Horten Travel Guide

Trek Zone

Town

Facts and practical information

Located in the scenic Vestfold region of Norway, Horten is a charming town that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and cultural experiences. Nestled along the Oslofjord, Horten is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

One of the main attractions in Horten is the stunning Borre mound cemetery. Dating back to the Viking Age, this historical site is home to more than 30 large burial mounds, showcasing the fascinating Norse heritage of the region. Visitors can explore the area on foot, taking in the breathtaking views of the fjord while immersing themselves in the ancient history that surrounds them.

For those seeking a deeper understanding of the town's past, a visit to the Midgard Historical Center is a must. This interactive museum offers a fascinating journey through time, highlighting the lives of the Vikings and their impact on the region. From reconstructed Viking ships to informative exhibits, the museum provides an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages.

Nature enthusiasts will be delighted by the picturesque Horten Maritime National Park. With its lush forests, pristine beaches, and scenic hiking trails, this park is a haven for outdoor activities. Whether it's kayaking along the fjord, cycling through the countryside, or simply enjoying a picnic while taking in the stunning views, there is something for everyone to enjoy in this natural paradise.

No trip to Horten would be complete without a visit to the charming town center. Stroll along the cobblestone streets, lined with traditional wooden houses and charming boutiques. Stop by the local market to sample delicious Norwegian delicacies or visit one of the cozy cafes for a taste of the region's famous pastries.

Alternative names: Population: 27.4 thous. (2020)Area: 57.97 mi²Elevation: 49 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 59°24'58"N, 10°29'7"E

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VestfoldNorway

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Horten Top Attractions

Horten Attractions - What to See and Explore

Horten offers many attractions and places to visit. Here are the most important ones: Royal Norwegian Navy Museum, Tordenskiold Oak, Preus museum, Karljohansvern. Below you will find a complete list of places worth visiting.

Museum • Military museum • Maritime museum
Royal Norwegian Navy Museum
The Royal Norwegian Navy Museum is a museum documenting the history of the Royal Norwegian Navy. It is located at the former main naval base of Karljohansvern in Horten. The museum was founded by C.F. Klinck on 24 August 1853.
Tree
Tordenskiold Oak
The Tordenskiold Oak in Kjølhalskogen in Horten, Norway is one of the oldest trees in Norway. The tree trunk is very hollow, so the tree is almost split in two. The oak was protected by a royal decree on December 9, 1921. It is not possible to say how old the tree is, but it goes for at least 800, maybe close to 1,000 years.
Specialty museum • Museum • Art museum
Preus museum
Preus Museum is the national museum for photography located in Horten, Norway. Preus Museum was founded in 1976 by Leif Preus and the members of the Preus family as a private museum. The collection was acquired by the Norwegian government in 1995.

Forts and castles
Karljohansvern
Karjohansvern at Horten was the main base for the Royal Norwegian Navy from 1850 to 1963.
Museum
KNM Utstein
HMS Venturer was a Second World War British submarine of the V class that sank two German U-boats and five merchant ships during the war. Following the war, the boat was sold to Norway and was renamed HNoMS Utstein. She was discarded in 1964.
59°23'6"N • 10°27'60"E
Midgard historisk senter
Historical place • Museum • Specialty museum
59°25'33"N • 10°29'12"E
KNM Blink
The Storm-class patrol boat was a series of fast patrol boats consisting of 20 vessels built for the Royal Norwegian Navy. In Norwegian these boats were called missilkanonbåter meaning boats with missiles and guns. They were operated by the Coastal Combat Flotilla together with the MTBs, or missile torpedo boats.
59°24'55"N • 10°29'7"E
Horten Bibliotek
Library
Forts and castles
Citadellet
Citadellet was a 19th-century Norwegian fortress. The last day of military activity was in 1970. The fort was demolished in 1971. Citadellet was intended to protect the Royal Norwegian Navy's Karljohansvern naval station in Horten. Karjohansvern was the main base for the Royal Norwegian Navy from 1819 to 1963.
59°25'12"N • 10°29'18"E
Hortenshallen
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Day trips

Horten – popular in the area (distance from the center)

In the vicinity of Horten, it's worth seeing attractions such as: Frogner Park (Oslo), Akershus Fortress (Oslo), Viking Ship Museum (Oslo).

36 milesN
Public park with a museum and sculpture
Frogner Park, Oslo
Frogner Park, a verdant oasis nestled in the heart of Oslo, Norway, stands as a testament to the city's commitment to public art and green spaces. Known to locals as Frognerparken, the park is not only the largest in Oslo but also the most renowned, thanks to the...
35 milesN
Waterside fortress and former prison
Akershus Fortress, Oslo
Akershus Fortress, a majestic historical site, stands proudly in the heart of Oslo, Norway. This imposing castle, with its strategic location overlooking the Oslofjord, has been a symbol of power and resilience since its construction in the late 13th century.
34 milesN
Museum with 3 9th-century Viking ships
Viking Ship Museum, Oslo
The Viking Ship Museum, situated in the heart of Oslo, Norway, is a captivating portal to the ancient maritime history of the Vikings. Renowned for housing some of the world's best-preserved Viking ships, the museum is a treasure trove of Nordic heritage...
34 milesN
Museum with 19th-century polar ship
Fram Museum, Oslo
The Fram Museum, situated in Norway's capital city of Oslo, is a tribute to the rich history of polar exploration that the country is renowned for. This museum is dedicated to showcasing the stories, artifacts, and vessels used in the daring expeditions to the Arctic...
25 milesNE
Theme park with white-knuckle rides
Tusenfryd
Nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of Vinterbro, Norway, Tusenfryd stands as the country's largest amusement park, offering a whirlwind of excitement and entertainment for visitors of all ages. Opened in 1988, this sprawling park has since become a staple for...