Sandefjord has everything you need if you are searching for "the good life". More and more people are discovering this fact, and the town's population has been growing steadily for several years as a result of this. 

The town has always had international connections. Sandefjord Airport Torp is one of Norway's largest airports, based on the number of international flights The town´s largest industrial company, Jotun, is represented all over the world. Shipping and fishing were major industries for Sandefjord right up until the end of the nineteen sixties.

Schools and kindergartens

Sandefjord is host to one of Norway's few international schools. Skagerak international school offers tuition from kindergarten and primary school level through high school level.

Two more private schools, 14 state primary level schools and four secondary schools ensure that Sandefjord has a good and varied educational offer. The increase in local population is being catered for by a project aimed at expanding and renovating our schools.

There is a good possibilty of getting your child into kindergarten in Sandefjord. The city has 15 municipal and 35 private kindergartens which have a close cooperation on areas of mutual qualitative development.

The Cultural Schoolbag

Good schools and kindergartens alone do not guarantee a good child-friendly environment for growing up. The municipality of Sandefjord has won a national prize for its efforts in introducing an appreciation of culture into the lives of children and young people. "The Cultural Schoolbag" ensures that all school children in Sandefjord are given systematic cultural training.

Sandefjord also has a lot to offer the adult population. A broad and diverse cultural life flourishes in Sandefjord. We have "The International Hjertnes Series", which offers high quality classical concerts, as well as cinema, theatre, art exhibitions and other concerts.

Recreation and the Oudoors

Sandefjord's proximity to the coast, offers excellent opportunities for experiencing nature. During summer Norwegians from all parts of the country come to Sandefjord to live the good life by the sea. For the locals the coastline is beautiful all year round and they certainly know how to enjoy it. The coastline is readily accessible with many walking paths.

Sports and Organisations

Sport is popular among the people of Sandefjord and there is a wide selection of clubs. Almost 12.000 people are involved in 47 sports clubs. Sandefjord has been the country's leading handball town for several years and we have football (soccer) teams from the the next higest division and down through the ranks. Men and women from Sandefjord are also prominent at national level within sports such as badminton, rowing, sailing and athletics.

However, you do not have to be a top athlete to be attracted to the wide range on offer for sporting enthusiasts. Sandefjord Municipal Council intends making the town one of the best for sport and physical activities. The Municipality owns and runs 15 sporting arenas and is also committed to a long term plan for the rehabilitation and upgrading of the same facilities.

Also those not particularly fond of sports may find something of interest. There is an abundance of other organisations to join. Based on the number of organisations per inhabitant, we believe the town rates among the largest in the country.

Housing

The growth in population means an increased need for housing. Sandefjord will focus on development in the central city areas. Several large building projects are under construction in the sentral parts of Sandefjord city. This gives the oppertunity for people of all ages and in different family situations to buy suitable houses or appartments.

Welcome

The Municipality of Sandefjord wishes you welcome and is glad to be of assistance.  

For information in English about other Norwegian government services, go to www.norway.no.

For more general information in English for new foreign residents in Norway, go to www.nyinorge.no.