Channel: www.visitnorway.com

The World’s End – Verdens Ende Spiseriet

Verdens Ende Spiseriet sits at the southern tip of Tjøme, in Færder National Park. Enjoy lunch or dinner overlooking the Oslofjord, the smooth coastal rocks and the open sea. The restaurant is open throughout the year, serving a seasonal à la carte menu with a particular focus on fish and seafood.

Seafood with a view
The menu includes homemade fish soup with saffron, fish and shellfish, creamy lobster soup and a catch-of-the-day dish. There are also meat dishes, open sandwiches, vegetarian and vegan options, and dishes for children.

The menu changes with the seasons. Inside, large windows look out towards the water, while the outdoor terrace lets you enjoy the coastal scenery when the weather is good.

Handleriet by the harbour
Down by the harbour, beneath the large staircase, you will find Handleriet. This seasonal kiosk serves ice cream, coffee, baked goods and simple food when open. It is a convenient place to stop while exploring the rocky coastline and the distinctive tipping lighthouse at Verdens Ende.

Opening hours and reservations
Verdens Ende Spiseriet is open year-round, Monday to Wednesday and Sunday from 12 pm to 9 pm, and Thursday to Saturday from 12 pm to 10 pm. The kitchen closes one hour before the restaurant. Indoor tables can be reserved by calling +47 33 50 76 20 or emailing post@verdensendespiseriet.no at least one day in advance. The outdoor terrace is drop-in only.

Handleriet, the kiosk by the harbour, lists opening hours of 11 am to 6 pm daily. Please check whether the kiosk is open when planning your visit.

 

Herregården

Herregården in Larvik is a historic count's residence dating from the 17th century and part of Larvik Museum. Discover the town's history as a county seat through richly decorated rooms, historic interiors and stories about the people who lived and worked here.

Step inside the count's residence
Herregården was built between 1674 and 1677 for Ulrik Fredrik Gyldenløve, Governor-General of Norway and the first Count of Larvik. The building combines continental Baroque architecture with traditional Norwegian building techniques. On a guided tour, you can explore historic rooms featuring painted decorations and interiors from different periods. Learn about the lives of the counts, the people who worked at the residence and how the county's history shaped Larvik.

From noble residence to school and museum
Herregården has served several purposes over the centuries. After its years as a count's residence, the building was used as a town hall, school and accommodation. Today, its historic interiors are part of the museum experience. The old classroom offers a glimpse into a very different everyday life from that of the count's household.

Herregården became a protected historic building in 1923 and remains an important part of Larvik's cultural heritage.

The garden that once reached towards the sea
Herregården was originally part of a larger estate with an extensive Baroque garden. It featured avenues, fountains, ponds and areas for growing plants and produce. Much of the original garden has disappeared, but its history continues through archaeological investigations and ongoing plans for the surrounding area. This adds another dimension to a visit, especially for anyone interested in how Larvik has changed over time.

Plan your visit
Herregården welcomes visitors during its announced museum season. Larvik Museum also offers guided group visits by arrangement and hosts cultural events throughout the year.

Check the latest opening hours, admission prices and guided tour information with Larvik Museum before visiting. Group tours must be arranged in advance.

Maritime museum

The Maritime Museum is located in the old customs house by Skottebrygga in Larvik, a historic brick building dating from the early 18th century. Here you can explore Larvik's maritime history through stories of daring explorers, Norwegian sailors during the Second World War and the town's past as a whaling centre. Part of Larvik Museum, the exhibitions take you from the local harbour to oceans around the world.

From Larvik to the world's oceans
What inspires people to set out on long and dangerous expeditions? In the exhibition Explorers and Adventurers, you can discover the stories of eight people connected to Larvik who challenged the oceans and the forces of nature. Learn about Thor Heyerdahl and his expeditions aboard Kon-Tiki, Ra and Tigris, polar explorer Oscar Wisting and whaling pioneer Carl Anton Larsen. The exhibition also introduces lesser-known adventurers, including two scouts who travelled by canoe from Larvik to Kenya in the 1950s. Through photographs, objects and personal stories, the exhibition explores journeys driven by scientific curiosity, the spirit of adventure and the determination to reach new goals.

