Sandefjord Travel Guide — Best Time, Things to Do & Where to Stay

Why Sandefjord

Located along the Skagerrak coast in Vestfold county in southern Norway, Sandefjord serves as the administrative center of Sandefjord Municipality. Situated at the head of the Sandefjordsfjorden, the town spans 24.19 square kilometers and incorporates coastal territory on both sides of the Mefjorden on the Vesterøya and Østerøya peninsulas. The name of the city traces back to the year 1200 in Sverris saga, originating from the ancient Sande farm—derived from Old Norse words for sandbanks—and the adjacent fjord.

Settlement in the area extends back roughly 3,000 years, evidenced by rock carvings at the Haugen farm by Istrehågan in Jåberg that date from 1500 to 500 BCE. Sandefjord is celebrated for its prominent Viking heritage, earning it a reputation as the Viking capital of Norway. Around 1,000 years ago, Vikings populated the district, leaving behind significant artifacts and monuments. Among these discoveries is the 9th-century Gokstad Ship, which was excavated from the Gokstadhaugen grave site on the city's eastern edge by Nicolay Nicolaysen.

Sandefjord also holds a major place in maritime and industrial history. First designated as a seaport in 1680 and later recognized as a market town by King Oscar in 1845, the community relied heavily on shipping and shipbuilding throughout the 17th and 18th centuries. The booming whaling trade eventually made Sandefjord the wealthiest city in Norway, earning it titles such as the whaling capital of the world. Today, the town harbors Norway's third-largest merchant fleet and hosts the Sandefjord Museum, which stands as the only museum in Europe focused on the whaling industry.

Because of its extensive shoreline, numerous local beaches, and historic resort spas, Sandefjord is frequently called the Bathing City and is considered the nation's undisputed summer city. The town experiences high visitor numbers during the warmer months, retaining its status as a popular coastal resort destination. Visitors exploring the urban landscape will also find several places of worship belonging to the Church of Norway, such as Sandefjord Church, Sandar Church, Bugården Church, and Vesterøy Church.