Travel between Denmark and Norway from Hirtshals to Larvik with Color Line.
The ferry uses only 3 hours and 45 minutes from Hirtshals to Larvik.
Channel: www.visitnorway.com
Vestfold Kunstsenter
Vestfold Kunstsenter is an artist-run contemporary art centre at Øvre Langgate 71A in central Tønsberg. Visitors can explore changing exhibitions of visual art and contemporary crafts, take part in artist talks and other cultural events, and browse a dedicated art shop offering prints, ceramics, glass art and art books.
Discover contemporary art in many forms
Vestfold Kunstsenter presents a changing programme of exhibitions featuring artists from Vestfold and other parts of Norway. Depending on the current exhibitions, visitors may discover drawings, textile art, ceramics, video art, installations and other contemporary artistic expressions. The changing programme makes each visit different, with opportunities to explore new artists, ideas and materials.
Exhibitions, artist talks and guided experiences
Vestfold Kunstsenter hosts exhibitions alongside talks, art interpretation and activities for visitors. These events offer opportunities to learn more about the artists, their working methods and the ideas behind their work. The programme includes Kunstpause (Art Break), an event format where visitors are guided through current exhibitions by an art educator. Some activities are free, while others may have separate arrangements or booking requirements.
Check Vestfold Kunstsenter's event programme for upcoming exhibitions, talks and activities.
Find art and handmade gifts in the art shop
The art centre has its own shop featuring works by regional and national artists and craftspeople. Browse a changing selection of fine art prints, ceramics, glass art, art books and other handmade pieces. Staff can help visitors discover suitable works or learn more about the artists represented. The shop is normally open during exhibition opening hours. Contact Vestfold Kunstsenter in advance if you are looking for a particular item.
An artist-run institution rooted in Vestfold
Vestfold Kunstsenter was founded in 1982 by professional organisations representing visual artists and craftspeople in the region.
It belongs to a national network of 15 artist-run art centres dedicated to presenting and supporting contemporary art.
Alongside its public exhibitions, the centre serves as a regional resource for public art projects and arts education in schools.
Explore more art in Tønsberg
Vestfold Kunstsenter is centrally located in Øvre Langgate, close to shops, cafés and other cultural attractions. Combine your visit with Haugar Art Museum, which presents art exhibitions in a historic former maritime college building. You can also explore Ulving Kunsthandel, an art and antiques business in the same street. The location makes Vestfold Kunstsenter an easy stop while exploring the centre of Tønsberg.
Plan your visit
Vestfold Kunstsenter is located at Øvre Langgate 71A, 3110 Tønsberg, Norway.
During exhibitions, regular opening hours are Wednesday–Sunday, 12 noon–4 pm. Special hours apply in July, and there may be breaks between exhibitions.
Visitors can explore exhibitions, browse the art shop or take part in scheduled activities. Check the programme in advance for guided experiences, talks and booking arrangements.
Contact the art centre directly for confirmation of admission charges, accessibility and any special visiting requirements. For current information, visit the official Vestfold Kunstsenter website.
The Viking Ship Saga Oseberg
Viking Group activities 10 – 300 people
As a crew on board the Viking ship, Saga Oseberg, you can learn more about the Viking era. Meet the "Høvedsmann" (skipper) on the pier. After a small rowing-course, you will learn the words, expressions and rules on board. Then the group are ready for rowing the Tønsberg harbor and historic areas to Vestfjorden. Hear the exciting story of the Viking era, the Oseberg find, the Oseberg ship and the Oseberg women, and the construction of Saga Oseberg. Maybe there will be a rowing contest?
For large groups Saga Oseberg can be combined with smaller Viking boats and activities at Vikingodden.
Tailored programs for each group.
Coastal trails in Stokke
Along Vestfjorden in Stokke, in the northern part of Sandefjord Municipality, marked coastal trails pass through woodland, past beaches and alongside small bays. The trail network runs from the border with Tønsberg via Brunstad and Melsomvik towards Vårnes. You can choose a shorter section by the water or follow the separate circular walk from Bogen to Sundåsen.
From the municipal border to Brunstad
In the northern part of the network, the coastal trails pass Olsåsen and Rossnesodden before reaching Brunstad. Here, the route alternates between local roads, woodland and recreation areas near the shore. Rossnesodden and Brunstad provide opportunities to stop and enjoy the waterside setting. This northern section is listed as approximately seven kilometres, including associated circular trails. Consult the map to select your preferred route.
From Brunstad to Melsomvik
Approximately 3.4 kilometres of marked coastal trail connect Brunstad and Melsomvik.
The route passes through varied woodland and coastal terrain. Near Trælsodden, you will find historical remains dating from different periods, including the Second World War. Around Melsomvik, Sandbånn and Leidangen offer grassy recreation areas and sandy beaches where you can stop for a break. Sandbånn also has areas for play and outdoor activities, making it a useful place to pause during a family outing.
