by: Tønsberg & Færder

Bolærne

The Bolærne islands lie in the outer Oslofjord, just off Nøtterøy. Three main islands are surrounded by smaller islands and skerries, offering coastal walks, swimming spots and thousands of years of maritime and military history. Choose Østre Bolæren for guest harbour facilities, dining and activities, Mellom Bolæren for woodland walks and historic sites, or Vestre Bolæren for beaches and traditional coastal life. Reach the islands by seasonal passenger boat, water taxi or private boat.

Østre Bolæren – guest harbour and military history
Østre Bolæren offers walking trails, sheltered swimming spots, a guest harbour and options for dining and accommodation. The higher ground provides sweeping views across the Oslofjord. Explore old gun emplacements, a signal station and other remains of the island's military past, or enjoy a relaxing break beside the harbour.

Mellom Bolæren – coastal trails and cultural heritage
Mellom Bolæren is known for its old deciduous woodland, meadows, restored smallholdings and historic buildings. Follow the 1.5-kilometre coastal trail through a landscape rich in nature and cultural heritage. Along the way, discover ancient burial cairns, traditional farm buildings and Grevestuen, a historic lodge associated with the Counts of Jarlsberg. The island also holds a darker chapter of history. Remains of a camp for Soviet prisoners of war from the Second World War can still be found here. Please treat this memorial site with respect.

Vestre Bolæren – beaches and coastal traditions
Vestre Bolæren combines peaceful coastal scenery with traces of traditional island life. Explore walking trails, visit the guest harbour or discover the historic settlement at Jensesund. The island also has Bronze Age burial cairns, maritime heritage and places to swim. At Kalvenga in the northern part of the island, you will find a designated camping area and access to the coast.

From the Bronze Age to military history
Ancient burial cairns show that people have used the Bolærne islands for thousands of years. In later centuries, fishermen, pilots and seafarers made their homes here. The Norwegian Armed Forces took over the islands in 1916, restricting public access for decades. In 2004, the islands reopened to visitors. Today, their footpaths, historic buildings and coastal landscapes offer a glimpse into this long history.

Plan your visit
Bolærne is suitable for both day trips and longer stays. Accommodation is available on the islands, including historic buildings and coastal cabins. Seasonal passenger boats operate from Husvik near Tønsberg. Check departure times, island stops and return connections before travelling. You can also arrange a water taxi or arrive by private boat.

Protect the islands
Much of Bolærne lies within Færder National Park. Follow marked trails, respect nesting birds and leave archaeological remains undisturbed. Special rules apply to camping, fires, dogs and access to protected areas. Check local regulations before your visit and take your rubbish home.

 

The ruins of Olavs’ Church

In the heart of Tønsberg, opposite the public library, you can explore the ruins of Olav's Church. Built in the late 12th century, it was Norway's only known medieval round church. The surviving stone foundations offer a glimpse of the time when Tønsberg was one of Norway's most important medieval towns.

A round church inspired by Jerusalem
Olav's Church was unlike most medieval churches in Norway. Its circular main chamber measured approximately 23 metres in internal diameter, making it one of the largest round churches in Scandinavia. Its architecture shared similarities with the Church of the Holy Sepulchre in Jerusalem, one of Christianity's most important pilgrimage destinations. The unusual design reflects the religious and cultural influences reaching Norway from medieval Europe. The church was also connected to the political struggles of the period. In 1207, the Bagler king Erling Steinvegg was buried here.

The church and its medieval monastery
Olav's Church belonged to St Olav's Monastery, established by the Premonstratensian order in the late 12th century. Both the church and monastery were destroyed by fire, probably during the great fire of Tønsberg in 1536. They were never rebuilt, and stone from the ruins was later reused as building material elsewhere in the town. Today, you can see the foundations of the round church outdoors. Additional monastery ruins are preserved in the lower level of Tønsberg and Færder Library, which stands on part of the former monastery site.

Explore more of medieval Tønsberg
The ruins are an excellent starting point for exploring the town's medieval history.
Continue to Castle Rock Tower and Slottsfjellet, where you can discover the remains of the medieval fortress of Tunsberghus and enjoy views across Tønsberg. For a deeper look into the town's past, visit the Slottsfjells Museum, with exhibitions exploring medieval history, Viking discoveries and life in Vestfold through the centuries.

Practical information
The ruins of Olav's Church are located at Storgaten 17–19 in central Tønsberg, directly opposite Tønsberg and Færder Library. The church ruins are outdoors and can be viewed independently. To see the monastery ruins preserved inside the library, visit during the library's opening hours. The site is located along Tunsbergleden, a historic pilgrimage route towards Trondheim. Pilgrims can obtain a stamp at the library desk during staffed opening hours. Please respect the protected archaeological remains during your visit.

