Things To Do
in Nøtterøy

Nøtterøy is a scenic island area in Vestfold, southern Norway, now part of Færder municipality and connected by bridges to the mainland and neighbouring islands. It offers a mix of sheltered harbours, sandy beaches, rocky skerries and small coastal villages popular with boaters and summer visitors. The area blends quiet residential life with easy access to the historic town of Tønsberg and the dramatic coastal scenery of Færder National Park and Verdens Ende.

Visitors come for outdoor activities — sailing, kayaking, cycling and shoreline walks — plus relaxed seafood-focused dining at harbour cafés.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Nøtterøy
morning
:

Arrive in Nøtterøy and check into your charming accommodation overlooking the fjord. Spend some time settling in and enjoying a lovely breakfast at a local café. Take a leisurely walk around the vicinity to familiarize yourself with the stunning coastal scenery.

afternoon
:

Visit Færder National Park, where you can embark on picturesque hiking trails that lead you through lush landscapes and stunning coastal views. Lunch at a riverside spot where you can savor fresh local seafood while soaking in the beauty of nature. Afterward, rent a kayak and paddle around the serene waters, experiencing Nøtterøy from a different angle.

evening
:

Enjoy dinner at a cozy restaurant featuring traditional Norwegian fare, such as reindeer stew or cod. As night falls, take a stroll along the beach, where the sunset casts a magical glow over the sea. Wind down your day with a warm drink, reflecting on your adventure.

day 2
Exploring Tjøme
morning
:

Travel to the neighboring island of Tjøme, known for its beautiful beaches and picturesque landscapes. Start your day with a hearty breakfast, then head out to explore the local sights, including the quaint village of Verdens Ende. Enjoy the stunning coastal promenade filled with art installations and enjoy the sea breeze.

afternoon
:

After a light lunch, spend your afternoon relaxing on one of Tjøme's sandy beaches, such as Helgeroa or Brøtsø. Engage in beach activities or simply bask in the sun while immersed in a good book. Visit a local art gallery or shop for handcrafted souvenirs from the nearby artisans.

evening
:

Return to Nøtterøy for an enchanting evening at a local pub or restaurant. Relish fresh seafood dishes while enjoying live music or a local performance. Conclude your day with an evening walk by the fjord, enjoying the sound of gentle waves lapping against the shore.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$15-25
Coffee (café)$3-6
🍺Domestic beer (pub)$7-10
🚌Local bus single ticket$3-5
🚗Taxi start + per km$7 start, $2-3 per km

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Beautiful coastal scenery and easy access to islands and beaches
  • Excellent boating, kayaking and outdoor recreation opportunities
  • Close to the historic town of Tønsberg with more services
  • Quiet, safe and family-friendly atmosphere
  • Limited nightlife and cultural venues on the island itself
  • Many services and restaurants are seasonal (busier in summer)
  • Public transport options are more limited than in larger cities
  • Costs (food, accommodation) can be relatively high compared with some countries
  • "Hei / Hallo" - Hi / Hello
  • "Takk" - Thank you
  • "Unnskyld" - Excuse me / Sorry
  • "Hvor er toalettet?" - Where is the toilet?
  • "Hvor mye koster det?" - How much does it cost?
  • "Snakker du engelsk?" - Do you speak English?
  • "Jeg er vegetarianer" - I am a vegetarian
  • "Kan du hjelpe meg?" - Can you help me?
  • "Vær så snill" - Please

Places to Visit in Nøtterøy

Visit one of these nice places.

Verdens Ende (World’s End)

Iconic rocky promontory with dramatic sea views, lighthouse, wooden piers and spectacular sunsets — excellent for wide coastal panoramas and long exposures.

Teie and local harbours

Quays, colourful boathouses and moored boats provide classic coastal village scenes, reflections in calm water and intimate maritime detail shots.

Færder National Park shorelines

Untouched skerries, lighthouses and open sea vistas ideal for nature, bird and landscape photography; light is best in early morning or late afternoon.

Nøtterøy Church and village lanes

Picturesque church architecture, old wooden houses and tree-lined lanes give a quieter, more intimate subject matter for street and architectural photography.

