by: Larvik & Stavern

Quality Hotel Grand Larvik

Events

In beautiful surroundings you will find rooms in different sizes, ideal for wedding, kick-off, gala dinner, anniversary or no occasion. 

Viksfjord – up to 200 people 
Viksfjord – up to 200 people 
Grand Bistro – approx. 80 people
Hummeren (in connection with Grand Bistro) – 65 people
Viksfjord – 200 people
Viksfjord 1 – max 100 people
Viksfjord 2 – max 90 people
Havneholmen – 20 people
Topsuiten – approx. 20 people, more possible for mingling

The hotel also offers other rooms and places for dining and mingling such as the Grand Bar, Grand Terrasse and more. You are welcome by for a view and an informal chat.

The hotel is happy to assist with the planning, and ensures that the event meets your expectations.

The Nesjar Monument

The Nesjar Monument stands on the waterfront in Helgeroa, Brunlanes, near Larvik. It commemorates the Battle of Nesjar in 1016, an important event in Norwegian medieval history. Created by artist Martin Kuhn, the monument was unveiled in 2016 to mark 1,000 years since Olav Haraldsson defeated the forces of Svein Jarl. Here you can discover a chapter of Norway's history while enjoying views of the harbour and fjord.

A monument to the Battle of Nesjar
The Nesjar Monument was created by artist Martin Kuhn for the Nesjar 2016 anniversary project. It was unveiled on 29 July 2016, St Olaf's Day, to commemorate the millennium of the Battle of Nesjar. Standing beside the waterfront in Helgeroa, the monument connects this historic event with the coastal landscape where Viking ships once travelled. Take a moment to explore the monument during your visit to the harbour. Look out across the fjord and imagine how a naval battle might have unfolded in these waters more than a thousand years ago.

The naval battle that changed Norwegian history
On Palm Sunday in 1016, the forces of Olav Haraldsson and Svein Jarl met in a major naval battle at Nesjar. Olav emerged victorious, strengthening his position as king and influencing the subsequent unification of Norway. The battle is described in several medieval sources, including Snorri Sturluson's kings' sagas and Nesjavísur, a poem by the skald Sigvatr Þórðarson. The exact number of ships and warriors involved remains uncertain. However, historical sources make clear that the battle played an important role in the struggle for power in Norway.

Where did the Battle of Nesjar take place?
Historians have debated the precise location of the battle. The waters near Helgeroa, Værvågen and Mølen are among the areas suggested.
The exact battlefield has not been conclusively established. The monument in Helgeroa therefore commemorates the historic event rather than marking an archaeologically confirmed battle site. Mølen is also an attraction in its own right, with ancient burial cairns, a vast pebble beach and an open coastal landscape that offers insights into Vestfold's early history.

Combine your visit with the Helgeroa waterfront
Helgeroa is a pleasant place to combine history with a walk beside the sea. From the harbour, you can watch the boats and enjoy views across the Langesund Fjord. During the summer, you can also travel with Helgeroa Ferries, connecting Helgeroa with islands in the Langesund Fjord and the town of Langesund. If you prefer walking, the coastal trail continues through Brunlanes towards Mølen, where natural scenery and cultural history meet along the shoreline.

Plan your visit
The Nesjar Monument is located at Helgeroa Brygge, 3295 Helgeroa, in Larvik municipality, Norway.
The monument stands outdoors and can be viewed throughout the year. Visiting is free, with no ticket or advance booking required.
The monument is easy to include in a walk around the harbour. Parking arrangements, step-free access and any local access restrictions should be checked if you have specific requirements. Allow a few minutes to see the monument, or spend longer exploring Helgeroa and the surrounding coastline.

Berg Stone Church

Berg Stone Church, also known as Berg Old Church, is located in Brunlanes near Larvik. Originally built in the 12th century, the medieval stone church was demolished in 1882 and reconstructed in 1970. Today, visitors can discover Romanesque church architecture, a runestone set into the church wall and a historic pulpit dating from 1592.

A medieval church with an unusual history
Berg Stone Church was built during the first half of the 12th century, probably in connection with the powerful landowning family at the nearby Manvik estate. Dedicated to St Lawrence, the church was constructed from natural stone, with rounded Romanesque doorways and a smaller rectangular chancel.

