Festiviteten

Festiviteten is a historic meeting and event venue in the centre of Larvik. The building has brought people together for generations and now welcomes everything from board meetings and conferences to weddings, anniversaries and company celebrations. Its largest hall accommodates up to 130 guests, with food and drinks provided by Ellings restaurant in the same building.

From board meetings to celebrations
Festsalen is the centrepiece of Festiviteten. With its high ceilings, historic details and space for up to 130 guests, it can be arranged for conferences, dinners and celebrations. The hall has a stage, sound and lighting equipment, and flexible seating arrangements.
For smaller gatherings, Borgermesteren accommodates up to 15 people, while Kjell Bjarnes has room for up to 25. Festiviteten also offers permanent offices and flexible workspaces for those who need somewhere to work in central Larvik.

Food from Ellings
Ellings restaurant is on the ground floor and provides food and drinks for meetings and private events. Conference catering includes options such as coffee, fruit and lunch, while private event menus range from three- and five-course dinners to tapas and open sandwiches.
The restaurant is just downstairs when you need a break. During summer, Festivitetshagen opens for outdoor food and drinks.

A building with a history
Festiviteten's history dates back to 1793. It was inaugurated as a public assembly and celebration venue in 1874 and has since served as a theatre, town hall and cultural venue. When the building reopened in 2021, reusing materials and furniture was an important part of its restoration.

Opening hours and bookings
Meeting and event rooms are available by arrangement, with bookings tailored to each group's needs. Email hei@festivitetenlarvik.no or submit an enquiry through Festiviteten's website for availability, prices, catering and event arrangements.

Fjord Express – Boat to Svenner lighthouse

Daytrip by boat to Svenner!

The boat trip from Stavern to Svenner lighthouse takes approx. 0,5 hours. You can choose whether you take the trip as a round trip, or you can stay on the islands until the next departure. 

Daily route from 20 June to 9 August
The boat will depart from Dampskipskaia in Stavern 3 times a day, at 10.00, 12.00 and kl. 15.00 every day.

Note: The route has been extended through 10 – 16 August with an additional round trip departing daily at 12:00. Passengers will have the opportunity for a short visit to Svenner Lighthouse before the boat departs Svenner at 13:00 for the return journey. A separate round-trip fare applies – use booking code AUGUST.

Check the capacity and book until 30 minutes before departure at BookSpot

The boat has capacity of 48 passengers. 

Timetables 2026
Departure Stavern at 10.00. Arrival Svenner lighthouse at 10.30.
Departure Stavern at 12.00. Arrival Svenner lighthouse at 12.30.
Departure Stavern at 15.00 Arrival Svenner lighthouse at 15.30.

You can choose whether you take the trip as a round trip, or want to stay on the islands until the next departure.

Departure from Svenner lighthouse at 10.30 Arrival Stavern at 11.00.
Departure Svenner lighthouse at 12.30. Arrival Stavern at 13.00.
Departure Svenner lighthouse at 15.30 Arrival Stavern at 16.00.

Charterboat from May to August
From medio May to late August the route can be booked for larger groups up to 48 passengers.

You can reach the boat by phone +47 919 24 001

Holmfoss Icecream-bar in Larvik town center

Holmfoss Ice Cream Bar is located at Torget, the main square in the heart of Larvik town centre. The ice cream bar serves scooped ice cream, ice lollies, hot dogs, waffles, coffee and soft drinks during the summer season. It is a convenient stop for families and visitors looking for a treat while exploring the town.

Ice Cream and Light Refreshments
Choose from a selection of scooped ice cream and ice lollies. The menu also includes hot dogs, waffles and drinks.
Its central location makes it easy to combine an ice cream break with shopping or a stroll through Larvik town centre.

Opening Hours
Holmfoss Ice Cream Bar at Torget is open on weekends in May and June, and daily throughout July.

Visit the Holmfoss Ice Cream Bar Facebook page for current opening hours and any seasonal changes.

