Kategori: Architecture

Thor Heyerdahl monument

The Thor Heyerdahl Monument stands at Tollerodden in Larvik, overlooking the nearby fjord. Created by Norwegian sculptor Nico Widerberg from local larvikite stone, it was unveiled by Thor Heyerdahl himself on his 75th birthday, 6 October 1989. The monument commemorates one of Norway's best-known explorers in the town where he grew up.

A monument made from Larvik's own stone
Larvikite is a natural choice for a monument honouring Thor Heyerdahl. Known for its distinctive play of colour, the stone has a strong connection to the Larvik region. Nico Widerberg's sculpture stands in the green surroundings of Tollerodden. Visitors can admire the work up close and see how its material and form relate to the coastal setting. The monument was erected to mark Heyerdahl's 75th birthday in 1989, and the explorer attended the unveiling.

The explorer from Larvik who crossed the oceans
Thor Heyerdahl (1914–2002) grew up in Larvik and became internationally known for his expeditions and theories about contact between ancient cultures. In 1947, he crossed the Pacific Ocean aboard the balsa-wood raft Kon-Tiki with five other crew members. The expedition demonstrated that such a voyage was possible using traditional raft-building techniques. Heyerdahl believed this supported his theories about connections between South America and Polynesia.

He later organised the Ra expeditions across the Atlantic in 1969 and 1970 and the Tigris expedition in 1977–1978. Using vessels built from traditional materials, he explored the possibility of maritime contact between ancient civilisations. Although several of his historical theories remain disputed, his expeditions attracted international attention and inspired interest in exploration and seafaring.

Explore more of Thor Heyerdahl's Larvik
To learn about his early life, visit Thor Heyerdahl's Childhood Home at Steingata 7. Guided tours are offered during the summer season. You can also visit Larvik Maritime Museum, where the exhibition Explorers and Adventurers introduces Heyerdahl and other explorers with connections to Larvik. The museum has separate opening hours and admission arrangements.

Enjoy the surroundings at Tollerodden
The monument stands in one of Larvik's historic waterfront green spaces, overlooking the fjord. Nearby, Tollerodden Beach offers grassy areas, coastal rocks and places to relax by the water. You can also see Larvik Church, built in 1677. A visit to the monument is easy to combine with a stroll along the harbour and through Larvik's historic neighbourhoods.

Plan your visit
The Thor Heyerdahl Monument is located outdoors at Tollerodden, 3263 Larvik, Norway. It can be viewed from the public waterfront park without an admission ticket or advance booking. Seeing the monument takes only a few minutes, but allow extra time to explore Tollerodden and the surrounding area.

Access is through an outdoor park. Ground conditions, parking and step-free access directly to the monument should be checked in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements.

The Backer sisters

The Backer Sisters monument stands in Dr. Graaruds plass near the harbour in Holmestrand, just outside Holmestrand Library. Created by Norwegian sculptor Ada Madssen and unveiled in 1982, it honours two of the town's most notable cultural figures: painter Harriet Backer and pianist and composer Agathe Backer Grøndahl. Both sisters were born in Holmestrand and made lasting contributions to Norwegian art and music.

Two sisters who shaped Norwegian cultural history
Harriet Backer (1845–1932) was one of Norway's leading painters of her generation. She is particularly known for atmospheric interior paintings, where light, colour and space play an important role. One of her best-known works is Blue Interior. Harriet also ran her own painting school and helped educate a new generation of Norwegian artists.

Her younger sister, Agathe Backer Grøndahl (1847–1907), was an acclaimed pianist and composer who played an important role in Norwegian musical life. She composed piano pieces and songs and performed both in Norway and internationally. Agathe also maintained a close friendship and musical collaboration with Edvard Grieg.

A monument created by Ada Madssen
Norwegian sculptor Ada Madssen (1917–2009) portrayed the sisters together in a bronze sculpture group. Harriet stands holding a paintbrush and palette, while Agathe is seated in deep concentration before an imaginary piano. The monument was unveiled in 1982 and stands in a small park near the harbour. Its design reflects the sisters' different artistic talents and their shared connection to Holmestrand.

