Free Vestfold og Telemark Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Vestfold og Telemark with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Vestfold og Telemark
Vestfold og Telemark photo 2
Vestfold og Telemark photo 3
All photos

Explore Vestfold og Telemark for Viking heritage, Oslofjord coastlines, canal journeys, mountain scenery and Norway’s pioneering industrial landscapes.

Vestfold og Telemark is a former county in south-eastern Norway, now divided administratively into the counties of Vestfold and Telemark but still a coherent travel area with a strong identity. It stretches from the Oslofjord coast and the Skagerrak to wooded uplands, broad valleys and the high plateaux of inland Telemark. The contrast is considerable: ferries and summer harbours around Tønsberg, Horten, Sandefjord, Larvik and Kragerø give way to quiet lakes, farmsteads and mountain landscapes around Rjukan, Rauland, Dalen and Vinje.
Read more about Vestfold og Telemark
The coastal section combines maritime history with a relaxed seaside culture. Tønsberg, Norway’s oldest town traditionally dated to the Viking Age, has a castle hill, a reconstructed Viking ship and a harbour-facing centre. Horten provides access to the Borrehaugen burial mounds and the Midgard Viking Centre, while Åsgårdstrand is associated with Edvard Munch, who found subjects and summer refuge along the Oslofjord. Further south, Larvik, Stavern, Mølen and the islands and skerries of Færder National Park offer beaches, granite shorelines, walking routes and opportunities for kayaking or boat trips.
Inland Telemark is a region of water, elevation and cultural continuity. The Telemark Canal links a chain of lakes between Skien and Dalen through locks and historic waterways, while the roads through Seljord, Rauland and Vinje lead towards mountain scenery and traditional farm landscapes. Rjukan lies beneath the steep Gaustatoppen massif and preserves the story of a planned industrial town built around hydroelectric power. Notodden, another centre of early hydropower development, shares this industrial legacy and forms part of the Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage Site, recognised by UNESCO.
The region’s cultural character is expressed through folk music, dance, craft traditions and the Telemark style of skiing, which developed in the nineteenth century. Museums and open-air heritage sites explain Viking society, seafaring, industrialisation and rural life, while galleries and literary or musical events connect older traditions with contemporary culture. Food ranges from coastal seafood and shellfish to farmhouse produce, berry products and traditional Norwegian baking. Visitors should allow time for the distances between coast and mountains: this is not one compact sightseeing centre, but a varied landscape best explored through several bases and carefully planned journeys.

When is the best time to visit Vestfold og Telemark?

Best: June–August · 20–22°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January270
February360
March760
April1155
May1760
June (best)2070
July (best)2280
August (best)2190
September1780
October1170
November570
December270

Getting to and around Vestfold og Telemark

How to get there

Vestfold og Telemark is commonly reached from Oslo, which lies outside the region and is the principal international gateway. Rail services from Oslo serve coastal towns including Drammen-linked Holmestrand, Horten’s nearby station at Skoppum, Tønsberg, Sandefjord, Larvik and Porsgrunn, with onward connections towards Skien. Sandefjord Airport, Torp, is in Sandefjord municipality and offers selected domestic and international services, though routes change over time. Road access is straightforward from Oslo and southern Norway, while ferries connect parts of the Oslofjord and nearby Danish or Swedish gateways depending on the destination and season.

Transportation

Rail travel is practical along the main coastal corridor, while buses connect larger towns with inland communities. A car is useful for reaching Telemark’s lakes, mountain valleys, smaller museums and trailheads, especially around Dalen, Rauland, Vinje and Rjukan, where services are less frequent and distances are considerable. The Telemark Canal provides a seasonal waterway experience rather than a general-purpose transport network. Coastal ferries and local boats can be valuable in the Færder area, but timetables are seasonal. Cycling and walking work well around towns, canal sections and selected coastal routes; mountain journeys require preparation and weather awareness.

