Population 26,821 / 59 degrees north

Larvik, Norway

Larvik is one of the largest towns in Southern Norway and is a major administrative centre for the region. Even though it has a slight industrial feel to it, there’s a long and detailed history here as well as some interesting places to visit. For example, in Larvik there are Norway’s most accessible excavations from the Viking era!

Fun Facts About Larvik

Latitude: 59 degrees north

Population: 26,821

Hottest Month: July

Coldest Month: January

Wettest Month: October

Windiest Month: February

Larvik Municipality

Things to See & Do

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

Herregården Manor House

Herregården Manor House is a baroque home from 1677 for the Norwegian governor general, Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve, the Duke of Larvik. He was the illegitimate son of King Frederik IV of Denmark and, to get rid of him, he got the job in Norway and was sent away. The house is today open to the public.

Kaupang

Kaupang is a major Viking excavation site. It’s believed it was a town built around 800 AD and occupied until 960, with around 1000 people living here. The artefacts found here are now in Oslo, but the site has a small exhibition and guides that show you the site and explain what it used to be.

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

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

Bøkeskogen

Bøkeskogen forest is a beautiful area. It is Norway’s largest and the world’s most northerly beech forest and has some lovely walking trails. It was also the first public outdoor recreation area in Norway.

Coastal Path

The coastal path from Stavern to Helgeroa is 35km and follows the rocky shores.

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Larvik

The Numedal Valley (Fv40)

The Numedal Valley is perhaps one of the best-kept secrets in Norway. Located between Kongsberg and Geilo, the valley contains the largest number of medieval wooden buildings in Norway; an impressive 40 ancient farm buildings and 4 stave churches. On this drive, you’ll see these beautiful historic sites.

Self-Guided Walks

Larvik on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Larvik

Uniquely Larvik

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

Wisting Series

The famous Norwegian author Jørn Lier Horst has set his books about Wisting in the nearby village of Stavern as well as Larvik. You can visit the sites mentioned in the series thanks to a map on the Visit Larvik website: https://www.visitvestfold.com/en/larvik/article/the-universe-of-wisting/

History of Larvik

Remains from the Stone Age have been discovered in the Larvik area, and during the Roman Iron Age, people in this area erected a stone monument resembling a ship at Istrehågan. Today it is regarded as one of Norway’s greatest remains from prehistoric times.

During the Viking Age there was a settlement here called Kaupang. The ancient remains of the town have been uncovered by archaeologists. It’s believed it was an important trade centre and is regarded as the oldest known merchant town in Norway. The site has remains from the oldest town discovered in the Nordic countries and is therefore one of Scandinavia’s earliest urban areas.

The Larvik we see today was established in 1671 as a market town when Ulrik Fredrik Gyldenløve, the governor general of Norway, bought an estate here. The town’s major industries then were timber trade, boat building, and shipping. The whole Larvik area was owned by a Danish Count until 1817, after Norway had come under Sweden in 1814. Local businessmen bought Larvik off the Danes in 1817 and it became part of Norway.

Throughout the 19th century Larvik was an important whaling city and this was a major industry back then.

In the 19th century Larvik gained a reputation for being a spa community and attracted the Norwegian royal family, Knut Hamsun, Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson and even Russian oligarchs.

Larvik Today

Today Larvik is an important agricultural area, with grain, potatoes and vegetables. It has the regions largest production of cucumbers and tomatoes. Other important industries are commerce, hotel management and restaurant management. The fishing industry is big here too.

Larvik is known by Norwegians as a summer vacation community thanks to its stable climate and one of Norway’s highest median temperatures, as well as having some of the most sunny days in the country.

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: The closest airport is at Oslo Gardermoen or Sandefjord.

Drive: Larvik is located just off the E18 highway that goes from Oslo to Kristiansand.

Train: Larvik has a train connection to Oslo.

Ferry: There are ferries to Hirtshals in Denmark.

Getting Around

A car is recommended to get to the attractions in Larvik.

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Sanden café is located by the waterfront and has some excellent coffee and a good lunch menu.

Quick Bites

Reasonable Restaurants

Pieder Ro has lovely fresh seafood

High End & Unique Eats

Bønder i Byen has lots of fresh, local produce

Places to Stay

Camping

Cabins & B&Bs

Lysko Gjestegaard is a lovely guesthouse in a wooden building close to the Maritime Museum. There’s a kitchen for guest use.

Chains & Mid-Range

High End & Unique Properties

Farris Bad is a full-service spa hotel with a nice luxury feel.

All Posts About Larvik

Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Kristiansand on the E18

This drive goes from Oslo to Kristiansand in the south of Norway, following the E18.

January

Sunrise: 9:03am

Sunset: 4:11pm

Average Temperature: -1C (30F)

February

Sunrise: 8:01am

Sunset: 5:24pm

Average Temperature: -1C (30F)

March

Sunrise: 6:43am

Sunset: 6:31pm

Average Temperature: 2C (36F)

April

Sunrise: 6:15am

Sunset: 8:41pm

Average Temperature: 6C (43F)

May

Sunrise: 5:02am

Sunset: 9:48pm

Average Temperature: 11C (52F)

June

Sunrise: 4:23am

Sunset: 10:34pm

Average Temperature: 15C (58F)

July

Sunrise: 4:48am

Sunset: 10:18pm

Average Temperature: 17C (62F)

August

Sunrise: 5:51am

Sunset: 9:11pm

Average Temperature: 16C (61F)

September

Sunrise: 6:58am

Sunset: 7:46pm

Average Temperature: 12C (54F)

October

Sunrise: 8:04am

Sunset: 6:22pm

Average Temperature: 7C (45F)

November

Sunrise: 8:16am

Sunset: 4:08pm

Average Temperature: 3C (37F)

December

Sunrise: 9:09am

Sunset: 3:37pm

Average Temperature: 0C (32F)

Find our guides, road-trips and self-guided walks on our store!