Grand Hotel Åsgårdstrand

Åsgårdstrand

Åsgårdstrand is one of two towns in Horten Municipality, established as a loading site some 450 years ago, and has been used for timber export, shipbuilding and shipping. The town was put into use as a loading station in 1650, under Tønsberg and from 1660 under Holmestrand. In 1752 the port was granted privileges to trade in domestic goods. From the early 1800s Åsgårdstrand was a busy export port for timber cargo, including to Holland. Trade stagnated with the end of the sailing season.

Åsgårdstrand has since gained international attention as an artists' village. It became known as a centre for artists and since the 1880s a number of artists have sought out Åsgårdstrand, including world-famous names such as Edvard Munch, Christian Krohg and Hans Heyerdahl. This is due to the unique light of the place. The artists went either to Hirtshals or Åsgårdstrand to be able to depict this unique light in their paintings. Edvard Munch's 'Girls on the Bridge' was painted just below the town's hotel.

Åsgårdstrand has been a popular holiday and bathing resort since the 1920s. Over the years it has maintained its popularity as a holiday resort, especially among sailors. Every summer there is a bustle of small boats in the fjord and in the harbour. Today, Åsgårdstrand is an active urban community with around 3,000 permanent residents and it received its town status on 1 January 2010.

Munch's House

It is the coastline that immediately captures Munch's interest during his first time in Åsgårdstrand. Several paintings from 1889 and 1890 show him working with the coastline, almost to familiarise himself with it. The pictures, however, have a completely different painterly expression than what would later become his signature from Åsgårdstrand. The pictures are also more impressionistic. One common denominator, however, is that they capture the light and quiet pursuits of summer. For more information see: www.munchshus.no

Midgard Historical Center

Midgard Historical Centre has the task of creating and disseminating knowledge about the Viking Age in Westfold. The centre is located right next to the beautiful Borrehaugene area, with Northern Europe's largest collection of monumental burial mounds from the Merovingian and Viking periods.In 2007, impressions of large hall buildings were found in the area, and in 2013 the Guild Hall, a magnificent reconstruction of a chieftain's hall from the Viking period, opened. At Midgard you can experience various exhibitions with exciting themes. What was it like to live 1000 years ago? How does ancient history affect Norwegian society today? How much have people and society really changed over time? For more information see: www.midgardsenteret.no

Slottsfjellmuseet

På Slottsfjellet findes der rester af Skandinaviens største middelalderborge, og på Slottsfjellmuseet, som ligger i det naturskønne område ved foden af Slottsfjellet, kan du lære mere om byens rige og spændende historie.

Castle Tower

The Castle Tower in Tønsberg is the city's landmark and signals that the site is an important point in Norwegian medieval history. The tower is located on a mountain above the town overlooking the sea. In summer you can walk into the tower, up all the steps to the top and look out to the same horizon as kings of the past. In fact, there was a time when the kings and the country's administration used the Castle Mount as its centre for several periods. And the castle was besieged by King Sverre and the Birkebeiners during the civil war in the 11th - 1200s. Today you can also see the ruins of a church and Tunsberghus fortress. If a walk to the Slottsfjell tower isn't enough, the Slottsfjell Museum is just a stone's throw away. For others, perhaps the tour continues with a bite of lunch?

Haugar Vestfold Art Museum

At Haugar Vestfold Art Museum in the centre of Tønsberg you can see great works of art in both the permanent and temporary exhibitions. Among others, Andy Warhol's "After Munch" is an important part of the permanent exhibition at this museum. For more information about the museum, visit: www.haugar.com - and to book a hotel, visit Risskov!

Ilene nature reserve

Both Tønsberg and Ilene Nature Reserve south of Oslo are popular destinations for ornithologists, with their splendid birdlife. It's also a great destination for a day out with children and grandchildren, where the little ones can easily burn off some energy and you can have a packed lunch in beautiful Norwegian countryside. Children will love a trip up the birdwatching tower, where adults can enjoy the glorious scenery. Around 236 bird species have been observed in Ilene Nature Reserve, which is a popular migration area in autumn as well as spring. You can observe many different kinds of birds in the duck, goose, swan and pigeon families. In spring you can see mallards and pheasants on the forest floor. In late summer you will see large flocks of greylag geese and in autumn you will see many species of the sparrow family. Herons also make an appearance, as do a wide variety of interesting birds of prey. A family holiday in southern Norway with a visit to Ilene Nature Reserve is a wonderful experience for all nature lovers, young and old.

Fritzøehus Park

How about parking your car at Fritzøehus Park and stretching your legs? Here you can hike in beautiful natural surroundings. The park is characterised by its beautiful beech trees and with many larger mammals such as deer, billy goats and sheep. The place is run by Mille-Marie Treschow, who during the summer season welcomes guests who have booked a tour in advance.

The Viking Road in Westfold

A drive along the Viking Road from Mølen in the south to Borre in the north offers a historical journey back to the Viking Age. The route follows less busy roads, so there is plenty of opportunity to stop the car along the way and explore the past. For example, you can see the rune stones and burial mounds at Mølen. It's a great experience in any weather. On the way you can also see Kaupang and the mound "Kongshaugen" at Gokstad farm. This is where the Gokstad ship was excavated, and is now on display at the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo.

The End of the World

A romantic weekend for two goes hand in hand with a trip to the End of the World. Here you can enjoy the view of the Skagerrak. Be sure to pack a bath towel, as the water tempts with its wonderful swimming opportunities. It's also a great place to fish. You can also take a thermos in your bag and head out to one of the quiet rocks to settle down. The end of the world is right on the southern tip of Tjørne and is often associated with the seesaw, which is made of pebbles from nearby beaches. There is a restaurant here, but it is also possible to barbecue on the beach. This is a particularly good place for children to play or swim in the water. The end of the world is perhaps at its most beautiful when the weather is rough and the wind is blowing. Then you can take a quick walk into the wind, and then take refuge in the car or settle down at the local restaurant.

Sandefjord

Sandefjord is a perfect destination for those who want an active mini-vacation along the Norwegian fjord coast. Throughout history, people have travelled here to enjoy its spas, and the town is still associated with relaxation and wellness today. Here you'll find 146 kilometres of coastline with many cliffs and beaches suitable for swimming. In a circle around the town you will find the open-air areas of Preståsen, Mokollen and Virikskogen. Enjoy the beautiful Norwegian landscape on wonderful hikes and end the day with a romantic dinner in the evening or relax with a late lunch in town. If you want to experience Sandefjord's exciting history, take a trip down to the harbour. Here you can also rent bicycles, which will take you around the town easily and elegantly. Down by the harbour is the Southern Actor, an old whaling ship that is part of the Whaling Museum. From there you can head to the town's microbrewery, where local refreshments are served.