Top city travel guides in Vestfold og Telemark

The cities of Vestfold og Telemark, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Vestfold og Telemark

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Vestfold og Telemark

The region’s attractions range from Viking archaeology and maritime museums to industrial monuments, art venues and extensive outdoor landscapes. Around Horten, the Borre burial mounds and Midgard Viking Centre interpret one of Norway’s most important Viking settings, while Tønsberg combines castle history with the harbour and Viking-inspired activities. The coast offers walking, swimming, kayaking and island excursions in places such as Færder National Park, Mølen and the skerries near Kragerø. Inland, the Telemark Canal is both an engineering achievement and a scenic journey through lakes, locks and historic settlements. Rjukan and Notodden explain the rise of hydroelectric industry, with the Vemork area adding a powerful wartime dimension. Mountain districts around Gaustatoppen, Rauland and Vinje support hiking, skiing and cycling, while family-oriented attractions and museums in towns such as Skien and Bø broaden the offer. The result is a destination landscape shaped as much by geography and working history as by conventional sightseeing.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Vestfold og Telemark

Vestfold og Telemark’s landmarks reveal its maritime, royal, industrial and natural histories. The Oseberg and Gokstad ship finds are associated with the region’s most important Viking discoveries, while the Borre burial mounds near Horten form an imposing archaeological landscape of royal-era monuments. Tønsberg Castle Hill, crowned by the remains of Slottsfjellet tower, marks the medieval importance of Norway’s oldest town traditionally dated to the Viking Age. At the coast, Mølen’s stone beaches and Verdens Ende’s granite shoreline provide distinctive natural landmarks, while the skerries and islands of Færder National Park extend that maritime character. Inland, Gaustatoppen dominates the Rjukan skyline and offers a defining mountain presence. The Vemork power station and industrial landscapes of Rjukan and Notodden represent a different kind of monument: planned communities, hydroelectric engineering and early twentieth-century industrial ambition. The locks and waterways of the Telemark Canal complete this sequence of recognisable places shaped by movement, water and work.

Show more landmarks

Explore Vestfold og Telemark on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Vestfold og Telemark

Dining in Vestfold og Telemark reflects the meeting of coast, forest, farmland and mountain communities. Along the Oslofjord and Skagerrak, restaurants, harbour cafés and fish counters make use of prawns, mussels, local fish and other seasonal seafood, while inland menus are more likely to feature game, lamb, dairy produce, mushrooms, berries and farm-grown ingredients. Traditional Norwegian baking, waffles and coffee remain common in cafés, museums and rural stops, and local farm shops provide opportunities to buy preserves, cheeses, cured products and drinks for a picnic. Tønsberg, Sandefjord, Larvik, Skien, Porsgrunn and Kragerø offer the broadest choice of contemporary restaurants, whereas smaller inland communities often centre their food culture on cafés, lodges, country inns and seasonal dining. Menus change with supply and season, so regional specialities are best approached as a varied local pantry rather than a single defining dish.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Vestfold og Telemark

Evening life varies sharply between the coastal towns and inland Telemark. Tønsberg, Sandefjord, Larvik, Skien and Porsgrunn have the widest selection of pubs, restaurants, wine bars, live-music spaces and late venues, with the coastal towns becoming busier during the summer season. Kragerø and other harbour settlements combine traditional pubs and restaurants with a seasonal seafront atmosphere, while smaller inland communities generally offer a quieter evening centred on cafés, hotel bars, local gatherings and cultural events. The region has a strong relationship with Norwegian craft brewing, but availability differs between towns and venues. Rjukan and Notodden are better known for heritage, festivals and outdoor access than for a large club scene, although live music and cultural programming can provide evening entertainment. Check current arrangements locally, as opening patterns are particularly seasonal outside the larger centres.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Vestfold og Telemark

