Larvik sjøfartsmuseum

Larvik Maritime Museum (Larvik Sjøfartsmuseum) is one of the best places to understand why a modest town on the Larvikfjord earned a lasting place in Norwegian seafaring history. It is a branch of Larvik Museum, which in turn belongs to the intermunicipal company Vestfoldmuseene IKS.

Where is the museum and what is the building like?

The museum occupies a brick building from 1730 at Kirkestredet 5, right in the centre of Larvik. The former merchant's house is sometimes called the Old Customs House and counts among the oldest buildings in town. It has housed the museum since 1962, while the institution itself was founded much earlier, in 1926. The building alone is a good reason to step inside: it is a tangible reminder of the era when sea trade drove the local economy.

What can you see inside?

The collection focuses on the maritime life of the region. Visitors will find:

• ship models,
• paintings of sailing ships and other vessels,
• nautical artefacts and objects linked to work on board.

One section is devoted to Thor Heyerdahl, the Larvik-born explorer famous for the Kon-Tiki expedition. Another honours eight adventurers connected with the town, among them Oscar Wisting, Thor Heyerdahl and Carl Anton Larsen. The display shows that Larvik produced people who reached the far corners of the world, from polar seas to the Pacific.

In 2019 the museum presented two themed exhibitions. One covered Larvik's whaling industry, long an important part of local history. The other told the story of local sailors who served during the Second World War.

Which boat belongs to the collection?

Among the exhibits is Jærbuen II, a pleasure boat launched in 1898 from the slipway of Colin Archer, the boat designer and builder who came from Larvik. The museum bought her in 2007 to mark the 175th anniversary of Archer's birth. She is a good stop for anyone interested in traditional boatbuilding.

Who is it for?

The museum fits naturally into a walk through central Larvik. It suits maritime history enthusiasts, families with children who like ships, and anyone who enjoys stories about Heyerdahl. A visit does not take many hours, so it combines easily with other sights in town.

Frequently asked questions

Where is the museum? At Kirkestredet 5 in Larvik, in Vestfold county, Norway.

Is there an exhibition about Thor Heyerdahl? Yes, one part of the display is dedicated to the famous Larvik-born explorer.

Is there a combined ticket? Larvik Museum has offered a combined ticket that also covers the nearby manor Herregården. Ticket rules change, so check current information with the operator before visiting.

When is the museum open? Hours depend on the season. It generally welcomes visitors in summer, while outside the season visits may be possible during events or by prior arrangement. Check the official Larvik Museum or Visit Vestfold pages for current dates.

Is the museum part of a larger organisation? Yes, it is a branch of Larvik Museum and part of Vestfoldmuseene IKS.