by: Sandefjord

Galleri Brown

Galleri Brown is a small art gallery and shop in a distinctive red wooden house beside the historic Kurbadet building in central Sandefjord. Discover Norwegian visual art, ceramics and printmaking, with works by the artists who run the gallery as well as other invited Norwegian artists and craftspeople. Visitors can browse original artworks, find handmade gifts and take part in creative courses and workshops.

Discover Norwegian art and fine crafts
Galleri Brown brings together paintings, prints, ceramics and contemporary crafts in a welcoming, personal setting. The gallery presents work by its resident artists alongside pieces by other Norwegian artists and craftspeople. The selection changes, offering visitors the opportunity to discover different materials, techniques and artistic expressions. Take time to explore the artworks, ask questions and find something special to take home.

Meet the artists behind Galleri Brown
Galleri Brown is run by ceramic designer Rita Lysebo Egren and visual artist and printmaker Unn Holvik Stenersen.
They have operated the gallery in the small red house beside Kurbadet since 2014. Rita works with ceramics, including wheel throwing and hand-building techniques. Unn specialises in visual art and printmaking, bringing experience in several traditional printmaking methods. Together, they create a gallery that combines artistic expertise with a personal approach to visitors.

Explore ceramics and printmaking workshops
Two well-equipped studios are located alongside the gallery. The ceramics studio offers opportunities to explore wheel throwing and hand-building, while the printmaking studio supports techniques including lithography, relief printing and intaglio. Courses are available, and the studios may also be rented for independent creative work. Contact the gallery for current course programmes, availability and prices.

Creative café and group activities
Galleri Brown also organises hands-on activities for individuals, friends, private groups and businesses.
The Creative Café programme includes activities such as ceramic painting, mosaics, ceramic flowers and linocut printing.
Visitors can enjoy a creative experience even without previous experience, while private groups and companies can enquire about tailored workshops, creative evenings and team-building activities. Find further information at Galleri Brown's official website or contact the gallery to arrange an activity.

Explore more art in Sandefjord
Galleri Brown is located beside the historic Kurbadet, within easy reach of Sandefjord's shops, cultural attractions and waterfront.
Continue your art experience at Galleri ER in Kongens gate, or discover more public artworks through Sculptures in Sandefjord.
The gallery is a convenient stop on a walk through central Sandefjord.

Plan your visit
Galleri Brown is located at Thor Dahlsgate 7, 3210 Sandefjord, Norway. The gallery is normally open Thursday to Saturday, 11 am–4 pm. The artists can also be contacted outside regular opening hours. You can stop by for a short gallery visit or spend longer taking part in a course or creative activity. Courses and studio use must be arranged separately. Contact the gallery in advance for information about group visits, accessibility or special arrangements. For more details, visit galleribrown.com.

Kurbadhagen

Kurbadhagen is located in the historic spa complex in the centre of Sandefjord. It has a live music bar with a stage and a cocktail bar, both operating throughout the year. In summer, the garden opens up for concerts, festivals and outdoor drinks, with several stages surrounded by the old spa buildings.

Live music in the garden
During summer, the outdoor stages welcome Norwegian and international artists. With a main stage, a smaller pavilion stage and the Hagebaren outdoor bar, Kurbadhagen hosts everything from intimate performances to larger festivals.
Live music continues indoors during the rest of the year. The music bar has a varied programme, alongside karaoke and other events.

Food and drinks
Drinks are served at the bars, and pizza is also available. At selected concerts, guests can pre-order summer tapas from Matlykke when purchasing their tickets.

Opening hours and tickets
The music bar and cocktail bar operate throughout the year, but opening hours vary. During summer, Kurbadhagen lists daily opening from 11 am for Hagebaren. The concert area usually opens two to three hours before the performance.

Visit the Kurbadhagen website for current events, opening times and tickets through Fabnite. Age restrictions apply to some events, and reserved seating is available only where offered as part of the event booking.

 

Park Bar

Park Bar is the lobby bar at Scandic Park Sandefjord, close to the marina and just a short walk from the town centre. Stop by for a drink, meet friends or continue a conversation with colleagues after a busy day.

A quieter place to meet
With soft background music and a relaxed setting, Park Bar is somewhere to sit down and catch up. It welcomes hotel guests and other visitors looking for a place to meet before or after an evening in Sandefjord.
For dinner, Restaurant Kosmos is located in the same hotel. Park Bar is a separate bar area.

Opening hours and visiting information
Scandic Park Sandefjord lists bar opening hours Monday to Saturday from 5 pm to midnight. Sunday is listed as closed.

