10 things to do in Sandefjord in the summer
Sandefjord is celebrated as one of Norway's premier summer destinations, and it's easy to see why. With some of the country's highest sunshine hours, over 100 beautiful beaches, 16 miles of stunning coastline, and 124 islands and islets, Sandefjord truly shines during the summer months. Coupled with a vibrant cultural scene, Sandefjord is a summer paradise waiting to be explored. Below, we’ve curated a list of must-do activities to make the most of your summer experience in Sandefjord.
Banner photo: Eirik C Agledal
Text: Hanne Marie Pedersen, June 2024
Festivals and concerts
Summer is festival and concert season in Sandefjord! Renowned for its vibrant cultural scene, Sandefjord boasts an impressive calendar of events throughout the year, but the summer months truly bring it to life. You’ll discover a diverse array of cultural offerings, from intimate backyard performances and lush park concerts to grand outdoor amphitheaters and indoor cultural venues. With so many options available, you’re sure to find something that resonates with your taste. The only challenge? Choosing from the abundance of fantastic events! Check the cultural calendar here, or read about some of the festivals here: By the Pond, Fjordfesten, The Minifjord, Fjord Classics and Midtåsen cultural festival.
Photo: Sandefjord Byen Vår
Flight with Dakota'n
Experience a piece of aviation history aboard Dakota'n, Norway's oldest flyable passenger plane and the country's only veteran passenger aircraft. This Douglas C-53D Skytrooper, a military variant of the Douglas DC-3, was built between 1942 and 1943 and served with the US Army Air Force during World War II. Now based in Sandefjord, the Dakota Norway foundation is dedicated to its operation and maintenance, ensuring it remains in airworthy condition. Join us for a breathtaking tour across the Vestfold archipelago, soaring at an optimal sightseeing altitude of 330 meters. Round trips aboard the Dakota last approximately 25 minutes, providing an unforgettable aerial view of the stunning landscape. For more information on flight times and prices, click here.
Photo : Dakota Norway
Beach town
Sandefjord truly embodies the essence of a summer getaway, boasting over 100 beaches and 16 miles of stunning coastline, alongside 124 picturesque islands and islets. Here, you can easily find your ideal bathing spot, whether you prefer secluded coves or bustling beach areas. In addition, you will find Strømbadet, Sandefjord's city bath, conveniently located just a stroll from the city center, allowing you to seamlessly blend urban life with beachside relaxation. Once celebrated as a spa town in the 19th century, Sandefjord attracted visitors with its beautiful spa facilities. Today, we proudly carry on that legacy, continuing to be a vibrant seaside resort where the bathing traditions thrive.
Photo: Hanne Marie Pedersen (Korsvikbukta on Vesterøya)
Harbor life
Immerse yourself in the vibrant harbor life of Sandefjord, where you'll find a bustling marina, an array of restaurants, lively nightlife, an ice cream kiosk, and one of the country’s oldest fish markets. Throughout the summer, the pier comes alive with activity, both day and night. Savor a meal at one of the many restaurants, or relax on the quayside with a bag of fresh prawns from Brødrene Berggren, renowned for offering the freshest and most delectable seafood delicacies.
Photo: Anton Goydin and Hanne Marie Pedersen
Southern Actor
The "Southern Actor" is the last remaining, fully operational whaling boat from the industrial whaling era. Built in England in 1950, it actively participated in whaling expeditions in the Arctic Ocean until 1962. Since 1995, the vessel has been moored in Sandefjord as a museum ship, welcoming visitors during the summer season when docked at Museumsbrygga. It is open for public tours Monday through Sunday from 11 AM to 4 PM. Entrance tickets can be purchased via Vipps or by card.
Photo: Visit Vestfold
Galleries
Sandefjord is home to a variety of captivating galleries, both large and small, making them the perfect destination for a day when the summer weather isn’t at its best. For example, in Smartgata, next to Kurbadhagen, you’ll find one of Sandefjord’s smallest galleries; Gallery Brown. In the center, Galleri ER showcases an impressive 300 square meters of art. If you venture to the far end of Vesterøya, you’ll discover Galleri Flood. Additionally 5tudio features a unique blend of art and graffiti decoration.
Photo: Anton Goydin
Boating life in the archipelago
For many, summer wouldn't be complete without a boat trip. Sandefjord boasts a stunning archipelago comprising 124 islands and islets, each offering unique charm and beauty. Venture out into the archipelago to explore the pristine islets and scenic reefs, where you can relax, swim, or simply soak in the breathtaking coastal views. Whether you prefer a leisurely sail or an adventurous exploration, the waters around Sandefjord promise unforgettable summer experiences.
Photo: Hanne Marie Pedersen
Family activities close to the city center
By "Hesteskoen" near the city center, you'll discover a wide range of activities perfect for the whole family. Enjoy the vibrant skate park, designed for skateboarders, inline skaters, scooter riders, and BMX enthusiasts of all ages. The park features a large communal barbecue area available for free use, making it ideal for a fun day out. Adjacent to the skate park, you can also try out the fantastic outdoor indoor bandy court, perfect for some friendly competition. For those looking for even more fun, there are sand play areas and the ever-popular mini golf course, which boasts stunning views of the sea. The mini-golf is open daily throughout the summer, offering a delightful experience for visitors of all ages.
Photo: Heidi Marie Gøperød and Natasha Skoli
Sculpture walk
Sandefjord is truly a sculpture city, boasting the highest number of sculptures per capita in Norway relative to its size. With so many remarkable works of art, a dedicated book titled Worth Seeing has even been published about them. Among the highlights is Knut Steen's iconic Whaling Monument, a centerpiece of the city. Many sculptures in Sandefjord evoke the sea and marine life, while others showcase diverse artistic styles and themes. Beyond the sculptures scattered throughout the municipality, visitors can explore a dedicated sculpture park and pavilion at Midtåsen. Gather the family and embark on a sculpture walk—see how many sculptures you can find and discover your favorites!
Photo: Anton Goydin
Grønne turer
Sandefjord is home to a wealth of beautiful nature and hiking terrain, making it an ideal destination for those looking to explore the municipality. The "Grønne turer"-initiative, which originated in Andebu in 1993, has been a beloved annual tradition ever since. Each year, ten new tours are introduced, all taking place within the municipal boundaries. These short-distance experiences are designed to inspire residents and visitors to venture outdoors and discover new trails and scenic spots in their own backyard. Whether you're an avid hiker or simply looking for a leisurely stroll, the Green Tours offer something for everyone. To see the lineup for this year's Green Tours, visit: Grønne turer 2024
Brochure Sandefjord municipality