By the late 19th century, the medieval church had become too small and had fallen into poor condition. A new wooden church was therefore built nearby and consecrated in 1878. The old stone church was demolished in 1882 and remained in ruins for many decades. Reconstruction began in the 1960s, and the restored church reopened in 1970.

A runestone and historic church furnishings
One of the church's most distinctive medieval features is a runestone set into the northern wall of the chancel. Inside, visitors can see a pulpit dating from 1592. The church also contains 17th-century wooden figures, while the altarpiece that once belonged here was transferred to the nearby wooden church. During archaeological excavations in 1968, researchers discovered 324 medieval coins, the earliest dating from 1177. These finds offer a glimpse into centuries of activity at the church site.

Discover more historic churches in Brunlanes
Combine your visit with Berg Wooden Church, which replaced the medieval church as the parish church in 1878. Its furnishings include the altarpiece originally housed in the old stone church. You can also explore the historic churches of Larvik and Stavern, including other buildings with medieval origins.

Practical information
Address: Helgeroveien 813, 3267 Larvik.
Berg Stone Church is no longer the regular parish church, but it is still used for services, weddings and concerts. Regular sightseeing hours have not been confirmed. Visitors wishing to see the interior should contact Larvik Church Council in advance.

The current Visit Vestfold listing states that there are no dedicated parking spaces or toilet facilities at the church. Please confirm practical arrangements and accessibility before visiting. Respect the church, cemetery and any religious ceremonies taking place.

The Farris Trail

Farrisstien is a marked nature trail from Bøkeskogen in Larvik to Vestmarkaveien near Nedre Ono. The route passes through gently hilly woodland alongside Lake Farris, with deciduous and coniferous forest and several viewpoints along the way. It passes places including Gopledal, Dammen and Fossane. The distance is approximately 8–9.5 kilometres one way, depending on the route measurement used.

From Bøkeskogen along Lake Farris
The walk begins at Bøkeskogen. Follow Dalheimveien north before joining the blue-marked trail into the woodland. The route alternates between forest paths, minor roads and stretches with views across Lake Farris. Spring is a lovely time to visit, when the leaves begin to emerge and wood anemones and other woodland flowers appear. In summer, the trees provide shade along parts of the route, while autumn brings changing colours to the deciduous forest.

Rest stops and views across the lake
After Gopledal and Dammen, the trail continues towards Fossane. A short section follows the water's edge before the path returns to the woodland. Further along, Farrisjordet is a small headland beside the lake and a pleasant place to stop for a packed lunch. From here, you can look south and west across the water.

The final section offers more views of the islands in Lake Farris. Near Nedre Ono, the route passes through an older agricultural landscape and by Litago, a former summer cattle shelter described in the trail guide as available for walkers to use.

A walk through varied terrain
Farrisstien is marked with blue trail signs and has information boards along the way. The route is gently hilly, with some sections featuring steps, boardwalks and handrails. Sturdy footwear is recommended, particularly after rain. This is a point-to-point walk, but shorter outings are possible by turning back or using other marked trails towards Bøkeskogen. Check the route map before choosing an alternative return.

More nature experiences in Larvik
Farrisstien begins at Bøkeskogen, one of Larvik's well-known woodland areas. You can also learn more about Lake Farris, which forms the setting for much of the walk. For more walking ideas, including Elvestien and the Larvik town trail, explore Walking routes in Larvik.

Plan your visit

Farrisstien starts at Bøkeskogen in Larvik and heads north alongside Lake Farris to Vestmarkaveien near Nedre Ono. The route is approximately 8–9.5 kilometres one way, although published distances differ.

Distance and terrain
UT.no lists the walk as 9.4 kilometres, approximately 3 hours and moderately challenging. The route passes through gently hilly woodland with varied surfaces, steps and boardwalks. Wear sturdy walking shoes.

Starting point and access
The walk starts at Bøkeskogen. The trailhead is listed as approximately 700 metres from Larvik bus terminal and 1.3 kilometres from Larvik railway station. Parking is available near Lovisenlund Stadium, but check any time restrictions.

