Things To Do
in Tønsberg

Fresh peeled warm or cold shrimp served on bread with mayonnaise and lemon — a summer favorite available at fish stalls and many restaurants along the harbor.

Must-Try!

Cured salmon with mustard-dill sauce, often found at local eateries and as part of smørbrød (open-faced sandwiches).

Creamy seafood soup with chunks of fish, shellfish and vegetables — comfort food on cooler days and offered in many cafés.

Norwegian fish cakes served with potatoes or in a sandwich, common in casual lunch spots and home cooking.

A town square market with seasonal stalls selling produce, local breads, pastries and occasional seafood stalls; great for sampling local flavors and buying picnic items.

Small fish vendors and summer pop-ups on the quay where you can buy fresh shrimp, smoked salmon and ready-to-eat seafood specialties.

Tipping is not obligatory in Norway; service charges are typically included. Rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.

Cards are widely accepted (chip and contactless). Mobile payments like Apple Pay and Vipps are common. Cash is still accepted but used less frequently.

Late snowmelt and blossoming trees; daylight increases rapidly and temperatures are mild by May. Some trails can be muddy in early spring, but cafes reopen terraces and festivals begin to appear.

Long daylight hours, warmest weather and bustling harbors with boating, open-air concerts and outdoor dining. This is peak season for island trips and photography; book accommodations in advance.

Cooler temperatures, colorful foliage and fewer tourists; good time for hiking and photography, though rain is more frequent and daylight shortens.

Short, crisp days with possible snow and frozen mornings; temperatures are cold but coastal areas are milder than inland. Many tourist services slow down, but winter landscapes and quiet streets have their own charm.

Approximately 25–40 minutes by car or express bus from Tønsberg; services include several international low-cost and regional flights. Regular airport coaches connect to Tønsberg and Oslo.

Norway’s main international airport about 1.5–2 hours away by car or train/bus combination. Frequent train connections from Oslo to Tønsberg make this a practical option for many travelers.

The majority of residents are ethnic Norwegians, including families and older age groups who have lived in the area for generations.

Many people commute to and from Oslo and other nearby towns for work, contributing to a diverse daytime population.

In summer the population swells with tourists, recreational boaters and visitors from other parts of Norway and abroad.

There is a smaller student and young-adult demographic, who frequent cafés, bars and cultural events.

Given Tønsberg’s coastal location, sailing, powerboating and regattas are very popular, especially in summer.

Local football clubs and community leagues are active and well-supported, with matches drawing local crowds.

In winter, cross-country skiing is popular in nearby forests and higher terrain when snow conditions permit.

Handball is a widely played indoor sport across Norway and has a strong local following at youth and amateur levels.

Vegetarian options are widely available in cafés and many restaurants; look for dishes with root vegetables, legumes, cheeses and creative salads. Inform staff that you do not eat meat (jeg spiser ikke kjøtt) and they will usually suggest suitable options.

Vegan choices are increasing but more limited outside specialty cafés — ask about dairy-free options and request substitutions. Larger restaurants and cafés in town can usually prepare something if given notice.

Gluten-free bread and menu options are common in Norwegian eateries; tell servers (jeg må ha glutenfritt) to ensure safe preparation, but cross-contamination can occur in busy kitchens.

Staff are accustomed to allergen requests; explain your allergy clearly and carry any necessary medication. Fish and shellfish are common, so be explicit about seafood allergies.