The wartime sailors of Larvik
During the Second World War, Norwegian merchant sailors played a vital role in transporting goods and supplies to the Allied forces. Many faced torpedo attacks, bombing and the constant uncertainty of whether they would return home. In the exhibition Wartime Sailors from Larvik, you can discover the stories of ten young men from the town who sailed the world's oceans during the war. Their experiences offer a personal perspective on an important chapter of Norwegian wartime history and the sacrifices made by sailors and their families.

Larvik's whaling history
Whaling shaped Larvik for generations and was once an important part of the town's economy. The exhibition Larvik, the Whaling Town tells the stories of the people, ships and businesses that connected Larvik to the whaling industry in the Southern Ocean. Discover how whaling influenced working life and the local community, and learn about an industry that played a major role in Vestfold's maritime history.

Family activities and guided tours
During the summer season, the Maritime Museum offers activities for children, encouraging younger visitors to explore the exhibitions through games and tasks. Previous activities have included activity booklets and a digital treasure hunt inspired by the well-known Norwegian shipbuilder Colin Archer. Guided tours are available for groups by prior arrangement. A guide can introduce the stories behind the expeditions, the wartime sailors and life along the coast, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the exhibitions. The museum also hosts talks and cultural events at selected times throughout the year.

Discover more of historic Larvik
The Maritime Museum stands beside Skottebrygga, in a part of Larvik where the town's seafaring past is still visible. The museum building, known as the Old Customs House, is Larvik's oldest surviving stone building and has served as a museum since 1962. To explore more of the town's history, visit Herregården, the historic residence built for Count Ulrik Fredrik Gyldenløve in the 1670s. Here you can discover the history of Larvik's noble county and everyday life in earlier centuries. Both attractions are part of Larvik Museum, and during the main summer season a combined admission ticket allows you to visit both museums.

Plan your visit
The Maritime Museum is located at Kirkestredet 5, 3263 Larvik, next to the historic Skottebrygga waterfront. The museum operates seasonally. In 2026, regular opening hours were from 20 June to 16 August, Thursday to Sunday, 11 am–4 pm. From 17 August 2026, the museum is closed for regular visits, although access may be possible during advertised events and special occasions. The next regular season is planned for June 2027. Admission prices vary between the summer and low seasons. During the main summer season, a combined ticket is available for the Maritime Museum and Herregården. Guided group tours must be booked in advance and carry an additional charge. As the museum is housed in a historic building, some areas may have accessibility limitations. Visitors with specific access requirements should contact the museum before travelling.

Visit the Larvik Museum website for current opening hours, admission prices, events and guided tour bookings.

Baltzer Restaurant

Baltzer Restaurant is located on the ground floor of Thon Hotel Horten, close to Horten guest harbour. The restaurant serves lunch and dinner, with a seasonal menu featuring meat, fish, seafood and vegetarian options. Both hotel guests and other visitors are welcome to enjoy a meal in the heart of Horten.

Seasonal lunch and dinner
The menu changes throughout the year, reflecting seasonal ingredients and availability. Whether you are stopping by for lunch or planning dinner with family or friends, there is a varied selection of dishes to choose from. Visit Baltzer's website for the current menu, prices and allergen information.

For families, groups and celebrations
Baltzer offers children's menu options and welcomes both small and larger groups. The restaurant also provides special menus for confirmations, anniversaries and other celebrations. For larger groups, menus and dining arrangements can be tailored to the occasion by prior agreement.

A name from Horten's history
The restaurant is named after Baltzer Rustad, a figure connected to Horten's local history. The name reflects the restaurant's connection to the town and its heritage.

