Southern Norway - Norway - page 187

Bølgen CULTURAL CENTRE
(Kulturhus; www.kulturhusbolgen.no ; Sanden 2; 5-9pm Wed-Thu, 1-5pm Sat & Sun)
The town's impressive wave-shaped cultural centre houses a gallery that has an interesting
curatorial calendar of contemporary Norwegian artists, concert halls and cinema (screen-
ing original films), as well as the town's best cafe and bar, Sanden .
Bøkeskogen FOREST
Its name means 'beech forest', and this sublime patch of green overlooking Larvik is Nor-
way's largest and the world's most northerly beech tree forest. It is criss-crossed with
walking trails, from 2.6km to 10km in length. There are stunning views over Lake Farris
from its north-western apex.
Sleeping
Lysko Gjestegaard GUESTHOUSE
( 97 74 44 90; www.lysko-it.no ; Kirkestredet 10; s/d from Nkr840/1050; )
This quiet guesthouse occupies a lovely old timbered house opposite the Maritime Mu-
seum at the eastern end of the harbour. The rooms themselves are crammed with character
via hand-decorated furniture and liberally applied colour on the walls and ceilings. There's
a kitchen for guest use and an attached antique shop. Prices don't include breakfast.
Farris Bad HOTEL
( 33 19 60 00; www.farrisbad.no ; Fritzøe Brygge 2)
Along from the newly redeveloped dock precinct, built next to, and over, the town's nicest
sandy beach, this full-service spa hotel has luxurious rooms, many with views straight out
to sea and lavishly decorated public spaces. Outside high season, there are good deals here,
and with spa entry complimentary for guests, it can work out a real bargain.
The spa is up there with Europe's best, with entrance (Monday to Thursday/Friday to
Sunday/evening Nkr495/595/325) allowing access to an impressive collection of pools,
steam rooms and saunas, a tantalising staircase down into the sea, lounges with spectacular
sea views and a women's-only sauna. There's 'obligatory textile-free' time on Wednesday