Explore more of Holmestrand's history
The monument is centrally located in Holmestrand and makes an easy stop during a walk along the harbour or through the town centre.
To learn more about the town's cultural and local history, visit Holmestrand Museum. Its collections include paintings and photographs connected to Holmestrand, alongside exhibitions about maritime and everyday life in the town. You can also discover more places to visit through Visit Vestfold's guide to Holmestrand, featuring local attractions, museums and coastal experiences.

Plan your visit
The Backer Sisters monument is located at Dr. Graaruds plass 2, 3080 Holmestrand, outside Holmestrand Library and close to the harbour.
The sculpture stands outdoors in a public park and can be viewed throughout the year. There is no admission fee or booking requirement.
It makes a convenient stop while exploring central Holmestrand on foot.

Karljohansvern

Karljohansvern is located just outside the centre of Horten and was once the main base of the Royal Norwegian Navy. Today, you can explore the historic naval grounds on foot, visit museums, walk beside the Horten Canal and enjoy the natural surroundings of Hortenskogen forest. Historic military buildings, maritime heritage and coastal scenery make this an ideal place for a relaxing walk or a day of exploring.

Discover the history of Norway's naval base
Karljohansvern's history as a naval base began in 1818, when the Norwegian Navy established its main station in Horten. Over the following decades, the area developed into an extensive military complex with dockyard buildings, warehouses, workshops and other facilities connected to naval operations. The architecture reflects this development. Buildings from different periods stand alongside one another, revealing how the naval base expanded and adapted to changing technology. Much of Karljohansvern was once closed to the public. Today, you can walk among the historic buildings and discover how the former naval base has become an active cultural and heritage area.

Explore the Naval Museum and historic warships
At the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum, you can discover the history of Norway's naval forces in times of war and peace. Its collections include maritime objects, ships, models and equipment that reveal life at sea and the development of the Royal Norwegian Navy. Visitors can also explore historic naval vessels, including the KNM Utstein submarine and the KNM Blink gunboat, when these are open to the public. Nearby, KNM Narvik, a preserved Norwegian warship from the Cold War, offers the opportunity to explore life aboard a naval vessel and discover its military history.

Discover photography and the Oslofjord
Inside one of the historic naval warehouse buildings, you will find Preus Museum, Norway's national museum of photography. Its exhibitions explore the history of photography and photography as an artistic medium. Karljohansvern is also home to the Oslofjord Visitor Centre. Particularly suitable for families, the centre offers interactive activities that introduce visitors to marine life and the environmental challenges facing the Oslofjord. Each museum has its own opening hours, so check current visitor information before planning your day.

Walk along the Horten Canal and through Hortenskogen
Karljohansvern is surrounded by green spaces, old trees and coastal scenery. The Horten Canal separates the historic naval grounds from the rest of the town, with paths offering views of small boats, historic buildings and the waterfront. Continue into Hortenskogen forest to discover woodland paths, mature oak trees and a varied natural environment. Parts of the area are protected for their plant and birdlife, so visitors should respect the natural surroundings. For a longer walk, follow the Karljohansvern circular trail, which leads through the historic naval grounds, beside the canal and through Hortenskogen towards the coast and Møringa.

Historic buildings and cultural experiences
Karljohansvern has developed into a place for art, culture and activities in historic surroundings. Former military buildings now serve various cultural purposes, and the area hosts concerts, exhibitions, markets and other events throughout the year. A visit can therefore include more than museums and history. You might discover a cultural event, explore the architecture or simply enjoy walking between the historic buildings. Events and activities vary throughout the year, so check current programmes before visiting.

Plan your visit
Karljohansvern is located in Horten, with the general address Karljohansvern, 3183 Horten, Norway. The museum area is approximately a 20-minute walk from central Horten and the harbour. The outdoor grounds are open to the public 24 hours a day, throughout the year. Exploring the grounds is free, while museums and selected events operate with their own opening hours and possible admission charges. Parking is available in designated areas, including near Kulturverftet on Kommandørkaptein Klincks vei. The area inside the historic walls at

Kulturverftet is car-free, with ordinary vehicle access and parking prohibited. The grounds include paved paths, woodland trails and historic outdoor areas with varying surfaces. Visitors with specific accessibility requirements should contact individual museums or venues for information about their facilities. Visit the Norwegian Defence Estates Agency website for further information about Karljohansvern and visiting the historic grounds.