Grand Bistro

Grand Bistro is located at Quality Hotel Grand Larvik, between the town centre and Larviksfjord. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner, with menus inspired by seasonal ingredients. Both hotel guests and other visitors are welcome, whether stopping by for lunch in town or enjoying dinner with family and friends.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner
Grand Bistro starts the day with hotel breakfast, followed by lunch and dinner service. The menu changes throughout the year, focusing on seasonal ingredients. The restaurant also offers buffets and special dining experiences on selected occasions, including holidays and events. Visit the restaurant's website for current menus, prices and dining information.

Grand Terrace and Grand Bar
When the weather and season allow, Grand Terrace opens for outdoor dining overlooking Storgata and towards Larviksfjord. Food is prepared by the Grand Bistro kitchen, allowing guests to enjoy the restaurant's dishes outside.
Grand Bar is located inside the hotel and provides a place to meet before or after dinner. Guests can also enjoy a game of shuffleboard.

Dining events and special occasions
Grand Bistro hosts various food and social events throughout the year, including Afternoon Tea and Afterwork. The programme varies, and some events require advance reservations.
Check the hotel's event calendar and official channels for upcoming events.

Opening hours and reservations
Grand Bistro serves breakfast daily, lunch from Monday to Saturday and dinner every day. Opening hours may vary during summer and public holidays.

Tables can be reserved online through the restaurant's website. You can also contact Quality Hotel Grand Larvik on +47 33 19 69 00 for enquiries about menus, opening hours and reservations.

 

Galeien

Galeien is located right by the waterfront at the historic Fredriksvern Naval Yard in Stavern. The café serves pizza, baguettes, omelettes, soups, seafood and cakes, with views across the water towards Citadellet. Enjoy a meal surrounded by historic naval buildings and coastal scenery.

Food and Drinks
The menu offers both hot and cold dishes, whether you're looking for a light lunch, pizza or seafood by the water. Galeien is licensed to serve alcohol and offers a selection of drinks to accompany your meal.

Activities for Children
Just outside the café, children can swim, catch crabs and paint seashells. The location also makes it easy to combine your visit with a walk around Fredriksvern Naval Yard, where you'll find historic buildings, art galleries and exhibitions.

Opening Hours
Galeien is open seasonally. During the season, the café lists the following opening hours:
Sunday to Thursday: 12:00–21:30.
Friday and Saturday: 12:00–23:00 or later.

Visit Galeien's website for seasonal opening dates, updated opening hours and the latest menu.

 

Holtefjellrunden i Ula

The trip is moderately demanding.

Before or after the trip, you can take the trip up to the stone monument Ulabrand.

Link to description and map at UT.no.

There is also a marked coastal path between Ula and Kjerringvik.

Ula is located between Sandefjord and Larvik. Drive Rv 303 until you see the sign for Ula and Eftang.

Holmfoss Icecream-bar

Holmfoss Ice Cream Bar is located by Holmfoss Bridge in Kvelde, next to the waterfall and popular salmon fishing area along the Numedalslågen River. The ice cream bar serves scooped ice cream, ice lollies, hot dogs, waffles, coffee and soft drinks. Take a break and enjoy something to eat while overlooking the waterfall.

Ice Cream and Light Refreshments
The ice cream bar offers a selection of scooped ice cream and ice lollies, along with hot dogs, waffles and drinks. It is a convenient stop for families and visitors exploring the area.

Salmon Fishing and Nature
Holmfoss is known for salmon fishing during the summer months. From the area around the ice cream bar, you can watch the river and, with a little luck, spot salmon jumping in the waterfall.

If you would like to try salmon fishing yourself, fishing is available at Holmfoss. Check the current fishing regulations and permit requirements before you start.

Holmfoss Ice Cream Bar in Larvik
Holmfoss Ice Cream Bar also has a location at Torget, the main square in Larvik town centre. This location serves scooped ice cream, ice lollies, hot dogs and waffles.

Opening Hours
Holmfoss Ice Cream Bar in Kvelde is open during the summer season. Tripadvisor lists the following regular opening hours:
Monday to Friday: 15:00–20:00.
Saturday and Sunday: 12:00–20:00.

Visit the Holmfoss Ice Cream Bar Facebook page for updated opening hours and any seasonal changes.

