Living in Sandefjord

Why Sandefjord?

Sandefjord is a coastal town of 65,000 inhabitants in the Vestfold region, on the western shore of the Oslo fjord. Long known as the whaling capital of the world, the town has reinvented itself while preserving an exceptional historical heritage. It was here, in 1880, that the Gokstad ship was discovered, one of the largest Viking vessels ever found, now exhibited in Oslo.

But Sandefjord is also, above all, a seaside town beloved by Norwegians. Its fine sandy beaches, rocky islets and calm waters make it a very popular summer destination. The town has an old spa tradition, with the famous Kurbadet, a bathing establishment that has attracted visitors since the 19th century. Add an international airport (Torp) serving many European destinations, and you get a town that is surprisingly well connected for its size.

For expats, Sandefjord is an interesting compromise: a pleasant place to live with access to the sea, lower prices than Oslo, and a fast link to the capital by train (about 1h30) or by car. The town is big enough to offer all the services you need, while keeping a relaxed, family-friendly atmosphere.

Where to live in Sandefjord?

Sandefjord is a compact but varied town, with a lively centre around the harbour and residential neighbourhoods stretching towards the beaches and the Vestfold countryside. Which neighbourhood to choose depends on your priorities: closeness to the sea, access to schools, quiet or neighbourhood life. Here are the five most interesting areas to settle in.

Cost of living in Sandefjord

Sandefjord has a noticeably lower cost of living than Oslo, while remaining in line with medium-sized Norwegian towns. Housing is much more accessible than in Oslo or Stavanger, and everyday expenses (food, transport) are comparable to other Vestfold towns. This is one of the town's strong arguments for families who want a good quality of life without breaking the bank.

Working in Sandefjord

Sandefjord's job market is diverse for a town of its size, but remains more limited than that of Norway's big cities. The local economy has historically been tied to the sea and maritime trade, and today tourism, airport services and the food industry are important pillars. Many residents also work in Tønsberg, Larvik or Oslo thanks to good rail links.

Sectors that are hiring

• Maritime and shipping: Sandefjord retains a strong maritime tradition. Several shipping and logistics companies have their headquarters or offices in the town. The sector offers jobs in logistics, administration, naval engineering and international trade.
• Tourism and hospitality: The summer season generates strong demand in hotels, catering and tourist activities. Kurbadet, the seafront hotels and the many restaurants recruit regularly, especially from May to September.
• Airport services (Torp): Sandefjord Torp airport is a significant employer in the region. Airlines, ground services, security and maintenance generate several hundred direct and indirect jobs.
• Retail and distribution: The shopping centre and the town's commercial areas offer opportunities in sales, management and logistics.
• Food industry: The Vestfold region has an important agri-food tradition. Several food-processing companies are based around Sandefjord.

Average salaries in Sandefjord

Schools and nurseries

Sandefjord has a good-quality public school network, typical of Norwegian towns of this size. Local schools welcome foreign children with suitable language integration programmes, and the town also has an English-language international school.

Primary and secondary schools

• Public schools (Grunnskole): Sandefjord has around twenty primary schools and several lower secondary schools spread across the municipality. Teaching is in Norwegian, but children who don't speak Norwegian get Norwegian as a second language lessons (norsk som andrespråk) to help them integrate.
• Sandefjord videregående skole: The town's main upper secondary school offers general and vocational tracks. Students can specialise in many fields.
• Skagerak International School: An English-language IB school in Sandefjord, offering the International Baccalaureate up to the Diploma Programme. Like most international schools in Norway it is a fee-paying private school with state support, so fees are usually far below UK or US private-school fees. Check the school's website for current fees and admissions.
• Thor Heyerdahl videregående skole: Named after the famous Norwegian explorer from Larvik (a neighbouring town), this upper secondary school offers quality teaching with modern facilities.

Nurseries (Barnehage)

The municipality of Sandefjord runs a network of public and private nurseries. The maximum fee is about 3,000 NOK a month, in line with national regulations. Places are allocated through a centralised system, and it is advisable to register as early as possible, ideally before 1 March for a start in August. Some nurseries emphasise outdoor activities (friluftsbarnehage), a concept very popular in Vestfold thanks to the relatively mild climate.

What to do in Sandefjord?

