Key Competitive Attractions
Vestfold County is situated on the southern coast of Norway, bordered by Telemark and Buskerud. Its administrative centre is Tonsberg, considered to be the oldest town in Norway, and bringing in many tourists, just over an hour’s drive from Oslo international airport. Important landmarks include the Tonsberg Fortress ruins, Viking burial mounds, St. Michael's Church, the Royal Castle, Haugar Vestfold Art Museum, and Sem Church, Vestfold's oldest stone church built pre 1100.
Other than tourism, the Vestfold economy is supported by the industries of shipping and maritime, food and drink production, leather production, paper production and agriculture, with much of the territory classed as lowland, making it one of Norway’s richest agricultural areas.
Vestfold’s shipping industry was mainly characterised for being the headquarters of whaling fleets, but is now more known for the fishing and shipbuilding activities of its coastal towns.
Tonsberg is a maritime centre, home to many shipyards, as well as paper mills, breweries leather production facilities, and metal shops, particularly known for producing silverware.
Assistance and Support For New Business Investors
Vestfold County’s mission is to facilitate and develop a strong business community, and to support projects with potential wealth creation and employment.
VRI Vestfold - Programme for Regional Innovation - is a ten-year project focusing on cooperation between the businesses, Vestfold University College, and the Work Research Institute (AFI) in Oslo.
