Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Going to the End of the World
In just a half-hour drive, you can leave Tønsberg and travel to what locals
call
Verdens Ende
, or “World's End.” It lies at the southernmost tip of
Tjøme, the southernmost island among the low-lying islands and skerries,
or rocky islets, jutting out into the Oslofjord where it empties into the
sea. This is a particularly dramatic spot. Usually the wind is blowing rather
strong, stirring up the blue-black waters. Old fishing jetties can be seen
in the distance. You'll also see an array of rocky islets and big rocks worn
smooth by the turbulent waves. This is romantic Viking country and the
setting for many summer homes. No one comes here for the excitement:
It's just a scenic hideaway. If you don't have a car, take bus no. 101 from
Tønsberg; the ride takes 45 minutes and costs 45NOK ($6.40) one-way.
Once here, you'll see a “17th-century” lighthouse. Actually, the original
is gone and this is a copy from 1932.
Moments
Vestfold Fylkesmuseum
Lying at the foot of Slottsfjellet, this museum con-
tains many Viking and whaling treasures. One of the chief sights is the skeleton
of a blue whale, the world's largest mammal. The weight of this particular whale
can't be determined, but some whales caught off the coast of Norway have
weighed in at 150 tons. There's also a Viking ship, the
Klastad
from Tjolling,
built about
A
.
D
. 800.
In the rural section of the museum, visit the
Vestfold Farm,
which includes
a 1600 house from Hynne, a timbered barn from Bøen, and a storehouse from
Fadum (with the characteristic apron, or platform). The Heierstadloft (ca. 1350)
is the oldest preserved timbered building in Vestfold, and there's a smithy with
a charcoal shed, a grain-drying house, and a mountain farmstead.
You can have lunch here at a real mountain farmstead. A typical meal includes
rumgraut
(porridge made with sour cream) and other farm foods. The area is
perfect for a picnic.
Frammannsveien 30.
&
33-31-29-19.
Admission 40NOK ($5.70) adults, 5NOK (70¢) children. Mid-May to
mid-Sept Mon-Sat 10am-5pm; Sun and holidays noon-5pm. Closed mid-Sept to mid-May.
WHERE TO STAY
Best Western Grand Hotel
This is a first-class hotel with an elaborate
exterior, a reminder of the hotel's pretensions when it was constructed in 1931.
In 1992 the hotel underwent major modifications, and it regularly makes
improvements as needed. Lying in the center of town, directly south of Hauger,
this well-run and inviting hotel caters to an equal mixture of business clients and
travelers. Rooms are comfortably contemporary, each with a midsize bathroom
with shower (eight also contain bathtubs); suites come with Jacuzzis. A pullout
sofa is available for a third guest in a roomif you're traveling as a family. You'll
find both a casual restaurant and more formal dining on-site.
Øvre Langgate 65, N-3100 Tønsberg.
&
800/780-7234
or 33-35-35-00. Fax 33-35-35-01. www.best
western.com. 70 units. 850NOK-1,090NOK ($121-$155) double; 1,110NOK-1,310NOK ($158-$186) suite.
Rates include continental breakfast. AE, DC, MC, V. Closed Dec 20-Jan 3.
Amenities:
2 restaurants; bar; lim-
ited room service; laundry service; dry cleaning. In room: TV, hair dryer.
Hotel Maritim
This 1955 hotel, owned and operated by a Norwegian sea-
men's association, offers a lot of modern comfort at an affordable price. Located
on a square beside the ruins of the Church of St. Olav, the hotel occupies a
