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{{short description|Municipality in Vestfold, Norway}}
{{about|the municipality in Norway|the town within this municipality|Larvik (town)|other uses|Larvik (disambiguation)}}
{{distinguish|text=[[Lerwick]], chief port in Shetland also called Larvik}}
{{Infobox kommune
|name                   = Larvik
|nickname               = Bakkebyen, The Hilly City
|native_name            = 
|native_name_lang       = 
|other_name             = 
|former_name            = 
|image_skyline          = Larvik torg sett mot gaten Larvik torg.jpg
|image_caption          = Larvik town square, 2008
|idnumber               = 3909
|county                 = Vestfold
|district               = 
|capital                = [[Larvik (town)|Larvik]]
|established            = 1 Jan 1838
|preceded               = none
|demonyms               = Larviking<br />Larviker<br />Larvikar
|language               = Neutral
|coatofarms             = Larvik komm 2018.svg
|flag                   = none
|webpage                = www.larvik.kommune.no
|mayor                  = Birgitte Gulla Løken
|mayor_party            = [[Conservative Party (Norway)|H]]
|mayor_as_of            = 2023
|area_rank              = 140
|area_total_km2         = 812.88
|area_land_km2          = 771.41
|area_water_km2         = 41.47
|area_water_percent     = 5.1
|population_as_of       = 2023
|population_rank        = 21
|population_total       = 48,246
|population_density_km2 = 62.5
|population_increase    = 5.9
|coordinates            = {{coord|59|4|52|N|10|0|59|E|region:NO|display=inline,title}}
|utm_zone = 32V | utm_northing = 6549532 | utm_easting = 0558263 | geo_cat = adm2nd
}}

'''Larvik''' ({{IPA|no-NO-03|ˈlɑ̂rviːk|lang|Larvik.ogg}})<ref>{{Cite book |last=Berulfsen |first=Bjarne |title=Norsk Uttaleordbok |publisher=[[Aschehoug|H. Aschehoug & Co (W Nygaard)]] |year=1969 |location=Oslo |page=194 |language=no}}</ref> is a [[List of municipalities of Norway|municipality]] in [[Vestfold]] county, [[Norway]]. It is located in the [[Traditional districts of Norway|traditional district]] of [[Vestfold]]. The [[administrative centre]] of the municipality is the [[Larvik (town)|city of Larvik]]. Other main population centres in the municipality include the town of [[Stavern]] and the villages of [[Gjone]], [[Helgeroa]], [[Hem, Norway|Hem]], [[Kjose]], [[Kvelde]], [[Nevlunghavn]], [[Skinmo]], [[Svarstad]], [[Ula, Norway|Ula]], [[Verningen]], and [[Tjøllingvollen]].<ref name="snl">{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Larvik |encyclopedia=[[Store norske leksikon]] |publisher=[[Kunnskapsforlaget]] |url=https://snl.no/Larvik |date=2023-08-15 |editor-last=Thorsnæs |editor-first=Geir |language=no |editor2-last=Lundbo |editor2-first=Sten |editor3-last=Mæhlum |editor3-first=Lars |accessdate=2023-11-11}}</ref>

The {{convert|813|km2|adj=on}} municipality is the 140th largest by area out of the 356 municipalities in Norway. Larvik is the 21st most populous municipality in Norway with a population of 48,246. The municipality's [[population density]] is {{convert|62.5|PD/km2}} and its population has increased by 5.9% over the previous 10-year period.<ref name="ssb pop">{{Cite web |last=Statistisk sentralbyrå |author-link=Statistics Norway |title=Table: 06913: Population 1 January and population changes during the calendar year (M) |url=https://www.ssb.no/en/statbank/table/06913/ |language=Norwegian}}</ref><ref name="ssb area">{{Cite web |last=Statistisk sentralbyrå |author-link=Statistics Norway |title=09280: Area of land and fresh water (km²) (M) |url=https://www.ssb.no/en/statbank/table/09280/ |language=Norwegian}}</ref>

The [[Larvik (town)|city of Larvik]] achieved [[Kjøpstad|market town status]] in 1671, but it did not become a self-governing municipality until 1 January 1838 when the [[formannskapsdistrikt]] law went into effect.<ref name="DK">{{Cite book |last=Evensberget |first=Snorre |title=DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Norway |publisher=Penguin |year=2014 |isbn=9781465432469 |page=129}}</ref>

Larvik is known as the hometown of [[Thor Heyerdahl]].<ref name="Cap">{{Cite book |last1=Lund |first1=Arild |title=Larvik |last2=Jørgensen |first2=Charlotte |publisher=Capella Media |year=2001 |isbn=9788299606912}}</ref>{{rp|30}} It is also home to ''[[Bøkeskogen]]'', the northernmost beech tree forest in the world. Larvik is the home of Norway's only natural mineral water spring, Farriskilden.<ref name="DK" /><ref name="HKB">{{Cite book |last=Bertelsen |first=Hans Kristian |title=Bli kjent med Vestfold / Become acquainted with Vestfold |publisher=Stavanger Offset AS |year=1998 |isbn=9788290636017 |pages=63–65}}</ref> ''Farris Bad'', located in Larvik, has been described as one of the best spas in [[Europe]].<ref name="LPN">{{Cite book |last1=Ham |first1=Anthony |title=Lonely Planet Norway |last2=Butler |first2=Stuart |publisher=Lonely Planet |year=2015 |isbn=9781742202075 |page=91}}</ref> It has the largest spa department in Scandinavia.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Farris Bad |url=https://www.visitnorway.com/listings/farris-bad/186601/ |website=VisitNorway.com}}</ref>