Ringshaug Beach

Grassy slopes and shallow waters makes this beach very attractive for both young and old.

With a floating bridge, volleyball net, kiosk and WC, this beach is one of the most popular beaches for the locals in the Oslofjord. The beach is also well-equipped for the disabled.

There are great parking possibilities for both cars and bikes.

Furustrand Camping is close nearby.

 

The chapel of our virgin Maria

After shopping in town on Saturday, you can calm yourself down for the weekend and enjoy a concert in the beautiful neo-Gothic building in the peaceful cemetery atmosphere.

The burial chapel in the old cemetery in Tønsberg is built in neo-Gothic style and was blessed by the Dean Thurmann on 15 March 1873. The chapel is approx. 70 sqm large. It was in use during 101 years, until the coffin burials in Tønsberg old cemetery were prohibited in 1974. Since then it was used only as a warehouse. Afterwards, nothing was done with the chapel before the fall 2002, when an interest believe group appeared.

The work was initiated by Bernt Christensen who is a chairman of the restoration group, which includes Small Andersen (Treasurer), Eva Lund Schau Thorkildsen, Eivind Cudrio (contact person and a secretary), Steffen Kvalsvik (consultant), and Jorun Borge (church office).

Now the chapel have the future and is used as a small cultural center, with a connection to the old St. Mary's Church which was demolished in the market place.

Tønsberg municipality has contributed kr. 25.000, -.

M/F Jutøya – Veierland

M/F Jutøya – Changes to the Ferry Service This Autumn

M/F Jutøya will be taken out of service for an extended period for maintenance and major upgrades from approximately 1 October to 1 January. A replacement vessel will operate during this period only between Tenvik and Vestgården. There will be no stops at Tangen or Engø.

Timetables for M/F Jutøya

The replacement vessel will carry passengers and hand luggage only. It will not be possible to bring cargo, bicycles or goods on board. Larger transports to and from the island should therefore be planned well in advance of this.

Changes may occur. Updated information will be announced at the website (NO).

…

Jutøya Ferry to Veierland
The Jutøya ferry connects the island of Veierland with Tenvik on Nøtterøy and Engø near Sandefjord. The crossing takes approximately 10–15 minutes, and bicycles are welcome on board. Cars must be parked at the ferry terminals in Tenvik or Engø, where paid parking is available. 

Veierland
Veierland is a car-free island, just a short ferry ride from Tenvik or Engø. Home to around 150 permanent residents and many holiday homes, the island offers gravel roads winding through rolling countryside, open fields, woodlands, meadows, and beautiful views of the sea and archipelago. It is ideal for exploring on foot or by bicycle.

The island features a church, kiosk, cafés, water taxi, beaches, guest harbour, accommodation, football pitch, and numerous walking trails.

Swimming
Veierland offers several great swimming spots. Kjørholmen, on the island's northwest side, is a large recreational area with smooth coastal rocks and good camping opportunities. Hvervodden, on the southern side of the island, is considered Veierland's best beach, with a sandy shoreline.

Accommodation
The island's former school has been converted into accommodation and can be booked through the Oslofjord Outdoor Recreation Council (Oslofjordens Friluftsråd). Camping is also permitted at Kjørholmen.

For more information about timetables, call Vestviken Kollektivtrafikk on +47 177, or check out this link: http://www.veierland.org/ferga/rutetider.pdf

The island Veierland belongs to Færder county in Tønsberg, 100 km southwest of Oslo. The island is 4,4 square kilometers and has approximately 150 inhabitants.

Tønsberg Swimming Pool

At Tønsberg Swimming Pool, children and adults can enjoy swimming, water play and diving. The facility has two 25-metre pools with different temperatures and depths, offering options for both exercise and a more leisurely swim.

Two pools, diving and sauna
The upper pool is heated to 29°C and has diving boards and platforms at one, three and five metres. Water toys are also available for children. The lower pool is heated to 30°C and is shallower, with depths ranging from 90 to 150 centimetres. The facility also has saunas in the changing rooms and a separate fitness room downstairs.

Swimming and water activities
Tønsberg Swimming Pool offers early morning swimming, public sessions and separate swimming times for women and men. Aqua aerobics classes are also held on Wednesdays, with sessions for women and mixed groups. Classes are included in the admission price.

More places to swim in Tønsberg and Færder
Looking for more places to swim? Explore indoor pools and coastal bathing spots in Visit Vestfold's guide to beaches and swimming pools in Tønsberg and Færder.

Plan your visit
Tønsberg Swimming Pool is located at Wilhelm Wilhelmsens vei 1 in Tønsberg. Opening hours vary between morning swimming, public sessions and designated swimming times. Sunday opening is seasonal, and the pool is closed on several public holidays.

