Maritime museum

The Maritime Museum is located in the old customs house by Skottebrygga in Larvik, a historic brick building dating from the early 18th century. Here you can explore Larvik's maritime history through stories of daring explorers, Norwegian sailors during the Second World War and the town's past as a whaling centre. Part of Larvik Museum, the exhibitions take you from the local harbour to oceans around the world.

From Larvik to the world's oceans
What inspires people to set out on long and dangerous expeditions? In the exhibition Explorers and Adventurers, you can discover the stories of eight people connected to Larvik who challenged the oceans and the forces of nature. Learn about Thor Heyerdahl and his expeditions aboard Kon-Tiki, Ra and Tigris, polar explorer Oscar Wisting and whaling pioneer Carl Anton Larsen. The exhibition also introduces lesser-known adventurers, including two scouts who travelled by canoe from Larvik to Kenya in the 1950s. Through photographs, objects and personal stories, the exhibition explores journeys driven by scientific curiosity, the spirit of adventure and the determination to reach new goals.

The wartime sailors of Larvik
During the Second World War, Norwegian merchant sailors played a vital role in transporting goods and supplies to the Allied forces. Many faced torpedo attacks, bombing and the constant uncertainty of whether they would return home. In the exhibition Wartime Sailors from Larvik, you can discover the stories of ten young men from the town who sailed the world's oceans during the war. Their experiences offer a personal perspective on an important chapter of Norwegian wartime history and the sacrifices made by sailors and their families.

Larvik's whaling history
Whaling shaped Larvik for generations and was once an important part of the town's economy. The exhibition Larvik, the Whaling Town tells the stories of the people, ships and businesses that connected Larvik to the whaling industry in the Southern Ocean. Discover how whaling influenced working life and the local community, and learn about an industry that played a major role in Vestfold's maritime history.

Family activities and guided tours
During the summer season, the Maritime Museum offers activities for children, encouraging younger visitors to explore the exhibitions through games and tasks. Previous activities have included activity booklets and a digital treasure hunt inspired by the well-known Norwegian shipbuilder Colin Archer. Guided tours are available for groups by prior arrangement. A guide can introduce the stories behind the expeditions, the wartime sailors and life along the coast, giving visitors a deeper understanding of the exhibitions. The museum also hosts talks and cultural events at selected times throughout the year.

Discover more of historic Larvik
The Maritime Museum stands beside Skottebrygga, in a part of Larvik where the town's seafaring past is still visible. The museum building, known as the Old Customs House, is Larvik's oldest surviving stone building and has served as a museum since 1962. To explore more of the town's history, visit Herregården, the historic residence built for Count Ulrik Fredrik Gyldenløve in the 1670s. Here you can discover the history of Larvik's noble county and everyday life in earlier centuries. Both attractions are part of Larvik Museum, and during the main summer season a combined admission ticket allows you to visit both museums.

Plan your visit
The Maritime Museum is located at Kirkestredet 5, 3263 Larvik, next to the historic Skottebrygga waterfront. The museum operates seasonally. In 2026, regular opening hours were from 20 June to 16 August, Thursday to Sunday, 11 am–4 pm. From 17 August 2026, the museum is closed for regular visits, although access may be possible during advertised events and special occasions. The next regular season is planned for June 2027. Admission prices vary between the summer and low seasons. During the main summer season, a combined ticket is available for the Maritime Museum and Herregården. Guided group tours must be booked in advance and carry an additional charge. As the museum is housed in a historic building, some areas may have accessibility limitations. Visitors with specific access requirements should contact the museum before travelling.

Visit the Larvik Museum website for current opening hours, admission prices, events and guided tour bookings.