In 60 seconds
Norway's oldest recorded town on the western Oslofjord, crowned by the medieval fortress of Slottsfjellet, royal Viking burial mounds at Oseberg and Borre, and the stone tipping point of Verdens Ende on Tjøme.
Best for
Known for
Skip if
You are seeking isolated alpine wildlands rather than historic coastal towns and bustling Oslofjord sailing harbours.
Your match
Choose a few travel interests and we will show how well Tønsberg & Vestfold fits them. Choose interests
See
The things that would make the trip incomplete without them.
Ruins of the medieval Tunsberghus royal castle and the 1888 brick tower commemorating Norway's thousand-year anniversary
Climb the hill from central Tønsberg to walk the stone ramparts and take in the panoramic view over the Byfjorden channel.
Southernmost headland of Tjøme island in Færder National Park, crowned by the iconic vippefyr (tipping lantern) built of local granite
Walk across the smooth granite rocks and suspension footbridge overlooking the Skagerrak sea lanes.
Northern Europe's largest collection of monumental royal Viking burial mounds beside a reconstructed monumental Viking feast hall
Explore the interactive Viking exhibitions and walk the coastal oak woods at Borre in Horten, 20 minutes north of Tønsberg.
Eat
A short list, kept short on purpose. Each entry answers one question: when is this the right choice?
Too few picks yet for their own heading, so they share this list.
Bocuse d'Or champion Geir Skeie's relaxed fish bar on Tønsberg Brygge
Order steaming bowls of blue mussels, fish and chips or pan-fried cod.
Waterfront dining room overlooking the marina at Røssesund on Tjøme island
Stop for fresh coastal seafood after visiting Verdens Ende.
Modern Nordic bistro on the waterfront wharf serving seasonal Skagerrak catch, duck and regional vegetables
Book an evening table overlooking the canal.
Independent specialty espresso bar and café near Torvet
Relax with a single-origin flat white and fresh cardamom pastry.
Beyond the obvious
Less obvious, rarely queued for, and usually the part people remember.
Active traditional boatyard on Tønsberg harbour where craftsmen build full-scale Viking ships using authentic period tools
Inspect the reconstructed Oseberg ship and board an authentic rowing tour during summer.
Former sea captains' school set on an ancient Viking burial mound in central Tønsberg holding modern art and Andy Warhol works
Explore the permanent and changing Norwegian and international contemporary art exhibitions.
Pristine coastal heathland and shingle beach network on western Tjøme perfect for quiet seaside walking
Follow the coastal trail from Mostranda south toward Verdens Ende through dwarf pines and rock slabs.
After dark
Bustling harbourfront lounge on Tønsberg Brygge with a large outdoor terrace
Enjoy an evening drink as yachts moor along the pier.
Orientation
How the city is actually divided, and what each part is for.
Lively pedestrian wooden wharf along the canal lined with restaurants and historic timber houses
The primary dining, walking and social district.
Connected chain of idyllic summer islands stretching south to the open Skagerrak
Best for beaches, national park nature and Verdens Ende.
Stay
Areas rather than hotels — pick the right one and the rest follows.
Hotels along Nedre Langgate and the canal promenade
Walking distance to the train station, Slottsfjellet and pier dining.
Seaside hotels and traditional cabins in the Færder archipelago
Ideal for a peaceful island holiday by the sea.
Practical
Plan this trip — useful links
Context
Enough to make what you are looking at legible.
Snorri Sturluson's sagas record Tønsberg as already a flourishing trading town before the Battle of Hafrsfjord, making it Norway's oldest town.
King Sverre besieges the Bagler faction on Slottsfjellet for five months in the Norwegian civil wars.
The magnificent 9th-century Oseberg Viking ship is discovered nearby in Slagen, revealing unmatched Viking artistry.
Further out
Worth a day if you have one to spare.
Norway's cultural capital, Munch Museum and Opera House
Easy day trip or onward journey along the Oslofjord.
Historic shipping town holding Europe's only dedicated whaling museum and Color Line ferry connections to Sweden
Explore the maritime history of the southern Vestfold coast.
