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.