Slottsfjellet (nearby Tønsberg)

Historic hill with panoramic views over the archipelago and old town rooftops — great for cityscapes and sunset shots.

Culinary Guide

Food in Nøtterøy

Nøtterøy’s cuisine is coastal Norwegian: fresh seafood front and centre, with locally caught cod, salmon, shrimp and shellfish complemented by national favourites like fish soup, smoked fish, and traditional cheeses. Seasonal produce and simple, well-prepared ingredients dominate menus, and cafés favour open-faced sandwiches (smørbrød) and hearty soups.

Nøtterøy Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Fiskesuppe (Norwegian fish soup)

A creamy, aromatic soup with chunks of local white fish, shellfish and root vegetables; available at many seaside cafés and restaurants.

Must-Try!

Røkt laks (Smoked salmon)

Locally smoked salmon served on bread or as a starter — common at harbour restaurants and delis.

Reker (Boiled shrimp)

Fresh peeled shrimp served cold with bread and mayonnaise; a summer classic sold at markets and marinas.

Brunost (Brown cheese)

Sweet, caramelized goat’s cheese often enjoyed on bread or waffles and found in bakeries and breakfast spreads.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Tønsberg fish market (seasonal stalls)

Nearby Tønsberg hosts seasonal fish stalls and markets where you can buy fresh catch, shrimp, smoked fish and local preserves; arrive early for the best selection.

Harbour kiosks and summer stalls

Small kiosks by marinas and beaches sell shrimp sandwiches, waffles, ice cream and coffee during the summer season — ideal for casual seaside eating.

Climate Guide

Weather

The area has a temperate coastal climate: mild summers with average highs around 15–22°C (59–72°F) and cool winters with average lows around -3 to 3°C (27–37°F). Precipitation is spread throughout the year with autumn and winter often wetter and windier. Daylight varies strongly: long bright days in late spring and summer and short, dim days in December and January.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Punctuality and politeness

Be on time for appointments and gatherings; Norwegians value punctuality and direct but polite communication.

Respect personal space

Norwegians are generally reserved; keep a respectful distance, avoid loud phone conversations in public and expect limited small talk with strangers.

Allemannsretten (right to roam)

You may walk, camp and forage on uncultivated land, but respect private property, close gates, take all litter home and follow local rules for campfires and protected areas.

Shoes and indoor behavior

Removing shoes in private homes is common — follow the host’s cue. Recycling and environmental consciousness are important; sort waste when possible.

Safety Guide

Safety

Nøtterøy is generally very safe with low violent crime; usual precautions against petty theft apply. Main safety concerns are related to the sea — cold water, changing weather and strong currents — so wear lifejackets and check forecasts before boating. In winter watch for icy roads and paths. Emergency numbers in Norway: 112 (police), 113 (ambulance), 110 (fire). Carry travel insurance and any necessary medication.

Tipping in Nøtterøy

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Tipping is not required in Norway but appreciated for exceptional service; rounding up, leaving 5–10% in restaurants, or modest cash for good service is common. Service charges are typically included in bills.

Payments and Cards

Card payments (debit/credit) are standard everywhere and contactless is widely accepted. Mobile payment apps like Vipps are popular among locals. Cash is rarely necessary but still accepted in some small kiosks.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Spring

Cool and changeable: early spring can still be chilly with sudden rain, but days lengthen and wildflowers and migrating birds return. Bring layers and a waterproof jacket; ideal for quieter hiking and photography of budding coastal landscapes.

Summer

Warmest and sunniest months (June–August) with long daylight hours and lively marinas; perfect for swimming, boating and festivals. Expect higher prices and more visitors on weekends; book accommodation early.

Autumn

Crisp air, changing foliage and stormier seas — dramatic weather can produce excellent photography conditions but bring windproof clothing. Many seasonal businesses scale down after summer.

Winter

Cold with short daylight hours and occasional snow; coastal areas are milder than inland but can be icy and windy. Good for quiet stays, winter walks and if lucky, clear crisp days for stark coastal shots — dress warmly and check road conditions.

