by: Tønsberg & Færder

Tønsberg Quayside

The place where people meet, now – just as before. Vincent Stoltenberg Lerche, the Tønsberg author, claimed that the Quayside had the same place in the daily life of Tønsberg as Forum Romanum in its time.

Theres a good selection of restaurants, and Foynhagen which is Tønsberg very own concerts and nightlife arena. Youll find 3 of Tønsbergs hotels in the area: Quality Hotel Tønsberg, Thon hotel Tønsberg Brygge and Quality Hotel Klubben.

Not far away is Tønsberg quest marina, which gets over 8000 boat-guest during the summer.

Ilene Nature Reserve

Ilene Nature Reserve lies just west of central Tønsberg, at the inner end of the Byfjord. Its shallow waters and coastal meadows provide feeding and resting places for a wide variety of birds. Follow Grevestien along the edge of the reserve to enjoy the landscape, visit the birdwatching tower or stop at Ilene Wetland Visitor Centre. Spring and autumn are particularly interesting times to visit, as migrating birds stop in the wetlands. There is something to see throughout the year, especially if you bring binoculars.

Watch birds from the observation tower
The birdwatching tower stands west of the visitor centre, overlooking part of the wetland.
Look out for ducks, geese, swans, waders and other wetland birds. Shelducks may be seen in spring, while greylag geese often gather in larger groups towards late summer. The species you see will depend on the season, weather and conditions on the day. Take your time and enjoy watching the birds from a distance.

Walk along Grevestien
Grevestien is a marked walking and cultural trail connecting central Tønsberg with Ilene and the landscape towards Frodeåsen. You can start near the waterfront in Tønsberg and follow the trail westwards. As you reach Ilene, the scenery opens up towards the coastal meadows and shallow wetlands. For a shorter visit, park at Korten or near the River Aulielva. The walk to the visitor centre takes approximately 20 minutes from Korten or 10–15 minutes from Aulielva.

Visit Ilene Wetland Visitor Centre
Ilene Wetland Visitor Centre is located at Søndre Holmen, a former smallholding beside the nature reserve. The centre arranges open days and nature activities for children and adults. You can learn about wetland wildlife, try nature trails and take part in seasonal activities.
On selected event days, volunteers from BirdLife Vestfold offer birdwatching guidance, helping visitors identify species through binoculars and telescopes. The garden and Grevestien can be enjoyed throughout the year. Indoor activities and organised events follow the centre's programme.

An important stop for migrating birds
Ilene is a protected nature reserve and forms part of the international Ramsar network for important wetlands. The shallow waters and coastal meadows provide food and resting areas for migrating birds. Grazing animals help keep parts of the landscape open, maintaining habitats used by several wetland species. This makes Ilene an important natural area close to the centre of Tønsberg.

Respect the wildlife
Ilene is protected to give birds and other wildlife space to thrive. Enjoy the area from Grevestien, the birdwatching tower and designated visitor facilities rather than entering the wetland itself. Dogs must be kept on a lead throughout the year inside the nature reserve. Fires and barbecues are prohibited there, as is cycling within the reserve boundary. Grevestien runs outside the reserve and is open to walkers and cyclists. Please take your litter home and keep your distance from birds and grazing animals.

Gunnarsbø Park

At the southern end of the park there is a fountain with a monument of Wilh. Wilhelmsen, which was erected in connection with the shipping company's 100 years' jubilee in 1961.

Spring water

In "Codex Tunsbergensis" (town laws from 1276) it is called "Frodakelda" and this name is carved in the stone wall behind the water basin.

Before the district was connected to Farris water supply in 1968, many of the local residents came here to collect good coffee water. There are still some who do so today.

Shipowner Wilh. Wilhelmsen f. 1872 – d. 1955

The bust of shipowner Wilhelm Wilhelmsen stands at Gunnarsbø in Tønsberg. Created by Norwegian sculptor Carl Edvard Paulsen in 1940, the artwork is identified in art-historical sources as a portrait of shipping company founder Wilhelm Wilhelmsen (1839–1910). The monument commemorates a man who helped establish Tønsberg as an important maritime town. It offers visitors a glimpse into the town's shipping history in a peaceful green setting.

