The coastal towns of Larvik and Stavern are located in Vestfold, about 1.5 hours south of Oslo, and are among Norway’s most popular summer destinations.
The area is known for its beaches, smooth seaside rocks, and a beautiful archipelago, perfect for swimming, kayaking, and long coastal walks.
Climb and zip-line at Høyt & Lavt Vestfold, relax at the exclusive Farris Bad spa, and explore Bøkeskogen, Norway’s largest beech forest.
Want summer sun and exciting festivals? Not to mention history and scenic surroundings?
Find it all in Vestfold, just a 1.5-hour drive from Oslo!
The adventures starts with a visit to Stavern …
… which has been named "Summer Town of the Year" several years running.
Buzzing urban life meets art and beautiful nature …
Even in the middle of the city centre!
Take a historic stroll through the Fredriksvern verft shipyard past the Fredsskipene boats. Stop and listen: the boats are an active art installation with sound and light.
Don't miss these highlights.
Next, you can follow the 35-kilometre long coastal trail that takes you to Helgeroa, past massive smooth seaside rocks and beaches, forest trails and an endless horizon …
Along the way, you'll pass the spectacular Mølen pebble beach.
The enormous rocks on the pebble beach have been formed by sea, wind, and ice over thousands of years. The area is part of the Gea Norvegica UNESCO Global Geopark. The landscape is home to many types of rock, including Larvikite, Norway's national rock.
Make sure to stop at charming Nevlunghavn harbour.
The area also has lots of popular beaches with white powder sand and smooth, sun-warmed boulders.
The urban Batteristranda beach and Ula beach and camping are both favourites among locals.
Did you know that Norway's most popular sparkling mineral water, Farris, has its source in Larvik? And that the same nutritious water …
… flows into the pools at the Farris Bad spa?
With a beautiful location by the urban beach, everything is set for you and your friends, or your partner, to find tranquility – and the perfect spa treatment. It's also ahotel!
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
In the heart of Larvik’s harbor, be sure to visit Restaurant Sjøslag, renowned for its fresh seafood and locally sourced ingredients. Here, you can even arrive in your own boat!
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
If you hear music in the distance in July …
… it may be coming from Stavernfestivalen!
The annual music festival is internationally renowned and attracts major artists from Norway and abroad.
Larvik is just as pretty in the autumn, especially when the leaves change colour in Bøkeskogen beech wood forest.
The 74 acre protected park makes you want to just walk and walk. But do stop by Bøkekroa, where good food and upbeat jazz music is served every Friday in the summer months.
Get even closer to nature by spending a night for all the senses between the trees.
Wake up to the twittering of birds in a treetop cabin or an ultra cool glass cabin in Laagen.
Nearby, you can also get plenty of air under your feet at Scandinavia's biggest climbing park Høyt og Lavt!
This fantastic playground just 45 minutes from Larvik is where young and old head to enjoy ziplines and obstacle courses, and experience a sense of mastery!
Kaupang Vikingbyen, Norway's first city, is also located in Larvik. Though no longer a city, the site includes activities throughout the summer and tours of the what was once part of the world of the Vikings.
The area is steeped in history. Water has always been important to Larvik – and to its native son, adventurer Thor Heyerdahl, who crossed the Pacific Ocean in a wooden raft in a bid to prove that migration between the Pacific islands and South America was possible, as recounted in The Kon-Tiki Expedition.
Take a guided tour of his childhood home, where his adventurous spirit was inspired by his views of the sea. Larvik Museum gives you even more insight into the city's maritime history.
Feel the love in Larvik and Stavern!
Get more information on Visit Vestfold's official website.
Plan your trip to Larvik and Stavern with Entur.
The ferry line Color Line links Larvik with Hirtshals in Denmark with two daily departures. Color Line and Fjord Line link Sandefjord with Strömstad in Sweden. Read more about travelling to Larvik by ferry.
The train stops in Larvik on its way between Oslo and Skien. It takes approximately 2 hours from Larvik to Oslo.
There are several daily departures by express bus between Oslo and Larvik. The journey takes about 2 hours.
For other bus alternatives, visit Vestfold’s official website.
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Larvik is located approximately 130 kilometres south of Oslo by road.
If you go by car from Oslo, follow the main road E18 to Larvik.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
There are several domestic and international flights to and from Torp Sandefjord Airport.
The airport is located 7 kilometres northeast of Sandefjord. From there you can go by both train and bus to Larvik and Oslo.
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