Tønsberg Maritime History Center is located inside the historic Tollboden building on Tønsberg Quayside. Here you can explore the town's maritime and whaling history through ship models, photographs, historical objects and film. Run by Tønsberg Sjømannsforening, the local seamen's association, the museum offers free admission. It is an interesting stop for adults and children who want to discover life at sea and the people who helped shape this coastal town.
From sailing ships to modern shipping
Tønsberg has a long history as a maritime town. On the ground floor of Tollboden, the exhibitions follow its development from the age of sailing ships to an important shipping and harbour town, telling the stories of vessels, shipping companies and the people who worked at sea. Ship models, photographs, information panels and maritime objects reveal how shipping changed over the generations. Digital displays also present historic vessels and shipping companies from Tønsberg, showing the town's connections to ports and waters far beyond Vestfold.
When Tønsberg was a whaling town
Whaling played an important role in Tønsberg's history and the lives of many local families. In the museum's whaling exhibition, you can learn about Svend Foyn, who was a central figure in the development of modern whaling. The exhibition explores how whaling was carried out and what everyday life was like for crews working aboard whaling vessels in the Southern Ocean. You can also watch the film Hvalfangerlivet på hvalkokeriet Pelagos, offering a glimpse of working life aboard the floating whale factory ship Pelagos. For more about Svend Foyn and Vestfold's whaling history, visit The Slottsfjells Museum, where the Whale Hall displays large whale skeletons alongside an exhibition about the whaling pioneer.
A museum inside the old customs house
Tønsberg Sjømannsforening was founded in 1846 to promote the interests of seafarers and preserve the town's maritime culture and heritage. The association continues this work today through its historical collections and exhibitions. In 2005, the association purchased the old Tollboden building by the harbour. After extensive restoration work, much of it carried out by volunteers, the Maritime History Center opened in 2007. Today, the historic customs house provides a setting for stories of Tønsberg's sailors, shipping companies and whalers.
Guided tours and talks
Tønsberg Maritime History Center offers guided tours for groups by prior arrangement. These provide a deeper introduction to the town's maritime history and the people behind the exhibits. Admission to the museum is free, while guided tour prices are agreed separately. Tønsberg Sjømannsforening also offers talks for companies and associations about Svend Foyn and the history of whaling. Group visits and talks must be arranged in advance.
Combine your visit with a walk along the harbour
Tollboden stands beside the waterfront in an area that has been important to Tønsberg's trade and shipping for generations. After exploring the museum, take a walk along the quayside, watch the boats and stop at one of the nearby cafés or restaurants. To explore the region's maritime history even further back in time, continue to Vikingodden, within walking distance of Tollboden. Here you can see reconstructions of the famous Oseberg and Klåstad Viking ships when they are moored in the harbour.
Plan your visit
Tønsberg Maritime History Center is located in Tollboden at Tollbodbryggen, Nedre Langgate 38, 3126 Tønsberg, Norway. The museum operates seasonally, with regular public opening during Easter and the summer months. In 2026, it was open from 28 March to 6 April and from 23 May to 16 August, between 1 pm and 4 pm. During May it opened on Saturdays and Sundays, during June and August every day except Monday, and throughout July every day. Admission is free. Guided tours can be arranged outside regular opening hours, with prices available by agreement.
To arrange a guided group tour, contact Tønsberg Sjømannsforening on +47 901 54 480. Talks about Svend Foyn and whaling can be arranged on +47 971 05 791. Tollboden also houses restaurant and event facilities operated separately from the museum, with their own opening hours and booking arrangements. Visit the Tønsberg Sjømannsforening website for information about the museum, guided tours and updated opening hours.