Sandefjord
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Sandefjord

Sandefjord

Vestfold coastal town with a whaling past, Viking burial mound, and marina-lined fjord waterfront.

Sandefjord is a small coastal town in Vestfold, about 120 km south of Oslo. It was once the whaling capital of Norway — the Hvalfangstmuseet (Whaling Museum) in the centre tells that story well — and the town still has a maritime character, with a harbour, marina, and pleasant waterfront.

For most visitors, Sandefjord is relevant because of Torp airport, which serves several budget airlines and is marketed as "Oslo Torp" despite being a good two hours from the capital by bus. If you are flying in, the town itself is worth a brief look: the Whaling Museum, the Viking burial mound at Gokstadhaugen (where the famous Gokstad ship was found), and the harbour area with its restaurants and summer atmosphere.

The Vestfold coast around Sandefjord has good beaches and small islands popular for kayaking and swimming in summer. Skjellvika is the most popular beach in the municipality, a sheltered lagoon on the eastern shore of the fjord, while Vesterøya peninsula offers rocky coastal scenery and quiet swimming spots.

Guide

Getting There

Sandefjord Torp Airport (TRF), marketed as "Oslo Torp," is served by several low-cost carriers including Ryanair, Wizz Air, and Norwegian. Despite the name, it is about 120 km south of Oslo and should be treated as the Sandefjord airport — not a convenient Oslo alternative. A direct bus runs between the airport and Sandefjord town centre (15 minutes), and connections to Oslo take around two hours by bus via Drammen.

By train, Sandefjord is on the Vestfold Line from Oslo S, with journeys of around 90 minutes. The InterCity service is comfortable and frequent. From the station it is a short walk or taxi ride to the town centre and harbour.

By car from Oslo, take the E18 south through Tønsberg. The drive takes about 90 minutes in normal traffic.

Guide

Things to Do in Sandefjord

Sandefjord's attractions centre on its maritime history and the natural scenery of its fjord and peninsula coastline. The Whaling Museum is the must-see in town; outside of it, the Vestfold islands and beaches reward anyone who rents a kayak or takes a local boat trip.