From Melsomvik towards Vårnes
The next marked section runs approximately 2.7 kilometres from Melsomvik via Solnes towards Vårnes. Parts of the route cross uneven woodland terrain, with slopes and steps in places. Choose your path carefully if you prefer an easier walk. At Vårnes, there is a coastal recreation area with a bathing spot and places to stop beside the water.
A circular walk from Bogen to Sundåsen
For a separate circular route, follow the approximately 3-kilometre marked trail from Bogen quay to Sundåsen. The walk leads through woodland towards the hilltop, where you can enjoy views across the fjord and find traces of historic coastal defences. From Sundåsen, continue back towards Bogen. You can also enjoy the beach and waterfront at Bogen without completing the entire loop.
Choose a section that suits you
Some parts of the coastal trail network follow established paths suitable for pushchairs. Other sections cross uneven woodland, roots, stones and steeper ground. The entire network has not been verified as accessible for wheelchairs, pushchairs or bicycles. Sandefjord Municipality's map uses solid lines for marked paths suitable for pushchairs and dashed lines for routes across natural terrain. Walking conditions vary with the weather and season. Wet leaves, rocks and roots may be slippery, so wear appropriate footwear.
Explore more of the Vestfjorden coast
If you would like to combine your walk with a swim, see Beaches in Sandefjord, including bathing areas around Vårnes, Brunstad and Melsomvik. For another experience by the water, discover the sauna in Melsomvik, which has its own booking arrangements and visitor rules. For more ideas, explore Hiking and coastal trails in Vestfold.
Plan your visit
The Stokke coastal trails follow Vestfjorden from the Tønsberg municipal boundary via Brunstad and Melsomvik to Vårnes. Bogen has a separate circular walk to Sundåsen.
Distance and route options
Sandefjord Municipality lists 11.1 km of continuous coastal trail. Published sections include approximately 7 km in the north including loops, 3.4 km from Brunstad to Melsomvik, and 2.7 km from Melsomvik to Vårnes. The Bogen–Sundåsen circular route is approximately 3 km. Use the map to select your route; the exact length of a single end-to-end walk requires clarification.
Trailheads and parking
Several starting points are available, including Brunstad, Melsomvik, Vårnes and Bogen. Parking areas are signposted from road 303. Check the location and conditions for your chosen trailhead.
Terrain and accessibility
Some sections use broad walking paths suitable for pushchairs, while others cross uneven woodland with roots, rocks, inclines and steps. On the municipal map, solid lines indicate pushchair-friendly marked paths and dashed lines indicate natural trails. Wheelchair accessibility has not been verified for the entire network.
Good to know
Arrange return transport for point-to-point walks. Some bathing areas have summer-only toilets. Follow waymarks, respect nature and historic remains, and take your litter home. Check current fire regulations before using designated fire or barbecue areas.
The burial mounds of Fevang
Archaeologists in the 19th century were struck by how many burial mounds and other past memories they encountered. The explanation is that the "main road" went here, and the soil was suitable for the agriculture at that time. Farmers at Fevang found many objects in graves that they had dug in to or removed in the 1800s and early 1900s. Those who were historically interested sent them to the Museum (Oldsaksamlingen).
Archaeologist Nicolay Nicolaysen went here and dug out many of the burial mounds. It was concluded that at Fevang there were just about all the kinds of graves one could imagine from the time before Christianity. Nicolaysen found out that there have been buried people here for more than 1000 years – from the time around Christ's birth until the Christian cemeteries were established. In addition, the rich grave discoveries showed that many of the buried had been powerful men and women.
Among other objects, a gold jewel called "Berlokk" was found in a women's grave, along with two gold beads, two blue glass beads, a hairpin and two clips of bronze, ceramic and burned bones. The tomb is from the period 0-400 A.D. (Old Iron Age).
Source: Vestfold fylkeskommune
Holt Farm
Holt Gård is located in Undrumsdal, 10-12 minutes drive both from Horten and Tønsberg. The farm produce organic food, such as vegetables, eggs, milk and meat, as well as some fruit and berries for juices and jams. The farm has varied opening hours through the year.
OPEN FARM
Open farm with café in Bryggerhuset. In the cafe you can buy freshly made baked goods, pizza and ice-cream (in season). Holt Gård serve mainly organic and self-produced food. See opening hours.
At the farm you can enjoy the farm life, visit the animals, jump in the hay and maybe go horseback riding.
GROUPS & MEETINGS
Holt Gård is availiable for groups who want to experience the life on the farm, or for celebrations throughout the year. Each season offers different activities and experiences.
Holt Gård can accommodate up to 65 people for celebrations in Bryggerhuset, and up to 25 people in the cafe. Bryggerhuset is suitable for meetings of up to 50 people. Read more at Holt Gård's website, and contact the hosts for a successful meeting.
