Population 35,000 / 59.1 degrees north

Porsgrunn, Norway

Porsgrunn is an industrial town located on the highway running between Oslo and Kristiansand. It does have some interesting places to visit, such as the Porsgrund Porcelain Factory, and the inner town centre is charming. 

About Porsgrunn

Latitude: 59.1 degrees north

Population: 35,000

Porsgrunn Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Map of Porsgrunn

Uniquely Porsgrunn

Here are some things that you must do and try in Porsgrunn

Ceramics factory

Porcelain Museum

Porsgrunn Porcelain is a well-known and historic brand in Norway, and here you can visit the museum to learn about the history of the factory (it goes back to 1885!) and buy some porcelain to take home. The factory has a riverside café, a shop and a factory outlet where you can buy high quality porcelain at low prices. It is also possible to book a tour of the factory.

Museum Website

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Porsgrunn

Ceramics factory

Porsgrunn Seafarers Museum

The museum contains many objects from the height of shipping in Porsgrunn, including models of ships, as well as the fully restored tugboat Hans Martin, built in concrete using a special technique developed in Porsgrunn.

Museum Website

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Porsgrunn

The E18 from Ørje to Kristiansand

The E18 is the main highway from Oslo down south to Kristiansand. Along the way are several important towns and villages that feature in Norway’s early history. 

The E18 from Ørje to Kristiansand

Self-Guided Walks

Porsgrunn on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Porsgrunn

History of Porsgrunn

It has been claimed that Porsgrunn was originally the name of one of the islands where the town is located today. Porsgrunn is mentioned for the first time in writing in 1613, though it was not a new place then.

The town developed throughout the 17th century as an important port for timber trade. Porsgrunn received market rights in 1807 and a number of shipyards were established and eventually the timber merchants built a significant fleet of sailing ships. From the 1850s industrialisation gained momentum with shipbuilding and sawmilling. Sailing was successful towards the end of the century and several shipowners invested in land and the restructuring in the business world led to, amongst other things, the establishing of Norrøna Fabrikker, which is now one of the most famous outdoor wear brands in the country. Porsgrund Porcelain also got its start here and is today and one of the most famous porcelain companies in Norway.

Porsgrunn Today

Today the processing industry is the most important industry here. Yara, which is headquartered here, is one of the world’s largest mineral fertiliser factories. The University of Southeast Norway is also here, with 2,750 students.

Porsgrunn is largely an industrial town today. 

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: The closest airport is at Skien.

Drive: Porsgrunn is located on the E18 that runs from Oslo to Kristiansand. Buses run frequently between Oslo and Porsgrunn. 

Train: Trains connect Oslo to Larvik, and from Larvik it is possible to take a bus to Porsgrunn.

Ferry: No ferry access. 

Getting Around

Porsgrunn is easy to walk around. 

Porsgrunn is a small town, and most of its attractions are within walking distance. If you want to explore the region then you’ll need to rent a car. There is a public transportation network here. 

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Harmoni Håndverksbakeri

Quick Bites

 

Reasonable Restaurants

Telemarksvingen Veikro

High End & Unique Eats

Places to Stay

Camping

 

Cabins & B&Bs

Chains & Mid-Range

Comfort Hotel Porsgrunn

High End & Unique Properties

Hotel Vic is the main hotel in Porsgrunn. 

All Posts About Porsgrunn