A maritime memorial at Gunnarsbø
The sculpture stands beside the historic Gunnarsbø estate, once home to the Wilhelmsen family. Cast in bronze, the bust portrays the shipowner and was created by Tønsberg sculptor Carl Edvard Paulsen. Completed in 1940, it is one of several monuments Paulsen created to commemorate people who played important roles in Norwegian maritime and local history. Take a moment to see the bust while exploring Gunnarsbø Park. The park combines historic buildings, green spaces and reminders of the Wilhelmsen family's connection to Tønsberg.

The founder of Wilh. Wilhelmsen
Morten Wilhelm Wilhelmsen was born in Tønsberg in 1839. After studying commerce and gaining business experience in several European countries, he established a shipbroking company in his hometown in 1861. In 1865, he purchased the sailing ship Mathilde, marking the beginning of the company's development into an important shipping business. By 1886, Wilhelm Wilhelmsen had become Tønsberg's largest shipowner, operating eleven sailing vessels.

He was also involved in local politics and served as mayor of Tønsberg. Wilhelmsen died in 1910, but the company continued under the next generation.
His sons Halfdan and Wilhelm Wilhelmsen both played important roles in the family business and helped develop modern international shipping.

Gunnarsbø and the Wilhelmsen family
The Wilhelmsen family made a significant contribution to Tønsberg's commercial and maritime development. In 1878, Wilhelm Wilhelmsen had the grand family residence Gunnarsbø built. The property remained connected to the family and was donated to Tønsberg Municipality in 1929. It subsequently served as the town hall for several decades.
Today, Gunnarsbø Park is a public green space where visitors can discover the historic estate and monuments associated with Tønsberg's maritime heritage.

Discover more of Tønsberg's shipping history
To learn more about the shipping companies and sailors who shaped Tønsberg, visit the Tønsberg Maritime History Centre at Tollboden. Its exhibitions include ship models, photographs and historical objects illustrating the town's shipping and whaling history. You can also see the bust of Halfdan Wilhelmsen, located near Grinvollparken on Halfdan Wilhelmsens allé. Also created by Carl Edvard Paulsen, it was unveiled in 1961.

Plan your visit
The bust of Wilhelm Wilhelmsen stands outdoors at Gunnarsbø in Tønsberg, near Svend Foyns gate 3. The sculpture can be viewed from the public park throughout the year. Admission is free, and no ticket or advance booking is required.
A visit takes only a few minutes and can easily be combined with a walk through Gunnarsbø Park and central Tønsberg.

The exact map location, nearby parking and step-free access should be checked in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements.

Shipowner Halfdan Wilhelmsen f. 1864 – d. 1923

The sculpture of shipowner Halfdan Wilhelmsen stands beside Halfdan Wilhelmsens allé in Tønsberg, near Grinvollparken. Created by Norwegian sculptor Carl Edvard Paulsen, the bust was unveiled in 1961. It commemorates an important figure in Tønsberg's maritime history who helped develop the Wilh. Wilhelmsen shipping company and modernise Norwegian shipping during the transition from sailing ships to steamships.

A memorial to a Norwegian shipowner
Halfdan Wilhelmsen (1864–1923) played an important role in Tønsberg's maritime history. His bust stands beside the avenue named after him, recalling a period when shipping was one of the town's most important industries. The sculpture was created by Carl Edvard Paulsen and unveiled in 1961, one hundred years after the founding of the family shipping company Wilh. Wilhelmsen. Take a moment to see the sculpture while exploring Tønsberg. It is a small but interesting historical memorial to a shipping business whose influence extended far beyond Vestfold.

