Channel: Standard oppføring

The Whale catcher Southern Actor

Southern Actor is moored at the museum quay in Sandefjord and is the only surviving fully operational whale catcher from the industrial whaling era. Built in England in 1950, the vessel took part in whaling expeditions in the Southern Ocean until 1962. During the summer season, visitors can step aboard and explore a preserved part of Sandefjord's maritime history.

Step aboard a historic whale catcher
Southern Actor has been extensively restored to preserve its original character. The ship offers a close look at a post-war whale catcher, including its original steam engine and equipment from the industrial whaling period. The vessel was built for Sevilla Whaling Co. Ltd., associated with the Scottish shipping company Chr. Salvesen & Co. Its funnel still carries the company's distinctive colours. To learn more about whaling expeditions, the people who worked at sea and the industry's impact on Sandefjord, visit The Whaling Museum, just a few hundred metres away.

From the Southern Ocean to Sandefjord
After decades as a working vessel, Southern Actor was brought to Sandefjord in 1989 and underwent extensive restoration, with former whalers contributing to the work. Its original steam engine remains operational, making Southern Actor a working piece of maritime heritage. The vessel provides a rare opportunity to discover the machinery and working conditions of the industrial whaling era. In 1999, Southern Actor received the Olavsrosa heritage quality award from Norsk Kulturarv.

Visit the ship in summer
Southern Actor is moored at Museumsbrygga, Brygga 1, in central Sandefjord. The published visitor season runs from 15 June to 31 August, with opening hours from 11 am to 4 pm when the vessel is alongside and available to visitors. Admission to the ship is included in the regular Whaling Museum ticket. Check the latest opening hours and admission information before visiting, as the vessel may also be away on other assignments.

Charter trips aboard Southern Actor
Southern Actor is also available for private group charters from May to September. A charter trip offers the chance to experience a historic steam-powered vessel at sea along the Vestfold coast. Find out more about charter trips aboard Southern Actor and how to enquire about booking a trip.

The Whaling Museum

The Whaling Museum in central Sandefjord explores the history of whaling, wildlife in the polar regions and the people who worked in an industry that shaped the town. Discover a life-size blue whale model, exhibitions featuring animals from the Arctic and Antarctic, and the stories behind Norway's whaling history.

A blue whale above your head
In the museum's original building from 1917, a life-size blue whale model hangs from the ceiling. It is a highlight for visitors of all ages, offering a sense of the extraordinary size of the world's largest animal. The surrounding zoological exhibition features preserved animals and birds from the polar regions, giving visitors a closer look at wildlife adapted to some of the world's harshest environments.

The people behind the whaling industry
The permanent exhibition "We Were Out to Get Whales" explores whaling history from several perspectives. Photographs, films, artefacts and archive material tell the stories of Norwegian expeditions to Antarctica, encounters between different cultures and the people who worked in the industry. The exhibition also explores how whaling affected families back home. While many men spent months at sea, daily life continued in Sandefjord. Whaling brought jobs and income to the region, but also had serious consequences for whale populations and the people involved in the industry.

Step aboard a historic whale catcher
During the summer season, you can also visit the whale catcher Southern Actor, moored at the museum quay in Sandefjord when available to visitors. Built in 1950, Southern Actor still has its original steam engine. A visit aboard offers a closer look at the vessel and the technology of industrial whaling. The ship has a separate visitor season and may be unavailable when away on other assignments.

Explore Sandefjord's maritime history
Whaling has left a lasting mark on Sandefjord. After visiting the museum, take a walk towards the harbour to see the Whaling Monument, a sculpture by Knut Steen depicting whalers in an open boat. The monument is another way to discover how the history of whaling remains part of the town's identity.

Plan your visit
The Whaling Museum is located at Museumsgaten 39 in central Sandefjord.
During the low season from 12 October, the museum is normally open Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 4 pm. During the high season from 1 June to 31 August, it is open daily from 11 am to 4 pm. 

Additional Monday opening applies during certain school holidays. Check the latest hours around seasonal changes. Admission prices vary between the high and low seasons, and children aged six and under enter free of charge. Guided group tours are also available and must be arranged in advance. 

The museum has a lift, wheelchair ramp and accessible toilet. Parking is available nearby, and Sandefjord railway station is within walking distance.
Check the museum's official website for the latest opening hours, admission prices and events before your visit.

 

Stavern and Larvik Event

Stay in Thor Heyerdahl's childhood home in Larvik!

Only 10 minutes walk from the town center. Short walk to the railway station and restaurants along the pier.

