Larvik & Stavern Archives

The burial area of Istrehågan

Istrehågan is an ancient burial ground at Istre in Tjølling, close to the boundary between Larvik and Sandefjord. Five large stone settings stand in a woodland clearing. Two are shaped like ships, while the other three are circular. The burial ground is a protected heritage site that you can explore independently. There is something striking about coming across these tall stones among the trees. They invite you to wonder who built them, how they were moved here and why this particular place mattered.

Two ships made of stone
The largest ship-shaped stone setting is approximately 24 metres long and nine metres wide. Several stones are around one metre high, while the tall stones marking the bow and stern reach up to four metres. As you walk around the site, the outlines of the two stone ships become clear. Three circular stone settings stand nearby. People were buried here roughly 1,500 years ago, during the Iron Age. The site is older than the famous Viking Age ship burials elsewhere in Vestfold.

What did archaeologists discover?
Archaeological investigations confirmed that the stone settings marked burials. Excavations revealed cremated human remains, along with objects including bear claws, bone gaming pieces and pottery. The finds offer a glimpse of burial customs during the Migration Period, around AD 400–550. The full meaning of the ship shapes remains uncertain. The stone settings were investigated during the 1950s and 1960s. Some stones had fallen over in earlier centuries, and Tjølling Historical Society subsequently restored the monuments. The site you see today therefore includes original remains that have been carefully re-erected.

An ancient route through the landscape
Istrehågan stands on a ridge where the stone monuments would once have been visible across the surrounding landscape. An old route passed nearby, connecting Sandar, Istre and Tjodalyng. Traces of this route can still be seen as footpaths and hollow ways worn into the ground by generations of travellers. The location suggests that the burial monuments were intended to be noticed by people moving through the area.

Combine your visit with a woodland walk
Istrehågan is connected to the walking trails in Marumskogen, a woodland area between Sandefjord and Tjølling. For a shorter visit, use the designated parking area at Furustadlia 45 and follow the marked path towards the stones. For a longer walk, start from the Sandefjord side, near Store Bergan School or Sandefjord Golf Club. The Pilgrim Trail through Vestfold, known as Tunsbergleden, also passes Istrehågan. It is a natural place to stop and explore some of the region's early history.

Part of Vestfold's Viking Route
Although Istrehågan is older than the Viking Age, it is included in Vestfold's Viking Route, which connects historic sites across the region. You can continue your historical journey to Gokstad Burial Mound in Sandefjord or explore other Iron Age and Viking Age sites in Vestfold.

Help protect the burial ground
Istrehågan is a protected archaeological site. Please respect the stones and the surrounding landscape. Camping and lighting fires are prohibited within the burial ground. Horse riding is restricted to the path, and dogs must be kept on a lead during the general leash season.
Bring a picnic if you wish, but take all litter home.

Bronze age carvings at Haugen

At Haugen in Tjodalyng, between Larvik and Sandefjord, you'll find one of Vestfold's most distinctive rock carving sites. Here, people of the Bronze Age carved ships, cup marks and unusual human-like spiral figures into an east-facing rock surface. Dating from approximately 1500–500 BC, the carvings offer a fascinating glimpse into prehistoric beliefs and symbolism.

Mysterious spiral figures from the Bronze Age
What makes the carvings at Haugen particularly interesting are the unusual spiral figures with feet. Three of the figures also have heads, while one appears to have a feature resembling a helmet ornament. Together with the ship carvings and cup marks, these figures provide an intriguing glimpse into the symbolic world of the Bronze Age. Their exact meaning remains uncertain. Researchers have suggested possible connections to agriculture, fertility and religious beliefs.

Discover the carvings in their historic setting
The images were carved directly into the rock, so take your time to look closely at the details. Some figures can be difficult to see in strong, direct daylight. Low-angle light often makes the shallow carved lines easier to distinguish. Haugen forms part of a wider historic landscape containing archaeological remains from both the Bronze Age and Iron Age.

Explore more of Vestfold's ancient history
Combine your visit with the Istrehågan burial ground, where large standing stones form ship-shaped and circular burial monuments dating from the Iron Age. For more places to explore, discover Vestfold's cultural heritage, including burial grounds, archaeological sites and other historic landmarks.

