SandefjordNorway · Ferry Destinations

All About Sandefjord

Established in the 14th century, Sandefjord holds many laurels to its name. Chartered as a market town in 1845 by King Oscar, the city at the mouth of Oslo Fjord is known as the whaling capital of Norway. The most populated town in Vestfold County, it continues to be a commercial center, with shipping forming an integral part of the local economy, making it one of the wealthiest cities in the country.

Inhabited for over 3000 years, Sandefjord is knee-deep in Viking history, with remnants of the era interspersed throughout the region. A health spa destination from the late 1800s until 1940, it is often considered a suburb of the capital, which lies 110 km north of Sandefjord.

Today, this coastal city with a population of around 65,000 is a beautiful getaway with diverse topography that comprises forests, lakes, fjords, hills, and islets. A holiday in Sandefjord is all about discovering a hidden gem where culture, nature, and history combine to create memorable experiences.
 

Routes and Ferries to Sandefjord

Ferry tickets to Sandefjord from Strömstad are much in demand throughout the year. Operated by Fjord Line and Color Line, the route has up to 28 sailing per week year-round. The trip from Sweden takes 2 hours and 30 minutes, with tickets available readily through Ferryscanner and costing as low as €5 per adult one-way.

Additionally, the bus and train stations in Sandefjord have excellent connections with cities near and far within the country. A train from Oslo Central Station takes roughly two hours to reach the city. Sandefjord Airport, known as TORP, caters to major and low-cost airlines from across Europe. It’s approximately 10 km from the city and offers a complimentary shuttle to the center.
 

Port of Sandefjord

Known as Sandefjordhavn, the port of Sandefjord is close to the city center, with the bus and train stations being only a 15-minute walk from the docks. Tourists arriving with ferry tickets to Sandefjord can explore the city with ease, especially immersing themselves in the region’s maritime heritage. Furthermore, the Fjord Line ferry terminal at this deep and sheltered harbor has several sightseeing attractions and restaurants nearby.
 

Villages Near Sandefjord

The Sandefjord municipality is a charming destination with many hidden treasures. Besides traversing through the port city, it’s worth spending a few days visiting the picturesque villages that make this region a must-visit Norwegian holiday escape.

Stokke

A relatively small and rural village with lush greenery and open fields, Stokke is an ideal destination to spend a laidback day full of discoveries. Among the top sites to visit here are the remains of the Sundås battery on Tønsberg Fjord, an artillery fort built between 1897-1899. The area around Stokke is also popular with hikers.

Andebu

Andebu joined the Sandefjord municipality in 2017 along with Stokke. The village is a history lover’s dream come true, boasting of excavations that go back to the Iron Age. Attractions in Andebu include Medieval churches, Viking burial mounds, the Andebu church, built in the 1100s, and Brånafjell, the highest peak in the municipality, rising to 399 meters above sea level.

Kodal

A quaint pastoral village, Kodal is about 10 kilometers from Sandefjord. It’s mainly an agricultural community, where you’ll find old burial mounds. The town makes for a scenic bike ride from Sandefjord. While there, hike to the old hill fort, about 5 km from the center, and visit the Gallisvannet Lake for a relaxing afternoon.

Melsomvik

Located alongside Tønsberg Fjord, Melsomvik was a naval area up until 1964. In fact, the region has been an important harbor since the Middle Ages. Nowadays, it’s a popular spot for hiking, where travelers uncover WWII fortifications and ancient burial mounds. Furthermore, Melsomvik hosts the Arctic Equestrian Games, the largest of its kind in Norway.

Høyjord

Høyjord is a tiny scenic village in Vestford County, having a population well under 500. It’s a nice place for a quiet drive and a visit to the Stave Church that dates back to the 1100s.
 

Best Beaches of Sandefjord

Sandefjord’s 146 km long coastline has made it one of Norway’s most loved coastal destinations. Beach enthusiasts visiting the province are spoilt with choices, from sandy strands and coves to city baths, hidden inlets, and uninhabited rocky outcrops in the sea.

Skjellvika

A 10-minute easterly drive from Sandefjord takes you to the family-friendly Skjellvika beach. The water here is shallow, and beach facilities consist of a jetty, diving tower, toilets, and a wooden walkway along the rocks on the side. To lay around, there are sandy and grassy areas and rocky surroundings. Although its scenic disposition attracts crowds, Skjellvika is still worth a visit on a sunny day.