Opening hours and reservations
Baltzer is normally open Monday to Saturday from 12:00 to 21:30 and Sunday from 14:00 to 20:00. Visit the restaurant's website for current opening hours, menus and table reservations.

Peppes Pizza Larvik

Peppes Pizza Larvik is located right by the water at Fritzøe Brygge, overlooking Larviksfjord. Enjoy pizza in a relaxed setting with waterfront views and outdoor seating. Takeaway and home delivery are also available.

American-style and Italian-inspired pizza
The menu features Peppes' American-style pizza with a thick, fluffy crust, alongside Italian-inspired pizzas with a thinner base. Choose classics such as Margherita and pepperoni, or create your own pizza with a selection of toppings. Peppes also offers sides, salads and desserts. Vegetarian choices and gluten-free pizza bases are available. Visit the restaurant's website for current menus, prices and allergen information.

Dining by the waterfront
The restaurant is situated at Fritzøe Brygge, close to the sea and Larvik's waterfront. Outdoor seating allows guests to enjoy a meal while watching life along the harbour. Inside, there is also a separate, quieter area with a projector that may be suitable for meetings and smaller groups. Contact the restaurant if you would like to use this space.

Opening hours and reservations
Peppes Pizza Larvik operates throughout the week. Tables can be reserved through the Peppes Pizza website, where guests can also order food for collection or delivery.

Check the restaurant's website for current opening hours and ordering options.

 

Færder National Park

Færder National Park lies in the outer Oslofjord and covers around 340 square kilometres of islands, islets, rocky shores and marine habitats. It stretches from Ormøy in the north to Færder Lighthouse in the south. Walk along the coast, swim in sheltered coves, paddle between islands or discover traces of the people who have lived and worked in the archipelago. You do not need a boat of your own to enjoy the national park. Verdens Ende and Moutmarka on Tjøme are good places to start. For an island trip, head to Bolærne by seasonal passenger boat or private boat.

Start at Verdens Ende
At the southern tip of Tjøme, Verdens Ende has open coastal rocks, small islands and views towards the Skagerrak. Walk around the headland, see the distinctive tipping lighthouse and watch boats passing offshore. Visit Færder National Park Visitor Centre to learn more about the park's wildlife, marine habitats and cultural history through exhibitions and guided activities. The visitor centre has its own opening hours. Verdens Ende is a good choice if you want to experience the archipelago without travelling by boat.

Walk the coastal trail through Moutmarka
Just north of Verdens Ende lies Moutmarka, an open coastal landscape with pebble fields, smooth rocks, grassy slopes and small wooded areas.
The marked Moutmarka coastal trail runs between the Skåebukta area and Mostranda, covering approximately three kilometres one way.
The ground is uneven and the coast can be windy, so bring suitable walking shoes and a windproof jacket. A separate marked circular walk is also available.

Take a boat to the Bolærne islands
Bolærne consists of three main islands and numerous smaller islands off Nøtterøy. Most of the archipelago is within the national park. Østre Bolæren offers a guest harbour, walking trails, swimming spots and former military installations. Mellom Bolæren has mature woodland, old smallholdings and a marked coastal path, while Vestre Bolæren offers maritime heritage and walking opportunities around Jensesund. Seasonal passenger boats operate from Husvik, outside Tønsberg. Always check the departure timetable and return journey before travelling.

Explore the archipelago from the water
Kayaking and boating offer a different way to experience the national park, from sheltered channels and small coves to exposed stretches of open water. Choose a route suited to the weather, wind and your experience. Use a nautical chart and be aware that some islands and nearby waters are closed during the seabird breeding season. Check where you are permitted to travel and land before setting off.

Wildlife above and below the surface
Færder National Park protects important coastal habitats both on land and beneath the sea. Its landscapes include deciduous woodland, coastal pine forest, seashore meadows and traditional farmland. Beneath the water are eelgrass meadows and kelp forests that provide important habitats for fish and other marine life. Several islands are important seabird nesting areas. You may spot birds along the coast, but keep your distance and avoid disturbing them, especially during spring and summer.