Practical information
The Bronze Age Carvings at Haugen are located along Haugenveien, 3280 Tjodalyng, between Larvik and Sandefjord. From County Road 303, turn off at Løve towards Istrehågan and continue north towards Haugen. The carvings are on an exposed outdoor rock surface. Please respect this protected heritage site. Do not scratch, paint, touch or otherwise interfere with the carvings.

The Farris Lake

Lake Farris is the largest lake in Vestfold, stretching from Larvik northwards towards Siljan. Covering approximately 22 square kilometres, the lake supplies drinking water to around 200,000 people. Its shores are lined with woodland, walking trails and places to swim, while islands and sheltered bays make it an inviting place to explore from the water. You can enjoy a woodland walk, find a spot beside the lake or head out by canoe or kayak. Choose a particular area to explore, as some of the swimming spots and trailheads are quite far apart.

Walk beside Lake Farris
For a woodland walk with lake views, start at Bøkeskogen. Follow the marked trails beneath tall beech trees and visit the Utsikten viewpoint overlooking the lake. For a longer outing, take Farrisstien, a walking trail leading from Bøkeskogen through varied woodland beside Lake Farris. Bring suitable walking shoes, a picnic and an up-to-date map if you plan to explore further.

Find a place to swim
In summer, Lake Farris offers several places for freshwater swimming, from sandy beaches to smooth lakeside rocks. Kattestranda at Framnesodden has a sandy beach, jetty, playground and benches. Roppestad near Kvelde offers rocky swimming spots and a grassy recreation area, while Delesand is a more secluded beach that requires a longer walk from the road.
Discover more options in Swimming Spots in Lake Farris.

Explore the lake by canoe or kayak
Lake Farris has numerous small bays and islands. Eikenesøya and Bjørnøya are among the places popular with paddlers. Exploring by canoe or kayak gives you a different view of the wooded shoreline. Choose a suitable launch point and plan your route according to the weather, wind and your experience. Respect other people using the lake and leave no litter behind.

An important source of drinking water
Lake Farris provides drinking water for much of Vestfold, making it especially important to protect the lake and its surroundings. Larvik Municipality monitors water quality, including seasonal blooms of cyanobacteria, often known as blue-green algae. Before swimming, check for local water quality advice and avoid water with visible algal blooms. Use established swimming areas where possible and take your litter home.

Part of Larvik's industrial history
At its southern end, Lake Farris drains into the Farriselva River, which flows into Larviksfjord. The river's waterfalls have played an important role in Larvik's industrial history for centuries. The landscape around Lake Farris also reveals traces of the Ice Age. From Bøkeskogen, you can see how the lake stretches between the surrounding wooded hills. The lakeside landscape can be explored throughout the year, while swimming and paddling are primarily summer activities. In winter, the surrounding walking trails offer opportunities to enjoy the forest when conditions allow.

Plan your visit

Lake Farris stretches from Larvik towards Siljan, with walking trails, swimming spots and quiet bays to explore. Choose your starting point according to the kind of outing you have in mind.

Walks and swimming spots
From Bøkeskogen, walk to the Utsikten viewpoint or follow Farrisstien further beside the lake. In summer, swimming spots include Kattestranda at Framnesodden, Roppestad near Kvelde and Delesand. Access and walking distances vary between locations.

Getting here and parking
There are several access points around Lake Farris. Kattestranda can be reached on foot from the Bøkeskogen and Lovisenlund area. Roppestad is reached via Farrisveien near Kvelde. Some swimming spots are a considerable distance from the road, and certain forest roads have barriers.

Terrain and accessibility
Surfaces range from wide gravel tracks to woodland trails, rocky shores and sandy beaches. Some locations have benches, toilets and other facilities, while others are more natural. Check the details for your chosen swimming spot or walking route.

Good to know
Lake Farris supplies drinking water to around 200,000 people. Help protect the lake and its shoreline. Avoid swimming when blue-green algae are visible and follow current advice from Larvik Municipality. Water and weather conditions can vary throughout the season.

Find swimming spots at Lake Farris →

Brunla Burial Area

Close to 90 graves, wells and hollows are found on this area, totalling more than 120 decares.

Following extensive restoration to re-create vegetation like it once was,
quite many new graves and traces of old agricultural cultivation has been found on the Brunla and Agnes burial area.

Information board at site.