Evening life varies sharply between the coastal towns and inland Telemark. Tønsberg, Sandefjord, Larvik, Skien and Porsgrunn have the widest selection of pubs, restaurants, wine bars, live-music spaces and late venues, with the coastal towns becoming busier during the summer season. Kragerø and other harbour settlements combine traditional pubs and restaurants with a seasonal seafront atmosphere, while smaller inland communities generally offer a quieter evening centred on cafés, hotel bars, local gatherings and cultural events. The region has a strong relationship with Norwegian craft brewing, but availability differs between towns and venues. Rjukan and Notodden are better known for heritage, festivals and outdoor access than for a large club scene, although live music and cultural programming can provide evening entertainment. Check current arrangements locally, as opening patterns are particularly seasonal outside the larger centres.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Vestfold og Telemark

Shopping is strongest in the coastal and inland town centres rather than in a single regional retail district. Tønsberg, Sandefjord, Larvik, Skien and Porsgrunn combine ordinary Norwegian high-street shops with independent boutiques, cafés, galleries and practical outdoor retailers, while smaller places such as Kragerø, Dalen and Rjukan have a more local and seasonal character. Look for craft studios, galleries and museum shops selling textiles, ceramics, woodwork, jewellery, books and designs influenced by Telemark’s folk traditions. Farm shops and food producers are useful for cheeses, preserves, baked goods, berry products and other regional provisions. Markets and seasonal stalls vary by town and date, so check local listings rather than relying on a fixed schedule. Coastal towns may offer maritime gifts and art, while inland shopping is more closely connected with outdoor equipment, local produce and handicrafts than with luxury retail.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Vestfold og Telemark, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Vestfold og Telemark essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Norwegian krone, written NOK. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in towns, hotels, museums, restaurants and transport services, and cash is used less often than in the past. Carrying a small amount of cash remains sensible for some unattended facilities, rural purchases or unexpected equipment needs, although practices vary. Prices can be high by international standards, particularly for accommodation, dining and transport. Check whether a card provider adds foreign transaction fees and use reputable payment terminals.
Safety
Vestfold og Telemark is generally straightforward for visitors, but outdoor conditions deserve more attention than urban security. Coastal rocks can be slippery and exposed, while boat trips, cold water and changing weather require sensible precautions. Inland walks may involve poor mobile coverage, steep terrain and rapid changes in temperature, particularly near Gaustatoppen and the higher areas of Telemark. Follow marked routes, check forecasts, tell someone about longer hikes and avoid assuming that a short-looking mountain walk is easy. On rural roads, expect narrow sections, tunnels, cyclists, farm vehicles and wildlife.
Emergency Situations
The national emergency numbers apply throughout the region: call 112 for police, 110 for fire and 113 for medical emergencies. Call 120 for urgent maritime assistance where appropriate, and follow local guidance for mountain rescue or other specialist help. Give a clear location, using a named road, trail, lake, viewpoint or GPS coordinates if available. In remote areas, do not rely solely on mobile coverage; download maps, carry suitable clothing and check access conditions before setting out. The emergency operator can advise which service is required.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect the Norwegian right of access by staying on appropriate paths, closing gates, avoiding cultivated land and leaving no trace; it does not permit careless access to gardens, crops or sensitive nature. Keep dogs under control and observe local restrictions, especially near livestock and protected areas. In towns and on public transport, queueing and quiet consideration are expected. At historic sites, do not climb monuments or touch fragile objects. Tipping is discretionary rather than a strict obligation, though good service may be acknowledged. Swimming, boating and hiking should be treated with respect because fjord and mountain water can be dangerously cold.
Local Tips
Use Tønsberg, Sandefjord, Larvik or Skien as coastal or lowland bases, and choose Rjukan, Dalen, Rauland or another inland base when exploring the mountain and canal landscapes. Book canal cruises and popular summer accommodation ahead, but retain flexibility for weather-dependent outdoor plans. Local museums are particularly useful in poor weather and often explain the connection between regional landscapes and national history. Sample food from farm shops, bakeries, fish counters and markets rather than relying only on standard tourist restaurants. In the mountains, begin walks early and check the return journey before setting off.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHei[hay]
GoodbyeHa det[ha deh]
YesJa[yah]
NoNei[nay]
Please/You're welcomeVær så snill/Takk[vair so snill/tahk]
Thank youTakk[tahk]
Excuse me/SorryUnnskyld[oon-shild]
How are you?Hvordan har du det?[vor-dan har doo deh]
Fine. And you?Bra. Og du?[bra. oh doo?]
Do you speak English?Snakker du engelsk?[snak-er doo eng-elsk?]
I don't understandJeg forstår ikke[yai for-stor ik-ke]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseJeg vil gjerne se menyen, vær så snill[yai vil yair-na se men-yen, vair so snill]
I don't eat meatJeg spiser ikke kjøtt[yai spee-ser ik-ke shyet]
Cheers!Skål![skawl]
I would like to pay, pleaseJeg vil gjerne betale, vær så snill[yai vil yair-na be-ta-le, vair so snill]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjelp![yelp]
Go away!Gå vekk![gaw vek]
Call the Police!Ring politiet![ring poh-lee-teet]
Call a doctor!Ring en lege![ring en lay-geh]
I'm lostJeg er tapt[yai air taapt]
I'm illJeg er syk[yai air seek]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Jeg vil kjøpe...[yai vil shoo-peh]
I'm just lookingJeg bare ser[yai bar-eh sehr]
How much is it?Hvor mye koster det?[vor mee-eh kost-er deh]
That's too expensiveDet er altfor dyrt[deh air alt-for deert]
Can you lower the price?Kan du senke prisen?[kan doo sen-keh pree-sen]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hva er klokka?[vah air kloh-kah]
It's one o'clockDet er ett[deh air ett]
Half past (10)Halv ti[halv tee]
MorningMorgen[mor-gen]
AfternoonEttermiddag[et-ter-mid-dahg]
EveningKveld[kveld]
YesterdayI går[ee gor]
TodayI dag[ee dahg]
TomorrowI morgen[ee mor-gen]
11[en]
22[to]
33[tre]
44[fire]
55[fem]
66[seks]
77[sju]
88[åtte]
99[ni]
1010[ti]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvor er en...?[vor air en...?]
What's the address?Hva er adressen?[vah air ah-dres-sen]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kan du vise meg (på kartet)?[kan doo vee-seh my (poh kar-teht)?]
When's the next (bus)?Når går den neste (bussen)?[nor gor den nes-teh (bus-sen)?]
A ticket (to ....)En billett (til ...)[en be-lett (til ...)]

