FAQ – Vestfold for international travellers

Vestfold is a coastal region in southeastern Norway, located southwest of Oslo along the Oslofjord. The region includes towns such as Holmestrand, Horten, Tønsberg, Sandefjord and Larvik.

Most destinations in Vestfold are approximately 1–2 hours from Oslo by car, depending on traffic and your destination. The region is also connected to Oslo by the Vestfold railway line, although journey times and services may vary. With its beaches, Viking heritage, art and historic coastal towns, Vestfold is well suited to day trips, weekend breaks and longer holidays.

Plan your journey to Vestfold

Vestfold is easily accessible from Oslo and other parts of Norway by car, train, bus, ferry and air.

• By car: Take the E18 motorway southwest from Oslo towards Holmestrand, Tønsberg, Sandefjord and Larvik. Travel time depends on your destination and traffic conditions.
• By train: The Vestfold Line (RE11) connects Oslo with towns including Holmestrand, Tønsberg, Sandefjord and Larvik. Check current timetables and service updates before travelling.
• By bus: Regional and local buses connect towns and communities throughout Vestfold. Routes and frequency vary depending on the destination.
• By ferry: Color Line operates ferry routes between Hirtshals in Denmark and Larvik, and between Strömstad in Sweden and Sandefjord.
• By air: TORP Sandefjord Airport (TRF) offers flights to and from several European destinations, with onward transport available to towns in Vestfold.

For more information about transport options and planning your journey, see our guide to getting to and around Vestfold.

The main airport serving Vestfold is TORP Sandefjord Airport (TRF), located near Sandefjord in southeastern Norway. The airport offers domestic flights and direct connections to several European destinations, making it a convenient gateway to the region.

Travellers can continue from the airport by train, bus, taxi or rental car. A shuttle bus connects the airport terminal with Torp railway station in approximately four minutes, where trains provide connections to Sandefjord, Tønsberg, Holmestrand and Oslo. Local bus services and taxis are also available.

Travel times depend on your destination and transport connections. Check current timetables before travelling.

Yes, Vestfold is worth visiting, especially if you enjoy coastal scenery, Norwegian history, art and relaxed seaside towns. Located southwest of Oslo, the region offers a combination of cultural attractions, outdoor activities and coastal experiences within relatively short distances.

Highlights include:

• Viking history: Explore historic burial mounds at Borre and learn about the Viking Age at Midgard Vikingsenter in Horten.
• Art and culture: Visit Edvard Munch’s former home in Åsgårdstrand and discover art museums and galleries throughout the region.
• Coastal experiences: Enjoy beaches, coastal walks and the islands of the Oslofjord, including the spectacular scenery at Verdens Ende on Tjøme.
• Historic towns: Explore Tønsberg, Sandefjord, Larvik, Stavern and other towns with their own maritime history and local character.

Vestfold is suitable for day trips from Oslo, weekend breaks and longer stays. Summer is particularly popular for beaches and coastal activities, while museums, cultural attractions and outdoor experiences offer reasons to visit in other seasons too.

Vestfold offers a wide range of things to do, from exploring Viking history and visiting art museums to hiking along the coast, relaxing on beaches and discovering charming seaside towns.

Some of the best experiences in Vestfold include:

• Explore Viking history: Visit Midgard Viking Centre and the ancient burial mounds at Borre near Horten.
• Discover art and museums: Visit Munch’s House in Åsgårdstrand, explore art exhibitions and discover museums throughout Vestfold.
• Experience the coastline: Visit Verdens Ende on Tjøme, explore Færder National Park or enjoy the beaches and coastal trails along the Oslofjord.
• Visit historic seaside towns: Explore Tønsberg, Stavern, Sandefjord, Larvik and other coastal communities, each with its own character and attractions.
• Enjoy outdoor activities: Go hiking, cycling or kayaking, or take a boat trip through the archipelago.
• Attend cultural events: Discover concerts, festivals, exhibitions and other events throughout the year.

Many coastal activities are particularly popular in summer, while museums, cultural attractions and outdoor experiences offer opportunities to explore Vestfold in other seasons. Check opening hours and seasonal availability when planning your visit.

Vestfold is best known for its Viking heritage, beautiful coastline, maritime history and strong connections to Norwegian art and culture. Located along the Oslofjord, the region combines historic sites with seaside towns, beaches and an extensive archipelago.

Some of Vestfold’s most distinctive features include:

• Viking heritage: Vestfold is home to important Viking Age burial sites, including the Borre burial mounds near Horten. The famous Oseberg and Gokstad Viking ship discoveries are also closely connected to the region.
• Edvard Munch: The internationally renowned Norwegian artist spent many summers in Åsgårdstrand, where visitors can explore landscapes that inspired several of his paintings.
• Coastal culture: Vestfold is known for its beaches, islands, seaside communities and maritime traditions along the Oslofjord.
• Historic towns: Tønsberg is known for its long history, while Sandefjord has a strong maritime and whaling heritage.
• Nature and landscapes: Færder National Park, Verdens Ende and the coastal landscape of Mølen are among the region’s distinctive natural attractions.