Halfdan Wilhelmsen and the transition from sail to steam
Halfdan Wilhelmsen was born in Tønsberg in 1864. His father, Morten Wilhelm Wilhelmsen, founded the shipping company Wilh. Wilhelmsen in 1861. After studying commerce and gaining experience in several European port cities, Halfdan returned to the family business in 1886. He became a driving force behind the company's transition from sailing vessels to steamships. In 1887, he helped acquire the steamship D/S Talabot, marking the beginning of a major modernisation of the fleet. Under his leadership, the company continued to expand and became an important name in international shipping. By the time of his death in 1923, Halfdan Wilhelmsen had made a lasting contribution to Norwegian maritime history.

Explore Tønsberg's maritime heritage
Tønsberg has a long history as a maritime town. During the 19th century, shipping expanded significantly, and local vessels sailed to ports around the world. To learn more, visit the Tønsberg Maritime History Centre at Tollboden. Exhibitions use ship models, photographs and historic objects to tell the story of the town's shipping companies, sailors and whaling industry. You can also explore Gunnarsbøparken, where you will find more connections to the Wilhelmsen family. The park includes the family's former property and a monument commemorating the Wilh. Wilhelmsen shipping company.

Plan your visit
The sculpture is located outdoors beside Halfdan Wilhelmsens allé, near Grinvollparken and Vestfold Hospital in Tønsberg, Norway. It can be viewed from the public outdoor area without an admission ticket or advance booking. There are no regular opening hours associated with the sculpture itself. A visit takes only a few minutes and can be combined with a walk through Tønsberg or visits to other historic attractions in the town centre. The exact map location, parking arrangements and step-free access should be checked in advance if you have specific accessibility requirements.

Prinsesse Kristina

At the foot of Slottsfjellet in Tønsberg stands a statue of Princess Kristina Håkonsdatter, daughter of King Håkon Håkonsson. Created by Norwegian sculptor Britt Sørensen, the statue was unveiled in 1974. It commemorates a Norwegian princess who travelled from Tønsberg to Spain in 1257 to marry a Castilian prince. Today, the sculpture is a historic stop on the way to Slottsfjellet, where visitors can explore the ruins of a medieval royal fortress.

Meet Princess Kristina at Slottsfjellet
The statue stands beside the route leading up to Slottsfjellet, below the historic castle ruins. It was donated by the newspaper Tønsbergs Blad to mark the town's 1,100th anniversary and unveiled on 31 August 1974. Created by sculptor Britt Sørensen, the artwork depicts Princess Kristina Håkonsdatter, who lived from 1234 to 1262. Take a moment to see the sculpture before continuing up Slottsfjellet. You are standing in an area that played an important role in Norway's medieval royal history.

From Tønsberg to the Spanish royal court
Princess Kristina was the daughter of King Håkon Håkonsson and Queen Margrete Skulesdatter. During the 13th century, Tønsberg was an important royal town, and King Håkon sought to strengthen Norway's relations with other European kingdoms.
In 1257, Kristina left Norway for Castile in Spain as part of a political alliance between the two kingdoms. Her journey took her across Europe to the Castilian royal court. On 31 March 1258, she married Prince Felipe of Castile, brother of King Alfonso X. The marriage strengthened the connection between the Norwegian and Castilian royal families.
Kristina died in Seville in 1262, aged just 28.

A historic connection that lives on in Spain
Princess Kristina's story has created a lasting connection between Tønsberg and the Spanish town of Covarrubias, traditionally believed to be her burial place. In 1978, a replica of Britt Sørensen's statue was unveiled in Covarrubias. The two sculptures symbolise the historical connection between Norway and Spain. According to tradition, Kristina wished for a chapel dedicated to St Olaf in Spain. A chapel honouring the Norwegian saint was eventually inaugurated in Covarrubias in 2011, many centuries after her death. Today, Tønsberg and Covarrubias maintain a sister-city relationship inspired by this medieval connection.

