An international small town with an exciting historical past 

Sandefjord is a historical town which has become a modern town of culture with a dynamic business life. The history of Sandefjord has been formed by the Viking Age, the shipping industry and whaling in Arctic and Antarctic areas. Sandefjord has a history of pioneer spirit and creativity, daring and bravery.

Today Sandefjord Airport Torp assures good communictions links with the world around us, an asset highly appreciated both by our cititzens and visitors.

The Vikings

The Vikings had their very first settlements in Vestfold. The Gokstad Viking Ship which dates from the year 900 was discovered in Sandefjord.

The museum ship Gaia" was built as a replica of the Viking ship that was excavated at Gokstad on the outskirts of Sandefjord in 1880. "Gaia" was given as a gift to Sandefjord Municipality in 1993-

Like the Vikings, the urge to go abroad and explore foreign countries lead the first whalers to the Antarctic Ocean. The history of the whalers can be explored at the Whaling Museum and at the Museum's Wharf with a visit aboard the whale-catcher "Southern Actor.“

The whaling monument located at the end of the city’s main street, Jernbanealléen, is the jewel of the harbour area.

Leisure time

Sandefjord has a good selection of restaurants and cafés. One of Norway’s best gourmet restaurant is located here in a modern building near the
harbour. Also located at the harbour is the fishmonger well known for the excellent quality of its goods and delicacies. Sandefjord has a charming city centre, consisting of a mixture of old and modern buildings and a wide selection of shopping possibilities.

Sandefjord is also a well known and frequently visited vacation spot for Norwegians.

In brief

• Sandefjord is a city of culture which combines a proud history and a modern community. Our history is reflected through images from the Viking era and the whaling period. Modern life is reflected in today’s variety of restaurants, cafes, good shopping facilities and a rich cultural life.
• It was here in Vestfold that the Vikings first settled and you can walk in their footsteps.
• Sandefjord and Vestfold have an active cultural life, summer and winter.
• The Whaling Museum in Sandefjord is the only museum in Europe specializing in whales and the history of whaling.
• You can stroll around the old parts of the town or visit the quay area with its fishmonger and restaurants. There is also the Museum's Wharf with the whale-catcher "Southern Actor", and from time to time the Viking ship copy "Gaia”
• The town centre covers a small area with charming streets and shopping facilities more reminiscent of a larger city
• One of Norway's very best gourmet restaurants is in Sandefjord.
• The 146 kilometre long coastline offers a wide variety of sandy beaches, bays, sloping rocks, skerries and islets. These large public areas are inviting to even the most demanding traveller.
• Many roads lead to Sandefjord. There is easy access by car, train, bus, boat or by air.

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