Together, these features make Vestfold an appealing destination for travellers interested in Norwegian history, art, nature and coastal life.

Vestfold is a family-friendly destination with plenty of activities for children, including beaches, climbing parks, animal encounters, museums and indoor play centres. Families can enjoy outdoor adventures in summer and find activities for rainy days throughout the year.

Popular family activities in Vestfold include:

• Beaches and coastal adventures: Enjoy family-friendly beaches, swimming, short coastal walks and exploring the islands along the Oslofjord.
• Climbing and activity parks: Visit Høyt & Lavt Vestfold near Larvik for outdoor climbing, or try Høyt Under Taket near Tønsberg for indoor climbing.
• Animal encounters: Visit local farms such as Holt Gård near Tønsberg, where children can meet farm animals and experience rural life.
• Museums and Viking history: Explore Midgard Viking Centre in Horten or visit the Whaling Museum in Sandefjord, which has exhibitions about maritime history and Arctic and Antarctic wildlife.
• Indoor activities: Try bowling, trampoline parks and indoor play centres, including Metro Sandefjord and Rush Trampoline Park in Larvik.

Some attractions are seasonal, and activities may have age, height or booking requirements. Check opening hours and availability before your visit.

Vestfold is one of Norway’s most important regions for Viking history, with burial mounds, archaeological sites, museums and Viking ship discoveries. Visitors can explore many of these historic locations along the Viking Trail, which stretches approximately 60 kilometres from Mølen in the south to Borre in the north.

Some of the best places to experience Viking history in Vestfold include:

• Midgard Viking Centre (Horten): Discover Viking Age exhibitions and visit the reconstructed Viking hall near the historic Borre burial grounds.
• Borre Burial Mounds (Horten): Explore one of Northern Europe’s most significant collections of monumental burial mounds from the Viking Age.
• Oseberg (Tønsberg): Visit the area where the famous Oseberg Viking ship was discovered in 1904.
• Gokstad Mound (Sandefjord): Discover the burial site where the Gokstad Viking ship was excavated in 1880.
• Kaupang (Larvik): Explore the location of one of Norway’s earliest trading settlements, an important centre of commerce during the Viking Age.

For a more complete experience, follow the Viking Trail through Vestfold and discover historic sites, museums and cultural attractions along the route.

Opening hours and guided activities vary by location and season, so check availability before visiting.

There are plenty of things to do in Vestfold on a rainy day. The region offers museums, art galleries, indoor activities, spas and cosy cafés, making it easy to enjoy your visit even when the weather is wet.

Some popular rainy-day activities include:

• Visit museums: Explore Viking history at Midgard Viking Centre in Horten, discover maritime history at the Whaling Museum in Sandefjord or visit the Naval Museum in Horten.
• Discover art: Visit the Nerdrum Museum in Stavern, Preus Museum in Horten or explore local art galleries.
• Enjoy indoor family activities: Try climbing at Høyt Under Taket near Tønsberg, trampoline activities at Rush in Larvik or bowling and indoor games at Metro Sandefjord.
• Relax at a spa: Enjoy wellness facilities and indoor relaxation at a spa hotel, such as Farris Bad in Larvik.
• Explore cafés and restaurants: Spend a relaxing afternoon enjoying coffee, local food or a meal in one of Vestfold’s towns.

Many indoor attractions are suitable for visitors of different ages, making rainy days an opportunity to discover another side of Vestfold.

Opening hours, age restrictions and booking requirements vary, so check the individual attractions before visiting.

Vestfold offers a wide range of accommodation, including hotels, seaside resorts, cabins, apartments, campsites and guest harbours. The best place to stay depends on what you want to experience during your visit.

Popular accommodation options include:

• Hotels: Stay in towns such as Tønsberg, Sandefjord, Larvik, Horten or Holmestrand for convenient access to restaurants, shops and local attractions.
• Coastal accommodation: Choose Tjøme, Stavern, Åsgårdstrand or other seaside communities for beaches, coastal walks and relaxing surroundings.
• Cabins and apartments: Ideal for families, groups and travellers looking for extra space or self-catering facilities.
• Camping: Explore campsites along the coast, with options for tents, caravans, motorhomes and cabins.
• Guest harbours: Visitors travelling by boat can find guest harbours in several coastal towns.
• Unique accommodation: Discover distinctive places to stay, including historic properties and accommodation close to nature.

Many towns and attractions in Vestfold are within manageable travelling distances, making it possible to stay in one location and explore several parts of the region.

Accommodation availability and opening seasons vary, particularly for campsites and coastal properties. Booking ahead is recommended during the summer holiday season.

