Sandefjord offers a unique mix of Nordic nature activities and cultural experiences and sightseeing. The main attraction in the city is the Sandefjord Museum, which houses the world’s only preserved whaling ship, the Southern Actor. The museum provides insight into the region’s whaling history. The Midtåsen Sculpture Park is also interesting. Another historical must-see is the Gokstad Mound. This burial site is where the famous Gokstad Viking ship was discovered, now on display at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo.
Sandefjord’s natural landscapes and magnificent fjord are something to behold. Numerous beaches offer opportunities for swimming and sunbathing in the warmer months. Meanwhile, coastal paths provide scenic routes for hiking and cycling. And the historic Sandefjord Spa, once the largest in Scandinavia, although the spa is no longer in operation, shows the tradition of health care but today you can enjoy modern spas in various facilities.
Location
Sandefjord, located on the fjord of the same name, is a small town in Vestfold, Norway.
Sandefjord Whaling Museum
The main attraction of the museum is a large model of a blue whale hanging from the ceiling. In general, the museum presents a zoological exhibition with stuffed animals from the polar regions.
The main themes are Norwegian discoveries and presence in Antarctica, cultural encounters in the context of the whaling industry, family life and gender roles. The exhibition is largely based on the museum’s collections, as well as on loan materials.
Veierland
The island has a regular ferry connection to the Engø peninsula in nearby Sandefjord. Veierland is a car-free island in the municipality of Færder, with around 150 permanent residents.
The island offers a real idyll with beach life, activities, picking berries and mushrooms. The landscape is ideal for exploring by bike or on foot.
Vesterøya
Vestvågøya is an island in the Lofoten archipelago in the Norwegian Sea. The highest point is the Himmeltindan peak (964 m above sea level).
Vesterøya, together with the Osteroya peninsulas, contributes to the 146 km (91 mi) long coastline of Sandefjord. The area is known for its beautiful beaches and attracts tourists looking for cottages and campsites, making it a popular holiday destination.
Østerøya
Osterøya is a coastal Norwegian island located in the Norwegian Sea, off the west coast of the country, northeast of Bergen. Area 328 km². It has a mountainous character, with altitudes of up to 869 m above sea level.
Østerøya has a large number of beaches, campsites, recreational areas and holiday homes. The peninsula is 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) long and 1 to 2 kilometres (0.62 to 1.24 miles) wide. A current recreational area, it has several beaches, forests, sloping rocks, hiking trails and the Tønsberg barrel.
Hudøy
Hudøy is known for its summer camp program for children. The island offers a range of activities, including swimming, soccer, crabbing, forest adventures, sailing lessons and reading.
Hudøy Summer Camp is a traditional, old-fashioned experience where children disconnect from technology and focus on making new friends and memories. The camp is run by Kirkens Bymisjon (Church City Mission) and is owned by the Oslo Municipality.
Gokstad Mound
The Gokstad Mound, located on the Gokstad farm in Sandefjord, it was at this site that the Gokstad ship, dating back to the 9th century, was discovered.
The mound was excavated by Nicolay Nicolaysen in 1880. The Gokstad ship, primarily constructed of oak, was built around 890 AD and laid in the mound approximately ten years later. It measures 23.8 meters (78 feet) in length and 5.2 meters (17 feet) in width. The ship had 16 pairs of oars and is estimated to have reached a maximum speed of twelve knots. The Gokstad ship is currently housed in the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo.
Midtåsen Sculpture Park
Midtåsen Sculpture Park by Knut Steen is a very interesting attraction in Sandefjord. This remote, peaceful place takes us on a journey through art.
The Midtåsen Sculpture Pavilion and Sculpture Park is located on a hill and the works are made of bronze and marble. Inside there are twelve marble sculptures and outside there are four bronze sculptures.
