The major attraction is the Larvik Museum (tel. 98-23-12-90), which is a three-in-one cultural attraction. The classic baroque-timbered Herregården Manor House, Herregården 6, was built between 1674 and 1677 as the home of Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve, the Norwegian governor general. As the illegitimate son of King Fredrik IV of Denmark, he became the duke of Larvik and was shipped off to Norway to escape the intrigue of the Danish court. The house is filled with 17th- and 18th-century antiques.
Larvik Sjøfartsmuseum (Maritime Museum), Kirkestredet 5, is housed in Larvik's oldest brick building from 1730. On the idyllic little island of Tollerodden east of the harbor, this museum displays models of ships, paintings of sailing vessels, and other nautical artifacts to bring the port's maritime history alive. One section of the museum is devoted to the daring exploits of Larvik-born Thor Heyerdahl.
Finally, the Fritzøe Museum on Langestrand Island displays tools, equipment, drawings, and models illustrating the iron-production era in Larvik from 1670 to 1870.
All three museums charge a combined ticket of NOK40 ($8/£4) for adults or NOK10 ($2/£1) for children under 16.
If time remains, consider a visit to Larvik Kirke, Kirkestredet (tel. 33-17-30-00), which is the port's Trinity Church. Commissioned in 1677, it was finished in 1763 when a tower was added. Inside its chief treasure is Suffer the Little Children to Come Unto Me, an altarpiece painting by Lucas Cranagh that was commissioned by Duke Gyldenløve. A monument outside was the creation of Arne Vigeland, who was commissioned to erect a memorial to Norwegians who died in World War II. Admission is free, and the church is open June 25 to August 10 daily from 11am to 1pm and 6 to 8pm.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