Ormen Våge

Ormen Våge is a 30-metre-long dragon sculpture stretching across the façade of a multi-purpose sports and cultural hall in Revetal, in Tønsberg municipality. Created by artist Stig Skjelvik, the artwork combines Norse mythology, traditional Norwegian woodworking and modern lighting technology. During the day, you can explore its dark, scale-like surface. After sunset, digital lighting can transform the dragon's appearance.

A dragon brought to life by light
Ormen Våge takes the form of a long dragon stretching across the building's exterior. Its surface is covered in overlapping dark wooden shingles, resembling the scales of a dragon, with a lighting system concealed beneath them.

The installation contains approximately 1,800 individually controlled lighting points. When the light animations are operating, changing patterns create the illusion of movement, making the dragon appear to come alive. This makes the sculpture interesting to experience both during daylight and after dark. In the evening, the relationship between its form, materials and lighting becomes more visible.

Inspired by Vikings and stave churches
The sculpture was developed following an art competition centred on the medieval history of Re. Stig Skjelvik drew inspiration from Norse mythology and the traditional craftsmanship found in Norwegian stave churches. The dragon's outer surface is constructed from wooden shingles made of slow-grown, resin-rich pine known as malmfuru. The shingles were produced by Husanotra, a specialist organisation preserving traditional Norwegian woodworking skills.

The timber is treated with a pine-tar-based oil similar to treatments historically used on Norwegian wooden buildings. Each shingle has also been adapted to work with the modern lighting installation. The result is an artwork bringing together centuries-old building traditions and digital technology.

What does Våge mean?
The name Våge comes from the Norwegian verb meaning to dare. In Norse storytelling, dragons could represent both strength and obstacles that people must overcome. The artist used this dual meaning as inspiration. The dragon represents challenges, but also the courage needed to face them. Its location on a sports and cultural hall gives the idea particular significance. Here, children, young people and adults encounter new activities, challenges and opportunities to develop their skills.

Discover Ormen Våge in Revetal
The sculpture is mounted on the exterior of the multi-purpose hall in Revetal and can be viewed from the area outside the building. Walk along the façade to see how the dragon's shape follows the architecture. From close up, you can appreciate the wooden shingles and craftsmanship, while viewing from a distance gives a better impression of its full length. For more art and architectural experiences, explore Visit Vestfold's guide to architecture and sculpture in Vestfold.

Plan your visit
Ormen Våge is located on the exterior of the multi-purpose hall at Skoleveien, 3174 Revetal, in Tønsberg municipality, Norway. The outdoor sculpture can be viewed without an admission ticket or advance booking. Fixed operating hours for the light animations have not been verified, so illumination cannot be guaranteed at any particular time.

Parking, step-free access and possible restrictions around the building should be checked in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements. You can find out more about the artist and his work with lighting installations at Nullohm.

Midtåsen

Midtåsen stands on a hill overlooking Sandefjord and was once the home of shipping magnate Anders Jahre and his wife Bess. The grand villa was built in 1933 and designed by Norwegian architect Arnstein Arneberg. Today, you can join guided tours of the historic interiors, explore the landscaped grounds or visit the sculpture pavilion featuring works by Knut Steen. The estate also offers views across Sandefjord and the fjord.

Step inside Anders Jahre's historic villa
Behind the doors of Midtåsen, the historic interiors tell the story of one of Sandefjord's best-known shipping families. On a guided tour, you can learn about Anders and Bess Jahre, explore selected rooms and experience the atmosphere of the former private residence. Several rooms retain their historic character, with furniture, artwork and interior details offering an insight into the couple's lifestyle. The villa was used to welcome business associates and international guests. Public guided tours are offered on selected dates during the summer season. Private group tours can also be arranged in advance.

