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LARVIK Welcome to Larvik ! The municipality of Larvik with approximately 40.000 inhabitants and 530 square kilometres is Vestfold's largest municipality both in population and area. The municipality stretches from the Brunlanes coast in the south to the border with Lardal in the north, about 50-60 kilometres, as the crow flies. It is, in fact, a miniature of Norway, even if the highest mountain is only 450 metres over sea level. The Ice Age gave the district its' "Ra" - where old and new scars (from the movement of the ice) are to be found, where the Beechwood (Bøkeskogen) and Farris Well have their source and where Mølen, with its' burial mounds from the Iron Age, forms the end of the moraine as it slopes into the sea. The "Ra" dams Farris lake, which is the source of drinking water for the greater part of Vestfold's population. The 123 km coastline is a summer paradise with many cottages and camp sites. Inland in the community there is the Lågen Valley with salmon fishing, farm tourism, a landscape full of our cultural heritage, and a fantastic natural environment with the country's densest population of Elk. Larvik is an important "crossroads" for transportation to southern and eastern Norway and have a daily ferry connection to Denmark. The community is rich in culture and history,from the Viking centre of commerce, "Kaupang", through "Herregarden" from the industrial period of the Duchy, to the sailing age and coastal culture. The artist town of Stavern, also known as "Norway's Smile", is situated in the community. Larvik is many sided. A summer holiday in Larvik beats a trip to the South any time. New, exciting arrangements, with roots in our history, culture, specialities and traditions make sure that both our own population and tourists have only the best the whole summer long. Venerable old buildings take us back in time whilst a bustling commerce lights the way ahead. In the south the Svenner lighthouse blinks and reminds us about beauty and the values we are custodians of. It is Larvik we are talking about, town of the open Fjord which embraces it's small harbours, an area which simply seethes with summer life, whilst leaving room for stillness and dreams. Larvik is famous for its' beautiful Beechwood, a well loved recreation spot for the town's population - our very own natural living room. COUNT ULRIK FREDRIK GYLDENLØVE From there one may view the old town which was founded by the Count Ulrik Fredrik Gyldenløve in 1671. His mansion is today the town museum and is one of our most beautiful tourist attractions. In the town's little skerry park, Tollerodden,a stone's throw from the nautical museum, are placed statues of both Thor Heyerdahl and Colin Archer, reminding us of the great significance the sea has had for Larvik. The old pilot boat, Frithjof 11, is a living monument to our coastal culture, whilst the Farris Spring is worth a visit. The granite industry is important to Larvik and to begin to understand the Larvikitt's (Larvik Granite type) unique beauty, it is advised to visit the Town Square, centre of the town and its' pulsing heart. We have much on offer in Larvik. STAVERN A few minute's drive south lies the the happy little summer town of Stavern, a pearl full of life and laughter the whole season. Stavern is an artistic town with a plethora of galleries and exhibitions. On Citadell island just off the coast, generations of artists have painted, sketched or sculpted the beautiful skerry landscape, whilst poets have waxed Iyrical, for there is enough of inspiration. The poet Herman Wildenvey was born at Portåsen. Herman Wildenvey spent many years of his life in Stavern, and to day seminars about this well loved poet, as well as poetry readings, are arranged. Summer time bubbles with life in "Norway's Smile", which Wildenvey dubbed the town. "Happy Days" is an arrangement with a multivarious programme. There are light entertainments, theatre and concerts dedicated to the honour and happiness of the thousands of boating and motoring tourists who stop off for a time in summer Stavern. Arriving from the sea you will see the pyramid shaped Hall of Remembrance, our national war memorial to fallen Norwegian seamen, a landmark you can look out for. ULA On the mountain above Ula there is a view over one of Norway's most beautiful skerry areas. From here you may see the island groups of Færder, Rauer and Svenner a landscape with its' own charm, both in storm and calm. This beautiful old pilot harbour is today one of Larvik's many holiday idylls. Ula camping is a camper's paradise. People come from far away to savour the skerries natural environment and Norway's most environmental friendly campsite, free from cars and caravans, quiet and safe for children with large nature areas, fantastic beaches and skerry formations. On the mountain top above Ula stands a statue of the pilot Ulabrand sculpted in gray granite. He scans the south as if the Dutch sailing ships still tack into the fjord under full sail, as they once did. They were loaded with all manner of goods and the pilots would go to sea with a red stripe on the sail and guide the ships safely to port. NEVLUNGHAVN Nevlunghavn brings peace of mind. Here the open sea meets the little fishing town which has managcd to preserve its' original character. Nevlunghavn has has been placed on the United Nations list of places worthy of preservation. The little harbour has its' own hostelry with good food, accommodation and a very special atmosphere. It has its' own fish delivery, (reception, where the fishermen deliver and sell their catch) with activity all year round and basic service in the summer. You can sit on the jetty with a bag of fresh prawns, and with peace of mind savour the summeL Off the coast lies Bramskjæra, a small island kingdom and a skerry paradise for boating people. Immediately west of "Havna", which is the local name for the hamlet, you can find Oddane Sand camping. MØLEN Further west lies Mølen where the Vestfold Ra, the gigantic moraine from the ice age, meets the sea. Great stone mounds from the iron age have made Mølen famous. In addition the area has its' own unique nature, geology and botany. HELGEROA Helgeroa is yet another pearl in our band of hamlets along the coast, facing west and therefore sunny. There is a marina with all facilities and a guest harbour for visitors. Around the harbour are eating establishments where you may consume the best of meals, or sit outdoors and view the beautiful fjord. There is an hotel and the area proves that Larvik is one of the country's largest camping communities. If you truly want to experience the skerries you can take Helgeroa boats to Langesund through Stokksund and Bukkespranget, or arrange your own sightseeing trip. The coastal trail starts north of Helgeroa and winds through the terrain past Mølen and Nevnlunghavn to Stavern. Here you may experience the most beautiful nature that the Skerries can offer. The council has published a brochure with a map of the trail. Finally, on the journey from Larvik to Helgeroa you ought to treat yourself to a visit to the Halle mill. GOLF Larvik Golfclub is one of Norways best 18 holes golftracks. Is ranked as one of Europas 200 best golf courses. Open fairways and challenging greens. Kaupang Golfclub is under construction. |
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into the sea. The "Ra" dams Farris lake, which is the source of drinking water for the greater part of Vestfold´s population.
