Coastal trails in Tønsberg

Tønsberg offers walking trails that lead from the historic town centre to woodland, beaches and quiet countryside. Choose a walk over Slottsfjellet, follow Grevestien to the birdwatching tower at Ilene, or explore the coastal paths through Essoskogen. Longer heritage trails and woodland routes offer more ways to discover the municipality. Whether you have an hour or a full day, there is a walking route to explore.

Essoskogen – coastal woodland and pebble beaches
Essoskogen lies near Slagentangen and extends towards Skallevold. The approximately 5.8-kilometre walking route passes through coastal woodland, with forest tracks, natural trails and pebble beaches beside the Oslofjord. Walk among the trees, find a place by the water and enjoy a break overlooking the fjord. The broad forest track provides easier access for walkers, cyclists and some visitors using wheelchairs. The natural trails have more varied terrain, so choose your route according to your needs. To explore more of the coastline, follow the Coastal Trail from Åsgårdstrand to Tønsberg, which passes through Essoskogen and continues along the beaches around Karlsvika, Skallevold and Ringshaug.

Husøy – an island walk
Husøy offers a circular coastal walk of approximately 4 kilometres. Start near the sports ground and follow the path via Bloksberg along the eastern side of the island towards Husøy quay. The route combines woodland, sea views and the island's residential surroundings. There is a paved connection between Sandoddveien and Husøystrand, while other sections have more varied surfaces.

Karlsvika to Vallø – an easy coastal walk
The coastal trail between Karlsvika and Vallø is approximately 4.5 kilometres long. This is a good choice for a relatively easy walk beside the sea, with several beaches and places to pause along the way. You can start near Karlsvika, Skallevold, Ringshaug or Vallø, depending on how much of the route you wish to walk.

Slottsfjellet – panoramic views and medieval history
Just a short walk from Tønsberg waterfront, Slottsfjellet rises above the historic town centre. An approximately 3.7-kilometre circular walk takes you up the hill and through the remains of the medieval Tunsberghus fortress. From here, enjoy views across the town, the fjord and the surrounding countryside. The northern approach includes steps, while the eastern approach offers an alternative way up. Visit Slottsfjell Tower and make time for the Slottsfjells Museum at the foot of the hill. Its exhibitions explore Tønsberg's medieval past, Viking heritage and local history.

Grevestien – from the waterfront to Ilene
Grevestien is an approximately 3.2-kilometre marked route connecting Tønsberg's historic streets with coastal wetlands. Starting at Honnørbryggen, follow the lapwing waymarks through Nordbyen and towards Ilene Nature Reserve. At Ilene, the landscape opens into wetlands, where a birdwatching tower overlooks the reserve. Bring binoculars if you enjoy birdwatching. A connecting path leads towards Gullkronene, although this involves crossing a busy road.

Heritage walks through Tønsberg's history
Several heritage trails combine walking with stories from the area's past. Osebergstien is approximately 7 kilometres long and passes through Slagendalen, home to the burial mound where the Oseberg ship was discovered in 1904. Discover more about the area's Viking history in the Viking Route through Vestfold. Storemyr offers another approximately 7-kilometre walk, passing old oak trees, glacial potholes and traces of former peat extraction. Bekketjønnmyra also has an approximately 7-kilometre heritage trail, featuring ancient burial mounds and protected natural surroundings. The shorter Bergstien route is approximately 2.5 kilometres long. Information panels and memorials explain the history of Berg internment camp during the Second World War, where Jewish people and political opponents of Nazism were imprisoned.

Woodland walks and lakes
For a change of scenery, head inland to the forests of Tønsberg Municipality.
At Langevann, an approximately 3.6-kilometre circular trail follows the lake, with bathing opportunities nearby. Trollsvannet offers an approximately 4-kilometre walk. A gravel track follows the eastern side towards Trollsvannstua, while the western shore has more uneven natural paths. Merkedammen is a starting point for longer forest hikes, including routes passing several trekking cabins. For a shorter hill walk, Signalen offers views over the surrounding landscape. At approximately 145 metres above sea level, it was the highest point in the former Tønsberg Municipality.

Choose a walk that suits you
Walking routes around Tønsberg range from paved paths and broad gravel tracks to woodland trails with stones, exposed roots and steep sections. Some routes are well suited to shorter outings, while others require several hours. If you are visiting with a pushchair or wheelchair, check which specific sections have suitable access before setting out. Wear footwear suited to the terrain and consult the map for your chosen walk. For additional coastal walking ideas, explore Hiking and Coastal Trails in Vestfold.