Nordre Trubervika Beach

Nordre Trubervika is among the most popular beaches in Sandefjord. It faces the calm waters of the Tønsberg Fjord and is a thin sandy strip with gravel lined by a forest providing ample shade for beachgoers. Swings from trees, wooden walkways, fire pits, and hiking trails further enhance the charm of the idyllic spot. Visitors looking for a more secluded waterfront should head to the Søndre Trubervika inlet close by.

Asnes Badestrand

A small beach perfect for a swim, Asnes Badestrand is a favorite with families as children can wave to passengers arriving with ferry tickets to Sandefjord. Located 12 minutes from the town center, access to this seaside is through a forest. There’s a campground nearby and toilets. However, as with all beaches in Sandefjord, check for blue-green algae before entering the water.

Strømbadet

Strømbadet is a town bath that opened its doors to the public in 2020. Providing quick access to the water, it consists of a floating jetty, benches, loungers to sunbathe on, diving boards, and ladders leading into the sea. On a sunny day, plan a lazy afternoon here and take in the beauty of the surrounding views.  

Flautangen

Although mostly rocky, Flautangen still makes for an excellent waterside retreat only 9 km from the center of Sandefjord. There are sandy sections with pebbles, but locals mostly go to the beach for fishing. Amenities in the area include toilets, fire pits, hiking, and boating. Furthermore, a bus connection makes reaching here a breeze.
 

Places to Visit in Sandefjord

Owing to its vibrant maritime history and culture, there are several things to do in Sandfjord that celebrate the city’s dynamic past and contemporary present. However, some of the most endearing pleasures of a holiday in Sandefjord come from immersing yourself in its everyday life and mingling with the locals.

Bjerggata

Over centuries Sandefjord suffered much devastation due to fires. However, Bjerggata is one of the central neighborhoods in town that escaped any loss. A stroll here takes you past white wooden houses from the 1800s, picture-perfect nooks, and plenty of cobblestoned side streets to explore leisurely.

Gokstad Mound

Dive into the region’s Viking history by visiting the Gokstad Mound, an archaeological site dating back to 900 AD. Alternatively known as King’s Mound, this is where the Viking longship, Gokstad, was excavated in 1880, along with ancient animal and human bones. While the ship is now in Oslo, a trip to Gokstad Farm is still recommended.

Hvalfangstmuseet

The Whaling Museum is a one-of-a-kind establishment and, thus, one of the must-visit places in Sandefjord. Completed in 1917, the museum aims to educate visitors about Arctic and Antarctic wildlife and the process of whaling. Among the museum’s highlights are the full-size blue whale model hanging from the ceiling and a working whaling ship. Tickets for the museum cost €9 per adult. Also, when arriving with ferry tickets to Sandefjord, don’t miss the Whaling Monument by the port, built by sculptor Knut Steen in the 1950s.

Dakota Norway

High flyers looking for a bit of excitement will love a ride on one of the oldest passenger planes in the business. When in Sandefjord, it’s possible to take scenic summer flights on a 1942 Vintage DC 3 Dakota from TORP airport. Once the private plane of Finnish President Kekkonen, it can carry up to 19 passengers simultaneously.

Kurbadhagen

A popular hangout spot in the center of Sandefjord is the beer garden Kurbadhagen. Filled to the brim on sunny days, it serves snacks and beer from the local brewery. Moreover, Kurbadhagen doubles as a concert and events venue all year round. Another much-loved indoor concert space in the city is the 1903-built Sandefjord Church.
 

Transportation Around Sandefjord

Sandefjord offers visitors a healthy mix of transportation choices. When reaching the city with ferry tickets to Sandefjord, it’s easy to roam around the center as it is quite close to the port. Another possibility is to rent a bicycle, which allows you to cover more of the city faster.

Public transportation in Sandefjord consists primarily of an extensive bus system, called Vestfold Kollektivtrafikk, which runs throughout the city and to other villages in the district. Tickets are available on the bus, or you can purchase an unlimited travel card that is valid for a specific period.

Taxis are always present at the train station and charge a fixed rate for the journey to and from the airport. If staying in the city longer, renting a car is convenient, especially with good parking facilities around Sandefjord.