Trail signs and accessibility
The route is marked with blue signs and has information boards along the way. Uneven terrain and steps mean the full trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs.

Good to know
Farrisstien is a point-to-point route. Plan your return journey or an alternative walking route if you intend to complete the full distance. UT.no lists March to November as the recommended season, but trail conditions depend on the weather. Check the map before setting out.

View trail map and route details →

Berg Wooden Church

Berg wooden church was built after it was found that Berg stone church was too small and in too bad a condition at the end of the 19th century. The church was designed by architect Johannes H. Nissen, who designed it in the Neo-Gothic style of the time. The interior of the church is bright and friendly, with an open church room supported by internal wooden columns.

The church's altarpiece is from 1580 and originally stood in the Berg stone church. There are 305 seats in the church.

There is parking on site, but no toilet.

Hedrum Church

The Roman-style stone church is mentioned in writing as early as the year 1080. It was recognized as one of six main churches in the ancient Viken county.

Over the centuries the church has gone through some major changes, but the original nave with its characteristical crooked ground plan has primarily been kept as it was.

A bell from the 1100s is today the oldest relic inside the church, while the impressive renaissance interior can be dated to the late 16th century. 

Also worth mentioning is the fact that there are several old gravestones masoned to the church floor here.

There are 260 seats in the church.

Fredriksvern church

Fredriksvern shipyard and naval base was established in 1750, and the garrison church was established and then inaugurated six years later.

The church was built in rococo style from Dutch brickwork, and it has glazed, dark blue tiles. In the 1880s the church was rejuvenated, and the genuine colours of red and yellow were reinforced.

As the only place of worship in town, the floor in Fredriksvern church is formed as a cross. The church also still has the two-storey altarpiece it got to the inauguration in 1756. There is a hipped end roof in the church.

Above the main entrance the monogram of king Fredrik V. shines in typical rococo style.

There are 350 seats in the church.

Hem Church

Hem church is a medieval stone church, and is believed to be Vestfold's smallest of its kind with 90 seats.

The Gothic and the Roman period are both represented in the architecture of the church.

Her Majesty Queen Sonja showed appreciation for the church by writing a thesis on it during her studies. While working at the thesis, she visited the Lardal village and Hem church several times, and she was invited to the 600-year jubilee of the church in 1992.  

The childhood home of Thor Heyerdahl

At Steingata 7 in Larvik stands the white wooden house where Norwegian explorer Thor Heyerdahl (1914–2002) grew up. From his childhood bedroom, he looked out over the Larvik Fjord and the sea that would later play an important role in his life. As a boy, Heyerdahl was fascinated by nature and wildlife. He even created a small museum in his bedroom, with a viper among its exhibits.

From Larvik to the Pacific Ocean
His childhood curiosity led to a life of research and exploration. In 1947, Heyerdahl crossed the Pacific Ocean aboard the balsa-wood raft Kon-Tiki. Expeditions aboard Ra, Ra II and Tigris followed. At the Maritime Museum in Larvik, you can discover more about Heyerdahl and other local explorers. In nearby Stavern, you can also see the Tangaroa raft, which retraced Kon-Tiki's voyage in 2006.

Explore the childhood home virtually
Regular guided tours inside the house are currently unavailable. Instead, the Thor Heyerdahl Institute offers a virtual 360-degree tour, providing a glimpse into the explorer's childhood home.

The house can be viewed from the street. At Tollerodden, you can also visit the Thor Heyerdahl Monument, commemorating Larvik's internationally renowned explorer.

 

Larvik church

Larvik church was built in 1877 and is situated at Tollerodden in Larvik. The church building is made from polished brick, can seat 450 churchgoers and is famous for its paintings and decorations.

Originally the nave and the choir both had wooden floors, but architect Christian Henrik Grosch changed the exterior and the interior of the church in the mid-1800s. External support pillars were built to strengthen the walls, the roof constructions were renewed and a pulpit was put in the church.

Of the interior the marble font and the pulpit made from wood is especially interesting. The Lucas Cranach (the latter) painting Let the little children come to me, with estimated value of 2 million pounds, was a gift from governor Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve to Larvik church around 1680.

The church was restored as late as in 1988.