by: Larvik & Stavern

Gea Norvegica UNESCO Global Geopark

At Gea Norvegica UNESCO Global Geopark, you can discover traces of Earth's history in the landscape around you. Explore the pebble shore at Mølen, walk through the Beech Forest in Larvik or discover Earth's evolution along the geological timeline at Kjærra Waterfalls Park.

Discover the geopark around Larvik
At Mølen, explore a landscape shaped by the last Ice Age. Meltwater from the glaciers carried stones to the coast, where ancient burial cairns can still be seen among the pebbles. In Bøkeskogen, the Beech Forest, combine a woodland walk with geological discoveries. At Kjærra Waterfalls Park in the Lågen Valley, follow a geological timeline covering 4.5 billion years of Earth's history.

From larvikite to Ice Age landscapes
The geopark covers seven municipalities across Vestfold and Telemark and tells the story of 1.5 billion years of geological history. Around Larvik, Norway's national rock, larvikite, is particularly important. Known for its shimmering blue appearance, it forms much of the local bedrock. Successive ice ages have shaped the smooth coastal rocks and the Lågen Valley, which was a fjord connected to the sea towards the end of the last Ice Age.

Plan your visit
Many of the geopark's sites can be explored independently, with information signs explaining the local geology. Guided tours are also available seasonally. Discover places to visit and check the latest guided tours and events before your trip.

Herregården

Herregården in Larvik is a historic 17th-century residence and part of Larvik Museum. Discover richly decorated rooms, period interiors and stories about the people who lived and worked in the building.

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 Norwegian building traditions. On a guided tour, you can explore rooms with 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 shaped Larvik's history.

From noble residence to school and museum
Herregården has served many purposes over the centuries. After its time as a noble residence, the building was used as a town hall, school and home. On the second floor, you can visit the old classroom, offering a glimpse of everyday life very different from that of the count's household. Herregården became a protected historic building in 1923 and is now an important part of Larvik's cultural heritage.

The garden that once stretched to the sea
Herregården was originally surrounded by an extensive Baroque garden stretching down towards the sea. The grounds included avenues, fountains, ponds and cultivated areas. Much of the original garden has disappeared, but archaeological investigations have revealed new details about its former layout. The Akantus project focuses on preserving and developing the historic surroundings of Herregården.

Plan your visit
Herregården is located at Herregårdsletta in Larvik and is open to visitors during the museum season. Larvik Museum also offers guided tours for groups by prior arrangement. Concerts, talks and other cultural events take place on selected dates throughout the year.

Check current opening hours and admission prices at Larvik Museum.
Read more about guided tours and bookings.

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.

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.

 

Farris Bad banqueting

Farris Bad in Larvik offers event rooms overlooking the sea, with a choice of spaces for weddings, confirmations, anniversaries and other private celebrations. From smaller dining rooms to larger halls, the hotel can arrange seated celebrations for up to 140 guests at round tables.

Weddings and celebrations overlooking the sea
Kildesalen is the hotel's main event hall. Its large windows face the sea, and the hall can be divided into three sections to accommodate different gatherings. For smaller celebrations, the Boardroom offers a large table made from local larvikite stone and panoramic sea views. Other private rooms are also available. The choice of room and table arrangement depends on the size and type of event.

Food and arrangements for your occasion
Farris Bad offers tailored menus based on seasonal ingredients. Couples planning a wedding can discuss their menu, arrange a tasting and choose table decorations and floral arrangements. The hotel's wedding packages include room hire, a tailored menu and a dedicated project manager to assist with planning. Arrangements for other celebrations are agreed individually.

Bring your guests together by the sea
Guests travelling from further away can combine their celebration with an overnight stay at Farris Bad. The hotel also has a spa for those who would like to extend their visit. The event spaces are also used for meetings and conferences, with smaller boardrooms and larger halls offering different seating arrangements and technical facilities.

Opening hours and bookings
Event rooms are available by arrangement and have no regular walk-in opening hours. For weddings, email bryllup@farrisbad.no. For other private celebrations, submit an enquiry through the Farris Bad website or call +47 33 19 60 00.

Farris Bad is located at Fritzøe Brygge 2, beside the beach in Larvik.

Waterlounge & Bar

Seaside Lounge & Foodbar is located at Farris Bad, right beside the town beach in Larvik. Settle into a comfortable chair with views of the beach and the warmth of the open fireplace. The bar serves a selection of small dishes and drinks.

Light bites by the fireplace
Seaside is a good choice when you want something to eat without sitting down for a long dinner. Choose from the lounge's own menu of small dishes, or simply enjoy a drink while looking out towards the beach. The fireplace and comfortable seating make it an inviting place to catch up with friends or colleagues.

Open to everyone
You do not need to be staying at Farris Bad to visit Seaside. The lounge also serves as a meeting area for conferences during the day and is a place to unwind after work or a walk along the beach.

Opening hours and reservations
Farris Bad lists food service Monday to Thursday from 3 pm to 10 pm and Friday to Sunday from 2 pm to 10 pm. The hotel bar remains open after 10 pm.

