Why You Should Visit Tnsberg At Least Once

Safely tucked away in the southeastern end of the country on one of the arms of Oslofjord, Tønsberg is a beloved summer destination for locals – but most tourists haven’t really discovered it yet. Just a one-hour train trip from Oslo, the oldest city in Norway should definitely be in your list. Here are eight reasons why.

Explore a 13th-century fortress

Tønsberg was founded during the Viking Period, so it’s no wonder that there are so many historical gems here. Start with the most obvious: the imposing Mount Slottsfjell (literally, ‘castle hill’), which comprises Scandinavia’s largest ruin site. The site is basically what remains of Castrum Tunsbergis – and the Slottsfjell Tower, apart from an impressive monument, is one of Norway’s most popular outdoor festival areas every July, thanks to Slottsfjellfestivalen.

…and learn all about its history

Ride a Viking ship

Remember that Viking ship you were admiring at the Viking Ships Museum in Oslo? Well, the Oseberg ship was actually unearthed in Tønsberg, and there’s a full-scale replica of the ship at the city’s harbour. And you know the best thing about replicas? This ship you can actually board, and feel like a Viking explorer for a day!

Get a glimpse of life as it was in the old days

The city’s Medieval Festival takes place in June. Prepare for jousting knights, medieval music, theater performances – and a lot of dancing. Best part? There’s also a medieval market where you can taste the flavours of the era and buy souvenirs.

Literally travel to the World’s End

Right outside the city on the charming island of Tjøme, Færder National Park, you’ll find the end of the world. Well, almost. Verdens Ende is, in fact, one of the five ‘World’s End’ monuments around the world. It was probably called that because at the time, being the southernmost point of the area, it really looked like the end of the world. The highly Instagrammable Vippefyret, was built from pebbles on Tjøme’s beach.

Stand on the shoulders of giants

There are countless climbing opportunities all around Tjøme. Aktiv Fritid is a group that organises adrenaline-pumping activities like in Færder National Park, doing high-rope courses and ziplining along Tjøme’s beautiful coastline. Ready to see the world(’s end) from a new perspective?

Swim at one of Tjøme’s beaches

For a small island, Tjøme has a spectacular seaside. Whether you like your beaches pebbly, child-friendly (a.k.a. with shallow waters, like Skallevold Beach) or long and sandy (like Ringshaug Beach), here you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Just look around

The thing about Tønsberg: it’s beautiful all year long. There are ski slopes in the winter, fantastic foliage in autumn and all the perks of a seaside destination during spring and summer – from sailing to swimming. Looks like the oldest city in Norway is definitely not old news.

Nature in Tønsberg is beautiful all year long

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

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