Horten and Åsgårdstrand

Munch and Viking history

The charming seaside towns of Horten and Åsgårdstrand are rich in
history and culture, and offer tranquil coastal and inland nature.

Horten is located on the western shore of the Oslofjord in Vestfold, Eastern Norway's 'sunshine coast'. This seaside town has a rich cultural life.

Delve into Norwegian history at the Midgard Viking Centre, the Borre burial mounds or Karljohansvern, a historic former naval base that is now home to museums and numerous listed buildings.

The municipality’s long coastline ends at Åsgårdstrand in the south, where the artist Edvard Munch painted some of his most famous works. You can even visit his summer home.

Find inspiration below, or go directly to:

A boat drives in a leisurely pace in the Hortenkanalen canal in Horten in Vestfold, Eastern Norway

Three girls on a bridge in Åsgårdstrand in Vestfold, Eastern Norway - a remake of “The girls on the bridge" by Edvard Munch

Two women walking with bike in front of Edvard Munch's old house in Åsgårdstrand

Drift past the trees on a boat and walk along waterside trails.

Do you recognize this famous motif?

Local landmarks and landscapes feature in many of Norwegian-born expressionist painter Edvard Munch's works, including Pikene på broen (The girls on the bridge).

Experience picturesque Åsgårdstrand, where one of Modernism's most important artists found his inspiration, and ...

... visit Edvard Munch's house, where everything remains as it was when the artist lived there.

Stroll through idyllic streets with small wooden houses, cafés and galleries in Åsgardstrand.

Top things to do

Don't miss these highlights.

Vikings at Midgard Vikingsenter, Borre, Horten

Two women visiting the outdoor submarine at Karljohansvern, in Horten

Journey back in time and unleash your inner Viking at ...

... the Midgard Viking Centre.

The centre is located near the Borre burial mounds, one of Norway's most important cultural heritage sites. Explore Viking history and try your hand at Viking games and activities.

Norway’s national photo museum, Preus Museum, is located at the historic former naval base Karljohansvern in Horten, offering visitors many fascinating exhibitions.

Enjoy a cup of coffee and a snack in the café.

Here, you will also find the Navy Museum, one of the oldest naval museums in the world. Established in 1853, its collection includes more than 150 model ships, and you can even climb into a submarine.

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

Treetop Cabin Oslofjord outside Horten, Eastern Norway

Enjoy some fresh seafood in Åsgårdstrand, Eastern Norway

Wake up to the sound of bird song!

Tretopphytter Oslofjord is located in Nordre Vegge just outside Horten. Its treetop cabins offer stunning views of the Oslofjord and the surrounding nature.

Sample some delicious Norwegian seafood!

Visit Grand Restaurant in Åsgårdstrand for a tasty meal by the harbour and panoramic views of the fjord.

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

Want to explore these quaint surroundings at your own pace?

Start planning your trip today!

Find more information on Horten and Åsgårdstrand's official website.

visitvestfold.com

Getting here and around

Plan your trip to Horten with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.

By train
There are trains from Oslo to Skoppum, which is only 8 kilometres from Horten city centre.
Ad: Visit Vy's website for tickets and timetables
By car
Horten is located 88 kilometres south of Oslo. From Oslo, follow the E18 motorway south and then take either the Rv310 or the Rv306 to Horten.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
Ad: Auto Europe – always a smooth rental experience
By boat
The Bastø Fosen ferries, which link Moss in Østfold to Horten in Vestfold, serve Norway's busiest ferry route. The crossing takes 30 minutes, and the ferries run throughout the day.
By plane
Sandefjord Airport Torp is 35 minutes away, and is the closest airport serving Horten. Oslo Airport Gardermoen is located north of Oslo and is about an hour and a half from Horten by car. Both airports offer numerous domestic and international flights.
Ad: Norwegian – cheap and direct flights in Norway and over 70 European destinations
By bus
There are several daily bus departures between Oslo and Horten. The journey takes about two hours.
There are also numerous local buses serving the Horten area.
Ad: Vy ekspress - travel comfortably by bus throughout Norway

Get inspired

Walk in Munch's footsteps

Explore the places that inspired Munch's most iconic works.

Two women are kissing in a street in Southern Norway

Where the locals go: 10 charming summer spots

Traditional wooden houses, photogenic harbours, and fresh seaside air – welcome to our most charming summer towns and cities.

See it for yourself

Åsgårdstrand by the Oslofjord
A summer day in Horten

Discover more

Vestfold

Four women relaxing by the indoor pool at Engø gård at Tjøme, Eastern Norway

The Oslo region with the girls

People enjoying a fresh seafood platter av Nevlunghavn Gjestgiveri.

A getaway west of Oslo

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.