Sandefjord

About Sandefjord

Sandefjord is a small seaside town in Norway’s Vestfold County, around 120 km south of the capital Oslo. You’ll find lots of child-friendly beaches here as well as swimming jettys, hiking trails and fishing spots. But the town itself is defined by three distinct areas: its Viking heritage, its whaling period, and its popularity as a spa town.

Of four original Viking ships found in Norway, three were discovered in Vestfold. The area is also home to significant burial mounds and finds from the Viking Age. It’s one of the best places to visit for anyone interested in Nordic history and culture. Sandefjord even has its own Viking Park where visitors can help build an archaeological replica of the Gokstad ship.

Other significant attractions include Europe’s only museum devoted to whales and the whaling industry. It’s a fascinating zoological exhibition, featuring a real whaling boat and an enormous blue whale which hangs from the ceiling. Sandefjord's whaling history can also be seen in the impressive monument near the harbour, which rotates slowly on its axis as water sprays from the fountain below.

In the mid 1800s, Sandefjord became known as a renowned health resort, visited by European royalty. Although the original bathhouse and spa is mainly used for cultural events these days, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy spa treatments and saunas in the town.

Some of Norway’s most exclusive holiday homes can be found in Sandefjord, as it’s a popular coastal destination for Norwegians to stay over the summer months.