Travel || Tonsberg, Norway

Posted on October 30, 2019

When I was visiting Oslo earlier this year, disaster struck. My flight was canceled and there was nothing flying back to the UK until very late the next day. I will hold my hands up say that Ryanair did a great job. Oslo Torp is actually about 2 hours and a very expensive train ride away from the city, and hotels are astronomically priced. Within about 3 hours, Ryanair got us all on a coach, took us to a nearby hotel and arranged for return transfer to the airport. I’m also eternally grateful for a woman in the departure lounge, who on hearing that the flight was canceled, rebooked onto the next day’s flight straight away, and then turned to me telling me to do the same. That flight was full within minutes and everyone else had to wait 3-4 days for the next flight.

We were taken to the little municipality of Tonsberg, where I got to see an extra Norwegian city for free. Tonsberg is the oldest city in Norway, founded by the Vikings in the 9th century. It was later the epicentre of the world’s modern whaling industry.

10 Things to do in Tonsberg

Visit Tonsberg Fortress. Whilst you are up there, visit the ruins of St Michael’s Church which are close to the Fortress.
Spend an afternoon at the Vestfold County Museum.
Take a stroll around the pier and restored quayside.
Time your visit with the Tonsberg Medieval Festival – Europe’s largest medieval festival.
See some art at the Haugar Vestfold Kunstmuseum.
Visit Tonsberg Cathedral – it is an old, Lutheran-style church.
Eat a traditional meal at Havariet. Try Rekesmørbrød (prawn sandwich), Biffsmørbrød (beef sandwich), and Skagensmørbrød (Skagen sandwich).
Make a trip out to the Oseberghaugen Royal Mound. It’s where the famous Viking ship, the Oseberg, was discovered.
Take a boat out to the the island communities Nøtterøy and Tjøme.
If you are a Marvel fan, Tonsberg features several times in Marvel films: Iron Man 2, all the Avengers films, Thor and Thor: Ragnarok, and Captain America. Spy the filming sites as you wander around.

I thought Tonsberg was absolutely lovely. I probably didn’t need more than 24 hours there, but I’m so glad that I had the opportunity to see more of Norway besides Oslo. It had a completely different feel than Oslo, not to mention the fact that it was much more affordable!