by: Horten & Åsgårdstrand

Marinemuseet – Navy Museum

The Royal Norwegian Navy Museum is located at historic Karljohansvern in Horten. One of the world's oldest naval museums, it explores Norway's maritime military history through ship models, cannons, naval equipment and stories of life at sea.

Discover Norway's naval history
Founded in 1853, the museum has been based at Karljohansvern since 1864. Its exhibitions trace Norwegian naval history from the Danish-Norwegian era and the Gunboat War to the establishment of an independent Norwegian navy after 1814, the World Wars and the Cold War. In the historic exhibition hall from 1864, discover ship models, weapons and maritime artefacts.

Step aboard a submarine and a motor torpedo boat
Outside the museum, you'll find the submarine KNM Utstein and the motor torpedo boat KNM Blink. Explore historic naval vessels up close and discover what life was like for their crews. KNM Utstein offers a glimpse of submarine service during the Cold War, while KNM Blink showcases Norwegian naval technology from the same era. Access on board may be restricted, and both vessels have narrow passageways and changes in floor level.

Guided tours for the whole family
The museum offers experiences for children and adults, with historic vessels, detailed ship models and exhibitions about naval life. Short themed guided tours take place at weekends and are included in the admission ticket. School classes and groups can also book private tours of the museum and the historic Karljohansvern area.

Explore more of Karljohansvern
The museum is situated at Karljohansvern, a former naval base with historic buildings, tree-lined paths and walking routes along the Horten Canal. In the same building, you'll find Preus Museum, Norway's national museum of photography. Nearby is KNM Narvik, a former Norwegian frigate preserved as a museum ship. It is operated separately, with its own opening hours and admission arrangements.

Plan your visit
The Royal Norwegian Navy Museum is located at Kommandørkaptein Klincks vei 9, approximately a 20-minute walk from central Horten. From September to May, the museum is normally open Wednesday to Sunday. From June to August, it is open daily. Opening hours vary between weekdays and weekends.

The main exhibition is on the second floor, with lift access available by arrangement with museum staff. The historic vessels and parts of the ground floor are not wheelchair accessible. Parking is available nearby. Check current parking regulations before visiting. Check current opening hours, admission prices and guided tours at the Royal Norwegian Navy Museum.

 

 

Guided tour to Edvard Munch´s house in Åsgårdstrand (for groups)

Groups / private tour by appointment

The price includes a tour of the house and studio, and a walk through Åsgårdstrand.

Groups of max. 15 persons. For larger groups – two tours.

Get in touch for facilitation / special needs. Guided tours can take place in Norwegian / English / German, must be informed in advance.

Orders and any questions can be asked to Solfrid Sakkariassen, phone: + 47 48 22 92 98, mail: solfrid.sakkariassen@vestfoldmuseene.no

Rørestrand beach

Rørestrand is a perfect beach to be at once the sun shines.The beach has a large nice grass area, beach volleyball court, beach bar, municipal toilets and garbage dunks. The coastal path in Horten goes straight past the beach so it's nice to combine a trip there with a dip in the sea. Bathing on Rørestrand can also easily be combined with a shopping trip in Horten city center, which is only 2 km away.

Rørestrand camping is right behind the beach.

For bus timetabels, see vkt.no

Accessible by car through Borreveien Fv 715, at Granly School where it is signposted to "Rørestrand".

Horten swimming pool

At Horten Swimming Pool, children and adults can enjoy swimming, water play and diving. The 25 × 12.5 metre pool is heated to 28.5°C, making it suitable for both exercise and a fun family outing.

Waterslide, diving and sauna
For a little more excitement, try the waterslide or the diving facilities with heights of 1, 3 and 5 metres. If you prefer a more relaxed activity, you can swim lengths in the pool. The facility also has a sauna and fitness room, both with a minimum age of 16.

Swimming for children and adults
The swimming pool offers public swimming sessions, early morning swimming and adults-only sessions. Children who can swim at least 200 metres may visit without an accompanying adult during permitted hours. Children who cannot swim must be accompanied by an adult. Swimming time is limited to one hour per visit.