The story of Anders and Bess Jahre
Anders Jahre was an influential figure in Norwegian shipping and whaling. Midtåsen was built in 1933, during a period when Sandefjord's maritime industries played a major international role. Architect Arnstein Arneberg designed the main building in a restrained functionalist style. The villa occupies an elevated position, surrounded by landscaped terraces, mature trees and views towards the Sandefjord Fjord. The property remained home to Anders and Bess Jahre until his death in 1982. Bess continued living there until she died in 2006. Today, Midtåsen is preserved as a historic estate and is used for guided tours, cultural events and private functions.

Explore the sculpture park and gardens
The landscaped grounds surrounding the villa feature mature oak trees, walking paths, flower beds and benches. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the views over Sandefjord. The grounds also contain Midtåsen Sculpture Park, featuring 16 works by Norwegian sculptor Knut Steen. Twelve marble sculptures are displayed inside the pavilion, while four bronze sculptures are positioned outdoors. Admission to the sculpture pavilion is free, and it has separate opening hours. You do not need to join a villa tour to enjoy the sculpture park and gardens.

From private residence to event venue
Today, Midtåsen is also used for meetings, conferences, weddings and other events. Its historic reception rooms offer a distinctive setting for private and corporate gatherings. Catering, accommodation and event arrangements are available through Unike Midtåsen. These services must be booked in advance and have separate prices. The villa is also known as a filming location for the Norwegian television programme Forræder, the local version of The Traitors. You can read more in Visit Vestfold's article about the villa and the television series, available in Norwegian.

Discover more of Sandefjord's history
A visit to Midtåsen can be combined with other historic attractions in Sandefjord. At the Whaling Museum, you can explore the industry that shaped Sandefjord's maritime history. Near the harbour, you will also find the Whaling Monument, created by Knut Steen, whose sculptures are also featured at Midtåsen.

Plan your visit
Midtåsen is located at Midtåsveien 2A, 3226 Sandefjord, Norway.
The interior of the villa can be visited on guided tours offered on selected dates during the summer season. There is no regular independent access to the main building. In 2026, public guided tours cost NOK 250 per person. Tours started at 2 pm and lasted approximately 90 minutes. The advertised tours for the season have now ended. New dates and prices must be confirmed before the next season. Private guided tours for groups can be arranged in advance. The operator currently lists a group price of NOK 2,500 for a tour lasting approximately one hour.

The landscaped grounds are open to the public, while the sculpture pavilion is open throughout the year from 10 am to 7 pm, with free admission.
Parking is available near the villa, to the left before the entrance gate. The estate has paths and terraced grounds. Visitors requiring step-free access or information about accessibility inside the villa should contact the venue in advance.

For guided tours and bookings, contact Unike Midtåsen on +47 458 30 296 or by email at midtaasen@unikehoteller.no.
Visit the official Midtåsen website for current tour dates, admission prices and booking information.

 

Krutthuset, Stavern

Krutthuset, the historic Gunpowder House, is located within Fredriksvern Naval Base in Stavern. Originally used to store gunpowder for military operations, the building also served as a prison for a period. Today, Krutthuset hosts changing art exhibitions, where you can discover paintings, prints, photography and other artistic expressions in a building connected to Stavern's naval history.

Discover art in the former gunpowder store
Galleri Krutthuset is part of the art community at Fredriksvern. Different artists present their work through exhibitions that change throughout the season. The gallery has exhibition spaces on both the ground and first floors. The works on display vary from one exhibition to another, with previous seasons featuring painting, glass art, printmaking and other artistic expressions.
Visiting Krutthuset offers an opportunity to discover artists while exploring one of the historic buildings at the former naval base.

From gunpowder storage to exhibition space
Krutthuset was constructed as part of the military complex at Fredriksvern. Storing gunpowder required special safety precautions, and as early as 1756, plans were discussed for two separate gunpowder towers to reduce the risks associated with storing large quantities in one location.
The building's construction also had to provide protection against bombardment. Historical plans described an upper floor designed to accommodate a thick protective layer. The building was later used as a prison for a period. Today, it has taken on a very different role as a venue for art and culture.

