by: Tønsberg & Færder

Søndre Slagen Church

Søndre Slagen church is a modern but medieval-inspired church. The church is built of brick.

Inside the church there are around 350 seats.

There is, among other things, a gallery and an altar inside the church. On the altarpiece hangs a large altar carpet, measuring 4×8 metres, from 1979.

On the outside of the church there is a relatively large cemetery.

Teie Church

Teie church is made of brick and wood, and was inaugurated in 1977. The architect was Elisabeth Breen Fidjestøl.

The altar tapestry was made by Else Marie Jakobsen, while Brit Sørensen did the crucifix.

The church has several functions, and is used for both meetings and events in addition to the weekly services and Sunday school.

The church has 520 seats.

Torød Church

Torød church is built of wood, and has 200 seats.

Although the church grounds are fenced, no funerals are held in Torød church. For this they use the cemetery of Nøtterøy church, which is also 700 years older than Torød.

Sem Church

Sem church was first built in wood at the beginning of the 12th century. The church burned down in 1682, and was then rebuilt as we see it today, in stone. In 1999, the 900th anniversary of the church was celebrated after it was renovated. The result of this is today's appearance.

There are around 300 seats in Sem church.

Nøtterøy Church

Nøtterøy Church is a beautiful church building from the early Middle Ages (12th century). The building is cross-shaped and built in stone with a romantic style. The building was originally consecrated as Mary's Church, and is the main church in Nøtterøy parish.

The church has 600 seats, and stands in the middle of a pretty cemetery. Nearby there is a war memorial in honor of Norwegian war veterans, created by sculptor Carl E. Paulsen.

To the west of the church you will find Prestegårdsskogen, with the cultural monument Nøtterøy clergy house from the 19th century.

The church's altarpiece is from the 18th century, and was painted by Jacob Lindegård.

Slagen Church

Slagen church is located in Tønsberg municipality, and is a long church built in stone.

There are over 500 seats in the church.

In the years 1955-56, the church was restored. The altarpiece, pulpit and baptismal font we see today in the church are from that time. The cemetery seen on the outside of the church has been expanded in recent times. Today it stretches to both sides of the road.

Tønsberg Coast Culture Centre

Tønsberg Coastal Culture Center is located by the Canal in Tønsberg, and was established in 1991. Both buildings and boats can be rented out for groups and events.

The Coast Culture Centre includes the quayside, vessels worthy of preservation, slip, shipyard for the restoration of vessels, smithy and foundry, motor repair yard, sail maker's workshop and rigging workshop.

The Coast Culture Centre is also the home port for the Arctic sailing ship "Havnøy".

The shanty choir was started in 2003, and usually practices at Riggerloftet on Monday evenings from 18-20.45.

The seaman`s wife

The Sculpture «Sjømannshustruen» designed by Nina Nesje from Tenvik in Nøtterøy was raised in 2004. 

Many a sailor perished at sea in the age of sailing ships. The seaman's wife is a memorial to the women who longingly waited for them at home.

Oseberghaugen – Royal mound

In 1904 archaeological excavations were carried out here, and the ship that hid a massive artifact discovery from the Viking era was revealed. The 21.5 meters long Oseberg ship turned out to be the grave of an eminent woman, perhaps a queen, dating back to 834 AD. The ship was filled with gifts for the journey to the kingdom of death. The Oseberg carriage, five beautifully carved animal headstones, four sleds, beds, chests and looms.
A maid servant was chosen to follow the womans journey to the afterlife and was found buried with the elderly gueen.

It was long assumed that this was the grave of Queen Åsa, grandmother of Harald Hårfagre. Hence the name Oseberg. Newer technology however allowed historians in 1992 to date the burial to around 834 and implies that it was in fact Queen Alvhild, first wife of King Gudrød, who was buried there.

The Oseberg Hill was opened again in autumn 2007 and the women's skeletons secured. The oldest was have been closer to 80 years old. The other woman is somewhat younger. Both belonged to the "upper class", but none of them seems have been Queen Åsa herself, as previously predicted.

The burial mound, 40 meters in diameter, was restored in 1947.

There is a cultural trail along Vellebekken to the grave.

A copy of the Oseberg ship's beautifully carved bow can be seen at The Slottsfjell Museum. The original ship with its contents is exhibited at the Viking Museum in Oslo. Another complete copy of the ship can be seen at the harbour of Tønsberg.