Grand Restaurant Åsgårdstrand
Grand Restaurant is located at Grand Hotel Åsgårdstrand, close to the marina, with panoramic views of the Oslofjord. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with fish, seafood, meat dishes and vegetarian options on the menu. Seating up to 100 guests, it operates throughout the year, with separate opening hours during winter.
Lunch and à la carte dining with fjord views
For lunch, Grand Restaurant offers dishes such as open prawn sandwiches, fish soup, Norwegian beef patty sandwiches and salmon with traditional Sandefjord butter sauce. Burgers, salads and other hot dishes are also available. In the evening, the à la carte menu features dishes including cod, beef tenderloin, scallops and vegetarian alternatives. Seasonal multi-course menus are also offered. Menus change throughout the year. Visit the hotel's website for current dishes, prices and allergen information.
Sunday buffet and outdoor dining
Grand Hotel Åsgårdstrand also has a tradition of Sunday buffet dining, offered on selected Sundays and with special arrangements during holidays. In summer, the hotel terrace opens for outdoor dining overlooking the fjord. Grand Brygge, located down by the marina, is the hotel's separate seasonal waterfront restaurant.
Private events and celebrations
Grand Restaurant welcomes both smaller gatherings and larger events, including birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas parties and corporate functions. The restaurant can accommodate up to 100 guests and offers dedicated group menus.
Contact the hotel for information about availability, menus and bookings.
Opening hours and reservations
Grand Restaurant operates throughout the year, with seasonal variations in serving hours. The restaurant lists lunch service from noon and à la carte dining from 6 pm Monday to Saturday. Sunday buffet dining is also available. Separate weekday opening hours apply during winter. Visit the hotel's website or call +47 33 02 07 40 for current times.
Reservations are not always required but are recommended if you want to secure a table or are visiting with a larger group.
Ølbergholmen
Secluded site with beaches, grasslands and rocks
Could you imagine strolling through the woods and jump into a little paradise? On the southwest of the Eftang peninsula lies a beautiful open area with both north and south facing beaches. Total length of beach is 150 meters. Between the beaches is a huge green lawn and around there are huge rocks to climb.
The coastal path passes the beach
If you want to combine a visit to Ølbergholmen with a discovery along beautiful trails, you have the opportunity to follow the coastal trail from Eftang, which passes the bathing ground.
Facilities
Outdoor toilet and renovation.
Bicycle trails in Horten
A wonderful place to bike
Could you imagine a bike ride along a beautiful coastline with exciting historic trails?
Then Horten is the right place. This is Vestfold's bike deerado due to the flat nice stretches Horten has to offer. Here young and old can join – for the terrain is suitable for people of all ages and with different physical levels.
Horten – a bikefriendly city
In 2016 it was decided that the municipality of Horten will be a bicycle city. A cooperation between the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Vestfold County Municipality and the municipality of Horten will help develop the cycling opportunities in Horten until 2020. Yet, today, Horten stands out with its long straight stretches through beautiful countryside, adventurous forests, historical trails and a beautiful coast.
Sykkelvei 1 (Bicycle road 1)
Part of the national cycle network is Sykkelvei 1. This is clearly marked with dark red signs with a green number route. Sykkelvei 1 leaves from the ferry port of Horten, and follows the coastal path to Åsgårdstrand. The coastal trail is also well distinguished with its light blue markings.
Recommended bike paths
* Horten – Åsgårdstrand (Sykkelvei 1) A beautiful ride along beaches, svaberg and through Fjugstad's rare ash forest and natural recreational areas.
* Karljohansvern around Bike past exciting architecture, museums, cafés, galleries, parks, canals and an adventurous deciduous forest.
* Lystlunden – Borre (the old railway) An historic route past the Gildehallen and Borrehaugene.
Map
Vestfold Bicycle Map is a detailed chart which can be bought at most of the hotels in Vestfold. It can also be purchased by VisitVestfold.
The coastal trails between Horten and Åsgårdstrand is part of Sykkelvei 1. This trail is well marked with light blue signs.
Maps of the coastal trails in Horten is also suitable for bikers. You will get maps of the trails in Horten for free at the Library in Horten (Addr.: Apotekergaten 10, next to the City Hall and the Sjøsiden shopping mall). You can also find maps on the information board at Paletten shopping center in Åsgårdstrand.
Bastø Fosen
Bastø Fosen has five vessels with frequent departures between kl. 04:45 and 23:45 on weekdays, and from kl. 6:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. on weekends.
You only pay for the vehicle. Passengers travel for free. You can not pre-book space on the ferries.
The ferries have a lift for disabled and wheelchair users.
As you cross the Oslo Fjord, you can relax and enjoy the view with a cup of fresh coffee. The ferries have a spacious café with a wide selection of hot and cold dishes and drinks.