Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Kristiansand on the E18
This drive goes from Oslo to Kristiansand in the south of Norway, following the E18.
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!
Latitude: 59 degrees north
Population: 26,821
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: January
Wettest Month: October
Windiest Month: February
Larvik Municipality
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Larvik
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 was sent to Norway to work. The house is open to the public today.
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.
The harbour area is the social heart of modern Larvik. Fritzøe Brygge blends contemporary architecture with waterfront promenades, restaurants and cafés. It’s an ideal place for an evening stroll, watching boats come and go, or enjoying views across the Larviksfjord. The area connects seamlessly to the town centre and nearby beaches.
Larvik Museum presents the town’s maritime, industrial and cultural history, including shipping, stone quarrying and everyday life. Smaller galleries and cultural spaces around town showcase local artists and rotating exhibitions.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Bøkeskogen is Larvik’s most famous natural landmark and the northernmost beech forest in the world. This expansive, gently rolling woodland sits just above the town centre and is criss-crossed with well-maintained paths. In spring and summer, the canopy creates a cathedral-like atmosphere, while autumn brings deep golden colours. The forest is also historically significant, having been protected for centuries by the Counts of Larvik.
The coastal path from Stavern to Helgeroa is 35km and follows the rocky shores.
The Svenner archipelago lies just outside Larvik and can be reached by boat in summer. The historic lighthouse and barren granite islands offer dramatic scenery, birdlife and a strong sense of isolation in the outer Skagerrak.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Larvik
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.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Larvik
Here are some things that you must do and try in Larvik
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/
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.
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.
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.
A car is recommended to get to the attractions in Larvik.
Cafes & Bakeries
Sanden café is located by the waterfront and has some excellent coffee and a good lunch menu.
Kafé Sliperiet – popular café near the harbour, known for good coffee, cakes and light lunches.
Restaurants
Pieder Ro has lovely fresh seafood
Pieno Gastro Pub – relaxed dining with a strong focus on local ingredients and seasonal dishes.
High End & Unique Eats
Bønder i Byen has lots of fresh, local produce
Camping
Stavern Camping (nearby) – large, well-equipped campsite close to beaches and coastal trails.
Gon Camping – family-friendly site with cabins and easy access to swimming areas.
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.
Tollgaarden Gjestegaard (Stavern) – charming historic guesthouse just outside Larvik.
Chains & Mid-Range
Quality Hotel Grand Larvik – centrally located with harbour views and easy access to shops and restaurants.
Hotel Wassilioff (Stavern) – classic coastal hotel within short driving distance.
High End & Unique Properties
Farris Bad is a full-service spa hotel with a nice luxury feel.
This drive goes from Oslo to Kristiansand in the south of Norway, following the E18.
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