Combine your visit with Slottsfjellet
The statue stands near the entrance to one of Tønsberg's most important historical areas. Continue uphill to explore the remains of Tunsberghus, the medieval royal fortress developed during the reign of King Håkon Håkonsson and his successors. At the top stands Slottsfjell Tower, one of Tønsberg's best-known landmarks. The hill offers views over the town, the fjord and the historic ruins. For a deeper insight into medieval Tønsberg and the history of Vestfold, visit the Slottsfjells Museum at the foot of the hill.

Plan your visit
The statue of Princess Kristina is located beside the route leading up to Slottsfjellet, near Baglergaten 16, 3111 Tønsberg, Norway. The sculpture stands outdoors and can be viewed throughout the year. Admission is free, and no ticket or advance booking is required. Seeing the statue takes only a few minutes, but allow more time if you plan to explore Slottsfjellet and the Slottsfjells Museum.

The route uphill has gradients and varying surfaces. Visitors requiring step-free access should check accessibility and parking arrangements before visiting. Slottsfjell Tower and the Slottsfjells Museum have separate opening hours and possible admission charges.

Hvalfanger Svend Foyn f. 1809- d. 1894

The statue of whaling pioneer Svend Foyn stands in Svend Foyns plass beside Tønsberg Cathedral, in the heart of Tønsberg. Created by Norwegian sculptor Anders Svor and unveiled in 1915, the monument commemorates a man who played a major role in the development of modern whaling. It is a historic landmark that you can discover while exploring the town centre.

The man who transformed whaling
Svend Foyn (1809–1894) was born in Tønsberg and became an influential figure in Norwegian maritime and whaling history. He developed and introduced technology that transformed the hunting of large whales, including the explosive harpoon. His innovations helped establish the modern whaling industry, bringing significant economic activity to Tønsberg and other maritime communities. At the same time, the new hunting methods contributed to large-scale exploitation of whale populations. Foyn also left his mark on his hometown through contributions to housing, religious institutions and social causes.

A monument funded by the town's citizens
Following Svend Foyn's death, plans were made to create a monument in his honour. A committee was established in 1912 to raise funds and organise a competition for the design. Norwegian sculptor Anders Svor won the competition, and the statue was officially unveiled on 6 June 1915. It depicts Foyn standing with a telescope tucked beneath his arm, facing towards the harbour and fjord that shaped much of his life and work.
The monument remains outside Tønsberg Cathedral as a reminder of the town's maritime past.

Discover more of Tønsberg's maritime history
To learn more about Svend Foyn and the whaling industry, visit the Slottsfjells Museum, which has an exhibition dedicated to the whaling pioneer. The museum also features the Whale Hall, where seven large whale skeletons are displayed. You can continue your exploration at the Tønsberg Maritime History Center in Tollboden by the waterfront. Its exhibitions tell the story of the town's shipping and whaling heritage through ship models, photographs, historical objects and film.

Plan your visit
The statue stands outdoors in Svend Foyns plass beside Tønsberg Cathedral, at Storgaten 53, 3126 Tønsberg, Norway.
The monument can be viewed from the public square throughout the year. There is no admission fee or booking requirement. It is an easy stop on a walk through Tønsberg town centre and can be combined with a stroll along the waterfront or a visit to the cathedral when it is open.

Maier Arena Tønsberg

Free entrance.

Skate renal from the kiosk from 12.00 Saturdays and Sundays in the season.

In the summer, the arena is used for concerts, music shows and exhibitions.

For opening hours see Tønsberg kommune

Frisbeegolf

Tønsberg Frisbee golf course consists of 26-29 holes (in 2019), where the longest hole is approx. 140 metres, and the shortest is around 50 metres. For an updated course map, it may be a good idea to visit the Facebook page of Tønsberg Frisbeegolf, where weekly competitions are also announced.

30-60 players take part in Tuesday golf every week throughout the summer, and everyone is welcome to join. It is free to play on the course.

There is also a 20-hole Frisbee golf course at Vearhallen on Vear.

Frisbee golf (disc golf) is played with a separate type of frisbee. The purpose of the game is to get from the throw point to the basket in the fewest possible throws.