For questions about opening hours, groups or visiting, contact the hotel on +47 33 44 74 00.

Matlykke

Matlykke is located at Torggata 18 in central Sandefjord, combining a café, delicatessen and catering service. Food is prepared from scratch, with a focus on quality ingredients. Sit down for a homemade lunch or browse the selection of cheeses, cured meats and other delicacies to take home.

Food and Drinks
The menu includes salads, filled focaccia, wraps and hot dishes. You'll also find classics such as lasagne, lamb ragù and savoury pies. The selection varies, and meals can be enjoyed in the café or ordered for takeaway.

Delicatessen
The delicatessen offers a selection of fresh and aged cheeses, cured hams and sausages from countries including Norway, Italy, Spain and France. You'll also find olive oil, pesto, aioli, dressings and other speciality products for everyday meals and special occasions.

Catering and Business Lunches
Matlykke provides catering for weddings, confirmations, birthdays and other private celebrations, as well as corporate events. Options include tapas, buffets, set menus and cakes for different occasions.
For meetings and conferences, Matlykke offers salads, wraps, focaccia and lunch platters. Orders can also be placed through the online shop for collection at the store.

Opening Hours and Ordering
Matlykke is open on weekdays and Saturdays. Visit the Matlykke website for current opening hours, menus, allergen information and catering orders.

 

Sandefjord Bad – Spa 1837-1939

Sandefjord Bad was a well-known Norwegian spa resort in the 19th century, attracting visitors from Norway and abroad. People came here for treatments using sulphur water, seawater and therapeutic mud, but also to enjoy the social life that developed around the spa. The historic wooden building dates from 1899 and is now used for cultural activities, concerts, art exhibitions and events. Guided tours offer an opportunity to discover Sandefjord's history as a spa town.

When Sandefjord became a spa town
Sandefjord Bad opened in 1837, founded by physician Heinrich Arnold Thaulow. He sought to use the area's natural resources for medical treatments, and the spa became particularly known for treating rheumatic conditions. Guests received treatments involving sulphur water, therapeutic mud and seawater bathing. Many began their mornings by drinking sulphur water from the spa's well before continuing with treatments and walks. The spa gradually became a popular destination, attracting members of royal families, politicians and prominent cultural figures. For many guests, a stay also offered opportunities to socialise, attend gatherings and enjoy summer by the coast.

Explore the history inside the spa building
The preserved spa building from 1899 is one of the Nordic region's large historic wooden buildings. After spa operations ended in 1939, the building served different purposes before being restored during the 1980s. On a historical guided tour, you can learn about the development of the spa, its treatments and the people who visited. A dedicated museum section includes a model showing the complex around 1900, a reconstructed treatment room, historic photographs and postcards. The museum section is not normally open for independent visits but can be explored as part of organised tours.

From health resort to cultural centre
Today, Kurbadet is an active cultural venue used by local associations, performers and artists. Activities include choral singing, music, dance, exhibitions and other cultural events. The building also houses a gallery, music venue and cultural bar. Concerts, exhibitions and events are announced by the individual organisers. Rooms are also available to hire for meetings, private functions, concerts and other events. Venue hire must be arranged in advance.

Combine your visit with Badeparken and the town centre
The spa's history is closely connected with Badeparken, a public park between Sandefjord town centre and the waterfront. Its green spaces have roots in the period when Sandefjord was a fashionable spa destination. To discover more historic architecture, explore Art Nouveau Sandefjord, where decorative façades reflect the reconstruction of the town following major fires around 1900. You can also continue to the Whaling Monument by the harbour, which tells the story of another important chapter in Sandefjord's history.

Plan your visit
Kurbadet is located at Thor Dahls gate 7, 3210 Sandefjord, Norway, close to the town centre. The building is an active cultural venue and does not have regular museum opening hours. Historical guided tours are arranged during the summer season, and group tours can also be booked in advance. Summer tours have previously been offered free of charge, but current dates and admission arrangements should be checked before visiting.

The administration has published office hours on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 11 am to 3 pm. These are office hours, not regular public visiting hours. For information about tours, events and venue hire, contact +47 413 30 048. Visit the official Sandefjord Kurbad website for updated information about events, guided tours and venue hire.

 

Kokeriet Restaurant

Kokeriet Restaurant is located on Sandefjord's waterfront, serving food in surroundings inspired by the town's whaling history. Guests can enjoy Kokeriet's well-known fish soup, whale dishes and other seasonal menu options. The restaurant is decorated with authentic objects, photographs and documents from historic whaling expeditions.