The Beech Forest – Bøkeskogen

Bøkeskogen lies just north of central Larvik and is Norway's largest beech forest. Follow marked walking routes of 2, 6 or 10 kilometres, stop for a meal at Bøkekroa or head to the Utsikten viewpoint overlooking Lake Farris. Among the tall trees, you will also find burial mounds dating from the Iron Age and Viking Age. The forest has been a favourite gathering place for generations of people in Larvik. It is ideal for a short walk, a family outing or a longer day exploring the woodland trails.

A forest for every season
Visit in May to see the beech trees covered in fresh, light-green leaves. Before the canopy develops, white wood anemones bloom across the forest floor. During summer, the tall trees create a leafy canopy above the paths. In autumn, the leaves turn shades of yellow, orange and brown, covering the ground beneath the trees. Bøkeskogen is also open for walks in winter, and the shortest exercise trail is normally cleared when snow falls.

Choose your walking route
Wide gravel paths make Bøkeskogen a pleasant place for a relaxed stroll. For a longer walk, follow one of the marked circular routes measuring 2, 6 or 10 kilometres. The paths also connect with trails beyond the forest. Farrisstien is an option for walkers looking to explore further. Make time for Utsikten, a viewpoint overlooking Lake Farris. Or simply choose a short circuit and enjoy a break on one of the benches beneath the trees.

Viking burial mounds among the trees
Bøkeskogen has a history stretching far beyond its role as a public park. Two burial grounds contain around 85 recorded graves, of which 66 remain visible today. Most of the burial mounds date from the Viking Age, around AD 800–950, although some may be older. Information signs along the paths explain more about the people who lived here and the history of the landscape. Look out for the burial mounds during your walk, and stay on the paths to help protect these historic sites.

Part of Larvik's history
The forest grows on the Ra moraine, a ridge of stones, gravel and sand left behind by the glaciers during the last Ice Age. In 1884, Bøkeskogen was transferred to the Norwegian state to preserve it as a public recreation area. Since then, it has remained an important part of life in Larvik, hosting walks, community celebrations, concerts and Constitution Day gatherings.

Stop for a meal at Bøkekroa
Near the main entrance, you will find Bøkekroa, a traditional restaurant serving lunch and dinner. There is also a playground nearby and an outdoor area used for concerts and events. The summer programme often includes live jazz. Check opening hours and the events calendar if you would like to combine your woodland walk with a meal or live music.

Help protect the forest
Bøkeskogen is a protected landscape area. Please use the gravel paths and marked routes to help protect the beech trees and prevent the spread of plant diseases. Take care around the burial mounds and other historic remains. Leave the woodland as you found it and take your litter with you.

Stavern and Larvik Event

Take advantage of Stavern og Larvik Event´s wide network of good experiences, activities, courses, conferences and dining in unique and historic surroundings. You only need to take one phone – the rest will be arranged by Stavern og Larvik Event.

Own catering department with possibilities to tailor the menu to your own liking.

Stavern og Larvik Event collaborates with everyone offering gode experiences in Stavern and Larvik, and can therefore offer a number of different activities and experiences. The offer RIB, Sailing, Film Crew, Amazing Race, Cardboard boat race and much more!

Why should you choose Stavern and Larvik Event?

• Easy for you and your company – just call (+47)938 80 333

• You get a total package at no extra cost. The work of the Event agency is based on commision from subcontractors

• For those who want to succeed with others – you save time and money – and recieve good experiences.

Larvik museum

Larvik Museum is the historically rich and exciting town museum in Larvik!

Visit Herregården and the maritime museum.

Larvik Museum is the town museum in Larvik with two arenas for visitors. Verksgården in the historic quarter Hammerdalen is an old, industrial site now converted into a heritage site with various cultural and business activities, and Herregården, the mansion built by Danish count Gyldenløve between 1674 and 1677.

In addition, Larvik Museum has passed on knowledge about Kaupang, first city in Norway, since excavations of the area around the extinct city started outside Larvik in the year 2000.

The thematic core of Larvik Museum activities is the historic period of Danish rule in Norway, when Larvik was one of two Danish royal counties in Norway (1537-1814). This historic era put its mark on Larvik with regard to industrial development, architecture and social structure. With this period as a backdrop, the museum intends to develop web-based research and display exhibitions on the Larvik community of today.

