Historic Tønsberg: The Oldest City in Norway

Explore one of Scandinavia’s oldest cities and discover a fascinating blend of Viking heritage, medieval ruins, lively waterfront culture, and island-hopping adventures, all within easy reach of Oslo.

Have you ticked off the usual suspects in Oslo? Strolled the Vigeland Park, climbed the Opera House roof, and admired the Munch paintings? If you’re ready for a change of pace, one of Norway’s oldest cities lies just over an hour away.

Tønsberg combines more than a thousand years of history with a vibrant modern waterfront, Viking connections, and easy access to the Oslofjord archipelago.

It’s the kind of place where you can walk among medieval ruins in the morning, enjoy lunch on a sunny wharf, and take a ferry out to a coastal nature reserve before heading back to the capital.

Although often overshadowed by bigger names on the tourist map, Tønsberg rewards those who make the short journey south.

Whether you’re curious about Viking ships, looking for a lively summer atmosphere, or just want a fresh perspective on southern Norway, it makes for one of the best day trips from Oslo.

Tønsberg: A City of Firsts

Tønsberg lays claim to being Norway’s oldest city, with origins stretching back to the Viking Age. Mentioned in sagas and medieval chronicles, it grew into one of the most important towns of the Middle Ages, serving as a royal seat and a centre for both trade and religion.

Its position on the Oslofjord has always been central to its story. Without the water, there would be no city here.

Ships carried timber, herring, and other goods to markets across northern Europe, and the fjord still shapes local life today, from the modern shipping industry to sailing, fishing, and waterfront culture.

Where is Tønsberg?

Tønsberg sits on the western shore of the Oslofjord, about 100 kilometres south of Oslo. With around 58,000 residents, it is the administrative centre of Vestfold county, which since 2024 has once again stood as its own county after the short-lived merger with Telemark.

The city enjoys a coastal setting, with sheltered waters to the east and easy access to the archipelago of islands that make up Færder National Park. This location has always defined Tønsberg, from Viking ship burials in nearby fields to today’s popular boating culture.

Tønsberg is part of a cluster of towns and small cities along the Vestfold coast. To the south lies Sandefjord, known for its whaling museum and airport connections, while Larvik, with ferries to Denmark, is about 40 minutes away.

To the north, Horten offers ferries across the fjord to Moss, providing a direct link towards Østfold and eastern Norway.

Thanks to its position, Tønsberg is an easy day trip from Oslo. It’s around 80 minutes by train from the central station, or just over an hour’s drive down the E18 highway.

Its coastal setting also makes it a popular summer destination for Norwegians, who flock to the islands and waterfront cafés during the warmest months of the year.

Tønsberg and the Viking Trail

Although often overlooked by international travellers heading straight for the fjords, Tønsberg is a treasure trove for history lovers.

The Vestfold region is one of Norway’s richest areas for Viking Age archaeology, with monumental burial mounds, ship discoveries, and ancient settlements scattered along the fjord.

The most famous find is the Oseberg ship, excavated just outside the city in 1904. This exquisitely preserved burial ship, dating to around 820 AD, held the remains of two high-status women and a wealth of grave goods, offering unique insights into Viking society and craftsmanship.

Today, the original vessel rests in Oslo’s Viking Ship Museum (currently closed for redevelopment), but Tønsberg honours its legacy through the Saga Oseberg project.

But Oseberg is just one piece of the story. A short drive north of Tønsberg lies Borre National Park, home to the largest collection of monumental Viking burial mounds in Northern Europe.

Walking among the grassy mounds gives a sense of the power and prestige of the chieftains who once ruled the Oslofjord. At the Midgard Viking Centre beside the park, interactive exhibits, reconstructed halls, and hands-on activities bring Viking daily life vividly to life.

Other nearby finds, such as the Gokstad ship in Sandefjord and the Klåstad ship displayed at the Slottsfjell Museum, make Vestfold a true archaeological hotspot. For anyone following Norway’s Viking trail, Tønsberg is the ideal starting point.

Top Things to See and Do

Whether you’re drawn by Viking history, medieval ruins, or simply the lively summer atmosphere, Tønsberg offers plenty of attractions to fill a rewarding day.

Tønsberg Brygge

The waterfront has been the city’s focal point for more than a thousand years. Once a bustling trading harbour, it is now lined with 19th-century warehouses converted into restaurants, cafés, and bars. In summer, this is one of southern Norway’s most vibrant spots, with outdoor dining and a festival-like atmosphere.

Saga Oseberg

A short stroll from the wharf brings you face to face with one of the most remarkable projects in modern Viking archaeology: the Saga Oseberg.

This full-size replica of the Oseberg ship was built in 2012 using only tools, methods, and materials available to Viking craftsmen more than 1,200 years ago. The process took three years and involved historians, archaeologists, and skilled boatbuilders working side by side to rediscover ancient techniques.