==General information==
The [[Larvik (town)|town of Larvik]] was established as a municipality on 1 January 1838 (see [[formannskapsdistrikt]] law). On 1 January 1875, a small area of [[Brunlanes|Brunlanes Municipality]] (population: 4) and a different area of [[Hedrum|Hedrum Municipality]] (population: 46) were both transferred into the [[Larvik (town)|town of Larvik]]. In 1937, another area of Hedrum Municipality (population: 69) was transferred into Larvik. In 1948, an area of Hedrum Municipality (population: 296) was transferred into Larvik. On 1 January 1974, the unpopulated Tagtvedt area of Hedrum was transferred to Larvik. On 1 January 1986, part of the Åsveien 3 property in Hedrum was transferred to the neighboring [[Larvik (town)|town of Larvik]].<ref name="Dag">{{Cite book |last=Jukvam |first=Dag |year=1999 |title=Historisk oversikt over endringer i kommune- og fylkesinndelingen |url=http://www.ssb.no/emner/00/90/rapp_9913/rapp_9913.pdf |publisher=[[Statistics Norway|Statistisk sentralbyrå]] |language=no |isbn=9788253746845}}</ref>

On 1 January 1988, the city of Larvik was part of a major municipal merger which consolidated the municipalities of [[Brunlanes]] (population: 8,138), [[Hedrum]] (population: 10,449), and [[Tjølling]] (population: 7,878) with the towns of [[Larvik (town)|Larvik]] (population: 8,045) and [[Stavern]] (population: 2,538) to create a new, much larger [[Larvik Municipality]] with a population of 37,048 people.<ref name="Dag" />

On 1 January 2018, [[Lardal Municipality]] was merged the neighboring Larvik Municipality as part of a nationwide municipal reform.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 November 2016 |title=Fra 26 til 6 kommuner |url=https://www.nrk.no/vestfold/fra-26-til-6-kommuner-1.13172639}}</ref> After merging, Larvik was the largest municipality in Vestfold by area and the second-most populous municipality in Vestfold.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Ringnes |first=Sigrid |date=2017-12-07 |title=Sjekk den nye filmen fra Larvik og Lardal |url=https://www.op.no/nyheter/larvik/lardal/sjekk-den-nye-filmen-fra-larvik-og-lardal/s/5-36-488485 |work=[[Østlands-Posten]] |language=no}}</ref>

===Etymology===
The municipality (originally the [[Larvik (town)|town of Larvik]]) is named after the small cove at the end of the [[Larviksfjorden]], which was historically called {{lang|non|Lagarvík}} in [[Old Norse]]. The first element is the [[genitive case]] of {{wikt-lang|non|lǫgr}} '[[water]], [[river]]' (here referring to the [[Numedalslågen]] River). The last element is {{wikt-lang|non|vík}} '[[cove]], [[inlet]]'. Thus, the meaning of the name is 'cove at the mouth of a river'. Prior to 1889, the name was written ''Laurvik'' or ''Laurvig''.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Rygh |first=Oluf |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=3YpBAAAAIAAJ |title=Norske gaardnavne: Jarlsberg og Larviks amt |date=1907 |publisher=W. C. Fabritius & sønners bogtrikkeri |edition=6 |location=Kristiania, Norge |pages=327 and 367 |language=no |authorlink=Oluf Rygh}}</ref> {{See also|Lardal#Name}}

===Coat of arms===
[[File:Larvik komm 1899.svg|thumb|left|110px|Arms from 1899 to 1989]]
[[File:Larvik komm.svg|thumb|left|110px|Arms from 1989 to 2018]]
[[File:Larvik komm 2018.svg|thumb|left|110px|Arms since 2018]]
Larvik has had three different [[coat of arms|coats of arms]] since 1889.

The first [[coat of arms]] was granted in 1889 and it was in use until 20 January 1989 when a new coat of arms was granted. The official [[blazon]] was ''"[[Argent]], a leaved tree issuant from a [[Mount (heraldry)|mount]] [[Vert (heraldry)|vert]]"''. This means the arms have a [[field (heraldry)|field]] (background) has a [[tincture (heraldry)|tincture]] of [[argent]] which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used. The [[charge (heraldry)|charge]] is a green tree growing out of a green hill. The green color in the field and the tree design symbolize the local [[beech]] forest around the town. This design may have been chosen because for a couple of reasons. A beech tree had been used by the 18th century governor of the area, Jens Kielman. Also this beech tree design was part of a seal of a local [[guild]] in the early 19th century.<ref name="NKV">{{Cite web |title=Civic heraldry of Norway - Norske Kommunevåpen |url=https://www.heraldry-wiki.com/heraldrywiki/index.php?title=Larvik |access-date=2023-11-10 |publisher=Heraldry of the World}}</ref>

The second [[coat of arms]] was granted on 17 March 1989 and it was in use until 1 January 2018. The official [[blazon]] was ''"[[Azure (heraldry)|Azure]], a mast with three sails [[argent]]"'' ({{langx|no|I blått en sølv mast med tre seil}}). This means the arms have a blue [[field (heraldry)|field]] (background) and the [[charge (heraldry)|charge]] is a ship's [[Mast (sailing)|mast]] with three [[sail]]s. The charge has a [[tincture (heraldry)|tincture]] of [[argent]] which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used. The blue color in the field and the design were chosen to represent the maritime traditions of the municipality. The arms were designed by Kjell Ronald Hansen. The municipal flag had the same design as the coat of arms.<ref name="NKV" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Larvik, Vestfold (Norway) |url=https://www.crwflags.com/fotw/flags/no-07-09.html |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=Flags of the World}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=1989-03-17 |title=Godkjenning av våpen og flagg |url=https://lovdata.no/dokument/LF/forskrift/1989-01-20-35 |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=Lovdata.no |publisher=Norges kommunal- og arbeidsdepartementet |language=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Larvik kommune, våpen |url=https://foto.digitalarkivet.no/fotoweb/archives/5003-Kommunev%C3%A5pen/Kart%20og%20tegninger%20og%20segl/he10081205030364.tif.info#c=%2Ffotoweb%2Farchives%2F5003-Kommunev%25C3%25A5pen%2F%3Fq%3Dlarvik |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=Digitalarkivet |publisher=Arkivverket |language=no}}</ref>

