Top 10 Sights & Landmarks in Vestfold, Eastern Norway

Saga Oseberg is an archeological replica of the famous Oseberg Viking Ship. At "Vikingodden" we also build new viking ships. Do you want to be a viking? Building ships or join the viking crew?

Brick church with two steeples built in 1901. The organ is from 1972, has 32 pipes and is considered to be the finest concert organ in the district. The former medieval church burned in 1898. Slagen's oldest preserved altar piece, a unique, magnificent, late medieval triptych from about 1480 with twelve carvings depicting St.Ursula's journey to Rome, was saved. It is now in the University Museum of Antiquities in Oslo. The painter, Sven Jorgensen, one of Vestfold's better known artists, is buried here in Slagen Church cemetery. Church Service every Sunday 11 am.

Location: Minneparken.

Fredriksvern church from 1756 is the first garrison church in Norway. It is a worthy representative for all rococo churches in our country. Fredriksvern shipyard and naval base was established in 1750, and the garrison church was established and then inaugurated six years later. The church was built in rococo style from Dutch brickwork, and it has glazed, dark blue tiles. Salt from the bricks eventually damaged the walls, and because of this exterior and interior walls were whitewashed. In the 1880s the church was rejuvenated, and the genuine colours of red and yellow were reinforced. As the only place of worship in town, the floor in Fredriksvern church is formed as a cross. The church also still has the two-storey altarpiece it got to the inauguration in 1756. There is a hipped end roof in the church. Above the main entrance the monogram of king Fredrik V. shines in typical rococo style, and in addition the mechanical clockwork from 1756 that the church vicar still winds up twice a week.

Pilgrims from all the Nordic countries came here. The Reformation in 1536 put an official stop to the catholic pilgrimages to Lovoya but people continued to come to the well and church for years on. The church was in ruins for many years until preservation and restoration was initiated in 1882 and it was reopened in 1950.

Ulabrand, baptized Anders Jacob Johansen (1815-1881), was a famous sea pilot who lived in the beutiful village Ula between Larvik and Sandefjord. A monument of Ulabrand is raised at the point where local pilots had their observation post. Ulabrand is regarded as Norway's best known sea pilot ever. He worked as a pilot at Ula from approximately 1850 until he lost his life during an autumn storm in 1881. At the end of the 19th century the pilots themselves had to hail boats and ships that were in need of a pilot. Wages were given to the man who came first to rescue after the first come, first served principle. The pilot then led the ship safely until it arrived in port. Consequently, pilots had observation posts where they easily could spot ships on their way in the Oslo fiord because of the magnificent view. There was fierce competition man to man on being first to help at the ship's side. The pilots often risked their own lives, and Ulabrand was probably the roughest and toughest of the lot. The pilots brought many ships and lots of sailors to safety during Skagerrak storms. Ulabrand himself became a symbol of strong seamanship, but he was first and foremost an important symbol of all the hard work the pilots went through to make shipping more secure.

Vestfold´s only preserved stave church. The church´s oldest part, the chancel, is from the 12th century. The nave, however, is from the second half of the 13th century. As well as the corner posts the church has side posts and a central post. Originally it was whitewashed and decorated inside, some of this has been restored. Finn Krafft has in addition painted a number of new decorations. On the north wall are drawings of ships from the 14th century. The crosses are from the original consecration. The restoration was completed in 1953, the arcitect was Otto L. Scheen. Guided tours 1st - 31st July: Mon-Fri 5.00 and 5.30 pm. Sat at 11.00 and 11.30 During the rest of the year guided tours for groups may be arranged through Gerd Rut Michelsen. Tel: +47 33 44 22 30

Nina Nesje from Tenvik in Notteroy in 2002, designed the sculpture. It will be cast in bronze.