Check the latest opening hours, admission prices and visitor information on Tønsberg municipality's website before visiting.

Tønsberg Cathedral

In 1939, Tønsberg Cathedral was restored with beautiful decorations and fixtures from the city's two older churches.

The cathedral is the main church in the Tunsberg diocese, and has 550 seats.

The detailed altarpiece has baroque carvings, carved in 1764 by Jens Jølsen. Jacob Pedersen Lindgaard painted the church's painting of Jesus in Gethsemane in 1770. The church's embroidered pulpit came from the original St. Lavrans' Church and has been in use since 1939.

The church is a popular venue for concerts.

Beaches in Færder

Færder has swimming spots all along its coastline, from sandy beaches with spacious lawns and bathing jetties to small coves between smooth coastal rocks. On Nøtterøy, Tjøme and Hvasser, beaches are often close to marinas, walking trails and small coastal communities. Take the boat to Veierland and you will find more places to enjoy a swim. Some beaches have toilets, kiosks and nearby parking. Others require a longer walk, so bring what you need for the day. Here are some good places to start.

Fjærholmen – sand and coastal rocks on Nøtterøy
Fjærholmen, near Føynland on the eastern side of Nøtterøy, has a sandy beach, rocky shores and a large grassy area. There is room to relax, play volleyball or enjoy a picnic. Facilities include bathing jetties, toilets, showers and a kiosk associated with the camping area. An adapted bathing jetty is also listed, although the exact accessibility arrangements should be checked before visiting. Parking is available nearby, making Fjærholmen a convenient choice for a beach day with facilities close at hand.

From Rosanes to Tenvik – beaches around Nøtterøy
Rosanes, near Teie, has a sandy beach and grassy areas beside Teie marina. On the eastern side of Nøtterøy, Verdun at Knarberg and Ulvøtangen offer places to swim from the rocks. At Torød, Stranda has a sandy beach with nearby parking. On the western coast, Tenvik and Søndre Tenvik offer both sand and rocky shores. Søndre Tenvik also has a large lawn, ideal for spreading out a picnic blanket.

More places to swim on Nøtterøy
There are plenty of smaller swimming spots around the island. Near Kjøpmannskjær, Presthella and Ropern have coastal rocks and a small sandy beach, while Fuglevika offers a shallow shoreline and a grassy area. Holmen and Ørastranda are other options for those who prefer sandy beaches. Søndre Hella and Prestodden are found in the Hella area, while Tørkopp and Vangen near Vestskogen offer shallow beaches and lawns. You can also visit Munkholmen at Munkerekka or the small beach at Sparrønningen near Arås.

Veierland – a beach day on an island
Veierland is a lovely place to combine swimming with a walk along quiet island roads and trails.
Kjølholmen has a small sandy beach, coastal rocks and grassy areas. Hverveodden and Kongshavn offer sandy beaches and lawns, while Tangen is a place to swim from the rocks. The island is car-free, so allow time for the boat journey and the walk to your chosen beach. Pack what you need for the day.

Mostranda – a beach on western Tjøme
Mostranda lies on the southwest coast of Tjøme, on the way towards Verdens Ende. It has two sandy beaches and rocky shores with views across the sea. The nearby campsite offers a kiosk, toilets and showers. Opening hours and access to services may vary. You can also combine swimming with a walk along the coastal trail through Moutmarka, which crosses the open coastal landscape north of Verdens Ende.

Bekkevika – small beaches on Tjøme
Bekkevika lies on the western coast of Tjøme, with several small sandy beaches and rocky swimming spots. The seabed varies between sand, stones and seaweed. An asphalt path leads from the parking area towards the beach, and a basic outdoor toilet is available. Choose a place on the sand or settle down on the rocks, and check underwater conditions before entering the sea.

More beaches on Tjøme
Regnbuestranda at Ormelet is a small sandy beach for a summer swim. Grimestad has smaller beach sections, coastal rocks and a grassy area. Svelvikstranda lies on the western side of Tjøme, beside a campsite of the same name, and has a small west-facing sandy beach. Around Tjøme, many of the best places to spend time by the water combine sand and rocks. Consider the wind and weather when choosing where to go.

Hvasser – Lilleskagen and Fynsletta
Hvasser has several swimming spots with sandy shores and smooth coastal rocks. Lilleskagen has a sandy beach, coastal rocks and toilets, with a short walk from the parking area. The beach can also be combined with a walk along the Hvasser coastal trail. Fynsletta lies near Sandøsund, with a sandy shore, a large grassy area and shallow water. Bring a picnic and enjoy time by the sea. Shops and places to eat in Sandøsund are also nearby. There are additional sandy and rocky swimming areas on the southern side of Hvasser.

