Population 57,795 / 59.1 degrees north

Tønsberg, Norway

Tønsberg is located about 100km south of Oslo on the Oslofjord near its mouth into the Skaggerak between Norway and Denmark. It’s good location has been the basis for Tønsberg’s incredible history; after all, it is considered to be the oldest city in Norway and was an important place during the Viking Age.

About Tønsberg

Latitude: 59.1 degrees north

Population: 57,794

Tønsberg Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Map of Tønsberg

Uniquely Tønsberg

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

Historic Fortress

Slottsfjellet

Slottsfjellet (Castle Hill) towers over Tønsberg. There was likely some kind of fortress here before the 12th century during the period of the Norwegian civil war. The fortress underwent massive redevelopment under King Håkon Håkonsson during the 13th century. It burned down in 1503 and was not rebuilt. Today only low ruins remain. 

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Viking Ship

Saga Oseberg

For Viking history up close, check out Saga Oseberg at the harbour: a full-size reconstruction of the famous Oseberg ship made here. The crew even offers the brave a chance to row a replica Viking longship. In short, the town centre packs a mix of old and new – medieval ruins and mariner’s monuments alongside hip cafés and boutiques.

About the ship
Viking Area

Vikingodden

Vikingodden is a vibrant Viking shipyard and cultural hub located on the waterfront in Tønsberg, Norway’s oldest town. It’s the heart of the Oseberg Viking Heritage project, where traditional Viking shipbuilding techniques are brought back to life.

At Vikingodden, volunteers and experts collaborate to construct full-scale replicas of historic Viking ships using only authentic tools and methods. Notably, the Saga Oseberg, a replica of the renowned Oseberg ship discovered near Tønsberg in 1904, was built here.

Another significant reconstruction is the Saga Farmann, based on the Klåstad ship. In 2021, work commenced on a replica of the Gokstad ship, with construction taking place both at Vikingodden and in Sandefjord.

On weekends, knowledgeable guides are available to share insights into Vestfold’s rich Viking history. Additionally, there’s a kiosk offering souvenirs and Viking-themed gifts. 

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Things to See & Do

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

Museum

Slottsfjellet Museum

This is a fascinating museum covering the history of the region. Its Viking Hall displays Norway’s 4th preserved Viking ship (with finds from the Oseberg burial), and its Whale Hall contains a 27-metre blue whale skeleton caught by Tønsberg’s whalers.

Museum Website
Museum

Oseberg Mound

The Oseberg Mound is where the 9th century Oseberg ship was excavated. The ship is now in the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo. In addition to the ship, the mound contained a carriage, five intricately carved bed-posts shaped like animal heads, sledges, beds, chests, weaving frames, utensils and more.

Historic Building

Foynegården

Foynegården is the city’s best-preserved merchant building and is the site of a patrician house from the 1700s where Svend Foyn was born in 1809.

Ruins

Olavsklosteret

The ruins of St. Olav’s Church are the site of a former monastery founded in 1191.

Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences

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

Islands

Færder

The island group Færder is renowned for its beaches and skerries and is a popular place for local sin the summer.

Walk

Verdens Ende

A classic day-trip is Verdens Ende (“World’s End”) at the southern tip of Tjøme, where an iconic wooden lighthouse perches above skerries and meeting tides. Ferries (summer flyboat service) and sea kayak tours also depart from here for nearby islets like the Bolærne group.

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Tønsberg

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

Tønsberg on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Tønsberg

History of Tønsberg

Tønsberg was founded by King Harald Fairhair in the 9th century and served as an ancient capital of Norway. According to Snorre Sturluson, who wrote the Viking sagas, Tønsberg was founded before the Battle of Hafrsfjord, which according to Snorre was in 871. This makes Tønsberg one of the oldest still-existing Scandinavian cities.

Archaeological excavations in the 1980s under the remains of a monastery revealed several Viking graves.

The King lived at the old royal court where Jarlsberg Manor is located today. Haugar became the seat for the Haugating, which was Norway’s second-most important place for the proclamation of kings. The site had two Viking era mounds.

