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
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔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.
Iconic rocky promontory with dramatic sea views, lighthouse, wooden piers and spectacular sunsets — excellent for wide coastal panoramas and long exposures.
Quays, colourful boathouses and moored boats provide classic coastal village scenes, reflections in calm water and intimate maritime detail shots.
Untouched skerries, lighthouses and open sea vistas ideal for nature, bird and landscape photography; light is best in early morning or late afternoon.
Picturesque church architecture, old wooden houses and tree-lined lanes give a quieter, more intimate subject matter for street and architectural photography.
Historic hill with panoramic views over the archipelago and old town rooftops — great for cityscapes and sunset shots.
Food in Nøtterøy
Nøtterøy Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A creamy, aromatic soup with chunks of local white fish, shellfish and root vegetables; available at many seaside cafés and restaurants.
Must-Try!
Locally smoked salmon served on bread or as a starter — common at harbour restaurants and delis.
Fresh peeled shrimp served cold with bread and mayonnaise; a summer classic sold at markets and marinas.
Sweet, caramelized goat’s cheese often enjoyed on bread or waffles and found in bakeries and breakfast spreads.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
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.
Small kiosks by marinas and beaches sell shrimp sandwiches, waffles, ice cream and coffee during the summer season — ideal for casual seaside eating.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Be on time for appointments and gatherings; Norwegians value punctuality and direct but polite communication.
Norwegians are generally reserved; keep a respectful distance, avoid loud phone conversations in public and expect limited small talk with strangers.
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.
Removing shoes in private homes is common — follow the host’s cue. Recycling and environmental consciousness are important; sort waste when possible.
Safety
Tipping in Nøtterøy
Ensure a smooth experience
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.
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...
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nøtterøy at Night
Hiking in Nøtterøy
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Short coastal walks around the rocky promontory, offering panoramic sea views, lighthouses and great sunset vantage points.
Trails and shoreline paths on islands within the national park, accessible by boat; offers rugged coastal hikes and birdlife.
Island hiking routes on the Bolærne archipelago with historic military sites, beaches and open coastal scenery (boat access required).
A pleasant local route linking harbours, beaches and viewpoints along the western shore of the island; suitable for walking and cycling.
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.
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.
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.
Regular coach and train services connect Sandefjord/Torp and Oslo airports with Tønsberg and local bus networks serving Nøtterøy.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
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.
The scenic coastal setting attracts retirees and people with summer houses from Oslo and other cities.
Some residents commute to Tønsberg and even to Oslo, blending rural island life with urban employment.
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 is a major pastime due to the archipelago; local yacht clubs and regattas are common in summer.
Local clubs and community teams are active, as across Norway, with youth participation strong.
Cycling around coastal roads and inland lanes is popular for both leisure and training.
When winter snow arrives, cross-country skiing is a widespread activity in nearby suitable areas.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Nøtterøy.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
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 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 bread and options are increasingly available; inform staff ('jeg tåler ikke gluten') and most places will accommodate with simple substitutions.