Fish soup, whale dishes and seasonal food
Kokeriet's fish soup is one of its signature dishes. This creamy soup is made with curry, basil, vegetables, fish and shellfish, and served with bread.
The menu also includes whale steak with seasonal accompaniments. Other choices change throughout the year and may include fish, seafood, meat dishes and lighter meals. A children's menu is also available. Visit Kokeriet's website for current menus, prices and allergen information.

Sandefjord's whaling history
The interior reflects Sandefjord's past as a whaling town. Historical objects, photographs and expedition documents give the dining rooms their distinctive character. Kokeriet is situated along the waterfront, not far from the historic whaling ship Southern Actor. A meal here can easily be combined with a walk around the harbour.

Private events and groups
Kokeriet welcomes private celebrations and corporate events. The restaurant has several event spaces, including a private dining room, and offers menus tailored to the occasion. Contact the restaurant directly for private events and larger groups.

Opening hours and reservations
Kokeriet opens at 11 am Monday to Saturday and at noon on Sundays. Closing times vary depending on the number of guests.
Tables can be reserved online through Kokeriet's website. Larger groups should contact the restaurant directly.

 

Bugårdsparken

Bugårdsparken is a spacious public park and sports area in Sandefjord, centred around Bugårdsdammen pond. Enjoy a walk beside the water, bring the children to the playground or try the outdoor fitness equipment. The surrounding area also includes several of the town's main sports facilities, including an indoor swimming pool, ice rink and football pitches.
The park is free to visit throughout the year. The indoor sports facilities and organised activities have separate opening hours and may charge admission.

Walk around Bugårdsdammen
For a short walk, follow the path around Bugårdsdammen. The classic circuit is just over one kilometre and is a good choice when you want some fresh air without planning a long hike. Trees and grassy areas surround the water, with benches where you can stop for a break. Ducks live around the pond, and you may also see swans and other wild birds. Information boards introduce some of the wildlife found here.

A playground with room to explore
The playground has a firm, wheelchair-friendly surface, making it easier to move around with a pushchair or wheelchair. Children can enjoy playhouses, balancing equipment, seesaws and an interactive play installation. Benches provide places for adults to sit nearby. The playground was renewed in 2022 and opened in spring 2023.

Exercise outdoors
Next to the playground is an outdoor fitness park with equipment for strength, balance, warm-ups and endurance training. You can work out at your own pace, whether you want to try a few exercises or complete a full session. Instruction panels explain how to use the equipment, and access is free. Combine your workout with a walk around the pond, or explore the nearby beach volleyball and beach handball courts, established in 2025.

Bring a picnic
Bugårdsparken has picnic tables, benches and shared barbecues. Bring your own charcoal if you plan to use the grills. It is a pleasant place to stop for lunch after a walk or while the children play. A public toilet is also available, with a small charge for use.

Swimming, ice skating and other sports
Bugårdsparken is one of Sandefjord's main areas for sport, with football pitches, athletics facilities and indoor sports halls. At Sandefjord Swimming Pool, you can enjoy indoor swimming, diving facilities and a heated therapy pool. During the ice-skating season, Bugården Ice Rink offers free public skating sessions. Helmets are mandatory, and separate time slots apply for skating with hockey sticks and pucks. Check the current opening hours of each facility before visiting.

A park with a long history
Bugårdsdammen was created as part of Sandefjord's water supply in the 1870s. Over time, the surrounding area developed into a park for sport, walking and recreation. Today, it is a place to enjoy a quiet stroll, an outdoor workout or a few hours with the family. Bugårdsparken is a short journey from central Sandefjord, with several entrances for pedestrians, cyclists and drivers.

Bakgården Café

Bakgården Café is tucked away from the busy streets in Kongensgate, right in the centre of Sandefjord. Stop by for lunch, coffee or a slice of cake, with seating both indoors and in the sheltered courtyard.

Lunch and coffee in a peaceful setting
The café serves lunch dishes such as salads and open sandwiches, along with homemade cakes, coffee and tea. It is a lovely place to take a break while exploring the town or catch up with friends over something to eat. On warmer days, the spacious outdoor seating area offers a quiet spot just steps away from the town centre.

Wine tastings and private gatherings
Bakgården Café also hosts wine tastings led by its sommelier. These are announced as individual events, and groups can enquire about arranging their own tasting. The café can also be booked for private gatherings and celebrations outside regular opening hours. Contact the team to discuss group sizes, food and reservations.

Opening hours and bookings
Bakgården Café offers regular daytime service, while private events can be arranged outside normal opening hours.

For current opening hours, reservations and event enquiries, call +47 901 20 092 or email post@bakgaardencafe.no.

