Larvik is a coastal town in Vestfold county, southeastern Norway, set at the mouth of the Lågen river on the western shore of the Oslofjord. It is best known internationally as the birthplace of Thor Heyerdahl, the explorer and anthropologist who sailed the Kon-Tiki raft across the Pacific in 1947. The Larvik Museum and the Papirbredden cultural quarter reflect the town's engagement with its maritime and cultural heritage.
The ferry terminal at Larvik is the departure point for Fjord Line's route to Hirtshals in Denmark, making it a practical option for travellers heading from the Oslo region to northern Jutland without going via Oslo itself. The port is close to the town centre and well connected by road and rail. Larvik's compact centre has a few good cafes and restaurants worth exploring before or after a sailing.