The Whaling Monument stands beside the harbour in Sandefjord, where Jernbanealleen meets Strandpromenaden. Created by Norwegian sculptor Knut Steen, the large bronze sculpture depicts whalers in an open boat, rowing with their harpoon raised. Unveiled in 1960, the monument commemorates an industry that played a major role in Sandefjord's development. One of its most unusual features is that the sculpture slowly rotates on its own axis, surrounded by fountains.
A sculpture that moves
The Whaling Monument is designed as a compass rose, with a central bronze sculpture showing whalers at work. The figures stand in a small boat, with the harpooner raising his weapon above his head.
The sculpture completes one rotation every hour. Around the monument, granite reliefs depict work aboard whaling vessels and floating whale factory ships. Wrought-iron details feature birds, seals and penguins.
Take a walk around the monument to discover its different details, or sit on one of the nearby benches and watch as the sculpture slowly changes direction.
The story behind the monument
Norwegian sculptor Knut Steen won the competition to design the monument in 1953. The artwork was developed in collaboration with Alf Bjorhusdal, while blacksmith Olaf Treidene created the wrought-iron details based on Steen's drawings. The monument was funded by consul Lars Christensen and several companies connected to Sandefjord's whaling industry. It was officially presented to Sandefjord Municipality on 23 June 1960 as a memorial to the people who worked in modern whaling. To see more of Knut Steen's work, visit Midtåsen Sculpture Park, where a collection of his marble and bronze sculptures is displayed.
When Sandefjord was a whaling town
Whaling shaped Sandefjord throughout much of the 20th century. Many local sailors worked aboard whaling vessels and floating factory ships in the Southern Ocean, while shipping companies, shipyards and other businesses on land depended on the industry. In 1954, approximately 2,800 men from the Sandefjord district were employed in whaling. The industry created jobs and economic growth, but also contributed to large-scale exploitation of whale populations. To explore this history further, visit the Whaling Museum, where exhibitions tell the story of whales, the whaling industry and the people involved.
Combine your visit with Badeparken and the harbour
The Whaling Monument stands beside Badeparken, a green public park with walking paths, lawns and several sculptures. Continue through the park or take a stroll along Sandefjord's waterfront. The town is also home to numerous other works of public art. Explore more through the sculptures in Sandefjord for ideas on an art-filled walk through the town.
Plan your visit
The Whaling Monument is located at Strandpromenaden, at the end of Jernbanealleen in central Sandefjord, beside the harbour and Badeparken.
The monument stands outdoors in a public area and can be viewed throughout the year. Admission is free, and no ticket or advance booking is required. You can see the monument in just a few minutes, but allow a little extra time to observe its rotation, reliefs and sculptural details.