History of Vestfold og Telemark

Stone Age settlement and ancient coastal communities

People have lived along the Oslofjord and the Telemark waterways since the retreat of the last ice sheet. Early communities used the coast, forests, rivers and lakes for fishing, hunting and trade, while later farming settlements appeared on more fertile ground. Rock carvings, burial sites and archaeological finds across Vestfold and Telemark reveal long changes in settlement, technology and belief. The landscape itself was important: waterways connected inland districts with the coast, and sheltered harbours helped communities exchange materials and ideas across southern Scandinavia.

Viking Age Vestfold

Vestfold was a major centre of power during the Viking Age. The ship burials at Oseberg and Gokstad, discovered near Tønsberg and Sandefjord respectively, contained richly appointed vessels and objects that demonstrate the region’s connections with wider Scandinavian and European networks. The burial mounds at Borre near Horten form one of the most important concentrations of monumental Viking remains in Norway. Although the political structure of the period was changing and cannot be reduced to a single kingdom based here, the archaeological evidence shows that coastal Vestfold supported influential elites, skilled craftsmen and maritime activity.

Medieval towns, churches and coastal trade

During the Middle Ages, settlements along the coast developed around royal administration, ecclesiastical institutions, agriculture and trade. Tønsberg became a significant political and commercial centre, while churches and estates shaped rural communities throughout the region. Timber, fish, grain and other goods moved along the coast and inland waterways. The construction and rebuilding of stone churches, fortified sites and urban institutions left a lasting imprint, even though later fires, redevelopment and modern infrastructure altered many historic centres.

