Located in Norway, the quiet and idyllic coastal town of Larvik can be found 130 kilometers (80 miles) southwest of Oslo. Home to Viking-era settlements, warm mineral springs, and the country’s largest beech forest, Larvik is a town with much to offer travelers. From cultural monuments and museums to natural parks and beaches, the town is an emerging destination that is worth visiting as a side trip or day excursion from Oslo. Are you looking for a country town to explore outside Oslo? In this list, we have gathered some of the most popular things to do while in Larvik, so keep reading to find out more about this southern Norwegian town.
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1. Visit the local museum in Verksgården
You can certainly learn a lot about a place through its local museums. The Larvik Museum or Verksgården in the town’s historic quarter of Hammerdalen is housed in what was once a stable for Fritzøe ironworks. In recent years, the museum has presented permanent and special exhibits on the town’s history from the 17th century to the present. Please take note, however, that the museum is closed until June 17, 2021, to make way for a brand-new display on Larvik’s 350th anniversary as a town. Online lectures, as well as offline activities from its sister museum, Sjøfartsmuseet (Maritime Museum), are in the works.
Larvik Museum
Address: Nedre Fritzøegate 2, 3264 Larvik, Norway
Website: Larvik Museum Verksgården
Opening hours: Tue, Thu & Fri:12pm - 3:30pm; 11am - 4pm (daily, summer 2021)
Price: 100 NOK (12 USD)
2. Discover Viking life in Kaupang
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Larvik traces its roots to the Vikings, who sailed and settled in what is Norway’s first town, Kaupang. Located 5 kilometers (3.1 miles) away from Larvik, Kaupang is a living village museum dedicated to a very important chapter in the country’s rich past. Explore a Viking town and discover what life was like in the year 800. Check out the village’s models and exhibits narrating Kaupang’s early beginnings. On Wednesdays and weekends, children can participate in their own archeological dig and sample Kaupang soup on Family Day.
Kaupang Viking Village
Address: Kaupangveien 278, 3261 Larvik, Norway
Website: Kaupang Viking Village
Opening hours: Tue - Sun: 10am - 4pm (closed on Mon)
Price: 80 NOK (9.50 USD)
3. Explore historic Herregården
See a different side to Larvik by visiting Herregården, a historic manor that dates back to the era of counts and aristocrats. Herregården was built by the governor-general and count Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve in the mid-1670s. In its prime, the complex also had a large Baroque garden with fountains and an orchard, herb garden, and gazebo. A number of the manor’s rooms - which are influenced by both Baroque and Norwegian architecture - still preserve the original interiors. Other parts of the house date to the 1730s and reflect the manor’s many uses throughout the centuries.
Herregården i Larvik
Address: Herregårdsletta, 3257 Larvik, Norway
Website: Herregården i Larvik
Opening hours: Open by appointment
Price: 100 NOK (12 USD)
4. Go on a spa retreat to Farris Bad
Dubbed “the most beautiful spa in the Nordics,” Farris Bad is an award-winning luxury hotel whose spa retreat sits on the famed spring. The mineral-rich Farris spring, in particular, has been a tourist draw since the 19th century, attracting personalities like Henrik Ibsen. Farris Bad offers up to 50 different spa treatments that range from facials and massages to saunas and traditional treatments. If you’re looking for the ultimate splurge, then a stay in Farris Bad is definitely for you.
Farris Bad Hotel
Address: Fritzoee Brygge 2, 3264 Larvik, Norway
Price: From 2,147 NOK (253 USD)
5. Spend quality time at Foldvik Family Park
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
At the top of any parent’s Larvik itinerary is Foldvik Family Park, a place where families can create lifelong memories. The park is one of Larvik’s biggest tourist draws and it is closely linked to the Foldviks’ nearby farm. There are dozens of activities kids can try, be it football, life-size chess, or horseshoe throwing. In addition to the exciting mix of countryside activities, Foldvik Family Park also has a petting zoo and a water playground.
