Tønsberg is one of Norway’s oldest cities and the administrative centre of Vestfold, with around 56,500 people in the continuous urban area and just over 60,000 in the municipality. The city traditionally dates its foundation to 871, although the exact age is disputed and archaeological evidence suggests that the urban settlement developed during the late Viking Age. Tønsberg became one of Norway’s most important medieval towns, dominated by the royal fortress of Tunsberghus on Slottsfjellet, once the country’s largest castle complex. Today the ruins and Slottsfjell Tower overlook the compact centre, while other notable sights include the medieval ruins around the city, Haugar Art Museum and the harbour area along Brygga. The nearby Oseberg burial mound, where the famous Viking ship was discovered in 1904, underlines the region’s exceptional Viking heritage. Tønsberg also has a notable place in Norwegian rock history as the birthplace of Seigmen, formed here in 1989 and known for their dark mixture of alternative rock, goth and industrial influences.

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