Fotokred: Heidi Marie Gøperød

Svinessaga Outdoor Centre
Svinessaga Outdoor Centre, run by DNT Sandefjord, is a gem for outdoor enthusiasts, located by the beautiful Goksjø lake. Open all year, this centre turns into a winter paradise when the temperatures drop. If the ice is safe, you can go ice skating, play hockey, or enjoy figure skating. DNT Sandefjord provides kick sleds free of charge, and there’s also a climbing park. You’ll find benches for resting and fire pits for grilling your own food – making it a perfect spot for the whole family to play and relax. Remember to dress warmly, pack sausages for grilling, and bring hot cocoa in a thermos for a wonderful winter day by Vestfold’s fourth-largest lake.
Address: Kodalveien 76

Photo: Hanne Marie Pedersen

Art Galleries
When it’s cold outside, warm your soul with art in all shapes and colors. Sandefjord has several galleries, both small and large, showcasing everything from local artists to national treasures – perfect for a cultural break in everyday life. Some highlights include:

Galleri Brown – one of Sandefjord’s smallest galleries, located in Thor Dahls gate near Kurbadhagen.
Galleri ER – 300 m² of original paintings, graphics, and sculptures in the city center, with a range of exciting solo exhibitions throughout the year.
Galleri Flood – at the tip of Vesterøya, offering ceramics and paintings, and hosting ceramics workshops.

Photo: Anton Goydin

Cross-Country Skiing
Cross-country skiing is a Norwegian favorite, and Sandefjord offers great trails for all levels. Some popular locations include Storås Ski Centre in Stokke, Håsken in Andebu, and Runar Ski Centre at Haukerød. Storås has about 20 km of groomed trails, a 4.2 km illuminated loop, and two circular routes. Runar Ski Centre prepares “Mila,” Fokserødrunden, and Goksjø loops when conditions allow. Andebu Ski Club maintains scenic trails at Håsken, including an illuminated track and several varied loops.

Photo: Hanne Marie Pedersen

Afternoon Tea
When the cold bites and snowflakes fall, few things are better than warming up with a cup of tea in elegant surroundings. At the historic Hotel Kong Carl, you can enjoy their popular Afternoon Tea – a tradition full of comfort and charm. Served on a three-tier stand, it includes tasty sandwiches, freshly baked scones with jam and clotted cream, and sweet treats from the hotel’s skilled pastry chefs. Choose your favorite tea from their Selection Box, or treat yourself to a glass of sparkling wine. Afternoon Tea is served every Saturday from 12:00 to 17:00 – booking ahead is recommended as it’s very popular.

Sauna and Winter Bathing
Fancy a refreshing winter swim paired with a warm sauna? Winter bathing and saunas are increasingly popular – and for good reason. The switch from cold water to a hot sauna releases endorphins that lift your mood and gives a social and energizing experience. In Sandefjord, you’ll find saunas at Melsomvik, Granholmen, Tangen, and Lahelle. Lahelle even offers sauna yoga and special rituals on Thursdays.

Photo: Hanne Marie Pedersen

Saturday Jazz
Every Saturday, the intimate and cozy Dråpen venue comes alive with jazz performed by talented musicians. Saturday Jazz is a long-standing tradition, welcoming both dedicated jazz lovers and those looking for a different Saturday experience. Enjoy great music, drinks, and an atmosphere that guarantees a memorable evening. Bring friends or come alone – everyone is welcome. Doors open at 15:00, and music starts around 16:00.

Photo: Hanne Marie Pedersen

Viking Sledding at Gokstadhaugen
When snow falls, historic Gokstadhaugen transforms into a popular sledding hill for the whole family! Bring a sled, board, or mat and enjoy Viking sledding in a unique setting. The burial mound dates back to the 9th century and is home to the famous Gokstad Viking ship. Although it is a protected cultural site, sledding is allowed and appreciated, making it a great mix of history and outdoor fun. Enjoy a fast-paced day of sledding, kite flying, or a cozy walk with your dog – right in the heart of history!

Photo: Simen Trandem

Indoor Heated Pools
Ice swimming is not for everyone – luckily, Sandefjord Swimming Hall keeps water at 28–34°C. Facilities include a warm pool for little ones, a 25-meter main pool, diving boards (1.3 and 5 meters), and a 55-meter slide with a 5.8-meter drop. Weekly water activities with instructors are available, and best of all, the hall is free for children 0–15 on weekdays. In the city center, Parkbadet at Scandic Park offers swimming, sauna, training, and relaxing spa treatments for hotel guests and members.

Foto: Håvard Flaatten

Metro Playground
Discover a world of fun at Metro Lekeland! With slides, trampolines, obstacle courses, ball pits, and climbing walls, there’s something for children aged 1–14. Kids can run, jump, and play to their heart’s content while adults relax in the café or join in the fun. Perfect for an energetic day when outdoor play isn’t as tempting in winter.

Ice Skating
If outdoor conditions aren’t perfect, indoor ice skating is an option. In 2018, Sandefjord opened a long-awaited ice hall, which was named Norway’s Sports Facility of the Year in 2019. Located in Bugårdsparken, the hall is designed for everyone, including people with disabilities. It’s open on weekends and weekday afternoons, free for anyone wanting to skate. If you don’t have skates, they can be borrowed from the hall or via BUA, which offers free sports equipment rentals.

Photo: Hanne Marie Pedersen