Foldvik Family Park
Address: Foldvikvien 53, 3294 Larvik, Norway
Website: Foldvik Family Park
Opening hours: 10am - 6pm (daily)
Price: 260 NOK (31 USD)
6. Stroll the rocky shores of Mølen
The wild beach of Mølen is a national treasure and UNESCO Global Geopark filled with rocks and pebbles. Some of the rocks are large enough to resemble sculptures. Although it is not ideal for sunbathing or swimming, Mølen is an excellent backdrop for strolling, sunset watching, and taking amazing photos. It is the perfect spot for both nature enthusiasts and secluded beach lovers to visit all year round.
7. Hike the iconic Bøkeskogen
Bøkeskogen is Norway’s largest beech tree forest. Reflecting the country’s Ice Age heritage, the forest is only a 15-minute walk from downtown Larvik and it offers great views of Lake Farris. Aside from being a haven for hikers and birdwatchers, one can find traces of early human settlement in and around the sanctuary of Bøkeskogen. The best time to visit is in the autumn months when the leaves and the ground turn rusty orange.
Bøkeskogen
Address: 3256 Larvik, Norway
Website: Bøkeskogen
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
8. Savor summer favorites at Pakkhuset
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Sommerplanlegging med gode minner<3
Posted by PAKKHUSET on Tuesday, June 13, 2017
Looking for amazing seaside views of Larvik while eating summertime favorites? Then look no further than Pakkhuset, a seasonal restaurant by the Larvik pier and known for its shrimp, hamburgers, and oven-baked pizza. Pakkhuset is, in fact, one of the dining establishments of Quality Hotel Grand Farris. The restaurant stays open from mid-May to mid-August. On Fridays and Saturdays, locals flock to Pakkhuset for a night of dancing.
Pakkhuset
Address: Storgata 19B Indre havn, 3256 Larvik, Norway
Website: Pakkhuset
Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 12pm - 10pm; Mon - Fri: 4pm - 10pm
9. Taste local ingredients at Bedehuset
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Bedehuset on Wednesday, August 24, 2016
Situated right next to Herregården is Bedehuset, a popular café, restaurant, and nightclub. The restaurant is located in an old chapel. But today, it is widely recognized among locals and tourists for using the freshest local ingredients and serving seasonal dishes. Must-tries include the salmon steak, pizzas, and burgers. Bedehuset even serves its own India Pale Ale beer.
Bedehuset
Address: Herregårdsbakken 1, 3257 Larvik, Norway
Website: Bedehuset
Opening hours: Wed - Thu: 4pm - 10pm; Fri - Sat: 12pm - 10pm (closed from Sun - Tue)
10. Dine at Bøkekroa for scenic views
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Den flinke kokken vår Thomas Grant Gundersen er en flink fotograf også :) Nydelig høst i skauen!
Posted by BØKEKROA on Friday, October 30, 2015
After hiking the nature trails of Bøkeskogen, take a much-deserved break at Bøkekroa. Located at the heart of the beech forest, you cannot miss this family-owned café and restaurant. Dishes worth ordering from their seasonal menu include fish and chips, schnitzels, and risotto balls (which are served on Thursdays). Cap off your meal with a bottle of Farris, Norway’s oldest and best-selling brand of bottled water.
Bøkekroa
Address: Gunnar Thoresensvei 2, 3256 Larik, Norway
Website: Bøkekroa
Opening hours: Mon - Thu: 10am - 7pm; Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat: 12pm - 4pm; Sun: 12pm - 6pm
Visit and discover Larvik, Norway
Whether you want to discover more of Norway’s vibrant culture and colorful past, bond with the whole family, or try out the local cuisine, Larvik has everything you are looking for in a tranquil and relaxing country town. Remember, the best time to experience many of Larvik’s sights and attractions is during the summer months of June, July, and August.
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