10 Spring activities you can't miss
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Spring in Sandefjord is a wonderful season, as the days grow warmer and nature slowly comes back to life. Flowers begin to bloom, the coastline brightens up, and the city feels fresh and full of energy. It’s a beautiful time to explore everything Sandefjord has to offer, and here we’ve put together a list of some of the many things you can see and do during this vibrant season.
Outdoor Fitness Parks
Why not take your workout outside as the weather gets warmer? Sandefjord offers several outdoor fitness parks across the municipality, making it easy to stay active in the fresh spring air.
You’ll find great facilities in places such as Bugården, Badeparken, Tufteparken by Hesteskoen and Andebuparken. The parks are free to use and suitable for everyone – whether you’re experienced, a beginner, young or older. They are also thoughtfully designed to accommodate people with different physical abilities.
The fitness areas feature a combination of bodyweight equipment and traditional strength and cardio machines. QR codes on the equipment give you easy access to exercise instructions on your phone, while information boards provide tips and suggested workouts for inspiration and guidance.
Photo: Heidi Marie Gøperød
Alpaca Walks
Oh my alpaca – spring is the perfect time to head out on a walk again! At Mønnerød Alpakka in Sandefjord, you can get up close to these wonderful animals and experience the countryside in a unique way.
Join an alpaca walk, where you’ll lead your own alpaca on a leash through peaceful rural surroundings. The walk lasts 1-1,5 hours and is suitable for anyone who loves animals – young and old alike.
You can read more and find upcoming dates for alpaca walks on their website.
Photo: Mønnerød Aalpakka
The Sculpture Park at Midtåsen
Midtåsen was once the home of the shipowner Anders Jahre and was built in 1933. The estate is set on a hilltop with stunning views of the fjord, surrounded by beautiful gardens, oak trees and impressive sculptures.
Here you’ll find a sculpture park and a dedicated pavilion featuring 16 works by the artist Knut Steen. Four bronze sculptures are placed throughout the landscape, while twelve marble sculptures are displayed inside the pavilion.
The striking sculpture pavilion has gained international attention and was designed by architect Svein Lund in collaboration with landscape architect Gullik Gulliksen. Visiting the pavilion and sculpture park is free of charge.
Photo: Heidi Marie Gøperød
Tønsberg tønne
Tønsberg Tønne is an iconic stone cairn built in the late 19th century. This historic sea marker is located at the southern tip of Østerøya, in the area known as Yxney.
The surrounding landscape is a fantastic area for hiking, with a shelter at Søndre Truber, inviting beaches, glacial potholes and wild ramsons in spring (please note that the ramsons are protected in this area and must not be picked).
From the parking area, it’s about 2.5 km to Tønsberg Tønne, making it a popular destination for families as well as keen runners. There is a well-maintained path all the way, ending with a short, fun scramble to reach the cairn itself. On clear days, you can enjoy panoramic views stretching all the way to Koster from this spectacular viewpoint.
Photo: Vilde Kristine Vik
Sandefjord coffee
In Sandefjord, we have our very own coffee. What could be better than enjoying the spring sunshine with a steaming cup of Sandefjord coffee in hand? It tastes absolutely delightful, with notes of cherry, a rich full-bodied flavor, and a lingering hint of chocolate and almond. You can read more here about where to buy Sandefjord coffee.
Photo: Heidi Marie Gøperød
Outdoor Climbing
Spring is the perfect time to take activities outdoors. For those who love climbing, Sandefjord offers many exciting outdoor climbing opportunities. You’ll find climbing areas at Mokollen, Kasteskogen, Oksåsen at Helgerød, and Rambergåsen near Ormestad. At Rambergåsen, DNT Sandefjord has installed bolt anchors for top-rope climbing and lead climbing. Sandefjord is also a paradise for bouldering, which is climbing without ropes or harnesses.
Photo: Hanne Marie Pedersen
The "Beaver Trail" in Kodal
How about a trip to the popular Beaver Trail? The trail is located by Stivannet, right near Kodal center. Its name comes from the beavers that have lived at Stivannet for many years. Along the trail, you can find creations made by these fascinating animals. Beavers are most active at night, so spotting the Stivannet beaver isn’t easy. But if you’re lucky, you might see one during the day, especially at dawn or dusk. There are several fire pits ready to use and plenty of seating along the trail. The trail is lit in the evenings and is wheelchair-friendly, with a smooth and wide path.
Photo: Veronica Aarøe
Fenced Forest Area for Dogs
With spring comes the leash requirement. But in Sandefjord, there’s a fantastic option for dogs that love to run. At KennelBergtatt in Andebu, they offer “Let the Dog Loose,” a 60-acre fenced forest area where four-legged friends can safely run free. You reserve a time in advance and have the entire area to yourself—or together with other dog friends you’d like to bring along. This facility is open every day, all year round. Click here for more info and booking.
The Art Nouveau City of Sandefjord
Did you know that Sandefjord is Norway’s second most prominent Art Nouveau (Jugend) city? Take a walking tour, look up, and enjoy the beautiful Art Nouveau architecture that shapes the city center. Jugend, or Art Nouveau, is a style in architecture, decorative arts, and applied arts that emerged in the 1890s. In architecture, the style is characterized by the use of materials such as iron, glass, and cement, with buildings often featuring asymmetrical shapes and rounded forms. Sandefjord’s “Art Nouveau gem” is Christian Hvids Plass at the top of Storgata. Here you’ll find the Catholic Church and the city’s most notable Jugend building: Chr. Hvidts Plass 3, home to Nøtterø Bakery. In addition, Stockflethsgate, Storgata, and Kongens gate all offer beautiful buildings and details in the Jugend style.
Photo: Heidi Marie Gøperød
Sandefjord Viking Park
Sandefjord and the Vestfold region are rich in Viking history. The Gokstad Ship is Norway’s largest preserved Viking ship, and now an archaeological replica of the Gokstad Ship is being built at Sandefjord Viking Park. The park is located right by the Whaling Monument, and all the work is carried out using replicas of Viking tools. You can visit to watch the work in progress, or even participate in the building yourself. Everyone is welcome, whether you’re just curious or want to volunteer on a more regular basis.
Photo: Hanne Marie Pedersen