Ristorante Del Mare

Ristorante Del Mare is located on the waterfront at Kilen Brygge, just a short walk from the centre of Sandefjord. Here you can enjoy Italian pasta, authentic stone-baked pizza and a selection of à la carte dishes in a cosy restaurant with a Mediterranean atmosphere.

Italian flavours by the waterfront
The open kitchen lets you watch the chefs prepare your meal. Before your main course, you are served bruschetta with fresh herbs and the restaurant's homemade bread. With the water just outside and plenty of Italian favourites on the menu, Ristorante Del Mare is a lovely place to gather for a meal with family or friends.

Opening hours and reservations
Ristorante Del Mare is open Monday to Thursday from 3 pm to 10 pm, Friday and Saturday from 2 pm to 11 pm, and Sunday from 2 pm to 9 pm.
You can reserve a table through the restaurant's website up to 30 minutes before your visit, or call +47 33 52 27 40.

 

 

Beaches in Sandefjord

There are child-friendly shallow beaches, beaches with campgrounds and more secluded beaches.

Strømbadet, Sandefjord's town bath. Opened in 2020. Floating jetty for sea bathing in the harbour. Access from Hjertnesstranda (Sandefjordsveien 7) across the street of Scandic Park Hotel. Parking. Heavy rain can cause overflow discharges in the area around the bathing facility. Such discharges will result in temporary poor bathing water quality. Watch for possible red light on arrival.

Asnes, Vesterøya – 5 km from town center (bus 168 or 170)
Here you have several small south-facing beaches, beautiful cliffs and gras area. Camping, kiosk and toilet facilities open May 1st – September 1st.

Flautangen, Østerøya – 9 km from town center(bus 162)
Here you will find both a sandy beach, pebble beach and rocks, and there are toilets, a fireplace and excellent fishing spots. Arrival: Take Road 303 towards Stokke. Follow signs to Østerøya. After approx. 5 km turn left and follow the sign to Flautangen. There is a path to the beach.

Goksjø – 7 km from town center (Bus 150)
Fresh water with grass slope down towards the water. There is a swimming jetty and float. Arrival: Follow Road 305 from Sandefjord to Andebu. After passing the highway E-18, turn left onto Semsbakken after approx. 800 meters.

Granholmen – 5 km from town center (bus 01, 161)
Small beach, gras area and rocks. Camping, kiosk and toilet facilities open May 1st – September 1st. Arrival: Follow Road 303 towards Larvik. Turn left approx. 5 km from the town center. Follow signs to Granholmen.

Grubesand, Vesterøya – 9 km from town center (bus 168)
Quiet, east-facing sandy beach with 100 meters sand and rolling stones in the end. Good hiking paths along the coast. Good fishing spots and toilets. Arrival: From the town center run follow the signs to Vesterøya. Follow Vesterøyveien approx. 7 km (past Langeby camping) and then take left on Auveveien.

Korsvik, Vesterøya – 5 km from town center (bus 168 or 170)
Child-friendly sandy and gravel beach with a pine forest in the back. Arrival: From the town center, follow the signs to Vesterøya and turn in on Veløyveien. The beach is by the road.

Langeby, Vesterøya – 7 km from town center (bus 168)
Child-friendly sandy beach with some rocks and good diving spots. Camping, shop and toilet facilities are open May 1st – September 1st. Arrival: From the town center follow the sign to Vesterøya. Follow Vesterøyveien approx. 7 km. Langeby is just off the road.

Skjellvika, Østerøya – 5,5 km from town center
Very child-friendly, sandy beach. Path along the foot of the mountains in the north. Kiosk and toilet facilities. Arrival: Take road 303 towards Stokke. Follow signs to Østerøya. After approx. 3 km turn left on Østerøyveien by Søndre Sunde on Skjellvikaveien.

Truber and Yxney, Østerøya – 12 km from town center (bus 162)
Large area with both beaches and rocks. The sandy beach on Truber are most popular. Toilets at Truber. Arrival: Take road 303 towards Stokke. Follow signs towards Østerøya. Approx. 7 km after you've passed the sign "Østerøya" turn left (signposted).

Vøra, Vesterøya – 9 km from town center (bus 168)
Child-friendly sandy beach. Camping, shop, beach volleyball court and toilet facilities are open May 1st – September 1st. Arrival: From the town center follow the signs to Vesterøya. Follow Vesterøyveien approx. 8 km. The campsite is situated by the road.

Beaches for persons with disabilities: Granhomen, Lahelle, Langeby, Nord Trubervika, Tangen, Vøra and Bogen.

See www.sandefjord.kommune.no for details about how they are adapted.