Verdens Ende and Moutmarka – swimming from the rocks
At the southern tip of Tjøme, Verdens Ende has rocky shores and sweeping views of the Skagerrak. Combine a swim with a visit to the historic tipping lighthouse or the national park visitor centre. An adapted seasonal bathing facility is also provided at Verdens Ende. Check whether it is available before travelling. Further north, Moutmarka offers rocky shores and small coves along the coastal trail. The ground is uneven and exposed to the weather, so wear suitable footwear and choose your swimming spot with care.

Check conditions before visiting
Swimming is most popular during summer, although the beaches and coastal scenery can be enjoyed throughout the year. Toilets, kiosks, parking and bathing facilities vary between locations. Some services are seasonal, and accessible bathing arrangements should be checked for each beach.

Færder Municipality monitors water quality at selected swimming spots during summer. Heavy rainfall can affect conditions, so check the current advice before heading out. Find more beaches and the official map on Færder Municipality's website.

 

Plan your visit

Færder has swimming spots on Nøtterøy, Tjøme, Hvasser and Veierland. Choose from sandy beaches with lawns, small coves and smooth coastal rocks.

Choose a beach
Fjærholmen offers sand, rocks and several facilities. On Tjøme, try Mostranda or Bekkevika, while Lilleskagen and Fynsletta are popular options on Hvasser. Verdens Ende and Moutmarka have rocky shores in a more natural coastal setting. Veierland has smaller beaches reached on foot after the boat journey.

Getting here and parking
The beaches are spread across several islands and peninsulas. Some have nearby parking, while others require a walk. Veierland is reached by boat. Use the municipality's beach map to find the right destination and check current parking restrictions before travelling.

Facilities and accessibility
Selected beaches have toilets, showers, kiosks and swimming jetties. An adapted bathing jetty is listed at Fjærholmen, while Verdens Ende has a seasonal facility for visitors requiring accessible bathing. Check the specific arrangements and access into the water before your visit.

Good to know
Swimming is mainly a summer activity. Following heavy rainfall, the municipality recommends waiting until water quality improves before swimming. Some beaches are within or near Færder National Park, where special rules apply. Take your litter home and always check water depth and underwater conditions before jumping or diving.

Find beaches and water quality information →

Viking tombs in Tønsberg

In Tønsberg, you can discover traces of Viking Age burial traditions at two different locations. Archaeological excavations beneath the site of Tønsberg and Færder Library revealed graves from the 9th and 10th centuries, while Viking Age burial mounds can still be seen at Slagen Church. Together, these sites offer a glimpse into the lives and burial customs of the people who lived here before medieval Tønsberg developed.

Viking burials beneath Tønsberg Library
During archaeological excavations between 1987 and 1991, several Viking Age graves were discovered on the site of today's Tønsberg and Færder Library. Among the discoveries were two boat burials, now marked in the floor of the library's lower level. One of the graves contained a man buried with weapons, blacksmith's tools and a dog. These finds offer insights into craftsmanship, burial traditions and Viking Age society more than a thousand years ago. The library stands on the site of the medieval St Olav's Monastery. Remains of the monastery can also be seen in the lower level. Across the street, visit the ruins of Olav's Church, the remains of Norway's only securely documented medieval round church.

Burial mounds at Slagen Church
At Slagen Church, northeast of central Tønsberg, several burial mounds believed to date from the Viking Age are still visible. The mounds are located within parts of the churchyard and show that the site was used for burials long before the Christian church was established here. The current church was built after the previous building was destroyed by fire in 1898. Nearby lies the Oseberg Mound, where the famous Oseberg ship and the remains of two women were discovered during excavations in 1904.

Discover more Viking heritage
Continue your journey at Vikingodden by the harbour in Tønsberg. Here you can see Saga Oseberg, an archaeological reconstruction of the famous Viking ship, when it is moored at the quay. At the Slottsfjells Museum, you can explore Viking Age history and see the preserved Klåstad ship.
For more historical sites throughout the region, follow the Viking Trail through Vestfold.

Practical information
The Viking burial sites are found at two separate locations: Tønsberg and Færder Library: Storgaten 16, Tønsberg. The boat burial locations are marked in the lower level and can be viewed when this part of the library is accessible to visitors. Slagen Church: Eikveien 20, 3123 Tønsberg. The burial mounds are outdoors within parts of the churchyard.

The library has its own opening hours. At Slagen Church, please respect the active cemetery and any religious services or ceremonies taking place. Follow established paths and avoid disturbing the ancient burial mounds.

 

Nordbyen, Fjerdingen and Møllebakken

Idyllic residential areas with protected houses. Nordbyen is Tønsberg's oldest unbroken row of houses. "Bentegården" dated 1725-1775 is one of Tønsberg's oldest houses and is protected.