The 10 Best Things to Do in Larvik, Norway

Molen in Brunlanes is a national treasure and one of Larvik’s most popular attractions. Molen is Norway's largest beach of rolling stones, and it is a part of Vestfoldraet: the terrain left behind after the end of the most recent Ice Age 10.000 years ago. The cultural landscape of Molen, with its total of 230 cairns from the Iron Age, is one of the most majestic in Norway. The area has 16 large cairns, many up to 35 meters in diameter, with almost 200 small cairns in rows parallel to the shoreline. The cairns probably served as sea markers along the shipping lanes between different trading centres. This, combined with its striking natural beauty and position on the edge of the sea, makes it a must-see when visiting the area. You can enjoy a lovely view out to sea here and also study the beautiful species of stone called larvikite, a speciality for the Larvik area. Actually there are more than 100 different species of rock at Molen, and a total of 316 different bird species has also been found. The arrival and departure of the migratory birds is a real spectacle. Twice a year the migrants visit wonderful Molen, heading north in spring and eventually heading back south in autumn. In the summer of 2008 Molen was officially made into an UNESCO Geopark Area. If you want to get to Molen by manual means, the coastal path is easily accessible from either Helgeroa or Nevlunghavn.

Foldvik family park is an idyllic place, free from stress, hustle and bustle. Here the whole family can relax and have fun with many different species of animals. There are more than 50 family friendly activities to choose from for children and adults alike, less than 10 kilometres from Larvik. Lovely kittens, small baby rabbits, pigs and a variety of birds are all there to make friends with you in this paradise. You can jump on gigantic air-cushions, take a train ride, ride horses, jump in the straw, play golf, or just relax in the beautiful surroundings. Children and adults alike can enjoy themselves at Foldvik family park. Foldvik family park is located close to Foldvik farm. This is an authentic park, where visitors can buy vegetables, beautiful flowers and of course the famous Foldvik strawberries and strawberry juice. The area of the park is around 65 000 square meters. In the park you will find beautiful flowers. During the summer season more than 20 000 flowers in bloom makes the visit a therapy for your eyes as well as your soul. At Foldvik family park, it is also possible to rent a grill and find a nice spot for a barbecue. Opening hours at Foldvik family park: Every day from mid-June to mid-August Weekends from end of May to mid-June, end of August and start of September

Ferry line with Day trips between Larvik-Hirtshals, Kristiansand-Hirtshals and Sandefjord-Stromstad.

The mountain Bøkkerfjellet is located in the centre of Larvik. From the old fire lookout post, the tower keepers could view the whole town in the good, old days. The view is fantastic from here, and the site is easily accessible. A Norwegian "bøkker" was in the good, old days a barrel maker.

Ulabrand, baptized Anders Jacob Johansen (1815-1881), was a famous sea pilot who lived in the beutiful village Ula between Larvik and Sandefjord. A monument of Ulabrand is raised at the point where local pilots had their observation post. Ulabrand is regarded as Norway's best known sea pilot ever. He worked as a pilot at Ula from approximately 1850 until he lost his life during an autumn storm in 1881. At the end of the 19th century the pilots themselves had to hail boats and ships that were in need of a pilot. Wages were given to the man who came first to rescue after the first come, first served principle. The pilot then led the ship safely until it arrived in port. Consequently, pilots had observation posts where they easily could spot ships on their way in the Oslo fiord because of the magnificent view. There was fierce competition man to man on being first to help at the ship's side. The pilots often risked their own lives, and Ulabrand was probably the roughest and toughest of the lot. The pilots brought many ships and lots of sailors to safety during Skagerrak storms. Ulabrand himself became a symbol of strong seamanship, but he was first and foremost an important symbol of all the hard work the pilots went through to make shipping more secure.

Istrehagan is a burial ground from the early age of migration, with 5 stone settings from around 400-600 AD. Remains from persons, beer's paws, China, a needle and other grave gifts are found at Jaberg in Tjolling. The cultural monument Istrehagan consists of five stone settings and two ship settings. The biggest one is 25 metres long and consists of 18 single erect stones. Archeological excavations were undertaken in the early 1960s, and the restored burial ground is considered as one of the best preserved cultural monuments of its kind. Discoveries nearby indicate that there were settlements in this area as early as the Stone Age and the Bronze Age.

Fredriksvern church from 1756 is the first garrison church in Norway. It is a worthy representative for all rococo churches in our country. Fredriksvern shipyard and naval base was established in 1750, and the garrison church was established and then inaugurated six years later. The church was built in rococo style from Dutch brickwork, and it has glazed, dark blue tiles. Salt from the bricks eventually damaged the walls, and because of this exterior and interior walls were whitewashed. In the 1880s the church was rejuvenated, and the genuine colours of red and yellow were reinforced. As the only place of worship in town, the floor in Fredriksvern church is formed as a cross. The church also still has the two-storey altarpiece it got to the inauguration in 1756. There is a hipped end roof in the church. Above the main entrance the monogram of king Fredrik V. shines in typical rococo style, and in addition the mechanical clockwork from 1756 that the church vicar still winds up twice a week.

The High Residence of the Count - was built in 1677 by the recently appointed Count of Larvik, Ulrik Fredrik Gyldenlove. The Residence is one of the earliest and most important example of Baroque architecture in Norway, adapted to traditional Norwegian log-building. The interiors are famous for its rare decorations in regency and baroque style.