Culture

Sandefjord is a lively cultural hub, offering a rich variety of events and experiences throughout the year. From family-friendly festivals and lunchtime concerts to opera cafés, summer and Christmas shows, themed cultural evenings, and bustling trade fairs, there's always something happening to engage every interest and age group.

The city is home to a thriving theater community, along with a vibrant choir, band, and music scene, complemented by an extensive range of sports teams and recreational facilities. With so much to choose from, you're sure to find something that resonates with your passions.

Kulturhuset Hjertnes, the city’s premier cultural venue, has recently expanded. In September 2022, it introduced the new Harmonie Arena, a flexible space that can accommodate 360 seated or 800 standing guests. This cutting-edge venue has greatly enhanced the local cultural landscape. Hjertnes also features a cinema, library, outdoor stage, and regularly hosts a wide array of cultural events.

Sandefjord's cultural school offers education in music, theater, and visual arts for children and youth aged 2 to 19. This nurturing environment not only develops artistic talent but also enhances cognitive and motor skills, fosters friendships, and brings lifelong joy through creativity. A fun fact: the "Cultural Schoolbag," a national initiative that integrates arts into education, was first developed here in Sandefjord!

The city’s spirit of innovation is deeply tied to its whaling heritage, which continues to shape its identity. The Whaling Museum, Europe’s only museum dedicated to whales and whaling, celebrates this heritage. Visitors can even charter the Southern Actor, the last fully operational whaling boat from Norway’s golden age of whaling, open to the public during the summer season.