The current [[coat of arms]] was adopted for use starting on 1 January 2018. The [[blazon]] is ''"Azure, a tree with seven droplet-shaped leaves, of which six are opposite two and two, issuant from a mount argent"'' ({{langx|no|I blått et oppvoksende tre med syv dråpeformede blader hvor av seks er motstående to og to, alt i sølv}}). This means the arms have a blue [[field (heraldry)|field]] (background) and the [[charge (heraldry)|charge]] is a tree design with six leaves shaped like water droplets that are arranged symmetrically, three on each side and one on top. The charge has a [[tincture (heraldry)|tincture]] of [[argent]] which means it is commonly colored white, but if it is made out of metal, then silver is used. The arms have a complex symbolism. The seven drops symbolize forest water that flows into streams and further into the main [[Numedalslågen]] and [[Farris]]elva rivers. The tree design symbolizes the importance of the local [[beech]] forests and [[forestry]] industry. The six water drops also symbolized the ports spread along the coast as well as the six former municipalities that are now together as one large municipality. The arms were designed by Tormod Henriksen from [[Svarstad]]. The municipal flag had the same design as the coat of arms.<ref name="NKV" /><ref>{{Cite web |title=Larvik kommune |url=https://foto.digitalarkivet.no/fotoweb/archives/5003-Kommunev%C3%A5pen/Kart%20og%20tegninger%20og%20segl/larvik%20kommunev%C3%A5pen%20stor%20spot.tiff.info#c=%2Ffotoweb%2Farchives%2F5003-Kommunev%25C3%25A5pen%2F%3Fq%3Dlarvik |access-date=2023-11-10 |website=Digitalarkivet |publisher=Arkivverket |language=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2017-04-06 |title=Larviks nye kommunevåpen er klart |url=https://www.bokebloggen.no/2017/04/06/1491495400_larviks_nye_kommunevpen_er_klart/ |access-date=2023-11-11 |website=Bokebloggen.no |language=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Profilmanual 2022 |url=https://www.larvik.kommune.no/media/5i1j2its/larvik-kommune-profilmanual-2022-v1-1.pdf |access-date=2023-11-11 |publisher=Larvik kommune |language=no }}</ref>

==History==
[[File:Istrehågan,_Tjølling_(14550732106).jpg|thumb|left|[[Istrehågan]] contains rock carvings dated to 1500-500 BCE.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Attractions |url=https://www.visitvestfold.com/en/larvik/see-and-do/Attractions/?TLp=200315&Rock-carvings-and-standing-stones-at-Haugen-Farm |publisher=VisitVestfold.com}}</ref>]]
[[File:Helgeroa_-_no-nb_digifoto_20151126_00250_NB_MIT_FNR_13928.jpg|thumb|left|[[Helgeroa]] Harbour in 1953.]]
Various remains from the [[Stone Age]] have been discovered throughout the municipality of Larvik, for instance by [[Torpevannet]] near the village of [[Helgeroa]]. [[Raet]] goes through all of Vestfold County before peaking out of the ocean in [[Mølen]] in Larvik. Ancient peoples have carried rocks from Raet and constructed vast numbers of burial mounds at Mølen. During the [[Roman Iron Age]], ancient peoples erected a stone monument resembling a ship at [[Istrehågan]], one of Norway's greatest remains ({{lang|no|oldtidsminne}}) from prehistoric times.<ref name="grevens by">{{Cite book |last=Krohn-Holm |first=Jan W. |url=https://urn.nb.no/URN:NBN:no-nb_digibok_2018032048156 |title=Larvik: Grevens By |publisher=Leif Holktedahls Forlag |year=1971 |location=Oslo, Norge |language=no |oclc=ocm13071070}}</ref>{{rp|8}}

About {{convert|4|km}} southeast of the town is [[Skiringssal]], an archaeological site where archaeologists first discovered burial mounds and an ancient Viking hall, and later uncovered the nearby remains of an ancient town, [[Kaupang]]. This is now known as the oldest known merchant town in Norway. There was international trade from this area, over 1,200 years ago.<ref name="grevens by" />{{rp|12}} Skiringssal has remains from the oldest town yet discovered in the [[Nordic countries]],<ref name="DTW">{{Cite book |last=Taylor-Wilkie |first=Doreen |title=Insight Guides Norway |publisher=Insight |year=2018 |isbn=9781780052106 |pages=157 and 304}}</ref> and it was one of Scandinavia's earliest urban sites.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Skre |first=Dagfinn |title=Kaupang in Skiringssal |publisher=Aarhus University Press |year=2007 |isbn=9788779342590 |page=13 |language=no}}</ref>

Larvik (which historically used the [[Danish language|Danish]] spelling: ''Laurvig'') was an old coastal village. In 1671, the village received [[kjøpstad]] (market town) status in 1671 when [[Ulrik Frederik Gyldenløve, Count of Laurvig|Ulrik Fredrik Gyldenløve]] bought the Fritsø estate. He later became the first [[Count]] of Laurvig. The count built a new residence in 1674, "Herregården", which can still be visited today.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Evensberget |first=Snorre |title=DK Eyewitness Travel Guide: Norway |publisher=Penguin |year=2012 |isbn=9780756693305 |page=125}}</ref><ref name="snl" /> The whole Larvik area was owned by a [[Countship of Larvik|Danish Count]] ({{lang|no|grevskap}}) until 1817. Since the rest of Norway had come under Swedish rule in 1814, the county was purchased by four local businessmen in 1817.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2021-06-26 |title=Unike dokument viser Larviks danske hemmelegheit |url=https://www.nrk.no/vestfoldogtelemark/unike-dokument-viser-larviks-danske-hemmelegheit-1.15550853}}</ref> Then in 1821, it became part of the newly created [[Vestfold|Jarslberg og Laurvigs amt]] (county).

