defined. The 10 Peaks Tour, by contrast, starts at the Sandefjord Tourist Association office at Matrosgata 6 in the town centre. The focus for Marumrunden is its signposted cycling route, while the starting point is given for the 10 Peaks Tour. Route details may change; check the information before setting out.

Preståsen Nature Park is east of the city of Sandefjord. Its woodland includes a pond, viewpoints, marked paths and numerous benches. The park is used for walking and playing throughout the year. The woodland and pond, paths and viewpoints make spending time outdoors here different from cycling the route or exploring the cultural and historical sites.

For swimming in the sea, Strømbadet is a floating pier facility at the inner end of the Sandefjordsfjord. As a place for swimming, it connects the sea with a specific location for this activity; it is therefore distinct both from the walking and play opportunities in the nature park and from the historical sights.

If you are looking for a hotel in Sandefjord, you can start by deciding whether your trip will focus mainly on cultural history, cycling, a tour or time in nature. Then check the details of each hotel offer against what matters to you during your stay.

Discover more destinations: Duken, Tjøme

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