Sandefjord is a town that lives to the rhythm of the seasons. In summer it turns into a lively seaside resort. The rest of the year it offers a rich cultural heritage and privileged access to the coastal nature of Vestfold.

Must-see sights

• Hvalfangstmuseet (Whaling Museum): Unique in Norway, this museum traces the fascinating and controversial history of whaling, an activity that made Sandefjord rich for over a century. Interactive exhibitions, ship models and accounts from former whalers make the visit gripping.
• Gokstadhaugen (Gokstad Mound): The site where the Gokstad ship was discovered in 1880, one of the most impressive Viking boats ever found. The mound is freely accessible and information boards tell the story of this major discovery in Norwegian archaeology.
• Langeby and Yxney beaches: Among the most beautiful beaches in southern Norway. Fine sand, calm waters and an idyllic setting. Langeby is the big family beach, while the islets around Yxney offer wilder, quieter coves.
• Kurbadet: A historic spa establishment founded in the 19th century. Now renovated, it offers hot baths, saunas and spa treatments in an elegant setting facing the sea. A typically Scandinavian experience.

Free activities

• Stroll along the seafront and in the Badeparken
• Visit the Gokstad mound and imagine the Viking ships
• Coastal hiking on the Vesterøya trails
• Swim at Langeby beaches in summer
• Explore the little islands and coves by kayak (rental available)
• Picnic at Hjertnes park with a view over the fjord

Sports and nature activities

• Sailing and water sports: The Sandefjord fjord is an ideal playground for sailing, paddleboarding and kayaking. Several water-sports clubs offer lessons and equipment rental.
• Hiking: The Vestfold coastal paths (Vestfold-stien) pass through Sandefjord and offer waymarked routes along the shoreline, between pine forests and rocky beaches.
• Cycling: The region is relatively flat and well suited to cycling. Cycle paths link Sandefjord to the neighbouring towns of Larvik and Tønsberg.
• Cross-country skiing: In winter, the forests around town have floodlit cross-country ski tracks, a very popular activity among locals.

Climate in Sandefjord

Sandefjord enjoys one of the mildest coastal climates in Norway. Located in the south of the country and sheltered by the Oslo fjord, the town enjoys pleasant summers and winters that are relatively moderate by Norwegian standards.

The seasons

• Summer (June-August): The best time of year. Temperatures range between 15°C and 25°C, with peaks of 30°C on some days. The days are very long (up to 19 hours of daylight in June) and the fjord water reaches 18-20°C in July. It is the season of swimming, outdoor barbecues and festivals.
• Autumn (September-November): Mild in September (12-16°C), then gradually cooler. The autumn colours in the Vestfold forests are superb. Rain becomes more frequent from October.
• Winter (December-February): Temperatures drop to between -5°C and 2°C. Snow is possible but not guaranteed every year in Sandefjord, as the coastal climate is wetter. The days are short (about 6-7 hours of daylight in December), but it's the time to enjoy Norwegian hygge, candles and hot dishes.
• Spring (March-May): Renewal comes early in Vestfold. From April, temperatures climb and the first beach days sometimes arrive as early as May. The light returns gradually and nature wakes up.

International community in Sandefjord

Sandefjord is not a big cosmopolitan city like Oslo or Stavanger, but it hosts a modest and growing international community. The presence of Torp airport attracts a few international workers, and the quality of life in the Vestfold region increasingly appeals to foreign families looking for an alternative to the big cities.

• Local community: About 15% of the residents of Sandefjord municipality are of foreign origin, mainly from the Nordic countries, Eastern Europe and Asia. English is widely spoken, so English speakers find their feet quickly.
• Voksenopplæring (adult courses): The municipality offers Norwegian courses for newcomers, often free or low-cost for residents with a residence permit. It's an excellent way to meet other expats.
• Community activities: Sandefjord's Frivilligsentral (volunteer centre) organises community events open to everyone. Local sports clubs (football, sailing, hiking) are also a good way in to make contacts.
• Online groups: Search Facebook for "Expats in Sandefjord" or "Expats in Vestfold" to ask practical questions and meet other foreigners.
• Closeness to Oslo: Oslo's larger international scene (InterNations, Meetup.com groups, English-language events) is reachable in about 1h30 by train.