[[File:Johan Christian Dahl - Larvik by Moonlight - Google Art Project.jpg|thumb|right|''Larvik by Moonlight'', 1839 painting by [[Johan Christian Dahl]]]]
Larvik is also the site of the [[Treschow (noble family)|Treschow]] estate, "Fritzøehus", which is currently owned by the heirs of [[Mille-Marie Treschow]], reportedly "Norway's richest woman". The Treschow estate was created in 1835 when Willum Frederik Treschow bought the county from the Danish crown, who in turn had bought the county from the local consortium "grevlingene", four local entrepreneurs who proved unable to manage the ownership financially (the consortium had bought the county from the Danish crown in 1817 originally, the crown taking over the county when the last of the counts had to sell it because of debt).

Larvik, along with neighbouring cities of [[Sandefjord (town)|Sandefjord]] and [[Tønsberg (town)|Tønsberg]], were the three dominant [[whaling]] cities of Norway in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Tønnessen |first1=Johan Nicolay |title=The History of Modern Whaling |last2=Johnsen |first2=Arne Odd |publisher=University of California Press |year=1982 |isbn=9780520039735 |page=84}}</ref>

==Government==
Larvik Municipality is responsible for [[primary education]] (through 10th grade), outpatient [[Health care|health services]], [[old age|senior citizen]] services, [[welfare spending|welfare]] and other [[Social work|social services]], [[zoning]], [[economic development]], and municipal [[road]]s and utilities. The municipality is governed by a [[Municipal council (Norway)|municipal council]] of [[Direct election|directly elected]] representatives. The [[mayor]] is [[Indirect election|indirectly elected]] by a vote of the municipal council.<ref name="ks">{{Cite encyclopedia |title=kommunestyre |encyclopedia=[[Store norske leksikon]] |publisher=[[Kunnskapsforlaget]] |url=https://snl.no/kommunestyre |date=2022-09-20 |editor-last=Hansen |editor-first=Tore |language=Norwegian |editor2-last=Vabo |editor2-first=Signy Irene |accessdate=2022-10-14}}</ref> The municipality is under the jurisdiction of the [[Vestfold District Court]] and the [[Agder Court of Appeal]].