 

Beaches in Larvik, Stavern and Helgeroa

The Larvik coastline has plenty of places for a swim, a picnic or a full summer day by the sea. Choose from sandy beaches with grassy areas and swimming jetties, little coves between the rocks and coastal spots reached by walking trails. From Ula and Kjerringvik in the east to Stavern, Nevlunghavn and Helgeroa in the west, each area has something different to offer. Some beaches are close to town, with toilets and places to eat nearby, while others are more natural and best enjoyed with a packed lunch.

Ula and Kjerringvik – beaches beside historic harbours
Ula lies in a small bay facing the Skagerrak, between Sandefjord and Larvik. There are two sandy beaches, smooth coastal rocks and a former pilot and fishing harbour. Walk up to the Ulabrand memorial for views across the sea. Further west, Kjerringvik has two sandy beaches on either side of the breakwater. You will also find rocky swimming spots, bathing steps and swimming rafts. For a view over the coast, follow the steps up to Seilbåtfjellet. On the Eftang peninsula, Ølbergholmen has beaches and a spacious recreation area. Allow time for the walk from the parking area.

Bjønnes, Gon and Rekkeviksbukta – swimming around Larviksfjord
Bjønnesstranda, near Viksfjord, has grassy areas and places to swim. An accessible bathing ramp is available here. The coastal path also leads past nearby Huestranda. On the eastern shore of Larviksfjord, Gonstranda has sand, lawns and smooth rocks, with a swimming raft and diving board. The beach is also close to a bus stop. Rekkeviksbukta has a sandy beach and grassy area, along with playground equipment, toilets and changing facilities. There is an accessible bathing ramp. From here, paths lead towards Kjeholmen and Franklinodden, where you can find more places to swim from the rocks.

Batteristranda – Larvik's town beach
Batteristranda is located at Langestrand, at the inner end of Larviksfjord. The sandy beach and lawn are close to central Larvik and Fritzøe Brygge. Farris Bad is next door, and nearby restaurants and shops make it easy to combine swimming with lunch or a walk along the waterfront. There is also a sandy beach at Marius brygge in Torstrand, with an accessible bathing ramp.

From Larvik towards Stavern
Walking along Fjordstien towards Stavern, you will pass several places to swim. These include Rødbergstranda and the beaches around Jordebukta, such as Jordfallen and Lillejordestranda.
Further along the coast are Agnesodden and Nordstranda on Risøya, where you can combine a coastal walk with time beside the sea.

Stavern – Korntin, Verftstranda and Skråvika
Korntin, near the historic Fredriksvern naval yard, has shallow water, grassy areas and a swimming raft. The headland also offers rocky swimming spots. Nearby Verftstranda has a handrail-supported ramp into the water, but it is not classified as a fully accessible bathing ramp. Continue south past the Minnehallen memorial to reach Skråvika, a coastal recreation area with rocks and opportunities to spend time by the water.

Beaches along the Brunlanes coast
Between Stavern and Nevlunghavn, several sandy beaches line Naverfjord. Solplassen has a sandy shore and floating jetty, with a seasonal shop and café at the nearby campsite. Stolpestadstranda, Anvikstranda and Kjærstranda lie close together, offering a mixture of sand and coastal rocks. Further along are Lydhusstranda, Kolbensrødstranda, Fristranda and Streterestranda, known for their shallow shorelines. Nalumstranda has particularly shallow water, although the shore itself is more natural. Rakke is a different experience, with open coastal rocks rather than a sandy beach.

Nevlunghavn – Omrestranda and Oddane Sand
Omrestranda near Nevlunghavn has a long, shallow sandy shoreline. It is also used for wind-powered water sports when conditions allow. Nearby Oddane Sand has sandy areas and beach volleyball facilities. You can also combine a beach visit with a walk towards Mølen.

Helgeroa – beaches along the fjord
Around Helgeroa, you will find sandy beaches, grassy areas and rocky shores.
Omlidstranda lies between Mølen and Helgeroa and has several shallow beach sections. Langholtstranda is close to Helgeroa, while Blokkebukta has two sandy beaches with lawns and coastal rocks. Several beaches are located beside campsites, where toilets, shops and kiosks may have separate opening hours and conditions. See Helgeroa Beaches for more local suggestions.

