Explore Sandefjord: 10 fall activities you can't miss
While Sandefjord is often celebrated as a summer destination, it offers charm throughout the year. With autumn upon us, the days are growing cooler and shorter. We’ve compiled a list of the many delightful activities and experiences you can enjoy in Sandefjord during this vibrant season.
Text: Hanne Marie Pedersen, October 2023
The coastal path in Sandefjord
Lace up your walking shoes and immerse yourself in the stunning natural beauty along the Coastal Path. Sandefjord municipality boasts over 55 kilometers of beautifully marked coastal trails, perfect for exploring. As the name suggests, these paths meander along the coastline, leading you to picturesque beaches, inviting swimming spots, and breathtaking viewpoints. Notable stretches include the 13-kilometer path in Stokke and the impressive 45-kilometer trail connecting Vesterøya and Østerøya. At the extreme points of the Coastal Path, you’ll find Yxney on Østerøya and Folehavna on Vesterøya, each offering unique viewpoints at the ends of their respective peninsulas. Here you will find an overview of the coastal paths
Photo: Hanne Marie Pedersen
Sauna and bathroom
Have you tried the saunas in Sandefjord yet? Combine the invigorating experience of an autumn bath with the warmth of a cozy sauna. The city is home to four lovely sauna locations: in Melsomvik, at Granholmen and at Tangen and Lahelle. At Lahelle, you can enhance your visit with unique offerings like sauna yoga and special rituals on Thursdays. It's the perfect way to relax and have fun while enjoying the beauty of the season!
Photo: Hanne Marie Pedersen
The stave church in Høyjord
Nestled at the edge of the agricultural landscape on the Høyjord plateau lies Vestfold's only stave church and Norway's southernmost. This medieval church is one of just three remaining midmast churches in the country. The oldest parts of the stave church, including the choir, date back to the 12th century, while the nave is believed to have been constructed in the 14th century. Located next to ancient burial grounds, the area surrounding the church features several burial mounds. Although the church is only open for tours during the month of July, it remains a beautiful sight worth visiting, even if just to admire its grandeur from the outside.
Photo: Heidi Marie Gøperød
Sti for Øye
Discover Sti for Øye, an enchanting outdoor gallery located in Fossnes, Stokke. This unique art project is open 24 hours a day, year-round, showcasing the work of 14 talented artists from across Europe who have creatively transformed this beautiful Vestfold forest. As you stroll along the path, you’ll encounter artistic interpretations of local wildlife, including lynx, wild boar, wolves, and even blueberries. It’s a fantastic experience for families with children and anyone seeking an artistic twist on a forest adventure. The trail, which spans approximately 4 kilometers, is thoughtfully illuminated each evening, adding an element of excitement to your journey. It’s accessible to everyone, including wheelchair users, making it a truly inclusive outdoor experience.
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Midtåsen Sculpture Pavilion and Park
Perched on a hill, the Midtåsen Sculpture Pavilion and Park offers a stunning collection of art amidst nature. This remarkable site features sixteen works by renowned artist Knut Steen, including twelve exquisite marble sculptures housed inside the pavilion and four striking bronze sculptures scattered throughout the landscape. Here, you’ll enjoy a unique art experience where glass, concrete, and sculpture harmoniously interact with the breathtaking panoramic views of the surroundings. Designed by architect Svein Lund and landscape architect Gullik Gulliksen, the pavilion has garnered international acclaim. Supported by Vestfold County Council, Sandefjord Municipality, Sparebankstiftelsen DnB NOR, and the Anders Jahre Humanitarian Foundation, this cultural gem is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and entry is free.
Photo: Atle Slettingdalen
Indoor swimming
Ice bathing is not for everyone, but luckily, Sandefjord Swimming Hall maintains water temperatures between 28 and 34 degrees. Here, you'll find a warm water pool for the little ones, a main pool that is 25 meters long, a diving area with heights of 1.3 and 5 meters, and a slide that is 55 meters long with a drop of 5.8 meters. Sandefjord Swimming Hall offers water-based activities with instructors every week, and best of all: entry to Sandefjord Swimming Hall is free for children aged 0-15 from Monday to Friday. Read more here.
Photo: Håvard Flåtten
The Whaling Museum
Autumn is an ideal time to visit museums, and in Sandefjord, you'll find a unique opportunity to explore the world of whaling. Once the largest whaling town globally, Sandefjord is home to Europe's only museum dedicated to whales and whaling history. The Whaling Museum in Sandefjord serves as both a national and international knowledge center, narrating the evolution of whaling—from the indigenous hunting methods to the historical development of the whaling industry. Visitors can explore exhibitions on contemporary issues, such as whale management and the environmental impacts of whaling, alongside insights into the lives of those involved in this industry. Children especially love the section featuring stuffed animals and birds from the polar regions, highlighted by a full-size model of a blue whale hanging from the ceiling. Additionally, don’t miss the historic whaleboat, Southern Actor, located in the harbor, which is part of the museum experience.i
Photo: Hvalfangstmuseet
Art Nouveau architecture
Did you know that Sandefjord is emerging as Norway's next leading Art Nouveau city? Take a stroll through the city and look up to admire the stunning Art Nouveau architecture that defines the center of Sandefjord. Known as Jugend, this architectural style emerged in the 1890s, characterized by the use of materials such as iron, glass, and cement, and often features asymmetrical and rounded designs. A highlight of this architectural journey is Christian Hvids Plass, located at the top of Storgata, where you'll find the Catholic Church and one of the city's most complete Art Nouveau buildings, Chr. Hvidts Plass 3, which houses Nøtterø Bakeri. As you explore further, don't miss the charming details along Stockflethsgate, Storgata, and Kongens Gate, all showcasing beautiful examples of this elegant style.
Photo: Heidi Marie Gøperød
Istrehågan
Photo: Heidi Marie Gøperød
Get your skates out
In 2018, Sandefjord welcomed its long-awaited ice rink, which quickly earned the title of Sports Facility of the Year in Norway. Situated in the picturesque Bugårdsparken, which was awarded Norway's best sports park in the late 1980s, the ice rink serves as a multi-purpose facility catering to all residents, including those with disabilities. Open on weekends and weekday afternoons, this venue offers free ice skating for everyone. Check the schedule for opening times, and if you don’t have your own skates, you can borrow a pair from the kiosk during opening hours or through BUA, which provides free lending of sports and leisure equipment. So grab your skates and enjoy a fun day on the ice!
Photo: Hanne Marie Pedersen