The result is a working ship that has successfully sailed the same waters as its predecessor, proving the seaworthiness and ingenuity of Viking design.

Although the Saga Oseberg only leaves its mooring for special occasions such as festivals or commemorative voyages, seeing it up close is still an unforgettable experience. Its sweeping curves, intricate carvings, and imposing size bring the Viking Age vividly to life in a way museum displays can’t quite match.

Slottsfjell Museum & Fortress

Perched on the hill above the city, the Slottsfjell Museum offers an engaging introduction to Tønsberg’s past. Its star exhibit is the Klåstad ship, a rare 10th-century cargo vessel discovered in 1970 just outside the city.

Unlike the grand burial ships of Oseberg or Gokstad, the Klåstad ship provides a glimpse into the everyday trade and transport that kept Viking society moving. Artefacts from the excavation, including tools and cargo remains, help tell this quieter but equally important side of the story.

The museum also hosts exhibitions on the Middle Ages, local archaeology, and Tønsberg’s role as a regional hub, making it a rewarding stop before heading up the hill itself.

Outside, trails lead through the atmospheric ruins of Slottsfjellet, once one of Norway’s most important fortresses.

Built in the 13th century as a royal residence, the castle was a symbol of power during the Middle Ages and hosted kings and councils. Today, only stone walls and foundations remain, but the sense of history is palpable as you wander among them.

Towering over it all is the Slottsfjell Tower, constructed in 1888 to mark Tønsberg’s 1,000-year anniversary. Visitors can climb to the top for sweeping views of the city, the fjord, and the surrounding islands offering a reminder of why this spot was chosen as a fortress in the first place.

Haugar Vestfold Art Museum

Housed in a former school building, Haugar Vestfold Art Museum showcases contemporary art and temporary exhibitions.

Highlights include Andy Warhol’s works inspired by Edvard Munch’s The Scream and his portrait of Queen Sonja, though these are not always on display, so it’s worth checking ahead.

Ilene Nature Reserve

For a breath of fresh air, the Ilene wetlands sit just northwest of the city centre. A 7.5km loop trail takes you past birdwatching hides and picnic spots, making it a peaceful escape close to town.

Færder National Park & Verdens Ende

Just outside the city, the archipelago of Færder National Park invites exploration. Summer ferries connect the islands, while Verdens Ende (“World’s End”) on Tjøme offers smooth coastal rocks, dramatic sea views, and the famous tipping lighthouse built from beach stones in the 1930s.

Festivals & Events in Tønsberg

Tønsberg has a lively cultural calendar, with summer bringing some of the city’s biggest celebrations and drawing visitors from across the region.

Tønsberg Medieval Festival: Every June, Slottsfjellet fills with jousting, markets, concerts, and medieval pageantry, making it one of Norway’s biggest historical festivals.

Slottsfjell Festival: Once a major music event attracting international acts, its status has fluctuated in recent years, but it remains a cultural icon for the city.

Tønsbergdagen: A mid-June city celebration with live performances, extended shopping hours, and a buzzing street atmosphere.

Living in Tønsberg

Traditionally, the city was known for its silver mining. As an important regional centre of today, many companies have a presence in Tønsberg along with many local government jobs.

As of Q2 2025, Statistics Norway reports a population in Tønsberg of just under 60,000. Tønsberg is home to a relatively small number of immigrants, with the largest groups from Poland, Lithuania and Ukraine.

Families moving to Tønsberg can make use of the International Church, while Skagerak International School is located in Sandefjord, a 30km drive south of the city.

Famous Residents of Tønsberg

Tønsberg has produced or hosted notable Norwegians over the centuries. Former prime minister Johan Sverdrup, often called the “father of parliamentarism” in Norway, was born here in 1816.

The city also played a central role in the career of shipping magnate Wilhelm Wilhelmsen, who founded one of the world’s largest maritime companies in Tønsberg at the turn of the 20th century.

In more recent years, the region has been home to world champion chess grandmaster Magnus Carlsen, who grew up in nearby Nøtterøy. Football fans may also remember Ronny Johnsen, the defender who played for Manchester United in the late 1990s, who hails from the area.

Practical Information

Tønsberg is well connected and easy to reach from Oslo. Hourly trains run from Oslo Central Station, with the journey taking around 80 minutes. If you prefer to drive, the E18 motorway brings you south to the city in just over an hour.

For those arriving by air, Sandefjord Airport Torp is only about half an hour away.

The airport is served by Widerøe flights from Bergen, Trondheim and other Norwegian cities, as well as budget airlines offering routes to the UK, Spain, and Poland. A free shuttle bus links the terminal with Torp railway station, where it’s just a short train ride to Tønsberg.

Once in the city, getting around is straightforward. The centre is compact and best explored on foot, while in summer the ferries departing from the harbour make it easy to venture out to the islands and coastal trails of the surrounding archipelago.

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