Prefer freshwater swimming?
Lake Farris has sandy beaches and rocky places to swim among wooded shores.
Our Swimming Spots in Lake Farris guide includes Kattestranda, Jomfruhalvøya, Delesand and Roppestad.

Check conditions before swimming
Larvik Municipality monitors bathing water quality at selected beaches during summer. Conditions can change, particularly after heavy rainfall. Take special care near Hvittensand and Revet. Swimming on the shores facing the mouth of the River Lågen is discouraged because of dangerous underwater currents. Check Larvik Municipality's beach guide and current bathing water test results before your visit.

 

Plan your visit

From Ula and Larviksfjord to Stavern, Nevlunghavn and Helgeroa, discover sandy beaches, rocky shores and small swimming coves. Choose an area before setting off.

Choose a beach
Ula and Kjerringvik have beaches beside historic harbours. Gon and Rekkeviksbukta offer sandy shores and lawns, while Batteristranda is close to central Larvik. In Stavern, visit Korntin or Verftstranda. Along the Brunlanes coast, beaches include Anvikstranda, Kjærstranda, Oddane Sand and Omlidstranda.

Getting here and parking
The beaches are spread along the coast. Some can be reached by public transport or on foot from town, while others require a car or a walk from the parking area. Use the municipality's beach guide for access information and current parking conditions.

Facilities and accessibility
Toilets, swimming jetties, playgrounds and food services vary by beach. Larvik Municipality lists accessible bathing ramps at Bjønnesstranda, Rekkeviksbukta and Marius brygge. Verftstranda has a ramp with a handrail, but it is not wheelchair-adapted. Contact the municipality for detailed accessibility information.

Good to know
Swimming is mainly a summer activity. Check current bathing water results and avoid swimming for approximately 24 hours after heavy rainfall. At Hvittensand and Revet, avoid swimming on shores facing the mouth of the River Lågen because of dangerous underwater currents. Always check water depth and underwater conditions before diving.

Find beaches and visitor information →

Rush trampolinepark

At Rush trampoline park in Larvik, children and adults alike can burn off some energy. With trampolines, slides and challenges that put your balance and coordination to the test, there's plenty to explore. And you don't need to know how to do a somersault to have fun.

Jump, bounce and try something new
At Rush, you'll find floor and wall trampolines, airbags, slides and Battle Beam, where you can challenge friends or family to a balancing duel. Practise new jumps, test your balance or simply enjoy bouncing around.

Something for the little ones
Minisprett offers dedicated jumping sessions for children aged 0–6, accompanied by an adult. It's an opportunity for younger children to explore the park at their own pace.

When the lights go down, the energy goes up
On selected Friday evenings, Rush After Dark transforms the park with music and lighting effects. Check the activity calendar for upcoming sessions.

Birthday parties with an extra bounce
Rush also offers birthday packages for children of different ages. With jumping sessions and the option of a dedicated party room, it's a chance to celebrate somewhere other than the living room. The park also has a café serving food and drinks when it's time for a break.

Plan your visit
Rush trampoline park is located at Hegdalveien 59 in Larvik. Book your jumping session in advance to secure your place, and arrive 15 minutes before your session begins. Visit Rush Larvik for current prices, opening hours and booking.

What to bring
  • Comfortable clothing suitable for jumping.
  • Rush grip socks. These are compulsory and can be purchased at the park.
  • Your booking confirmation if you have booked online.
Good to know
  • The minimum age for regular jumping sessions is 3 years.
  • Minisprett is for children aged 0–6 accompanied by an adult.
  • Outside food and drinks are not permitted in the park.
  • Follow the park's safety rules and staff instructions.
  • Opening hours and special activities may vary during school holidays.

Stavernopplevelser

Escape room
Based on a Wisting novel by Jørn Lier Horst of the same name – where the breakthrough in the case is hidden in a locked safe, deep in a basement, central in Stavern. The goal of the game is simple. Together and only with the help of the objects in the room, you should try to get out before 60 minutes have passed. Here you have to be creative, crack codes, solve puzzles and find hidden objects in the room to succeed!

During the summer, Stavernopplevelser also rents out Stand Up Paddleboard and kayak.