===Municipal council===
The [[Municipal council (Norway)|municipal council]] {{lang|no|(Kommunestyre)}} of Larvik is made up of representatives that are elected to four year terms. The tables below show the current and historical composition of the council by political [[Political party|party]]. 
{{div col}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|start                     = 2023
|end                       = 2027
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Kommunestyrevalg 2023 - Vestfold |url=https://valgresultat.no/valg/2023/ko/vestfold/larvik#seats |access-date=2024-02-01 |publisher=[[Valgdirektoratet]]}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = 
|Total                     = 41
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 8
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 9
|Grønne                    = 1
|Høyre                     = 11
|INP                       = 2
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 2
|Rødt                      = 1
|Senterpartiet             = 2
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 3
|Venstre                   = 2
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|start                     = 2019
|end                       = 2023
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Kommunestyrevalg 2019 - Vestfold og Telemark |url=https://valgresultat.no/valg/2019/ko/vestfold%20og%20telemark/larvik#seats |access-date=2023-11-11 |publisher=Valg Direktoratet}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 41
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 9
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 6
|Grønne                    = 2
|Høyre                     = 8
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 2
|Rødt                      = 2
|Senterpartiet             = 5
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 2
|Venstre                   = 1
|otherparty                = Better Larvik
|otherparty_no             = BedreLarvik
|otherparty_number         = 4
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|start                     = 2015
|end                       = 2019
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Kommunestyrevalg 2015 - Vestfold |url=https://valgresultat.no/valg/2015/ko/vestfold/larvik#seats |publisher=Valg Direktoratet}}</ref><ref name="ssb valg">{{Cite web |title=Table: 04813: Members of the local councils, by party/electoral list at the Municipal Council election (M) |url=https://www.ssb.no/en/statbank/table/04813/ |publisher=Statistics Norway |language=Norwegian}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 35
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 13
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 6
|Grønne                    = 2
|Høyre                     = 8
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 2
|Senterpartiet             = 2
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 1
|Venstre                   = 1
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|start                     = 2011
|end                       = 2015
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |title=Kommunestyrevalg 2011 - Vestfold |url=https://valgresultat.no/valg/2011/ko/vestfold/larvik#seats |publisher=Valg Direktoratet}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 35
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 14
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 8
|Høyre                     = 6
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 2
|Senterpartiet             = 1
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 1
|Venstre                   = 3
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|start                     = 2007
|end                       = 2011
|reference                 = <ref name="ssb valg" />
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 35
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 8
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 1
|Senterpartiet             = 1
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 2
|Venstre                   = 2
|Høyre                     = 9
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 8
|otherparty                = Larvik List
|otherparty_no             = Larvikslista
|otherparty_number         = 4
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|start                     = 2003
|end                       = 2007
|reference                 = <ref name="ssb valg" />
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 53
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 13
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 10
|Høyre                     = 8
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 2
|Senterpartiet             = 6
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 4
|Venstre                   = 2
|otherparty                = Larvik List
|otherparty_no             = Larvikslista
|otherparty_number         = 8
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|start                     = 1999
|end                       = 2003
|reference                 = <ref name="ssb valg" /><ref>{{Cite book |date=2000 |title=Kommunestyrevalget 1999 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/publikasjoner/pdf/nos_c621/nos_c621.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253748531 |issn=0332-8023 |location=Oslo-Kongsvinger, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 53
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 14
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 11
|Høyre                     = 13
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 5
|Senterpartiet             = 3
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 4
|Venstre                   = 3
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|start                     = 1995
|end                       = 1999
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1996 |title=Kommunestyrevalget 1995 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_c342.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253743351 |issn=0332-8023 |location=Oslo-Kongsvinger, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 53
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 18
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 11
|Høyre                     = 10
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 4
|Senterpartiet             = 5
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 2
|Venstre                   = 3
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|start                     = 1991
|end                       = 1995
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1993 |title=Kommunestyrevalget 1991 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_c057.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253737939 |issn=0332-8023 |location=Oslo-Kongsvinger, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 53
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 15
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 5
|Høyre                     = 15
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 4
|Senterpartiet             = 5
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 7
|Venstre                   = 2
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|start                     = 1987
|end                       = 1991
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1988 |title=Kommunestyrevalget 1987 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_b765.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253726325 |issn=0332-8023 |location=Oslo-Kongsvinger, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 69
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 24
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 8
|Høyre                     = 20
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 6
|Senterpartiet             = 4
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 3
|Venstre                   = 4
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1983
|end                       = 1987
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1984 |title=Kommunestyrevalget 1983 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_b450.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253720378 |issn=0332-8023 |location=Oslo-Kongsvinger, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 45
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 23
|Fremskrittspartiet        = 1
|Høyre                     = 13
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 3
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 3
|Venstre                   = 2
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1979
|end                       = 1983
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1979 |title=Kommunestyrevalget 1979 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_b093.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253710836 |issn=0332-8023 |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 45
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 22
|Høyre                     = 13
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 4
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 3
|Venstre                   = 3
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1975
|end                       = 1979
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1977 |title=Kommunevalgene 1975 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_a769.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253705646 |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 53
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 27
|DLF                       = 1
|Høyre                     = 12
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 5
|Sosialistisk_Venstreparti = 5
|Venstre                   = 3
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1971
|end                       = 1975
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite book |date=1973 |title=Kommunevalgene 1972 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_a457.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |isbn=8253701144 |location=Oslo, Norge |volume=I}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 53
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 26
|Høyre                     = 10
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 4
|Venstre                   = 6
|otherparty                = Socialist common list
|otherparty_no             = Venstresosialistiske felleslister
|otherparty_number         = 7
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1967
|end                       = 1971
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1967 |title=Kommunevalgene 1967 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_a214.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge |volume=I}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 53
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 27
|Høyre                     = 11
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 3
|NKP                       = 4
|Sosialistisk_Folkeparti   = 2
|Venstre                   = 6
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1963
|end                       = 1967
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1964 |title=Kommunevalgene 1963 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_xii_138.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 53
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 30
|Høyre                     = 12
|NKP                       = 3
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 2
|Sosialistisk_Folkeparti   = 1
|Venstre                   = 5
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1959
|end                       = 1963
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1960 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1959 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_xii_022.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 53
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 29
|Høyre                     = 10
|NKP                       = 5
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 3
|Venstre                   = 6
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1955
|end                       = 1959
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1957 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1955 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_xi_252.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 53
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 29
|NKP                       = 5
|Høyre                     = 10
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 3
|Venstre                   = 6
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1951
|end                       = 1955
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1952 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1951 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_xi_120.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 52
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 27
|NKP                       = 6
|Høyre                     = 9
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 4
|Venstre                   = 6
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1947
|end                       = 1951
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1948 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1947 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_x_165.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 44
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 17
|NKP                       = 8
|Høyre                     = 8
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 5
|Venstre                   = 6
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1945
|end                       = 1947
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1947 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1945 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_x_133.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 52
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 19
|NKP                       = 14
|Høyre                     = 6
|Kristelig_Folkeparti      = 7
|V/DRF                     = 6
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1937
|end                       = 1940* 
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1938 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1937 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_ix_133.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 52
|Venstre                   = 9
|Borgerlige_Felleslister   = 14
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 29
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1934
|end                       = 1937 
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1935 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1934 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_ix_057.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 52
|Venstre                   = 7
|Borgerlige_Felleslister   = 12
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 26
|NKP                       = 1
|Local_Lists               = 6
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1931
|end                       = 1934 
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1932 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1931 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_viii_186.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 52
|Høyre                     = 18
|Venstre                   = 9
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 25
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1928
|end                       = 1931 
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1929 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1928 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_viii_093.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 52
|H/FV                      = 16
|Venstre                   = 9
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 26
|NKP                       = 1
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1925
|end                       = 1928 
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1926 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1925 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_vii_192.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 52
|Venstre                   = 10
|Borgerlige_Felleslister   = 16
|SDA                       = 5
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 18
|otherparty                = Workers' Common List 
|otherparty_no             = Arbeidernes fellesliste
|otherparty_number         = 1
|Local_Lists               = 2
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1922
|end                       = 1925
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1923 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1922 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_vii_078.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 52
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 18
|SDA                       = 6
|Venstre                   = 4
|Borgerlige_Felleslister   = 16
|Avholdspartiet            = 4
|Local_Lists               = 4
|}}
{{Kommunestyre table
|name                      = Larvik
|city                      = yes
|start                     = 1919
|end                       = 1922
|reference                 = <ref>{{Cite web |date=1920 |title=Kommunevalgene og Ordførervalgene 1919 |url=https://www.ssb.no/a/histstat/nos/nos_vi_189.pdf |publisher=Statistisk sentralbyrå |language=Norwegian |location=Oslo, Norge}}</ref>
|collapsed                 = yes
|Total                     = 52
|Arbeiderpartiet           = 23
|Venstre                   = 6
|Borgerlige_Felleslister   = 16
|Avholdspartiet            = 5
|Local_Lists               = 2
|}}
{{div col end}}