The archipelago's cultural heritage
The national park also tells the story of generations of coastal life. Stone walls, former smallholdings, burial cairns, lighthouses and military remains can be found across the islands. On Bolærne, you can explore traces of farming, seafaring and military history. Elsewhere, grazing and traditional land management have helped shape the open landscape. Some islands still have grazing sheep and cattle. Close gates behind you and give animals plenty of space.

Help protect the national park
Færder welcomes visitors, but some areas are specially protected. In designated seabird zones, landing and entering the waters within 50 metres of shore are prohibited from 15 April to 15 July. This also applies to kayaking and boating. Dogs must be kept on a lead from 1 April to 15 October, and throughout the year in seabird protection zones. Camping is restricted in some locations, and special rules apply to fires and barbecues. Jet skis and drones are prohibited in the national park. 

Check the official regulations and maps before travelling, especially if you plan to camp, paddle or visit islands during the nesting season. Use established paths where available and take all litter home.

Midtåsen

Midtåsen stands on a hill overlooking Sandefjord and was once the home of shipping magnate Anders Jahre and his wife Bess. The grand villa was built in 1933 and designed by Norwegian architect Arnstein Arneberg. Today, you can join guided tours of the historic interiors, explore the landscaped grounds or visit the sculpture pavilion featuring works by Knut Steen. The estate also offers views across Sandefjord and the fjord.

Step inside Anders Jahre's historic villa
Behind the doors of Midtåsen, the historic interiors tell the story of one of Sandefjord's best-known shipping families. On a guided tour, you can learn about Anders and Bess Jahre, explore selected rooms and experience the atmosphere of the former private residence. Several rooms retain their historic character, with furniture, artwork and interior details offering an insight into the couple's lifestyle. The villa was used to welcome business associates and international guests. Public guided tours are offered on selected dates during the summer season. Private group tours can also be arranged in advance.

The story of Anders and Bess Jahre
Anders Jahre was an influential figure in Norwegian shipping and whaling. Midtåsen was built in 1933, during a period when Sandefjord's maritime industries played a major international role. Architect Arnstein Arneberg designed the main building in a restrained functionalist style. The villa occupies an elevated position, surrounded by landscaped terraces, mature trees and views towards the Sandefjord Fjord. The property remained home to Anders and Bess Jahre until his death in 1982. Bess continued living there until she died in 2006. Today, Midtåsen is preserved as a historic estate and is used for guided tours, cultural events and private functions.

Explore the sculpture park and gardens
The landscaped grounds surrounding the villa feature mature oak trees, walking paths, flower beds and benches. Take a stroll through the park and enjoy the views over Sandefjord. The grounds also contain Midtåsen Sculpture Park, featuring 16 works by Norwegian sculptor Knut Steen. Twelve marble sculptures are displayed inside the pavilion, while four bronze sculptures are positioned outdoors. Admission to the sculpture pavilion is free, and it has separate opening hours. You do not need to join a villa tour to enjoy the sculpture park and gardens.

From private residence to event venue
Today, Midtåsen is also used for meetings, conferences, weddings and other events. Its historic reception rooms offer a distinctive setting for private and corporate gatherings. Catering, accommodation and event arrangements are available through Unike Midtåsen. These services must be booked in advance and have separate prices. The villa is also known as a filming location for the Norwegian television programme Forræder, the local version of The Traitors. You can read more in Visit Vestfold's article about the villa and the television series, available in Norwegian.

Discover more of Sandefjord's history
A visit to Midtåsen can be combined with other historic attractions in Sandefjord. At the Whaling Museum, you can explore the industry that shaped Sandefjord's maritime history. Near the harbour, you will also find the Whaling Monument, created by Knut Steen, whose sculptures are also featured at Midtåsen.

