Larvik
Within Larvik municipality's borders there are a large number of organized and natural bathing spots, both in fresh water and in the sea - land-based and on islands and islets.
The Larvik coastline has plenty of places for a swim, a picnic or a full summer day by the sea. Choose from sandy beaches with grassy areas and swimming jetties, little coves between the rocks and coastal spots reached by walking trails. From Ula and Kjerringvik in the east to Stavern, Nevlunghavn and Helgeroa in the west, each area has something different to offer. Some beaches are close to town, with toilets and places to eat nearby, while others are more natural and best enjoyed with a packed lunch.
Ula and Kjerringvik – beaches beside historic harbours
Ula lies in a small bay facing the Skagerrak, between Sandefjord and Larvik. There are two sandy beaches, smooth coastal rocks and a former pilot and fishing harbour. Walk up to the Ulabrand memorial for views across the sea. Further west, Kjerringvik has two sandy beaches on either side of the breakwater. You will also find rocky swimming spots, bathing steps and swimming rafts. For a view over the coast, follow the steps up to Seilbåtfjellet. On the Eftang peninsula, Ølbergholmen has beaches and a spacious recreation area. Allow time for the walk from the parking area.
Bjønnes, Gon and Rekkeviksbukta – swimming around Larviksfjord
Bjønnesstranda, near Viksfjord, has grassy areas and places to swim. An accessible bathing ramp is available here. The coastal path also leads past nearby Huestranda. On the eastern shore of Larviksfjord, Gonstranda has sand, lawns and smooth rocks, with a swimming raft and diving board. The beach is also close to a bus stop. Rekkeviksbukta has a sandy beach and grassy area, along with playground equipment, toilets and changing facilities. There is an accessible bathing ramp. From here, paths lead towards Kjeholmen and Franklinodden, where you can find more places to swim from the rocks.
Batteristranda – Larvik's town beach
Batteristranda is located at Langestrand, at the inner end of Larviksfjord. The sandy beach and lawn are close to central Larvik and Fritzøe Brygge. Farris Bad is next door, and nearby restaurants and shops make it easy to combine swimming with lunch or a walk along the waterfront. There is also a sandy beach at Marius brygge in Torstrand, with an accessible bathing ramp.
From Larvik towards Stavern
Walking along Fjordstien towards Stavern, you will pass several places to swim. These include Rødbergstranda and the beaches around Jordebukta, such as Jordfallen and Lillejordestranda.
Further along the coast are Agnesodden and Nordstranda on Risøya, where you can combine a coastal walk with time beside the sea.
Stavern – Korntin, Verftstranda and Skråvika
Korntin, near the historic Fredriksvern naval yard, has shallow water, grassy areas and a swimming raft. The headland also offers rocky swimming spots. Nearby Verftstranda has a handrail-supported ramp into the water, but it is not classified as a fully accessible bathing ramp. Continue south past the Minnehallen memorial to reach Skråvika, a coastal recreation area with rocks and opportunities to spend time by the water.
Beaches along the Brunlanes coast
Between Stavern and Nevlunghavn, several sandy beaches line Naverfjord. Solplassen has a sandy shore and floating jetty, with a seasonal shop and café at the nearby campsite. Stolpestadstranda, Anvikstranda and Kjærstranda lie close together, offering a mixture of sand and coastal rocks. Further along are Lydhusstranda, Kolbensrødstranda, Fristranda and Streterestranda, known for their shallow shorelines. Nalumstranda has particularly shallow water, although the shore itself is more natural. Rakke is a different experience, with open coastal rocks rather than a sandy beach.
Nevlunghavn – Omrestranda and Oddane Sand
Omrestranda near Nevlunghavn has a long, shallow sandy shoreline. It is also used for wind-powered water sports when conditions allow. Nearby Oddane Sand has sandy areas and beach volleyball facilities. You can also combine a beach visit with a walk towards Mølen.
Helgeroa – beaches along the fjord
Around Helgeroa, you will find sandy beaches, grassy areas and rocky shores.
Omlidstranda lies between Mølen and Helgeroa and has several shallow beach sections. Langholtstranda is close to Helgeroa, while Blokkebukta has two sandy beaches with lawns and coastal rocks. Several beaches are located beside campsites, where toilets, shops and kiosks may have separate opening hours and conditions. See Helgeroa Beaches for more local suggestions.
Prefer freshwater swimming?
Lake Farris has sandy beaches and rocky places to swim among wooded shores.
Our Swimming Spots in Lake Farris guide includes Kattestranda, Jomfruhalvøya, Delesand and Roppestad.
Check conditions before swimming
Larvik Municipality monitors bathing water quality at selected beaches during summer. Conditions can change, particularly after heavy rainfall. Take special care near Hvittensand and Revet. Swimming on the shores facing the mouth of the River Lågen is discouraged because of dangerous underwater currents. Check Larvik Municipality's beach guide and current bathing water test results before your visit.
Plan your visit
From Ula and Larviksfjord to Stavern, Nevlunghavn and Helgeroa, discover sandy beaches, rocky shores and small swimming coves. Choose an area before setting off.
Choose a beach
Ula and Kjerringvik have beaches beside historic harbours. Gon and Rekkeviksbukta offer sandy shores and lawns, while Batteristranda is close to central Larvik. In Stavern, visit Korntin or Verftstranda. Along the Brunlanes coast, beaches include Anvikstranda, Kjærstranda, Oddane Sand and Omlidstranda.
Getting here and parking
The beaches are spread along the coast. Some can be reached by public transport or on foot from town, while others require a car or a walk from the parking area. Use the municipality's beach guide for access information and current parking conditions.
Facilities and accessibility
Toilets, swimming jetties, playgrounds and food services vary by beach. Larvik Municipality lists accessible bathing ramps at Bjønnesstranda, Rekkeviksbukta and Marius brygge. Verftstranda has a ramp with a handrail, but it is not wheelchair-adapted. Contact the municipality for detailed accessibility information.
Good to know
Swimming is mainly a summer activity. Check current bathing water results and avoid swimming for approximately 24 hours after heavy rainfall. At Hvittensand and Revet, avoid swimming on shores facing the mouth of the River Lågen because of dangerous underwater currents. Always check water depth and underwater conditions before diving.
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Bron: Visit Vestfold