Nightlife Guide

Nøtterøy at Night

Nøtterøy itself is quiet after dark with a handful of cozy pubs, seasonal marina bars and occasional live music in summer; for a livelier nightlife scene, Tønsberg (a short drive) offers more bars, clubs and cultural events. Summer brings open-air concerts and late-evening social life around marinas and beaches.

Hiking in Nøtterøy

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Verdens Ende coastal trail

Short coastal walks around the rocky promontory, offering panoramic sea views, lighthouses and great sunset vantage points.

Færder National Park trails (island routes)

Trails and shoreline paths on islands within the national park, accessible by boat; offers rugged coastal hikes and birdlife.

Bolærne islands loop

Island hiking routes on the Bolærne archipelago with historic military sites, beaches and open coastal scenery (boat access required).

Teie to Årøysund coastal path

A pleasant local route linking harbours, beaches and viewpoints along the western shore of the island; suitable for walking and cycling.

Slottsfjellet and Tønsberg trails

Nearby hill trails around Slottsfjellet (Tønsberg) combine history with elevated views over the archipelago and are close enough for a day trip.

Airports

How to reach Nøtterøy by plane.

Sandefjord Airport, Torp (TRF)

The closest regional airport (about 30–50 minutes by car or bus), with budget and regional connections to various European destinations and good ground transport links to Tønsberg and the Vestfold coast.

Oslo Gardermoen Airport (OSL)

Norway’s main international airport approximately 1.5–2 hours by car or train; offers many global connections and frequent public transport options to the Vestfold region.

Oslo Sandefjord/Torp shuttle and regional connections

Regular coach and train services connect Sandefjord/Torp and Oslo airports with Tønsberg and local bus networks serving Nøtterøy.

Getting Around

Walkability

Villages and harbour areas are very walkable with short distances between cafés and beaches. To explore the wider island and coastal scenery you’ll benefit from a bike or car; many scenic spots are spread out and require transit between them.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Local families

Many residents are families who commute to nearby towns for work or run local businesses; the area is popular for raising children due to schools and outdoor opportunities.

Retirees and second-home owners

The scenic coastal setting attracts retirees and people with summer houses from Oslo and other cities.

Commuters

Some residents commute to Tønsberg and even to Oslo, blending rural island life with urban employment.

Seasonal visitors and boating community

A large influx of holidaymakers, sailors and day visitors arrives in summer, boosting local commerce and social life.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Sailing and boating

Sailing is a major pastime due to the archipelago; local yacht clubs and regattas are common in summer.

Football (soccer)

Local clubs and community teams are active, as across Norway, with youth participation strong.

Road cycling and mountain biking

Cycling around coastal roads and inland lanes is popular for both leisure and training.

Cross-country skiing

When winter snow arrives, cross-country skiing is a widespread activity in nearby suitable areas.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is generally light outside peak commuter hours, though summer weekends bring heavier traffic toward marinas and beaches. Roads are well maintained; driving is on the right. Public transport is centred on bus links to Tønsberg and trains from nearby hubs; ferries and boats serve some islands. Parking in town centres is often paid and enforced. Norway enforces strict drink-driving laws and speed limits.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Nøtterøy.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Vegetarian options are available but choices may be more limited than in bigger cities; many cafés offer salads, egg and cheese dishes, open-faced sandwiches with vegetarian toppings and pasta. Communicate preferences clearly — 'Jeg er vegetarianer' — and ask staff to adapt fish-based broths or sauces.

Vegan

Vegan options exist but are less common; bring snacks and check menus ahead. Larger cafés and restaurants in Tønsberg will more likely offer vegan dishes.

Gluten-free

Gluten-free bread and options are increasingly available; inform staff ('jeg tåler ikke gluten') and most places will accommodate with simple substitutions.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Primary care is available via local GPs and clinics in Nøtterøy and neighbouring Tønsberg. The nearest hospital with emergency services is Tønsberg Hospital (part of Vestfold Hospital Trust). Medicare coverage depends on nationality — EU citizens should carry an EHIC/GHIC, and all visitors are advised to have comprehensive travel insurance to cover care and repatriation.

Discover Norway

Read more in our Norway 2025 Travel Guide.

Norway Travel Guide