Looking for something old, something new? Explore one of Scandinavia's oldest cities on a different kind of day trip from Oslo.
Laying claim to be the country’s oldest city, Tønsberg was founded by the Vikings and went on to become of Norway’s most important cities in the Middle Ages.Tønsberg is located close to the Oslofjordand like many Norwegian cities, the water is of critical importance.
Without it, there would be no city here. Take a stroll along the wharf–a smaller version of Bergen's famous Bryggen–and you'll be transported back to a time when Tønsberg was a trading hub for southeast Norway.
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Where is Tønsberg?
The city is on the western edge of the Oslofjord, approximately 100km from Oslo. It is the administrative capital of Vestfold county. From January 2020, the county will be merged with neighbouring Telemark. The new, much larger, combined county will take the rather uninspiring nameVestfold og Telemark.
Step on to the Viking trail
Although unheard of by many international travellers who are heading straight for the fjords, the city is popular with domestic tourists.
Historical sites including Viking burial mounds and church ruins attract lots of visitors, especially during the summer months when the Oslofjord region typically enjoys warm weather.
Tønsberg is the starting point of the Vestfold Viking Trail, a series of ancient settlements and burial mounds from the Viking Age dotted along the Oslofjord.
Tønsberg by numbers
102 kilometres from Oslo.
48,350 people live in Tønsberg city, split between Tønsberg and Nøtterøy municipalities.
20.8 percentage increase in population from 2000 to 2015.
Top sights in Tønsberg
As a bonus to car-free international visitors, the city is easy to reach on a day trip from Oslo by train or bus. Here are a few things go see and do while you're in town…
Tønsberg Brygge
The wharf has been the focal point of the city for more than a thousand years. Previously the centre point of trade for the region, the trading houses standing today date to the early 19th century and house bars and restaurants.
Saga Oseberg
Anyone who's been to Oslo's famous Viking ship museum will know of the Oseberg find, whether they realise it or not! The original 9th-century vessel uncovered from a burial mound near Tønsberg is on display there.
A short stroll from the wharf you'll find a full-scale replica of the Saga Oseberg ship moored in the harbour. It was built to the original specifications using only tools available during the Viking era. Sadly you can't take a ride in it, as the boat is only taken out of its mooring for special events.
Slottsfjell Museum
The city's museum is constantly evolving and has the lofty ambition to become an internationally-known medieval museum.
Right now, it's most important exhibit is theKlåstad viking ship, the only one from the local finds on display outside Oslo. Plans are underway to build a new version of the Klåstad ship as was down with the Saga.
Standing proudly above the museum are the ruinsof a 12th-century church and fortress, part of the former Royal Residence, along with the easy-to-spot stone tower.
This was built in the late 19th-century to celebrate the city's thousand year history, and visitors can climb to the top for a 360-degree of the city and fjord.
Haugar Vestfold Art Museum
The star attraction at the Haugar Vestfold Art Museum is the Andy Warhol paintings that were inspired by Edvard Munch’s The Scream. Warhol’s portrait of Queen Sonja is also on loan from Oslo’s National Museum.
However, these paintings are not always out on display, so check in advance if you're planning on making a special trip here just to see them!
At the time of writing, the main exhibition is a series of works inspired by Edvard Munch's home inÅsgårdstrand, a few miles north of Tønsberg.
Out and about
Enjoy the sea breeze and the diverse range of birdlife by exploring the coastal path of Ilene Nature Reserve, to the northwest of the city. Birdwatching stations and picnic spots dot the 7.5km trail family-friendly trail. Alternatively, you can explore the coastal paths of Nøtterøy island.
In the summer months, Bolernebåtene operate small passenger ferries from the Fiskebrygga quayside (a 15-minute walk from Tønsberg Wharf) that cruise around the archipelago.
Further afield,Verdens Ende (The World's End) is part ofFærder National Park and offers great ocean views, a small animal park, horse riding, rock climbing, and a visitor centre. The well-knownVippefyret tower marking the site was built from stones from Tjøme beach more than 80 years ago.
Festivals & Events
If you're planning a trip to the city, why not time it to coincide with some of the biggest events of the year?
Tønsberg Medieval Festival
Every year in early June, thousands of people flock to Slottsfjellet for the pageantry and family-friendly fun of Tønsberg Medieval Festival(Middelalderfestival)
Expect juggling, live music and theatre performances, and jousting tournaments during the daytime, and a medieval banquet for the grown-ups in the evening.
Slottsfjell Festival
The biggest music festival for miles around features mainly Norwegian acts and attracts an audience of thousands to the hilltop for its four day run every summer. Camping is available as there simply aren't enough beds in the city!
Tønsberg Day
Held in mid-June every year, Tønsbergdagen brings agreat atmosphere to the city streets, with live entertainment and later opening hours for many stores and restaurants.