The town’s importance declined as other cities like Oslo, Bergen and Trondheim rose to prominence, and under the Danish union from 1397 onwards there was not as much need for a royal court. After a large fire in 1536, almost all the town was destroyed. Because of this, not much remains of the medieval town.

Tønsberg transformed into an important harbour town. King James VI of Scotland stopped here on his way to meet Anne of Denmark in Oslo to get married.

The centre of the world’s modern whaling industry was in Tønsberg (and Sandefjord). During the 19th century Tønsberg turned into a base of operation and source of expertise for whalers. Tønsberg has been called the ‘cradle of modern whaling’. One of the city’s most prominent residents, Svend Foyn, was a pioneer of whaling and established many places in Finnmark for whaling. Norway had a monopoly on European whaling until 1883, first and foremost due to Svend Foyn’s patent rights to whaling techniques and inventions. At the beginning of the 20th century, Tønsberg lost its pre-eminence in whaling to Sandefjord.

During World War II the Nazis constructed a concentration camp near Tønsberg.

Tønsberg Today

Today Tønsberg is mostly a shipping town and administrative centre. It is also known for its silverware.

Tønsberg has been mentioned many times in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It was first mentioned in Iron Man 2 as a location under surveillance by S.H.I.E.L.D. It was then mentioned in Thor as the invasion point where the Frost Giants of Jotunheim, who sought to conquer the earth before they were defeated by Odin and the forces of Asgard. It’s then mentioned again in Thor Ragnarok, Odin chooses the town as the site of his death. These are just some of the mentions of Tønsberg.

Travel Information

Getting Here

Fly: Sandefjord Airport is close to Tønsberg.

Drive: Tønsberg is located just off the E18 between Oslo and Kristiansand. Express buses also run frequently (Vy buses) between Oslo and Tønsberg, as well as local bus routes (VKT) serving the region.

Train: The Vestfold Line railway connects Oslo and Tønsberg (about 1 hour by train)

Ferry: A catamaran route connects Tønsberg with Fredrikstad.

Getting Around

Once in Tønsberg, the compact town centre is easily explored on foot or by bicycle (bike rentals are available). A network of walking and cycling paths – including the scenic Kyststien coastal trail – lets you cover much of the city and outskirts without a car. Local buses run throughout Vestfold if you need them, but many visitors simply stroll between the main sites or catch a ferry/kayak for the islands.

Shops

Places to Eat

Cafes & Bakeries

Bare Barista Coffeeshop – Specialty coffee and pastries in town centre.

With Brød og Kaffe – A cosy bakery café known for cinnamon buns and bread.

Mid-range Restaurants

Havariet – Casual seafood-focused restaurant (fish tacos, grills, etc.).

Kverneriet – Popular gourmet burger joint (tasty fries and shakes).

Esmeralda – Bistro-style pizzas and tapas.

Egon or Døgnvill Burger – (Norwegian chains found on the waterfront).

High End & Unique Eats

Taket – Upscale Norwegian menu on a rooftop patio (great sunset views).

Places to Stay

At The Hidden North we believe in recommending quality & local places, so this website only recommends places to stay that have been tested or researched. 

Camping & Hostels

Tønsberg Hostel is a well run and friendly hostel close to the city.

Nøtterøy Familiecamping – Family-friendly campground on Nøtterøy with cabins.

Cabins & B&Bs

Øvre Sukke Gård – Historic farm estate turned inn, with breakfast and barrel-making museum.

Stange Gjestegård – Another charming guesthouse with regional character.

Chains & Mid-Range

Thon Hotel Tønsberg Brygge – Modern 3-star hotel on the harbourfront with harbour views. Click here to view rates & book

Hotel Klubben – Boutique-style hotel in the city centre (a converted 19th-century bank building). Click here to view rates & book

Quality Hotel – Nice chain hotel in the centre of the city. Click here to view rates & book

High End & Unique Properties

Wilhelmsen House Apartments – Designer apartment-hotel in town (excellent reviews, modern style). Click here to view rates & book

Engø Gård – A renovated manor (on the waterfront near Holmestrand) run as a luxury hotel and spa

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