Seafaring, timber and maritime industries

From the early modern period into the nineteenth century, the coast of Vestfold and southern Telemark was closely connected to shipping, timber exports and international commerce. Ports such as Larvik, Sandefjord, Tønsberg and Kragerø grew through trade, shipbuilding and the movement of forest products. Sandefjord later became strongly associated with nineteenth- and twentieth-century whaling, with vessels and crews operating in distant southern waters. Maritime wealth influenced town plans, merchants’ houses and civic institutions, while inland forests and waterways supplied much of the economic foundation.

The Telemark canal and nineteenth-century modernisation

The Telemark Canal, completed in stages in the late nineteenth century, connected Skien and the lower Telemark waterways with Dalen. Its locks and artificial channels enabled the movement of people, timber, agricultural goods and industrial products through difficult terrain. The canal transformed travel and strengthened links between inland communities and the coast. Today, its surviving engineering, historic vessels and lakeside settlements provide an unusually clear illustration of how transport infrastructure helped integrate rural Norway before the dominance of roads and railways.

Hydroelectric industry at Rjukan and Notodden

The dramatic valleys and waterfalls of inland Telemark made the area a centre of early large-scale hydroelectric development. Companies established factories and planned communities at Notodden and Rjukan in the early twentieth century, producing fertiliser and other industrial materials with energy generated from water. The projects brought engineers, workers, railways and new urban forms to a previously rural landscape. The Rjukan–Notodden Industrial Heritage Site, inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2015, preserves this important chapter in the history of modern industry and electrification.

War, resistance and post-war transformation

During the German occupation of Norway from 1940 to 1945, the Norsk Hydro plant at Vemork near Rjukan became strategically important because of its production of heavy water, which could assist nuclear research. Norwegian and Allied sabotage operations targeted the plant and its transport links, making the Rjukan area one of the best-known settings in Norway’s wartime history. After the war, industrial restructuring, improved roads and changing employment patterns reshaped both coastal and inland communities, while heritage conservation and tourism created new ways to interpret the region’s past.

Vestfold og Telemark in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Vestfold og Telemark

The closest regions to Vestfold og Telemark, if you have time for more than one.

Explore more

Norway
More of the region

Explore more of Norway

Explore Norway's spectacular fjords, vibrant cities, and natural wonders. Experience the Northern Lights, Midnight Sun, and rich cultural heritage in this Scandinavian gem.

Explore Norway
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Vestfold og Telemark

Explore Vestfold og Telemark with Evendo, a 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, restaurants, hotels, and more.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Rich descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
  • Easy hotel, tour, and ticket bookings directly through the app
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Discover the best of Vestfold og Telemark with Evendo, your free travel guide app. Plan your trip effortlessly with detailed information on attractions, local tips, and easy bookings.

  • Comprehensive history of Vestfold og Telemark
  • Essential travel information and local advice
  • User-friendly navigation with a 'Near Me' feature to find nearby attractions
  • Curated local tips to experience the region like a local
  • 100% free to use with no in-app purchases or additional costs

Imagine embarking on an unforgettable journey to the picturesque regions of Vestfold og Telemark, Norway. With Evendo, your travel experience is elevated to new heights. This comprehensive, app-based travel guide is your ultimate companion, offering meticulous details on the finest attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities.

Explore the mesmerizing beauty of the Heddal Stave Church, the oldest and largest stave church in Norway, or take a scenic hike to the top of Gaustatoppen for breathtaking panoramic views. Discover the rich history at the Vestfold Viking Burial Mounds or unwind at the serene beaches of Larvik. Evendo ensures you never miss a beat with local tips, detailed maps, and contact information.

Hungry? Savor the exquisite cuisine at renowned restaurants like Bøkekroa in Larvik or Brygga 11 in Sandefjord. The app also features a 'Near Me' function, so you can effortlessly find and explore nearby attractions, eateries, and more. With Evendo, booking hotels, tours, and tickets is a breeze, making your travel planning seamless and stress-free.

Download Evendo today and transform your trip to Vestfold og Telemark into an extraordinary adventure. The world is in your pocket, ready to be explored.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.