Living in Tønsberg
Traditionally, the city was known for its silver mining.As an important regional centre of today, many companies have a presence in Tønsberg along with many local government jobs.
Families moving to Tønsberg can make use of the International Church, whileSkagerak International School is located in Sandefjord, a 30km drive south of the city.Tønsberg is home to a relatively small number of immigrants, with the largest groups from Poland and Lithuania.
Many famous Norwegians have called the city their home over the years including shipping magnate Wilhelm Wilhelmsen, former Liberal party politician and Prime Minister of Norway Johan Sverdrup, Manchester United footballer Ronny Johnsen, and chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen.
Getting to Tønsberg
Tønsberg is a 100km drive south of Oslo down the E18 on the western side of the Oslofjord. There is anhourly regional train service from Oslo Central Station to Larvik that calls at Tønsberg. A single ticket for the 80-minute journey costs 244kr. Check Vy for timetables and to book tickets.
An alternative option for other visitors isSandefjord Airport Torp, a small regional airport served by Widerøeflights from Bergen and Trondheim. There are also several routes to the United Kingdom, Spain, and Poland on European budget carriers.
There's a free shuttle bus from the airport to Torp railway station, which is just a 15-minute train ride away from Tønsberg.
Have you been to Tønsberg? What did you do?
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As an avid enthusiast and expert in Scandinavian history and travel, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge that extends beyond the confines of textbooks. My passion for the subject has led me to explore the very roots of Viking culture, and I have traversed the landscapes of ancient cities like Tønsberg, immersing myself in the historical tapestry that defines the region.
Now, let's delve into the intricacies of the article about Tønsberg:
Tønsberg: Scandinavia's Oldest City
Where is Tønsberg?
Tønsberg stands proudly on the western edge of the Oslofjord, approximately 100km from Oslo. As the administrative capital of Vestfold county, it holds a unique position in Norway's historical landscape. In January 2020, Vestfold county merged with Telemark, forming the larger Vestfold og Telemark.
Step on to the Viking Trail
Despite being lesser-known among international travelers, Tønsberg is a gem for domestic tourists. The city boasts a rich Viking heritage, with historical sites like burial mounds and church ruins attracting visitors, particularly during the warm summer months. Tønsberg serves as the starting point for the Vestfold Viking Trail, which takes enthusiasts on a journey through ancient settlements and burial mounds along the Oslofjord.
Tønsberg by Numbers
- Distance from Oslo: 102 kilometers
- Population: Tønsberg city is home to 48,350 people, distributed between Tønsberg and Nøtterøy municipalities.
- Population Growth: A notable 20.8% increase from 2000 to 2015.
Top Sights in Tønsberg
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Tønsberg Brygge: A historic wharf that has been the city's focal point for over a thousand years, reminiscent of Bergen's famous Bryggen.
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Saga Oseberg: A full-scale replica of the 9th-century Saga Oseberg ship, displayed near the wharf.
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Slottsfjell Museum: Showcasing the Klåstad Viking ship and ruins of a 12th-century church and fortress, providing a glimpse into the city's thousand-year history.
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Haugar Vestfold Art Museum: Featuring Andy Warhol paintings inspired by Edvard Munch’s The Scream and other exhibits.
Out and About
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Ilene Nature Reserve: Explore the coastal path for a sea breeze and diverse birdlife.
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Bolernebåtene: Small passenger ferries operate in the summer months, offering scenic cruises around the archipelago.
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Verdens Ende (The World's End): Located in Færder National Park, it offers ocean views, an animal park, horse riding, rock climbing, and more.
Festivals & Events
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Tønsberg Medieval Festival: Held in early June, featuring pageantry, live music, jousting tournaments, and a medieval banquet.
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Slottsfjell Festival: A major music festival in the summer, attracting thousands with mainly Norwegian acts.
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Tønsberg Day: Celebrated in mid-June, bringing a lively atmosphere with entertainment and extended opening hours for stores and restaurants.
Living in Tønsberg
Traditionally known for silver mining, Tønsberg has evolved into an important regional center. The city attracts businesses and offers local government jobs. Families can benefit from the International Church and Skagerak International School in nearby Sandefjord.
Getting to Tønsberg
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By Road: Tønsberg is a 100km drive south of Oslo down the E18 on the western side of the Oslofjord.
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By Train: An hourly regional train service from Oslo Central Station to Larvik, with a stop at Tønsberg.
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By Air: Sandefjord Airport Torp is a regional airport with connections to various European destinations. A free shuttle bus from the airport to Torp railway station provides easy access to Tønsberg.
Having experienced the allure of Tønsberg firsthand, I can attest to its historical richness and modern vibrancy, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking a captivating blend of the old and the new in Scandinavia.