Plan your visit
Midtåsen is located at Midtåsveien 2A, 3226 Sandefjord, Norway.
The interior of the villa can be visited on guided tours offered on selected dates during the summer season. There is no regular independent access to the main building. In 2026, public guided tours cost NOK 250 per person. Tours started at 2 pm and lasted approximately 90 minutes. The advertised tours for the season have now ended. New dates and prices must be confirmed before the next season. Private guided tours for groups can be arranged in advance. The operator currently lists a group price of NOK 2,500 for a tour lasting approximately one hour.

The landscaped grounds are open to the public, while the sculpture pavilion is open throughout the year from 10 am to 7 pm, with free admission.
Parking is available near the villa, to the left before the entrance gate. The estate has paths and terraced grounds. Visitors requiring step-free access or information about accessibility inside the villa should contact the venue in advance.

For guided tours and bookings, contact Unike Midtåsen on +47 458 30 296 or by email at midtaasen@unikehoteller.no.
Visit the official Midtåsen website for current tour dates, admission prices and booking information.

 

Visitor Center Færder National Park

The Færder National Park Visitor Center is located at Verdens Ende on the southern tip of Tjøme. Discover life above and below the sea through free exhibitions, nature interpretation and activities for children and adults. The centre introduces visitors to the wildlife, coastal landscapes and cultural history of Færder National Park.

Discover life along the coast
What lives beneath the surface of the sea? Which plants and animals thrive along the shoreline? Through indoor and outdoor exhibitions and activities, you can learn about the national park's biodiversity, from creatures in the intertidal zone to marine ecosystems beneath the waves. The visitor centre also explores the coastal landscape, local cultural heritage and the importance of protecting this natural environment.

Nature activities for children and families
Children can get to know the national park through play and learning with Pelle Strand, the visitor centre's mascot. During summer, nature guides offer outdoor activities at Verdens Ende. Children can explore marine life through crab fishing, mini aquariums and activities involving seaweed and other coastal species. Guided walks and family activities are also organised throughout the year, with programmes varying by season.

From exhibitions to coastal scenery
After exploring the visitor centre, the coastal landscape is waiting just outside. At Verdens Ende, you can walk across the coastal rocks, see the distinctive historic beacon and enjoy views across the archipelago towards Færder Lighthouse. The beacon was built in 1932 and has become one of Tjøme's best-known landmarks. Færder National Park covers 340 square kilometres of islands, skerries, marine environments and coastal habitats in the outer Oslofjord. Its landscapes include kelp forests, eelgrass meadows, coastal grasslands and pine forests. A visit to the centre provides useful insight before exploring the surrounding nature.

Educational programmes and group visits
The visitor centre offers free educational programmes for kindergartens, primary schools and secondary schools. Through practical activities, children and students learn about wildlife, environmental topics, outdoor recreation and cultural history. Nature guides can welcome groups at the visitor centre, lead outdoor activities or visit schools and kindergartens. Group visits can also be arranged outside regular opening hours.

Panoramic room and dining
The visitor centre's panoramic room offers 360-degree views of the historic beacon at Verdens Ende, Færder Lighthouse and the surrounding archipelago. The venue is available for meetings, conferences and private events by arrangement. In the same building, Verdens Ende Spiseriet serves seasonal dishes with views across the Oslofjord. The restaurant has its own opening hours.

Plan your visit
The visitor centre is located at Helgerødveien 590, Verdens Ende, Tjøme. Admission to the exhibitions and regular visitor activities is free. The centre has opening hours throughout the year, with extended hours during school holidays. It closes for Christmas and on selected public holidays. Some events require advance registration.

Visit the centre's official website for current opening hours, activities, events and group visit information.

