Kategori: Statues/sculptures

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.

Sti for øye – Path for the eye

Sti for øye is an outdoor art gallery at Fossnes in Stokke, where sculptures, installations and nature come together along an almost two-kilometre woodland trail. Explore artworks that interact with the trees, light and landscape of the Vestfold forest. The trail is open year-round, and after dark, atmospheric lighting illuminates both the art and the surrounding woodland.

An art trail through the Vestfold forest
Sti for øye was created as a tribute to the forest and its natural diversity. Landscape architect Rainer Stange designed the trail to follow the contours of the terrain, winding between trees and art installations. The path is covered with distinctive red rhomb porphyry stone, creating a striking “red carpet” through the forest. The experience is about more than looking at art. Listen to birdsong, notice the changing light beneath the trees and discover how the artworks encourage you to see the surrounding nature in new ways.

Discover sculptures and installations along the trail
Sti for øye features works by Norwegian and international artists. Several installations were created specifically for the site, incorporating the forest into their artistic expression. Among the works are Morpheus by Lars Widenfalk, Ulvene (The Wolves) and Gaupa (The Lynx) by Sally Matthews, and Blåbær (Blueberries) by Sverre Tveito Holmen. You can also discover Lydstrålen (The Sound Beam), featuring poetry by Harald Sverdrup, and Poesioasen (The Poetry Oasis), where art, architecture and poetry meet. The artworks vary in size, materials and expression. Some are immediately visible, while others reward a closer look.

Himmeltrappen – the Sky Stairs
One of the trail's most distinctive features is Himmeltrappen (The Sky Stairs), designed by architect Todd Saunders. The structure offers a different perspective on the surrounding landscape, with views towards Slottsfjellet in Tønsberg. The trail is almost two kilometres long, so allow plenty of time to explore the installations and enjoy the woodland setting.

Experience the illuminated forest after dark
Sti for øye is open 24 hours a day, throughout the year. Lighting designer Erik Selmer created the illumination scheme that highlights the trail, artworks and surrounding trees. The lights switch on automatically at dusk. An evening visit offers a different atmosphere, with the illuminated installations emerging from the dark forest.

Art and nature for the whole family
Sti for øye is suitable for art lovers, nature enthusiasts and families looking for an unusual woodland walk. The trail has been designed to accommodate visitors using pushchairs and wheelchairs. The official trail map also marks a gentler approach suitable for wheelchair users. Conditions may vary with the weather, particularly during periods of snow, ice or heavy rain.

Guided tours for groups
Guided tours are available for groups of at least ten people. Tours generally last between one and two hours. Talks and refreshments may also be arranged on request. Contact Sti for øye in advance to discuss availability and arrangements.

Plan your visit
Sti for øye is located at Fossnesveien 3, 3160 Stokke, in Sandefjord municipality.
The outdoor gallery is accessible 24 hours a day, all year round. The trail is almost two kilometres long, but allow extra time to enjoy the artworks at a relaxed pace. Lighting switches on automatically at dusk. If you are planning an evening visit, contact the organisers to confirm when the lights are switched off. Visit the official Sti for øye website for more information and a map of the trail.

For more art experiences in Vestfold, explore Sculptures in Sandefjord or Midtåsen Sculpture Pavilion.

The Nesjar Monument

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.