Explore historic Fredriksvern
Krutthuset stands within a historic area where naval heritage and cultural life come together. Construction of Fredriksvern began in 1750, establishing Norway's first main naval base. Many of the original buildings have been preserved and are now used for galleries, exhibitions and cultural events. Take time to explore the grounds before or after your gallery visit. Here you can see historic warehouses, workshops and galley sheds, and discover how the former naval base has become an active cultural heritage site. Just outside Fredriksvern stands Fredriksvern Church, consecrated in 1756. The church is another interesting stop for visitors exploring Stavern's military history.

Plan your visit
Krutthuset is located within Fredriksvern Naval Base, 3290 Stavern, in Larvik municipality, Norway.
Galleri Krutthuset opens for scheduled art exhibitions, mainly during the summer season, with some events taking place at other times of the year. Opening hours and any admission charges vary. The outdoor grounds at Fredriksvern are open 24 hours a day and are free to visit. Parking is available in Stavern town centre and in designated paid parking areas within Fredriksvern. Public toilets are located in Galley Shed 17 (Galeiskur 17).

If travelling by public transport, take the train to Larvik and continue by bus towards Stavern. Visit the Fredriksvern art exhibition programme for up-to-date information about participating artists, opening hours and events.

 

Art Nouveau town Sandefjord

Sandefjord has a lesser-known side waiting to be discovered in its historic architecture. Throughout the town centre, you can find buildings with decorative façades, curved details, wrought-iron balconies and features inspired by the Art Nouveau style of the early 20th century. Many of these buildings were constructed after devastating fires changed the town. Look up as you walk through the streets, and you will discover traces of this history in the architecture around you.

Discover Art Nouveau above the shop windows
It is easy to miss Sandefjord's architectural details when walking along its shopping streets. But above the shop windows, you can spot decorative window frames, elaborate brickwork, curved shapes and wrought-iron balcony railings. Art Nouveau drew inspiration from the lines and shapes found in nature. Alongside historicism, which borrowed architectural features from earlier periods, it influenced the new buildings constructed as Sandefjord was rebuilt. The streets around Storgata, Kongens gate, Kirkegata and Chr. Hvidts plass are good places to look for examples of architecture from this period.

The fires that changed Sandefjord
Sandefjord experienced major town fires in 1882, 1900 and 1915. The most destructive occurred on 16 March 1900, when large parts of the town centre were destroyed. Among the buildings lost were the former church and part of the town school. Following the fire, the town centre was redesigned with straighter streets, new blocks and regulations requiring brick and masonry construction. Architects and craftspeople arrived to help rebuild Sandefjord, creating much of the historic streetscape that can still be seen today. Another major fire in 1915 affected buildings in Storgata. The architecture now reflects several periods of rebuilding and town development.

Take an architectural walk through town
A good place to begin is Chr. Hvidts plass. From here, follow Storgata through the town centre and look for buildings from different periods, with decorative details that reflect Sandefjord's reconstruction and development as a trading town. Continue through Kongens gate and Kirkegata, where you can see how Art Nouveau and historicism influenced the architecture. One interesting stop is Sandefjord Church, completed in 1903 after the previous church was destroyed in the fire of 1900. You can also admire St. John the Baptist Catholic Church at Chr. Hvidts plass. Designed by architect Haldor Larsen Børve and built in 1917–1918, the building is a good example of Art Nouveau architecture in Sandefjord.

Combine your walk with more of Sandefjord
An architectural walk is easy to combine with a coffee break in the town centre or a stroll towards the waterfront. Follow Jernbanealleen towards Badeparken, a green public park with sculptures and walking paths. From here, the harbour and the Whaling Monument are nearby.

Plan your visit
Sandefjord's Art Nouveau architecture is spread throughout the historic town centre. There is no single museum building or entrance to the area.
You can explore the streets throughout the year, free of charge and without booking. Allow time to wander through several streets, as many of the most interesting architectural details are found above street level. Sandar Historielag, the local history association, has published a booklet about Sandefjord's Art Nouveau architecture. Visit the Sandar Historielag website for information about the association and its local history publications.

