The Viking Heartland of Norway

Welcome to Vestfold – the heart of the Viking era in Norway. Just an hour south of Oslo, this compact region blends Viking history, seaside towns, art and Nordic flavours seamlessly.

In other words – a perfect destination for viking enthusiasts.

Velkomststein: Steinplate med inngravert tekst "Velkommen til Borre" i naturlig omgivelse. — © Simen Sørhaug

Gravhaug ved solnedgang: Grønn jordhaug omkranset av store, nakne trær med soloppvarmet bark i en rolig skogsetting. — © Simen Sørhaug

This isn’t about horned helmets and tourist traps, but about authentic encounters with Norse heritage, complemented by contemporary culture, coastal adventures and Nordic luxury.

After all, Vestfold is where some of the most important discoveries in Viking history were made and you can explore some of them up close👇

The Viking Ship Saga Oseberg

The world's most important discovery from the Viking era was made just outside Tønsberg in 1904 -…

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Sandefjord Viking Park

At Sandefjord Viking Park, you can follow along and even participate in the construction of an ar…

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Midgard Viking Centre

Midgard Viking Centre was opened in 2000 with the purpose of promoting Vestfold’s Viking heritage.

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Walk with a Viking: Guided tour in Tønsberg

Explore Norway’s oldest city with a Viking.

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Borrehaugene

The Borre Park features the largest collection of great mounds from the later Iron Age in the Nor…

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The Slottsfjells Museum

Slottsfjellsmuseet offers an exhibition on the Middle Ages, “The history of Tønsberg city” both i…

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Want to Walk in the Footsteps of the Vikings?

Explore the Viking trail in Vestfold.

The Viking Trail in Vestfold

Stretching about 60 km (40 miles) from Mølen in the south to Borre in the north, the Vestfold- re…

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Coastal Beauty Unchanged Since Viking Times

Island Escapes

The Vestfold archipelago remains hauntingly beautiful. These same islands that sheltered Viking longships now welcome modern explorers.

Kraftige bølger slår mot en strand dekket av glatte, mørke steiner. Solens siste stråler skaper et spektakulært spill av gylne og oransje farger på himmelen og vannoverflaten. Steinene reflekterer solens lys, nesten som om de gløder innenfra. — © Simen Sørhaug/Visit Vestfold

Go island hopping on ferries or taxi boats. Pack a picnic. Find a smooth rock for swimming. Explore hidden coves. The landscape feels untouched by time.

Tre seler hviler på solbelyst stein i havet. Spettete pels skinner i solen. Blått, rolig vann omgir steinen — © Visit Vestfold

For something special, book a guided kayak tour. Local guides know the coastline like the back of their hand, and will ensure everything from safety and equipment to local stories and legends.

🚣‍♂️ Want to feel like a proper Viking?
Check out Saga Oseberg in Tønsberg city center, and book a session to row it on the fjord!

⚓ Did you know? The Viking ship «Saga Farmann» built in Tønsberg by the Oseberg Viking Heritage Foundation is currently sailing the waters of Europe with a crew from a volunteer ship guild.

Follow their journey

Verdens Ende: The World’s End

Vikings believed the world ended at Tjøme’s dramatic coastline. Today, Verdens Ende (The World’s End) offers spectacular views, a famous lighthouse and restaurants serving seafood caught hours earlier.

to personer i kajakk på vannet ved Verdens Ende på Tjøme — © Didrick Stenersen

During high season it might feel a little touristy, but its well worth it. The dramatic rocks, crashing waves, and endless horizon explain why Vikings chose such a poetic name.

Explore Seaside Towns

Beyond the islands, Vestfold’s coastal towns each offer their own charm.

Stavern is a lively summer hub with art, galleries and golden beaches, while Nevlunghavn keeps its small fishing village feel with white wooden houses and a slower pace.

Åsgårdstrand is a quiet village best known for inspiring Edvard Munch, and Sandefjord blends Viking history with harbourside dining

Person går tur ned til sjøen med strandbag over skulderen — © Elisabeth Stavik / Visit Vestfold

Steinete strand med seilbåthavn i bakgrunnen. Båtmaster stikker opp mot blå himmel, og grønne trær vokser langs strandkanten. — © Elisabeth Stavik / Visit Vestfold

Out in the archipelago, Færder’s islands of Tjøme and Nøtterøy are favourites for summer escapes, and nearby Veierland is a car-free island paradise best explored by bike.

Finally, Tønsberg, Norway’s oldest town, mixes buzzing waterfront life with deep Viking roots.

Don’t miss these activities👇

Hiking and coastal trails in Vestfold

Are you wondering where you should go to explore the archipelago and hiking areas in Vestfold? Wh…

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Art Experiences in Vestfold

Discover art in Vestfold and go on an art trip! From Edvard Munch’s house in Åsgårdstrand to Haug…

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Boat Trip in the Archipelago

Enjoy the archipelago life with a boat trip. Find an overview of scheduled and charter boats.

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Farm shops and inspirational gardens in Vestfold

Pick up goodies from local farm shops and food producers. Here is the overview.

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Feast Like You Mean It

Taste the Landscape

Food is at the heart of the Vestfold experience. From seafood straight out of the fjord to farm-fresh cider and traditional dishes, food in Vestfold is rooted in local products which is reflected in the regions eateries.