===Mayors===
The [[Mayor#Scandinavia|mayors]] ({{langx|no|ordfører}}) of Larvik:<ref>{{Cite book |last=Nyhus |first=Per |url=http://urn.nb.no/URN:NBN:no-nb_digibok_2014010708025 |title=Dengang det het Laurvig |publisher=[[Østlands-Posten]] |year=1981 |isbn=8299083508 |location=Larvik |page=237 |language=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |url=http://urn.nb.no/URN:NBN:no-nb_digibok_2015081948149 |title=Larviks historie |publisher=Larvik kommune |year=1963 |location=Larvik |language=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Nyhus |first=Per |url=http://urn.nb.no/URN:NBN:no-nb_digibok_2010120120010 |title=Larvik A-Å |publisher=[[Østlands-Posten]] |year=1999 |isbn=8299083532 |location=Larvik |language=no}}</ref>
{{div col|colwidth=20em}}
*1838-1840: Parish priest Castberg
*1841-1848: Ahlert Hysing
*1849-1857: [[Johan Sverdrup]] ([[Liberal Party (Norway)|V]])
*1858-1860: Thorvald Olsen
*1861-1868: Christian Christiansen ([[Conservative Party (Norway)|H]])
*1869-1870: T.M. Nielsen
*1871-1874: Jens Zetlitz
*1875-1875: Carl Lund
*1875-1878: Christian Christiansen ([[Conservative Party (Norway)|H]])
*1878-1880: J.W. Falch
*1880-1884: Lauritz Schmidt
*1885-1886: Jul. Johnsen
*1887-1888: Lauritz Schmidt
*1889-1890: [[Colin Archer]] 
*1891-1891: Mr. Sølsberg 
*1891-1892: Sophus Caspar Singdahlsen
*1893-1897: [[Michael Velo]] ([[Coalition Party (Norway)|SmP]])
*1898-1898: Thorvald Johansen
*1899-1901: [[Michael Velo]] ([[Coalition Party (Norway)|SmP]])
*1901-1903: Magnus Hesselberg Oppen 
*1904-1904: Niels Christian Odberg ([[Liberal Party (Norway)|V]])
*1905-1907: Thomas Arbo Høeg
*1908-1910: Niels Christian Odberg ([[Liberal Party (Norway)|V]])
*1911-1911: Magnus Hesselberg Oppen 
*1912-1914: Ludvig Næss ([[Liberal Party (Norway)|V]])
*1915-1919: Karl B. Løwe ([[Liberal Party (Norway)|V]])
*1920-1921: Oscar Andersen ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*1922-1923: Johan Andersen ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*1924-1928: Trygve Rynning ([[Bygdeliste|LL]])
*1929-1931: Oscar Andersen ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*1932-1934: Trygve Rynning ([[Bygdeliste|LL]])
*1934-1940: Oscar Andersen ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*1941-1941: Karl B. Løwe ([[Liberal Party (Norway)|V]])
*1941-1945: Rolf Bjørn Høvik ([[Nasjonal Samling|NS]])
*1945-1945: Oscar Andersen ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*1946-1953: Charles Anderssen ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*1953-1955: [[Kristian Albert Christiansen]] ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*1956-1959: Christian Larsen ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*1960-1971: Reidar Hansen ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*1972-1983: [[Gunnar Ellefsen]] ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*1984-1987: Gunnar Jensen ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*1988-1991: [[Arild Lund]] ([[Conservative Party (Norway)|H]])
*1992-1993: Ragnar Johannessen ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*1994-1999: Øyvind Hunskaar ([[Centre Party (Norway)|Sp]])
*1999-2011: Øyvind Riise Jenssen ([[Conservative Party (Norway)|H]])
*2011-2019: Rune Høiseth ([[Labour Party (Norway)|Ap]])
*2019-2023: Erik Bringedal ([[Conservative Party (Norway)|H]])
*2023–present: Birgitte Gulla Løken ([[Conservative Party (Norway)|H]])<ref>{{Cite news |date=2023-09-12 |title=Ny ordfører i Larvik |url=https://www.nrk.no/vestfoldogtelemark/ny-ordforer-i-larvik-1.16553569 |access-date=2024-02-01 |work=[[NRK]] |language=no}}</ref>
{{div col end}}

==Demographics==
{| style="float: right;" class="wikitable sortable"
|+ Number of minorities in Larvik (1st & 2nd {{abbr|gen|generation}} - 2023)<ref>{{Cite web |title=Immigrants and Norwegian-born to immigrant parents, by immigration category, country background and percentages of the population |url=https://www.ssb.no/en/statbank/table/09817/ |access-date=2023-11-11 |publisher=[[Statistics Norway]] |language=en}}</ref>
|-
!Ancestry!!Number
|-
| {{flag|Poland}}||1439
|-
| {{flag|Syria}}||587
|-
| {{flag|Lithuania}}||535
|-
| {{flag|Iraq}}||439
|-
| {{flag|Vietnam}}||305
|-
| {{flag|Somalia}}||275
|-
| {{flag|Sweden}}||245
|-
| {{flag|Denmark}}||229
|-
| {{flag|Kosovo}}||227
|-
| {{flag|Germany}}||207
|-
| {{flag|Eritrea}}||203
|-
| {{flag|Ukraine}}||198
|-
| {{flag|Turkey|name=Türkiye}}||176
|-
| {{flag|Philippines}}||173
|-
| {{flag|Bosnia}}||161
|-
| {{flag|Sudan}}||148
|-
| {{flag|Thailand}}||132
|-
| {{flag|Russia}}||127
|-
| {{flag|United Kingdom}}||123
|-
| {{flag|Afghanistan}}||106
|}
Larvik's population is primarily centred along the coast. The administrative centre of the municipality is the [[Larvik (town)|town of Larvik]], is one of two cities in the municipality; the other one being [[Stavern]]. The city's residential areas are first and foremost in the hills between the fjord and [[Bøkeskogen]].<ref name="snl" />

