Sandefjord Ferries

The port of Sandefjord plays a key role in the ferry network of Norway, offering a convenient, scenic, and often essential way to connect with nearby islands. With 1 ferry routes operated by - ferry companies, Sandefjord serves as a busy hub for both passenger and freight travel.

Ferries depart regularly from Sandefjord, with schedules varying seasonally depending on demand, weather conditions, and tourism activity.

Popular routes from this port include - connecting Sandefjord with key coastal and island destinations. Depending on the route, crossings can range from quick local hops to longer overnight journeys, often with a choice between high-speed ferries and traditional vessels.

Operators such as - run regular services from Sandefjord, offering a range of onboard amenities including comfortable seating, food and drink options, cabins, and vehicle transport. Ticket options vary by company and vessel type, with choices to suit solo travellers, families, and business passengers alike.

Whether you're island hopping, heading home, or starting a new adventure, Sandefjord offers a reliable and enjoyable gateway to the sea.

Sandefjord is easily accessible via Norway's efficient transportation network. The E18 highway connects the city to Oslo, with the journey taking approximately 1.5 hours by car or bus. Train services run regularly from Oslo to Sandefjord station, located just a short distance from the ferry terminal. For international travelers, Torp Sandefjord Airport is merely 7 km from the city center, with shuttle buses coordinated with flight arrivals. The ferry terminal offers ample parking facilities for those arriving by car, with both short-term and long-term options available. Local buses connect the city center with the ferry port, making transfers convenient for passengers without vehicles.

Nestled along Norway's southeastern coastline, Sandefjord blends maritime heritage with modern coastal charm. Once the heart of Norway's whaling industry, this picturesque port town now welcomes visitors with its beautiful fjord setting and relaxed atmosphere. As a ferry gateway to the continent, Sandefjord offers travelers a quintessential Norwegian experience with its distinctive blend of nautical history, outdoor recreation, and Scandinavian culture.

Sandefjord shines brightest during the summer months of June through August, when temperatures hover comfortably between 15-25°C and daylight extends well into the evening. This peak season offers the most reliable weather for enjoying the city's beaches and outdoor attractions. Spring (April-May) brings blooming landscapes and fewer tourists, making it ideal for more peaceful exploration. The annual Seafood Festival in August celebrates the region's maritime bounty with fresh delicacies and cultural events. Ferry services operate year-round but offer more frequent departures during summer months, with winter schedules (November-March) slightly reduced while still maintaining regular connections.

Sandefjord serves as an excellent jumping-off point for international ferry journeys across the Skagerrak. The most popular route connects to Strömstad, Sweden, with a sailing time of approximately 2.5 hours, offering visitors access to Sweden's picturesque west coast and its distinctive granite archipelago. From Strömstad, travelers can continue onward to Gothenburg, Sweden's second-largest city known for its canals and cultural attractions. During summer, special ferry excursions sometimes operate to various destinations along the Oslo Fjord, allowing for scenic day trips. The Sandefjord-Strömstad route is particularly beautiful, crossing waters where porpoises and seabirds are frequently spotted.

Sandefjord's Whaling Museum (Hvalfangstmuseet) stands as Norway's most comprehensive maritime museum, chronicling the city's significant whaling history with impressive full-size whale skeletons and authentic artifacts. Just minutes from the ferry terminal, Badeparken offers beautiful gardens and beaches where locals and visitors alike gather to swim and sunbathe during summer months. The reconstructed Viking ship at the waterfront provides insight into Norway's seafaring past, while the charming pedestrian streets of downtown feature boutique shops and cafés. Don't miss sampling local specialties like whale steak (for the adventurous) or the more accessible 'fiskekaker' (fish cakes) at harborside restaurants like Kokeriet or Brygga 11.

Sandefjord once hosted the world's largest whaling fleet, with over 50 vessels sailing from its harbor during the industry's peak in the early 1900s. The distinctive fountain in the city center features a harpooner sculpture made from bronze recovered from whaling ships, standing as a testament to the city's maritime legacy. Sandefjord's thermal spa history dates back to 1837, when it became one of Scandinavia's first health resort destinations, attracting European nobility seeking therapeutic salt water treatments. The waters surrounding Sandefjord are home to over 100 different species of fish, making it a paradise for both commercial and recreational fishing.