NB! Larvik Museum moves from Verksgården to Gamle Mesterfjellet school. All museum operations at Langestrand have been discontinued, and the exhibitions are being moved. The new exhibitions at Gamle Mesterfjellet School will be up in 2024 at the earliest.

Kaupang Viking Town

Kaupang lies beside Viksfjorden in Larvik, where one of Norway's earliest trading towns emerged around AD 800. Discover Viking Age trade, craftsmanship and everyday life through exhibitions, reconstructions and guided experiences.

Where Vikings lived and traded
More than 1,200 years ago, people from different countries gathered at Kaupang to trade and produce goods. Its location beside the fjord made it an important trading centre. Today, you can explore a reconstructed Viking house and a model showing how parts of the trading settlement may have looked.

Discover the archaeological finds
Archaeologists have studied Kaupang since the 19th century, but much of the original settlement remains buried. The exhibitions reveal what excavations have uncovered and what the findings tell us about trade, crafts and power. Guided walks also introduce the people who lived here and the burial sites that offer insights into Viking Age life and death.

Viking activities and guided experiences
During summer, children and adults can enjoy activities such as archery, archaeological digging, storytelling and guided walks around northern Kaupang. Activities follow a seasonal programme. Indoor and outdoor guided tours are also available when other activities are not taking place.

Explore Kaupang's heritage trail
Fasanatur is a free heritage trail with questions and activities about the area. It starts at the car park and can be explored throughout the year, even when the visitor centre is closed. A simpler version is available for children. For more Viking history, follow the Viking Trail through Vestfold to burial grounds and other historic sites.

Group visits to Kaupang
Kaupang Viking Town welcomes groups by prior arrangement. Visits can include storytelling, traditional crafts, Viking games and food prepared over an open fire. Contact the Kaupang Project in advance to arrange a programme.

Plan your visit
Kaupang Viking Town is located at Kaupangveien 276, beside Viksfjorden in Larvik. The visitor centre normally opens from late June to late August. Visits outside the summer season can be arranged in advance. Admission fees apply to the visitor centre, while the outdoor heritage trail is free and accessible independently of opening hours. Check opening hours, ticket prices and activities at Kaupang Viking Town.

Bøkekroa

Bøkekroa is a traditional restaurant in Bøkeskogen, Larvik's beech forest, serving Norwegian home-style cooking, lunch and dinner. The menu features classics such as flesk og duppe, homemade Norwegian meatballs and schnitzel. With woodland trails nearby and a playground behind the restaurant, it is easy to combine a meal with time outdoors.

Traditional Norwegian food
The menu includes Norwegian favourites such as flesk og duppe, a traditional dish of pork and creamy sauce served with mashed root vegetables, along with beef patties, meatballs and plaice. Burgers, schnitzel and beef dishes are also available.

For a lighter meal, choose from open sandwiches, omelettes, salads and club sandwiches. Bøkekroa also offers a children's menu and vegetarian options. Several dishes can be adapted for guests requiring gluten-free or lactose-free food. Check the restaurant's website for current menus, prices and allergen information.

A break in the beech forest
Bøkekroa has been part of Bøkeskogen in various forms for more than a century. The present restaurant building was completed in 1988, and the business has been in the Sundal family since 1978. Marked walking trails run through the surrounding forest, and a playground is located just behind the restaurant. Enjoy a walk beneath the beech trees before lunch or stop for a meal during a day exploring Larvik.

Concerts and events
Bøkekroa has a long tradition of hosting music events in the forest. The summer programme includes concerts, while November brings traditional lutefisk dinners with entertainment. Check Bøkekroa's event calendar for upcoming dates, programmes and ticket information.

Private events and catering
Bøkekroa also provides venues and food service for private celebrations and meetings, as well as catering and takeaway meals. Contact the restaurant directly for information about menus, capacity and booking arrangements.

Opening hours and reservations
Bøkekroa operates throughout the year and is open every day of the week, with different opening hours on weekdays and weekends. Dinner service finishes 30 minutes before closing.

For table enquiries, takeaway orders or other questions, call +47 33 18 10 53. Visit the restaurant's website for the latest opening hours.

Stavern and Larvik Event

Why should you choose Stavern and Larvik Event?

• Easy for you and your company – just call (+47)938 80 333

• You get a total package at no extra cost. The work of the Event agency is based on commision from subcontractors

• For those who want to succeed with others – you save time and money – and recieve good experiences.