The municipality had a total population of 48,396 as of 2023, with 4,159 of them being immigrants to Norway from other countries.<ref name="kommunefakta">{{Cite web |title=Kommunefakta |url=https://www.ssb.no/kommunefakta/larvik |access-date=2023-11-11 |publisher=[[Statistics Norway]] |language=no}}</ref> Figures from a census held at the beginning of the 19th century indicate that Larvik's population has quadrupled in approximately 200 years. Its population however is spread through the municipality, and about 50% of the people reside in the [[Larvik (town)|city of Larvik]]. The majority of the population is found along and around the [[Larviksfjorden]], from [[Stavern]] in the west to Gon in the east.<ref name="Cap" />{{rp|32}} The population sometimes doubles during summer weeks due to tourism.<ref name="Cap" />{{rp|48}} Larvik is home to 4,886 vacation homes as of 2023.<ref name="kommunefakta" />

==Economy==
Larvik is the most important agricultural municipality in [[Vestfold]] county. Besides grains, other crops grown include potatoes and vegetables. It has the county's largest production of cucumbers and tomatoes. Important industries are commerce, hotel management, and restaurant management. The [[fishing industry]] in Larvik is the second-largest in Vestfold, only smaller than the fishing industry in [[Færder Municipality]]. Important fishing harbours include [[Stavern]], [[Helgeroa]], and [[Nevlunghavn]]. Furthermore, Larvik has the biggest [[logging]] industry in the county. [[Norway Spruce]] is the most important tree species.<ref name="snl" /> 

The mined mineral [[Larvikite]], found only here, is exported from Larvik to countries in Europe, to the United States and many other countries.<ref name="grevens by" />{{rp|64}}

===Tourism===
[[File:Beach,_Ula.jpg|thumb|left|Beach at [[Ula, Norway|Ula]].]]
Larvik is first and foremost known as a summer vacation community. Due to its stable climate and one of Norway's highest median temperatures, Larvik experiences significant summer tourism.<ref name="Cap" />{{rp|97}}<ref name="grevens by" />{{rp|70}} Larvik's climate is among the mildest in Norway, with one of the nation's highest number of annual sunshine days. It is home to nearly 5,000 [[holiday homes]].<ref name="kommunefakta" /><ref name="Cap" />{{rp|64}}

The coastal town of [[Stavern]] and picturesque villages of [[Helgeroa]] and [[Nevlunghavn]] receive large numbers of tourists during summer months. Stavern is known as a summer community, and its population more than doubles during summers.<ref name="VS">{{Cite web |title=Stavern by - smilehullet ved Skagerak |url=http://www.visitstavern.no/index.cfm?id=189777 |publisher=Visit Stavern |language=no}}</ref><ref name="DK" /> Tourist attractions in Stavern include [[Minnehallen|Hall of Remembrance]], [[Fredriksvern]], and [[Citadellet]]. [[Citadellet|Citadel Island]] is home of [[Staverns Fortress]] which dates to the 1680s. The island is a current refuge for artists.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Nickel |first1=Phyllis |title=Norwegian Cruising Guide—Vol 2: Sweden, West Coast and Norway, Swedish Border to Bergen |last2=Valderhaug |first2=Hans Jakob |publisher=Attainable Adventure Cruising Ltd. |year=2017 |isbn=9780995893962 |page=98}}</ref><ref name="DK" />

[[Kaupang]] has been described as the "chief attraction" for visitors in Larvik.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Engel |first=Lyle Kenyon |title=Scandinavia: A Simon & Schuster Travel Guide |publisher=Cornerstone Library |year=1963 |page=147}}</ref> Kapuang is also known as Norway's most important monument from the [[Viking Age]].<ref name="Cap" />{{rp|14}} Another source describes [[Mølen|Mølen Geopark]] as Larvik's most visited tourist attraction.<ref name="Cap" />{{rp|64}} Other attractions include the Maritime Museum, [[Fritzøehus]], Herregården, the home of [[Thor Heyerdahl]], and [[Bøkeskogen]]. Larvik is also home to [[Farris Bad]], the largest spa in the [[Nordic countries]], which has been described as one of Europe's best spa facilities.<ref name="LPN" />

==Geography==
[[Image:Larvik Torstrand.jpg|thumb|right|Torstrand in Larvik.]]
[[Image:Fagus_sylvatica_LVK.JPG|thumb|right|[[Bøkeskogen]] is Norway's largest and the northernmost [[beech tree]] forest on Earth.<ref name="DK" /><ref name="HKB" /><ref name="LPN" />]]
Larvik occupies the southwestern corner of [[Vestfold]] county, between [[Sandefjord Municipality]] in the east and the [[Langesundsfjorden]] in the west. The coastline of Larvik stretches from the entrance to the [[Sandefjordsfjord]] and to the Langesundsfjord, with the [[Larviksfjorden]] in the middle. The coastline consists of various beaches, bays, islets, and skerries. The land is relatively flat along the coast and by the many bays, while the interior parts consist of large and hilly woodlands. Larger mountains are found along the border with [[Telemark]] County in the west.<ref name="grevens by" />{{rp|6}} The municipality has a {{convert|110|km}} coastline, a listtle shorter than that of neighbouring [[Sandefjord Municipality]].<ref>{{Cite book |last=Larsen |first=Erlend |title=På Tur i Vestfold del 2 |publisher=E-forlag |year=2011 |isbn=9788293057222 |page=238 |language=no}}</ref>

The municipality is located approximately {{convert|105|km|mi}} southwest of the Norwegian capital, [[Oslo]]. The municipality covers an area of {{convert|813|km2|mi2}}, making it the largest municipality in Vestfold county. By population, however, Larvik is the third-most populous municipality, only smaller than neighbouring [[Tønsberg]] and [[Sandefjord]] municipalities.<ref name="Cap" />{{rp|32}} Larvik has its own [[fjord]] which connects to the [[Numedalslågen|Lågen River]].<ref name="LFK">{{Cite book |last=Ferguson-Kosinski |first=Laverne |title=Europe by Eurail 2016: Touring Europe by Train |publisher=Rowman & Littlefield |year=2015 |isbn=9781493012763 |page=386}}</ref>