The house has 3 bedrooms with 6 beds. Large lovely garden with sea views.

Price kr. 2,500 per night. Minimum 2 nights.

Final cleaning NOK 1000, – comes in addition.

The house is also rentable for meetings and dinners up to 30 persons or up to 70 in the beautiful garden.

Caravansite by the harbour in Sandefjord

Sandefjord Motorhome Park has access from both the Strandpromenaden and Sandefjordsveien, and is located right by the sea and Sandefjord's new bathing facility. There are 13-14 places with power, filling options for water, emptying station for septic and rubbish, and a petrol station with long opening hours. Brand new sanitary facility with WC / shower and washing machine right next door. 

There is only a few minutes walk to shops, restaurants and Sandefjord town center. The ferry terminal for Color Line is only 300m from Sandefjord Motorhome Park. Across the road you will also find a swimming pool and shower at Scandic Park Sandefjord.

Payment is made on Vipps, or credit card on arrival. Drop-in only, no pre-booking is possible.

Thon Hotel Tønsberg Brygge

Thon Hotel Tønsberg Brygge is located directly on the waterfront promenade in central Tønsberg, with the harbour, restaurants and town life just outside its doors. The hotel has 72 guest rooms, breakfast included, a bar and a fitness room. Several rooms overlook the water, and shops, cultural attractions and Slottsfjellet are within walking distance.

Rooms by Tønsberg harbour
The hotel offers single rooms, double rooms, Superior rooms and a suite.
Standard single rooms start at 13 m², while standard double rooms start at 18 m². Both categories include a desk, TV, refrigerator, kettle and private bathroom with a shower. Superior rooms start at 19 m² and have a double bed and seating area. Bathrobes, slippers and a safe are also provided.

For extra space, the hotel offers a suite starting at 36 m², featuring a separate bedroom, living room, seating area and Nespresso coffee machine. Room sizes, views and facilities vary between categories. Check the individual room descriptions if sea views or additional space are important to your stay.

Breakfast and hotel bar
A breakfast buffet is included in your stay, with a selection of bread, cold cuts, hot dishes, fruit and berries. Breakfast is served Monday to Friday from 6.30 am to 9.30 am and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 11 am.

The hotel also has a bar and lounge where guests can relax with a drink. The bar is normally open daily from 11 am to midnight. A wide selection of restaurants and outdoor dining venues can also be found along the waterfront.

Explore Tønsberg from the waterfront
From the hotel, you can walk along the harbour promenade, watch the boats or find a restaurant beside the water. During summer, the waterfront is a popular gathering place for both locals and visitors. Slottsfjellet, the town's shopping streets and Haugar Art Museum are all within walking distance. Tønsberg also offers concerts and events throughout the year. Tønsberg railway station is approximately 600 metres from the hotel, making it convenient to arrive by train.

Fitness and hotel facilities
The hotel has a fitness room with cardio equipment, strength-training machines and free weights. It is open Monday to Friday from 7 am to 10 pm and Saturday and Sunday from 8 am to 10 pm. The minimum age is 15.

Thon Hotel Tønsberg Brygge also offers a 24-hour reception, complimentary Wi-Fi and luggage storage. Dogs and cats are welcome in selected rooms for an additional fee.

The hotel has a lift and wheelchair-accessible areas. Contact the hotel if you have specific accessibility requirements.

Meetings and celebrations
The neighbouring Tollboden Spiseri has facilities suitable for meetings and celebrations of up to 150 people.
Contact the hotel for information about meetings, catering and combining an event with accommodation.

Opening hours and practical information
Thon Hotel Tønsberg Brygge is located at Nedre Langgate 40 in central Tønsberg and has a 24-hour reception.

Check-in is from 3 pm and check-out is by 12 noon.
Paid parking is available directly outside the hotel. Reception can provide a code for the EasyPark app, allowing 24-hour parking without having to renew your parking session every three hours. Current EasyPark rates apply.

Rooms and accommodation can be booked directly through the Thon Hotels website, where current prices, room categories and booking conditions are available.

 

Sandefjord Guest harbour

Sandefjord Guest Harbour has about 60 places with depths from 2.5 m to 4 m power and water. The boats moored with bow or stern to the quay.

The harbour is very well protected from the weather from all sides. Close to downtown, 20 minutes to Sandefjord Airport Torp and ferry several times daily to Strømstad.

Contact the Cafe on the pier (tel. +47 94 07 01 01) outside the Restaurant Kokeriet, or inside the Restaurant if the Cafe is closed.