Edvard Munch had a close connection to Åsgårdstrand, where the small coastal town provided inspiration and motifs for many of his works throughout his life.
The monument honouring the artist was unveiled on 20 June 2026. Created by renowned Norwegian sculptor Per Ung, the statue was the last major work he completed before his passing in 2013.
The Municipality of Horten extends its sincere gratitude to Elena Engelsen, whose generous gift made it possible to place the statue in Åsgårdstrand.
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 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.
Poesiparken, or Poetry Park, is a literary attraction spread throughout the streets of Larvik, Norway. Instead of visiting a traditional park, you can discover poems, song lyrics and literary quotations displayed on walls, steps, pavements, stones and specially created installations around the town. An ordinary walk becomes an opportunity to encounter literature in unexpected places, with words that invite reflection, recognition and a smile.
Discover poetry in the streets
As you explore central Larvik, you may come across poetry where you least expect it. A poem might appear on a building wall, a literary quotation might catch your attention along a street, or a song lyric might offer a new perspective on a familiar place. The installations take different forms and are designed to be discovered as part of everyday life. Some you will encounter by chance, while others can be found using the information on the Poesiparken website. Take time to stop and read as you walk. Poetry Park offers an unusual way to explore Larvik, whether you are passionate about literature or simply curious about the town.
An idea by Louis Jacoby
Poesiparken began in 2006, following an idea by Norwegian singer-songwriter and lyricist Louis Jacoby. The project was developed in collaboration with Larvik Municipality and local businesses to bring poetry and literature into public spaces. The idea was to make poetry accessible to everyone, without needing to visit a library, museum or literary event. Poesiparken aims to create joy, a sense of belonging and local identity through the art of words. Its installations encourage reflection and reading while adding a distinctive cultural dimension to Larvik's streets.
Join a poetry walk
To learn more about the texts and the story behind Poesiparken, you can join an organised poetry walk.
The Friends of Poesiparken have traditionally arranged guided poetry walks on Mondays in July. These walks introduce visitors to selected installations and the literature found around the town. Dates and arrangements may change. Check Visit Vestfold's events calendar for upcoming poetry walks and literary events in Larvik.
Combine poetry with more of Larvik
Exploring Poesiparken can easily be combined with other attractions in central Larvik.
For more local history, visit Herregården, a historic residence built for Ulrik Fredrik Gyldenløve, the Governor-General of Norway, in the 1670s.
You can also continue to Bøkeskogen, a large beech forest with walking trails and views towards Lake Farris. Together, these experiences offer a combination of literature, local history and nature.
Plan your visit
Poesiparken consists of installations at different locations throughout central Larvik. There is no single entrance or enclosed park area.
The publicly accessible installations can be explored throughout the year, free of charge. No ticket or advance booking is required for a self-guided visit. Allow time for a leisurely walk, or select a few installations you would particularly like to see. Accessibility and walking surfaces vary between locations because the artworks are spread across different parts of the town.
Poesiparken lists its contact address as Feyers gate 7, 3256 Larvik. This is not a single meeting point for all the installations.
Visit the official Poesiparken website for more information about the project and the locations of its poetry installations.
The Nesjar Monument stands on the waterfront in Helgeroa, Brunlanes, near Larvik. It commemorates the Battle of Nesjar in 1016, an important event in Norwegian medieval history. Created by artist Martin Kuhn, the monument was unveiled in 2016 to mark 1,000 years since Olav Haraldsson defeated the forces of Svein Jarl. Here you can discover a chapter of Norway's history while enjoying views of the harbour and fjord.
A monument to the Battle of Nesjar
The Nesjar Monument was created by artist Martin Kuhn for the Nesjar 2016 anniversary project. It was unveiled on 29 July 2016, St Olaf's Day, to commemorate the millennium of the Battle of Nesjar. Standing beside the waterfront in Helgeroa, the monument connects this historic event with the coastal landscape where Viking ships once travelled. Take a moment to explore the monument during your visit to the harbour. Look out across the fjord and imagine how a naval battle might have unfolded in these waters more than a thousand years ago.
The naval battle that changed Norwegian history
On Palm Sunday in 1016, the forces of Olav Haraldsson and Svein Jarl met in a major naval battle at Nesjar. Olav emerged victorious, strengthening his position as king and influencing the subsequent unification of Norway. The battle is described in several medieval sources, including Snorri Sturluson's kings' sagas and Nesjavísur, a poem by the skald Sigvatr Þórðarson. The exact number of ships and warriors involved remains uncertain. However, historical sources make clear that the battle played an important role in the struggle for power in Norway.
Where did the Battle of Nesjar take place?
Historians have debated the precise location of the battle. The waters near Helgeroa, Værvågen and Mølen are among the areas suggested.
The exact battlefield has not been conclusively established. The monument in Helgeroa therefore commemorates the historic event rather than marking an archaeologically confirmed battle site. Mølen is also an attraction in its own right, with ancient burial cairns, a vast pebble beach and an open coastal landscape that offers insights into Vestfold's early history.
Combine your visit with the Helgeroa waterfront
Helgeroa is a pleasant place to combine history with a walk beside the sea. From the harbour, you can watch the boats and enjoy views across the Langesund Fjord. During the summer, you can also travel with Helgeroa Ferries, connecting Helgeroa with islands in the Langesund Fjord and the town of Langesund. If you prefer walking, the coastal trail continues through Brunlanes towards Mølen, where natural scenery and cultural history meet along the shoreline.
Plan your visit
The Nesjar Monument is located at Helgeroa Brygge, 3295 Helgeroa, in Larvik municipality, Norway.
The monument stands outdoors and can be viewed throughout the year. Visiting is free, with no ticket or advance booking required.
The monument is easy to include in a walk around the harbour. Parking arrangements, step-free access and any local access restrictions should be checked if you have specific requirements. Allow a few minutes to see the monument, or spend longer exploring Helgeroa and the surrounding coastline.
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.