The childhood home of Thor Heyerdahl

Thor Heyerdahl's childhood home
Thor Heyerdahl was a scientist and explorer, and became world famous for his expeditions with Kon-Tiki, Ra and Tigris. Heyerdahl grew up in Steingata 7 and from his room he had an inspiring view to the sea. 

Guided tours available to the public
The house is open to the public from mid June to mid August for guided tours. This is arranged by Larvik Historielag.

Larvik city council made Thor Heyerdahl honorary citizen of the town Larvik in 1971, and for his 75th birthday a monument of stone specie "Larvikite", was made. You can view the statue at idyllic Tollerodden. In 2007, five years after Thor Heyerdahl passed away, Larvik city council bought his family home in Steingata 7.

Famous adventurer
Thor Heyerdahl (1914-2002) was an archaeologist, an author and an adventurer. He is regarded the most famous person ever to come from Larvik. Already as a youngster he was interested in nature, animals and science. He developed a passion for Polynesia when he got in touch with a friend in Oslo, who had lots of literature on this Pacific island.

He studied zoology at the university of Oslo, but he also took major interest in related subjects like biology and anthropology and other topics that had to do with the Pacific region.

Thor Heyerdahl was originally buried on the family estate in Italy in 2002. In the summer of 2024, the urn was transported home to his new burial place at Larvik church.

Thor Heyerdah had three major expeditions:

The Kon-Tiki expedtion in 1947 tried to prove Heyerdahl's theory about Polynesia having been settled from South America in contrast to from Asia. He pointed to vegetation, ocean currents and tropical winds as his argumention, and he meant local oral tradition supported this views.

The Ra expeditions in 1969 and 1970 tried to link the South America Indian tribes together with old African and Middle East civilzations.

The Tigris expedition in 1977. Through the expedtion with Tigris, Thor Heyerdahl wanted to test eventual coummunication between pre-historic civilizations either side of the continents. The reason for travelling to the Bay of Persia and the Indian Ocean was to show the Egpt and Mesopotamia could have had inter-continental business relations several thoursand years ago.

Thor Heyerdahl writings
Thor Heyerdahl wrote quite a few books and articles, and he led several archaeological excavations in Peru, in the Maldives and at the island of Tenerife.

Thor Heyerdahl documentaries
Heyerdahl is the producer of documentaries Kon-Tiki (1950), Galapagos (1955), Aku-Aku (1960) and Ra (1972).

Kon-Tiki the movie
The Oscar nominatd movie Kon-Tiki (2012) gave new awareness to Thor Heyerdahl's adventures and discoveries.

The house can be booked 
Stavern and Larvik Event organizes meetings and dinner for groups all year.
The house enebles events up to 30 people. Happenings with concerts and barbeque may be arranged in the wonderful garden for up to 70 persons. There are three lovely bedrooms in the house. 

Mølen

Mølen is Norway's largest beach of pebbles, and it is a part of Vestfoldraet: the terrain left behind after the end of the most recent Ice Age 10.000 years ago.

The cultural landscape of Mølen, with its total of 230 cairns from the Iron Age, is one of the most majestic landscapes in Norway. The area has 16 large cairns, many up to 35 metres in diameter, with almost 200 small cairns in rows parallel to the shoreline. The cairns probably served as "sea markers" along the shipping lanes between different trading centres. This, combined with its striking natural beauty and position on the edge of the sea, makes it a must-see when visiting the area.

You can enjoy a lovely view of the sea at Mølen, and also study the beautiful type of stone called larvikite, a speciality for the Larvik area. There are actually more than 100 different types of rock at Mølen, and a total of 316 different bird species has also been found.
The arrival and departure of the migratory birds is a real treat for visitors. Twice a year the migrants visit wonderful Mølen, heading north in springtime and eventually heading back south when autumn looms.

In the summer of 2008 Mølen was officially made into an UNESCO Geopark Area.

If you want to get to Mølen by walking, the coastal path is easily accessible from either Helgeroa or Nevlunghavn.

Welcome to Mølen!