 

Sandefjord Bad – Spa 1837-1939

Sandefjord Bad was a well-known Norwegian spa resort in the 19th century, attracting visitors from Norway and abroad. People came here for treatments using sulphur water, seawater and therapeutic mud, but also to enjoy the social life that developed around the spa. The historic wooden building dates from 1899 and is now used for cultural activities, concerts, art exhibitions and events. Guided tours offer an opportunity to discover Sandefjord's history as a spa town.

When Sandefjord became a spa town
Sandefjord Bad opened in 1837, founded by physician Heinrich Arnold Thaulow. He sought to use the area's natural resources for medical treatments, and the spa became particularly known for treating rheumatic conditions. Guests received treatments involving sulphur water, therapeutic mud and seawater bathing. Many began their mornings by drinking sulphur water from the spa's well before continuing with treatments and walks. The spa gradually became a popular destination, attracting members of royal families, politicians and prominent cultural figures. For many guests, a stay also offered opportunities to socialise, attend gatherings and enjoy summer by the coast.

Explore the history inside the spa building
The preserved spa building from 1899 is one of the Nordic region's large historic wooden buildings. After spa operations ended in 1939, the building served different purposes before being restored during the 1980s. On a historical guided tour, you can learn about the development of the spa, its treatments and the people who visited. A dedicated museum section includes a model showing the complex around 1900, a reconstructed treatment room, historic photographs and postcards. The museum section is not normally open for independent visits but can be explored as part of organised tours.

From health resort to cultural centre
Today, Kurbadet is an active cultural venue used by local associations, performers and artists. Activities include choral singing, music, dance, exhibitions and other cultural events. The building also houses a gallery, music venue and cultural bar. Concerts, exhibitions and events are announced by the individual organisers. Rooms are also available to hire for meetings, private functions, concerts and other events. Venue hire must be arranged in advance.

Combine your visit with Badeparken and the town centre
The spa's history is closely connected with Badeparken, a public park between Sandefjord town centre and the waterfront. Its green spaces have roots in the period when Sandefjord was a fashionable spa destination. To discover more historic architecture, explore Art Nouveau Sandefjord, where decorative façades reflect the reconstruction of the town following major fires around 1900. You can also continue to the Whaling Monument by the harbour, which tells the story of another important chapter in Sandefjord's history.

Plan your visit
Kurbadet is located at Thor Dahls gate 7, 3210 Sandefjord, Norway, close to the town centre. The building is an active cultural venue and does not have regular museum opening hours. Historical guided tours are arranged during the summer season, and group tours can also be booked in advance. Summer tours have previously been offered free of charge, but current dates and admission arrangements should be checked before visiting.

The administration has published office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 3 pm. These are office hours, not regular public visiting hours. For information about tours, events and venue hire, contact +47 413 30 048. Visit the official Sandefjord Kurbad website for updated information about events, guided tours and venue hire.

 

Midtåsen Sculpture park

Midtåsen Sculpture Park is located in the historic grounds of the Midtåsen estate in Sandefjord. Here you can discover 16 sculptures by Norwegian artist Knut Steen, with twelve marble sculptures displayed inside the pavilion and four bronze sculptures placed outdoors. Large glass windows bring natural light into the building, creating a beautiful connection between the artwork, architecture and views towards the Sandefjord Fjord. Admission is free, and the pavilion is open throughout the year.

Discover Knut Steen's sculptures
Inside the sculpture pavilion, twelve marble sculptures are displayed in a bright exhibition space. Knut Steen (1924–2011) was a Norwegian sculptor known for his work in marble and bronze, often exploring the human figure and movement. You can walk among the sculptures and explore their shapes, surfaces and details. Natural light entering through the large windows changes the appearance of the artworks throughout the day. Four bronze sculptures are displayed outdoors in the landscaped grounds. Take time to explore the area surrounding the pavilion and discover how the sculptures interact with the natural setting.

Architecture inspired by the surroundings
The sculpture pavilion was designed by architect Svein Lund in collaboration with landscape architect Gullik Gulliksen. Built using glass and concrete, the pavilion features large windows overlooking the surrounding woodland and fjord landscape. The design allows daylight to become part of the artistic experience, while the landscape provides a natural backdrop for the sculptures. The pavilion is an attraction in its own right, appealing to visitors interested in both art and architecture.

