Centrally located on the Vestfold coast within easy reach of several of the big cities in Østfold you will find a town that symbolises Southern Norway.
Stavern can be found in the municipality of Larvik and is the smaller of the two towns in terms of population and physical size. However, a holiday in Stavern provides everything you need for a relaxing time.
If you enjoy historical sights, Stavern offers military history both at sea and on land. Stavern Fortress has been on the Citadel Island since the late 1600s and Fredriksvern is one of the oldest naval bases in the country. There is plenty to see here and the facilities are well maintained by the government.
The beaches within the city boundaries make it a true local summer gem and a visit to Stavern could quickly become a tradition. With a little help from annual events like the Stavern Festival and the Pirate Festival, the town becomes filled with music fans. Both festivals attract big-name local and international artists to the town and ensure that both Norwegians and foreign visitors eagerly make their way here when the temperatures start to rise.
But the winter season is just as interesting in Stavern. When the snow falls and the ground turns white, there is an abundance of trails from the city centre. Strap on your skis, make your way between houses and head out into the archipelago to enjoy the low winter sun. The beech forests in Larvik are famed for their variety and are peppered with hiking opportunities. Following your outing, you may wish to consider visiting Farris Bad, Norway's most exclusive spa.
Stavern is pleasingly sheltered from the outside world. Yet it doesn’t take much to connect to the rest of Norway, or the wider world. Sandefjord/Torp is the closest airport and Larvik has a train station with regular departures.
You also won’t be far from the cities of Eastern Norway, or from the continent, with two daily departures from Larvik to Denmark. Stavern provides a wealth of experiences during both summer and winter for even the most discerning of visitors.