More activities in Horten
If you're looking for more things to do, visit the Skateboard Course in Horten, or explore Visit Vestfold's guide to activities in Horten.

Plan your visit
Horten Swimming Pool is located at Skolegata 9 in Horten. Ticket sales close one hour before closing time, and all swimmers must leave the pool before the facility closes. Opening hours vary between morning swimming, public sessions and adults-only swimming. The pool is closed on public holidays and may also close for special events.

Check the latest opening hours, admission prices and swimming rules on Horten municipality's website before your visit.

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.

 

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.

Borre Lake

Just outside Horten, Lake Borrevannet is a great place for birdwatching, nature walks and fishing. Surrounded by lush vegetation and wetlands, much of the lake and its shoreline is protected as a nature reserve. More than 250 bird species have been recorded here.

Birdwatching by the lake
Borrevannet is an important breeding and resting area for birds, particularly during spring and autumn migration. You may spot swans, ducks, geese and various wading birds, or even an osprey hunting over the water. A birdwatching tower at the southern end of the nature reserve offers opportunities to observe wildlife. Bring binoculars and keep a respectful distance from the birds.

Fishing at Borrevannet
The lake is known for pike and perch and attracts recreational anglers. Pike can grow to an impressive size, but special fishing regulations apply. Anglers aged 16 and over need a fishing permit. Zander and European eel are protected, and limits apply to the number of pike you can keep. Check fishing permits and current regulations on inatur.no before fishing.

More to explore around Horten
For more experiences in the area, visit the historic Borre burial mounds or explore Viking history at Midgard Viking Centre. You can also discover more walking routes in Visit Vestfold's guide to coastal trails in Horten.

Plan your visit
Lake Borrevannet lies southwest of Horten town centre. The area can be visited throughout the year, but extra care is needed during bird breeding and migration seasons. Keep to established paths where possible, and keep dogs on a lead at all times within the nature reserve.

All motorised boating is prohibited, including electric motors. Lighting fires is also prohibited from 15 April to 15 September. Read more about Borrevannet Nature Reserve and its regulations on Horten municipality's website before visiting.

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.

Restaurant Rustad

Summer open à la carte restaurant

Restaurant Rustad is part of Hotel Horten with an attractive location at Horten guest harbor. During the summer season this is an attractive à la carte restaurant. Open daily during summer, while after ended season the restaurant can be rented with a varieties of custom made arrangements. 

 

New concept

Both the restaurant and the hotel can be rented with customized arrangements according to your needs. Examples of events that can be ordered are:

– Events
– Course
– Conference
– Wedding
– Confirmation
– Anniversary celebrations
– Chefs

It is possible to bring your own raw materials cooked either by yourself or with restaurant Rustad's skilled chefs. The possibilities are many.

 

Modern surroundings

Both the hotel and the restaurant are newly renovated and refurbished, and offer social events and wonderful dining experiences in Hortens stylish premises.

Horten Church

When the navy's main base started moving to Horten in 1818, the place belonged to Borre parish. In 1852 the naval station got its own priest and in 1853 the construction of Horten church began. The church was finished in 1855, and was consecrated on 22 August of the same year.

Architect L.H. Grosch designed the church. In 1865, Horten was separated from Borre as its own congregation, and the church has belonged to Horten municipality since 1962. The painter Harald Kihle painted the church interior in 1925.

The large stained glass windows in the back of the choir with motifs from Christmas, Easter, Pentecost and the New Jerusalem were installed in 1992, and were a gift to the church. The original stained glass windows were destroyed after a German bombing raid on 9 April 1940.

The baptismal font is made of Nordland granite and made by penitentiary prisoners from "The Slavery" at Akershus fortress in Oslo.

The church's first organ (15 voices) was built by organ builder Brantzæg. In 1914, an 18-voice organ was delivered by organ builder Olsen-Jørgensen. The facade from the first organ was kept as it is today. In 1958, the organ was restored by Jørgensen. The instrument then got a new playing table, pedal keyboard and stool. The voices were retained, except for two changes in pedal and 2nd manual.

The church has 900 seats.