Combine art with a walk through the gardens
Midtåsen Sculpture Park is located on the estate of Midtåsen – Anders Jahre's Villa, built in 1933 for shipping magnate Anders Jahre and his wife Bess. The historic grounds feature mature oak trees, landscaped terraces, walking paths and viewpoints overlooking Sandefjord. Combine your visit to the sculpture pavilion with a stroll through the gardens or relax on a bench and enjoy the scenery. The villa itself can be visited on guided tours on selected dates. Tours have separate admission arrangements and prices. To see another major work by Knut Steen, visit the Whaling Monument near Sandefjord harbour. This large bronze sculpture is one of the artist's best-known public works.

Plan your visit
Midtåsen Sculpture Park is located in the grounds of the Midtåsen estate at Midtåsveien 2A in Sandefjord, Norway. The indoor sculpture pavilion is open daily throughout the year from 10 am to 7 pm. Admission is free, and no advance booking is required. The surrounding landscaped grounds are also open to the public. Facilities include benches, marked walking trails, toilets and parking.

Parking is available near the villa grounds. Please note that the estate has terraces, steps and paths with varying surfaces. Visitors requiring step-free access should confirm accessibility within the pavilion and along the paths before visiting. Visit the Sandefjord Municipality website for current opening hours and visitor information.

 

The Whaling Monument

The Whaling Monument stands beside the harbour in Sandefjord, where Jernbanealleen meets Strandpromenaden. Created by Norwegian sculptor Knut Steen, the large bronze sculpture depicts whalers in an open boat, rowing with their harpoon raised. Unveiled in 1960, the monument commemorates an industry that played a major role in Sandefjord's development. One of its most unusual features is that the sculpture slowly rotates on its own axis, surrounded by fountains.

A sculpture that moves
The Whaling Monument is designed as a compass rose, with a central bronze sculpture showing whalers at work. The figures stand in a small boat, with the harpooner raising his weapon above his head.
The sculpture completes one rotation every hour. Around the monument, granite reliefs depict work aboard whaling vessels and floating whale factory ships. Wrought-iron details feature birds, seals and penguins.
Take a walk around the monument to discover its different details, or sit on one of the nearby benches and watch as the sculpture slowly changes direction.

The story behind the monument
Norwegian sculptor Knut Steen won the competition to design the monument in 1953. The artwork was developed in collaboration with Alf Bjorhusdal, while blacksmith Olaf Treidene created the wrought-iron details based on Steen's drawings. The monument was funded by consul Lars Christensen and several companies connected to Sandefjord's whaling industry. It was officially presented to Sandefjord Municipality on 23 June 1960 as a memorial to the people who worked in modern whaling. To see more of Knut Steen's work, visit Midtåsen Sculpture Park, where a collection of his marble and bronze sculptures is displayed.

When Sandefjord was a whaling town
Whaling shaped Sandefjord throughout much of the 20th century. Many local sailors worked aboard whaling vessels and floating factory ships in the Southern Ocean, while shipping companies, shipyards and other businesses on land depended on the industry. In 1954, approximately 2,800 men from the Sandefjord district were employed in whaling. The industry created jobs and economic growth, but also contributed to large-scale exploitation of whale populations. To explore this history further, visit the Whaling Museum, where exhibitions tell the story of whales, the whaling industry and the people involved.

Combine your visit with Badeparken and the harbour
The Whaling Monument stands beside Badeparken, a green public park with walking paths, lawns and several sculptures. Continue through the park or take a stroll along Sandefjord's waterfront. The town is also home to numerous other works of public art. Explore more through the sculptures in Sandefjord for ideas on an art-filled walk through the town.

Plan your visit
The Whaling Monument is located at Strandpromenaden, at the end of Jernbanealleen in central Sandefjord, beside the harbour and Badeparken.
The monument stands outdoors in a public area and can be viewed throughout the year. Admission is free, and no ticket or advance booking is required. You can see the monument in just a few minutes, but allow a little extra time to observe its rotation, reliefs and sculptural details.