Sjøparken is located at Agnes near Stavern, where a former industrial area has been transformed into a neighbourhood of art, culture, cafés and seaside activities. Here you can visit Nerdrum Museum, explore artists' studios, enjoy a coffee at Agnes Torg or see the Tangaroa raft that crossed the Pacific Ocean. The historic factory buildings and waterfront setting make Sjøparken an interesting place to explore, whether you come for the art, the activities or a walk by the sea.
Discover the art of Odd Nerdrum
At the heart of Sjøparken is Nerdrum Museum, housed in the historic Pipehuset building at the former Agnes factories. The museum presents a permanent exhibition of paintings and other works spanning more than half a century of Odd Nerdrum's artistic career. The museum explores Nerdrum's figurative paintings and the stories behind them. The former industrial building provides a distinctive setting, with traces of its manufacturing past still visible in the surroundings. Guided tours can also be booked in advance.
Explore the artists' studios
Kunst i Sjøparken brings together artists and craftspeople working with painting, photography, printmaking, ceramics, textiles and jewellery. The former factory buildings now house studios and galleries featuring a wide range of artistic styles and techniques. Exhibitions and open studio events take place throughout the year. Visitors can discover the local creative community and see works made using different materials and methods. Opening times vary between studios, so check which exhibitions are open before visiting.
See the Tangaroa raft from the Pacific expedition
One of Sjøparken's most distinctive attractions is Tangaroa, the balsa raft that crossed the Pacific Ocean from Peru to Polynesia in 2006. Led by Norwegian explorer Torgeir Higraff, the expedition was inspired by Thor Heyerdahl's famous Kon-Tiki voyage in 1947. The raft was later used during the filming of the feature film Kon-Tiki and is now displayed in a park area at Sjøparken. Visitors can see a vessel whose story reaches far beyond the shores of Larvik.
Cafés, bouldering and other activities
At Agnes Torg, Havfuglen Café offers food and drinks beneath old chestnut trees. Located next to Nerdrum Museum, it makes a convenient stop between exhibitions. Sjøparken also has a range of activities. At Bulder og Brak, you can try indoor bouldering, while other facilities in the area offer fitness training and martial arts. These activities are operated by different businesses, each with its own opening hours and possible membership or booking requirements.
Combine your visit with a coastal walk
Sjøparken sits beside the Larvik Fjord, close to Lillevikstranda beach and nearby walking areas. Combine a museum visit or coffee break with a stroll by the water or a trip to the beach. The marked Fjordstien coastal trail between Larvik and Stavern passes through Sjøparken. The full route is approximately 9.6 kilometres long, taking walkers past forest trails, beaches, rocky shoreline and small harbours. You can also choose a shorter section of the route for a relaxed walk along the coast.
Plan your visit
Sjøparken is located at Agnes, north of Stavern town centre. The visiting address is Sjøparken, 3290 Stavern. From Larvik, you can take a bus towards Stavern and get off at Agnes or Skaubakken. The outdoor areas are publicly accessible, while the museum, café, artists' studios and activity facilities have their own opening hours. Nerdrum Museum operates with seasonal public opening hours and also offers guided tours by advance booking. Check the museum's website for current opening times and admission prices.
Some artists' studios open during exhibitions and special events, while others welcome visitors by appointment. Several activity providers also require separate arrangements. Check directly with each operator before travelling. Sjøparken has a property information and viewing centre, normally open on weekdays from 8 am to 4 pm, with evening and weekend visits by appointment. These hours apply to the viewing centre only, not to the museums or other attractions.
Visit the Sjøparken website for information about art, activities, cafés and current visitor details.