Vestfold is known for fresh seafood, locally grown vegetables, fruit and berries, and a rich food culture shaped by its coastline and agricultural traditions. Often described as one of Norway’s most important food-producing regions, Vestfold offers everything from traditional Norwegian dishes to modern cuisine featuring seasonal, locally sourced ingredients.

Some of the food experiences worth exploring include:

• Fresh seafood: Enjoy fish, shrimp and shellfish at waterfront restaurants in Sandefjord, Tønsberg, Stavern and other coastal towns.
• Local produce: Discover seasonal vegetables, strawberries, apples and other locally grown products from farms throughout Vestfold.
• Farm shops and local producers: Visit farm shops selling fresh produce, homemade specialities, baked goods and other regional products.
• Restaurants and seaside dining: Choose from casual cafés, traditional Norwegian restaurants and fine dining establishments, including restaurants with views of the Oslofjord.
• Cafés and bakeries: Explore local cafés and bakeries offering fresh pastries, coffee and light meals.

For a taste of the region, explore restaurants, farm shops and local food experiences across Vestfold. Opening hours and seasonal offerings vary, so check availability before visiting.

The best time to visit Vestfold depends on what you want to experience. June to August is ideal for beaches, island trips and seaside activities, while spring, autumn and winter offer quieter coastal landscapes, cultural experiences and opportunities to explore the region at a slower pace.

Here’s what to expect throughout the year:

• Spring (March–May): Enjoy coastal walks, longer days, spring landscapes and visits to towns, cafés and cultural attractions.
• Summer (June–August): Experience beaches, swimming, boating, outdoor dining, festivals and lively seaside towns.
• Autumn (September–November): Explore colourful landscapes, quieter coastal trails, local food experiences and museums.
• Winter (December–February): Discover peaceful coastal scenery, winter walks, museums, cultural events and cosy cafés.

For a traditional Norwegian seaside holiday, summer is generally the best choice. Spring and autumn are good alternatives if you prefer a quieter visit.

Some attractions, restaurants and boat services operate seasonally, so check opening hours before travelling.

Two to three days is a good starting point for exploring Vestfold, but the ideal length of your stay depends on your interests. A day trip is enough to explore one destination, while a longer stay allows you to combine coastal scenery, Viking history, art and local food.

Here are some suggestions:

• One day: Focus on one destination. Explore Tønsberg’s historic centre, visit Viking heritage sites near Horten, or enjoy the coastal scenery at Verdens Ende on Tjøme.
• Two to three days: Combine nearby destinations. Explore Åsgårdstrand and Horten for art and Viking history, or visit Larvik, Stavern and Mølen for coastal landscapes and local experiences.
• Four to seven days: Discover more of Vestfold at a relaxed pace. Visit several towns, enjoy beaches and outdoor activities, explore museums and historic sites, and experience the region’s restaurants and cafés.

Vestfold is also suitable for weekend trips from Oslo. Staying in one town and exploring nearby destinations can help you make the most of your visit without spending too much time travelling.

Check opening hours and seasonal availability when planning your itinerary.

Yes, you can explore much of Vestfold without a car. Trains connect several of the region’s main towns, while local buses, walking and cycling make it possible to reach many attractions, restaurants and coastal areas.

Here are some practical ways to travel around Vestfold:

• By train: The Vestfold Line connects Holmestrand, Tønsberg, Sandefjord and Larvik with Oslo. Destinations such as Horten and Åsgårdstrand require onward transport by bus or taxi.
• By local bus: Vestfold Kollektivtrafikk (VKT) operates bus services connecting towns, communities and local attractions. Routes and frequency vary, particularly outside the main towns.
• On foot: Town centres such as Tønsberg, Sandefjord, Larvik and Holmestrand are suitable for exploring on foot.
• By bicycle: Vestfold offers scenic cycling routes along the coast and through towns and countryside.

Public transport is a practical option if you plan to explore the main towns. However, renting a car may be more convenient for visiting rural attractions, remote beaches or several destinations in a short time.

Check current train and bus timetables before travelling, especially on weekends and public holidays.

Many attractions, restaurants and cultural venues in Vestfold welcome visitors throughout the year, but opening hours and availability vary depending on the season.

Here’s what to expect:

• Museums and cultural attractions: Several museums and galleries offer experiences outside the summer season, although some have reduced opening hours or close during certain periods.
• Restaurants and cafés: Many restaurants in towns such as Tønsberg, Sandefjord, Larvik and Horten are open year-round. Some seaside restaurants operate mainly during the warmer months.
• Outdoor attractions: Beaches, coastal trails, historic sites and natural areas can often be visited throughout the year, depending on weather and local conditions.
• Seasonal activities: Boat trips, guided tours, festivals and certain family attractions may operate only during specific months.
• Local food experiences: Farm shops, markets and local producers may have seasonal opening hours.

Vestfold offers experiences in every season, but the selection is generally wider during summer, particularly along the coast.

Before visiting, check the latest opening hours on the attraction’s or restaurant’s official website. Booking ahead is recommended for popular restaurants, guided tours and special experiences.