In Stavern, the summer pulse beats a little extra, and when the award for summer town of the year has been announced, Stavern has been the winner – four years in a row (reiseguiden.no). The small, sizzling Vestfold town has been dubbed Norway’s smiley, but Stavern is worth a visit all year round.

And is it any wonder we like it here? Walking in historic surroundings combined with a southern atmosphere in the pedestrianised streets, the art galleries are close together and the beach life beckons.

When nature also offers miles of coastal paths where your gaze finds peace on the horizon, and the cultural programme offers concerts and performances in a safe setting for young and old, we feel that good summer feeling. The Stavern Festival usually attracts a large audience every year.

See all events here

Where to stay in Stavern

Stavern is teeming with people and experiences in the summer. Luckily, it’s easy to find peace and quiet at seaside hotels with a short distance to a swim in the sea and a good meal when you need it.

Nevlunghavn Guest House

Looking for a small hotel with 15 rooms, newly refurbished and a stone’s throw from the sea? Here you can enjoy a cup of coffee with a view of the harbour, borrow a bicycle for a brisk morning ride or take a morning swim before breakfast.

Book with Nevlunghavn Gjestgiveri

Hotel Wassilioff

The charming Hotel Wassilioff is centrally located in the city centre, but within easy reach of the sea. Here you can also dine at Restaurant Excellensen, which offers 3 and 5-course menus.

Book with Hotel Wassilioff

Boat trip to Svenner lighthouse

During the main season, there is a regular boat service from Stavern to Malmøya and Svenner Lighthouse. The flying boat takes you on a tour of the archipelago, or you can hop off at one of the islands and take the boat back at a later date.

Art galleries

In Stavern, the art galleries are densely packed in atmospheric surroundings, not least inside Fredriksvern Verft. Here you can shop for unique gifts for yourself or others.

Did you catch the TV series The Nerdrum Family? The Nerdrum Museum opens at Easter and you can experience Odd Nerdrum’s art up close.

Buy a ticket to the museum

In Stavern you can visit the Powder Tower, inside Fredriksvern Verft, and the Memorial Hall. The Powder Tower was built with functionality in mind. Placing 1,000 barrels of gunpowder in one place was a risk, and the need for two gunpowder towers was therefore included in the annual report for 1756.

The memorial hall is Norway’s national monument to fallen seamen, and is shaped like a pyramid. The memorial was erected in gratitude to all those from the fishing and merchant fleets who fell during the First and Second World Wars in the service of Norway.

On a history walk in Stavern

Stavern’s exciting history is vividly communicated by Stavernguiden Nils Melau, who is a knowledgeable guide who organises tours, historical walks, guided tours and sightseeing by boat and bus. Nils has great historical expertise and good communication skills. Contact us to book your own guide for a deeper dive into history.

Explore the sea

There’s always something to do in Stavern. In addition to Escaperoom, bubble football and a bookshop, Stavernopplevelser offers kayak and paddleboard (SUP) hire.

Book activities

In a kayak, you have the opportunity to paddle into narrow straits and discover special places. It’s great to get out on the water with a paddleboard, where you can enjoy the freedom of movement and relaxation you get while getting a good workout.

GAMME Ski & Kayak offers sea kayaking courses with Pål-Trygve Gamme, a certified Våttkort instructor and counsellor with more than 30 years of experience in safety in challenging environments. The courses emphasise interaction and group safety, individual feedback and adapted pedagogy.

Read more about sea kayaking courses

Stavern Dive Centre offers PADI diving courses and diving trips all year round. In addition, diving equipment and boat supplies are sold in their shop.

Read more about Stavern Diving Centre

Great campsites

In Stavern, the campsites are lined up in a row towards Helgeroa, making Larvik Norway’s largest camping municipality. There is easy access to sandy beaches, rocky shores and archipelago life.

Campsites

Camping in Larvik and Stavern

Would you like to stay simply but comfortably and within easy reach of the sea? See our overview …

Read more