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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

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

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.

Saga Oseberg

The Oseberg ship is considered to be the world's most important Viking Age find and was excavated at Oseberghaugen in Tønsberg. The ship was sent to Oslo, where it is now on display at the Viking Ship Museum. There are probably many people in Tønsberg who think the ship should be returned to the city. That's probably why a local foundation built a full-size replica of the ship, using tools and craft techniques from the Viking Age. Many of the materials used to build the ship did not come from far away. It's interesting to think that the keel, cut from a 150-year-old oak, was felled on Jarlsberg's main farm. And the 90 square metre sail was made from wool from free-range sheep in Westfold and woven in Tønsberg. The ship has been christened "Saga Oseberg", and can be admired down by the harbour in Tønsberg.

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?

Tønsberg Brygge

If you are planning a visit to Tønsberg, a visit to the Tønsberg brewery is an experience not to be missed. Tønsberg pier is the hub of the city's restaurants and bars. This is perhaps not surprising, given the city's maritime history. Tønsberg quay is a beautiful sight with a promenade stretching between the boats in the harbour and the traditional yellow and red wooden houses. Many eateries are clustered around the Seafood Quarter at the bottom of the quay. Otherwise, the "street" in Tønsberg runs from the Seafood Quarter, across Tønsberg Square, up to Torvgaten and on to Farmandstredet.

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.

Christmas market in Oslo

Take the ferry to Oslo at Christmas time, when the city is decorated with Christmas lights and the shops are bursting with gift ideas. On the first weekend of Advent, Oslo's streets and fir trees are lit up and the Christmas month is marked by Christmas concerts and markets. If you don't want to do all your Christmas shopping in the shops, visit one of Oslo's cosy Christmas markets, where you can buy gifts and treats and sample traditional Norwegian food and drink.

One of the city's larger Christmas markets is at Youngsstorget, and you can also head to Sandvika, where the traditional Christmas market is decorated for Christmas every year. For a different Christmas experience, visit the Designers' Christmas Market at Grünerløkka and outside the Blue Jazz Club.

At Karl Johans Gate in Spikersuppa you can visit the Christmas market; Christmas in Winterland. Christmas delicacies are sold from the stalls and the whole family can have fun together and get into the right Christmas spirit.

Christmas in Winterland is located right next to the Spikersuppa ice rink, where both young and old can get on it smoothly. Pack your skates in your suitcase and spend a romantic evening at Spikersuppa Ice Rink in the centre of Oslo. The ice rink is open every day during the winter season from late November to early March and is free to use. If you don't have your own skates, you can rent them from the pavilion next to the rink.