Tables can be reserved through Farris Bad's restaurant booking system by selecting Seaside Lounge & Foodbar. For larger groups or food service enquiries, call +47 33 19 60 00.

Farris Bad restaurant

Restaurant Færd is located at Farris Bad in Larvik, overlooking the beach and Larviksfjord. The kitchen brings together ingredients from Vestfold and flavours inspired by the expeditions of Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl. Seafood, seasonal vegetables and local producers are central to a dinner concept that encourages guests to share dishes around the table.

A culinary journey
The evening menu takes inspiration from local food traditions and the places Thor Heyerdahl explored. Choose a selection of smaller dishes to share, enjoy the five-course Oppdagelsesfærd menu, or order a main course from the grill. The kitchen also draws on traditional techniques such as curing, smoking and fermentation. Local suppliers include Brødrene Berggren in Sandefjord, Kvelde Mølle and Skjærgårdshagen in Brunlanes.

Breakfast and lunch by the fjord
Mornings begin with a breakfast buffet, followed by the Smak & Balanse lunch concept. Small dishes, salads and bread are brought to the table before guests choose hot dishes from the open kitchen. The meal finishes with a dessert buffet. Large windows look out towards the sea, whether you visit for breakfast, lunch or dinner.

Opening hours and reservations
Restaurant Færd serves breakfast, lunch and dinner daily, with separate serving hours for each meal. Tables can be reserved online through the Farris Bad website, where you can also find current menus and opening hours.

 

 

 

 
 

Restaurant Excellensen

Restaurant Excellensen is located at Hotel Wassilioff in Stavern, overlooking Dampskipsbrygga, the old steamship pier, and Citadellet. The à la carte menu draws inspiration from the sea and the farmland of Brunlanes. The dining room seats 68 guests and is decorated with paintings by artists including Odd Nedrum, Edv. Didricks and Hjalmar Johnsen.

Fish and seafood play a central role in the kitchen, often accompanied by seasonal vegetables. The menu includes dishes such as scallops and fresh cod, alongside a selection of meat dishes. Hotel Wassilioff also highlights its Fiskesuppe Riga, a house speciality. The menu changes with the seasons.

A restaurant with a story
Excellensen takes its name from a steamship that sailed between Christianssand and Christiania, stopping at Dampskipsbrygga in Stavern. Today, the dining room overlooks the same pier and Citadellet, giving the restaurant a distinctive connection to the town's maritime history.
The restaurant is also available for private gatherings, with dedicated menus for special occasions.

Opening hours and reservations
À la carte dining is offered Monday to Saturday from 6 pm to 10 pm, subject to seasonal changes. To enquire about a table, call Hotel Wassilioff on +47 33 11 36 00. Visit the hotel's website for current menus and opening hours.

 

Bar – Wassilioff Hotel

At Hotel Wassilioff you can enjoy a drink at either the Pub tatiana, or at the spacious lobby bar.

Enjoy a drink before and after dinner in nice surroundings. The soft armchairs and sofas are perfect for relaxation. 

Hotel Wassilioff – banqueting

Hotel Wassilioff in Stavern offers a choice of rooms for weddings, confirmations, anniversaries, memorial gatherings and company celebrations. The hotel has welcomed guests since 1844, and its historic event spaces range from grand halls with room for dancing to smaller dining rooms overlooking the harbour.

Weddings and celebrations in Selmas have
Selmas have is the hotel's main event hall, named after a poem by Herman Wildenvey, who was a frequent guest at Wassilioff. It seats up to 130 people for celebrations, with space for dining and dancing. The hall has its own bar and is also used for conferences and summer shows.
Aamodt Hall is decorated with original murals from 1923 depicting summer life in Stavern. Its windows face the sea, and the room accommodates up to 75 guests for private events.

Smaller gatherings with sea views
Capt. Cabin has large windows overlooking Kronprinstomten and the sea, with room for up to 60 guests. For more intimate dinners, Mellomsalongen and Hjørnesalongen each seat up to 24 people. Both offer a smaller setting for bringing family, friends or colleagues together.

Food and catering
Hotel Wassilioff offers dedicated menus for weddings, confirmations, Christmas parties, memorial gatherings and other occasions.
The hotel's wedding package includes a three-course dinner, drinks and table settings. Couples can choose dishes for their menu and arrange a tasting in advance. The exact inclusions and any additional services are agreed during booking.

Meetings and conferences
The event rooms are also used for meetings and conferences. Selmas have accommodates up to 160 people in conference configuration, while Aamodt Hall accommodates 60 and Capt. Cabin 50. Smaller meeting rooms are also available, with internet access and technical equipment in several spaces. Groups can combine meetings or celebrations with hotel accommodation by arrangement.

Opening hours and bookings
Event rooms are available by arrangement and have no regular walk-in opening hours. Call 
Hotel Wassilioff on +47 33 11 36 00 or email wassilioff@unikehoteller.no to enquire about dates, menus, capacity and prices.

The hotel is located at Tollbodgaten 6, close to the harbour in Stavern.