En person i historisk drakt bærer et dampende fat i et mørkt, tradisjonsrikt trehus. Dampen stiger opp og skaper en drømmende atmosfære. Personens ansiktsuttrykk er konsentrert og alvorlig, som om hun utfører en hellig handling. — © Pixlight Fotograf

Where Chefs Make Magic

Michelin-starred chef Geir Skeie works his magic at Brygga 11 in Sandefjord, transforming fresh catches into culinary art.

In Larvik, Sjøslag serves harbourfront dining at its finest – think just-caught seafood with salty breezes included along with one of Norways finest wine lists.

To kokker står på et restaurantkjøkken og legger mat fra en stekepanne over på tallerkener. — © Visit Vestfold

For true fine dining, Pileredet at the idyllic Engø Gård on the island of Tjøme elevates seasonal Nordic ingredients in a centuries-old farm setting.

Meanwhile, Taket Skybar at the top of Hotel Klubben crowns Tønsberg with modern Nordic bites and panoramic rooftop views that steal the show.

: Et eldre par nyter et måltid ved et rundt bord med panoramautsikt over havet. Store vinduer slipper inn naturlig lys, og i bakgrunnen sees hav, svaberg og en steinbygget skorstein. Bordet er dekket med frokost- eller lunsjretter, kaffekopper og en liten plante som tilfører en hyggelig atmosfære. — © Adrenaline Pictures

The ultimate magic happens at World’s End Spiseriet on the edge of Tjøme. Here, exceptional cuisine meets infinite horizons – dining doesn’t get more dramatic than this.

🧺 Do as the locals do: If you prefer to explore local flavours at your own pace, don’t miss the region’s farm shops. Pick up fresh apple cider, homemade cheese or traditional pastries.

Hungry yet?

Get your taste of Vestfold here👇

Food & drink in Vestfold

Fancy a bite to eat at one of the many eateries in Vestfold? Whether you’re looking for a d…

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Hotels & Charming Hideaways

Where to Rest Your Viking Bones

Vestfold’s accommodation scene matches its Viking heritage – impressive, varied, and surprisingly sophisticated. Four properties perfectly capture the region’s range.

To personer på balkong ved spa med utsikt over havet. Moderne glassfasade med rolig blått hav i bakgrunnen. — © Farris Bad

Farris Bad stands as Norway’s premier spa destination. This architectural marvel combines thermal pools, world-class treatments, and fjord views that haven’t changed since Viking times.

Insider tip: Book a sea-facing room and one of their signature spa treatments – pure Nordic bliss.

Nattutsikt over en by med vann og en kirke i bakgrunnen, en bygning med en belyst terrasse. — © Taket på Hotel Klubben

Hotel Klubben brings contemporary cool to Tønsberg’s waterfront. The rooftop skybar has become the town’s social hub, while art-filled corridors and designer rooms attract style-conscious travellers.

Location? You’re steps from museums, shops and the harbour.

Et grønt gårdshus med terrasse i høstsol — © Nicca Wanderlust

Engø Gård on Tjøme offers something completely different – an old farm transformed into intimate luxury.

Their acclaimed restaurant showcases estate-grown produce, while rooms blend historic charm with modern comfort. It’s where countryside meets coastline in perfect harmony.

Takterrassen på The Pool Club ved Quality Hotel Tønsberg, med et elegant basseng omgitt av solsenger og sittegrupper. Den stilige lounge-atmosfæren inviterer til avslapning, med utsikt over Tønsberg havn, brygga og moderne leilighetsbygg langs vannet. Poolbaren ligger i sentrum av området, omgitt av grønne planter og en solrik terrasse. — © Quality Hotel Tønsberg

Quality Hotel Tønsberg proves great value doesn’t mean compromise. Their rooftop pool club features a heated pool and sauna with panoramic fjord views.

Add the waterfront location and generous breakfast spread and you understand why savvy travellers book here for Viking adventures by day, rooftop relaxation by night.

For Something Different

For unique stays, consider lighthouse accommodation at Fulehuk or Tvistein, treetop cabins at Tretopphytter Oslofjord and Visit Laagen or the coastal charm of old school bathing hotel Nevlunghavn Gjestgiveri.

Person ligger å leser ved sjøen. — © Elisabeth Stavik / Visit Vestfold

Rød og hvit fyrtårn på klippe ved havet. Norsk flagg vaier ved små hvite hus. Turkisblått hav og klar himmel i bakgrunnen — © Elisabeth Stavik / Visit Vestfold

Explore all accomodations

Vestfold – An Accessible Destination

Vestfold is small, well-connected, and easy to explore, wheter you’re here for a week or a weekend.

How to get here and around

The rest of the world is just a flight away via Torp Sandefjord Airport, or via ferry connections…

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TORP Sandefjord Airport (TRF) is the closest airport to Vestfold, with direct flights from several European cities, including Ryanair routes.

If you’re coming from further away, there are great connections through Copenhagen which brings you quickly into Southern Norway.

From the airport, trains and buses make it simple to reach towns like Tønsberg, Sandefjord, Larvik, Horten and Holmestrand.

With short travel times and easy transfers, you can explore the entire region without needing a car.

Dansing rundt bål på Midgardsblot — © Midgardsblot

Fun fact: Every August, the Viking burial grounds at Borre transform into Midgardsblot – a unique heavy metal and viking festival.

Ready to write your own saga? Torp Airport is waiting. The Vikings are calling. All you need to do is answer.

Viking Escapes in Vestfold: History, Coast & Culture