Larvik borders [[Kongsberg Municipality]] in the north (in [[Buskerud]] county), [[Sandefjord Municipality]] in the east, and [[Porsgrunn Municipality]] and [[Siljan Municipality]] (both in [[Telemark]] county) in the west. The southernmost point in the municipality is [[Tvistein Lighthouse]] in the sea south of Hummerbakken in [[Brunlanes]]. On the mainland, its southernmost point is found in [[Oddane]], between [[Mølen]] and [[Nevlunghavn]]. The westernmost point is Geiterøya Island in the [[Langesundsfjord]], and the easternmost point is one of the Rauer islets. The highest point is the {{convert|622|m|adj=on}} tall mountain [[Vindfjell]] which lies on the western border with [[Siljan Municipality]] in [[Telemark]] county.<ref name="Cap" />{{rp|32}}

Notable geographical features include the lake [[Farris]] and the river [[Numedalslågen]], locally called ''Lågen'', which terminates at the [[Larviksfjorden]] at the [[Larvik (town)|town of Larvik]]. Other bodies of water include the lakes [[Farris]], [[Goksjø]], and [[Hallevatnet]].

Larvik is also noted for its natural springs of mineral water, ''Farriskildene'', which have been commercially exploited under the brand name ''[[Farris (mineral water)|Farris]]''. At Kaupang in Tjølling lies the remains of the medieval [[Skiringssal]] trading outpost. Larvik is also home to the world's northernmost natural occurrence of ''Fagus sylvatica'' [[forest]]s ([[European Beech]] tree), known as ''[[Bøkeskogen]]'' ("The Beech Tree Forest").
[[File:Larvik panorama.jpg|thumb|center|800px|Larvik panorama]]

===Villages===
[[File:Nevlunghavn_-_brygga.jpg|thumb|right|Harbour in [[Nevlunghavn]], a small fishing village and the southernmost point in mainland Vestfold.<ref name="Cap" />{{rp|67}}]]
The municipality is home to two cities and seven larger urban villages:<ref name="snl" /><ref name="ssb3">{{Cite web |last=Statistisk sentralbyrå |author-link=Statistics Norway |date=2022-01-01 |title=Urban settlements. Population and area, by municipality |url=https://www.ssb.no/en/befolkning/statistikker/beftett/aar}}</ref>

* [[Larvik (town)|Larvik]] (city), population: 26,851
* [[Stavern]] (city), population: 5,902
* Tveteneåsen, population: 850
* [[Hem, Norway|Hem]], population: 676
* [[Helgeroa]] and [[Nevlunghavn]], population: 1,962
* [[Kvelde]], population: 1,103
* [[Verningen]], population: 1,003
* [[Svarstad]], population: 611

[[Himberg (Sandefjord)|Himberg]] is an [[exclave]] which is part of [[Sandefjord Municipality]], although it is completely surrounded by Larvik Municipality in all directions.<ref name="himberg">{{Cite book |last=Davidsen |first=Roger |title=Et Sted i Sandefjord |publisher=Sandar Historielag |year=2008 |isbn=9788299456753 |page=139 |language=no}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |last=Larsen |first=Erlend |title=Tre kommuner blir til én |publisher=Erlend Larsen Forlag |year=2016 |isbn=9788293057277 |page=13 |language=no}}</ref><ref name="snlsm">{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Sandefjord |encyclopedia=[[Store norske leksikon]] |publisher=[[Kunnskapsforlaget]] |url=https://snl.no/Sandefjord |date=2023-08-15 |editor-last=Lundbo |editor-first=Sten |language=no |editor2-last=Mæhlum |editor2-first=Lars |accessdate=2023-11-08}}</ref> Attempts at [[Municipal annexation|annexing]] Himberg into Larvik Municipality have largely been met with protests from Himberg residents. A 1995 attempt at annexing Himberg was cancelled due to protests from local residents.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Jøranlid |first=Marianne |title=40 trivelige turer i Sandefjord og omegn |publisher=Vett Viten |year=1996 |isbn=9788241202841 |pages=114–117 |language=no}}</ref> There are only four such enclaves in Norway, and Himberg is the most populous enclave in Norway, with a population of approximately 40 people. Himberg is {{convert|1.4|km2}}.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Solberg |first=Morten Fredheim |date=2014-10-11 |title=Her er Sandefjords ytterste nøgne ø |url=https://www.sb.no/nyheter/nyheter/her-er-sandefjords-ytterste-nogne-o/s/2-2.428-1.8615149 |work=[[Sandefjords Blad]]}}</ref>

==Transportation==
Larvik is served by [[Sandefjord Airport Torp]], its nearest international airport.<ref name="Cap" />{{rp|6}} The [[European route E18]] highway traverses the municipality and is one of Norway's most important main highways.<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Tollnes |first1=Ivar |title=Sandefjord: Den lille storbyen |last2=Akselsen |first2=Olaf |publisher=[[Sandefjords Blad]] |year=1994 |isbn=9788299070447 |page=140 |language=no}}</ref> [[Larvik Station]] is the city's main railway station along the [[Vestfoldbanen]] railway line. Daily ferries to [[Hirtshals]], [[Denmark]] depart from the city harbour and are operated by [[Color Line (ferry operator)|Color Line]].<ref name="DTW" /> The neighbouring [[Sandefjord (town)|city of Sandefjord]] has several ferry links with daily departures to [[Strömstad]], [[Sweden]] and, further south, the town of [[Langesund]] links to [[Hirtshals]], [[Denmark]] through a ferry which is operated by [[Fjord Line]].

==Recreation areas==
[[File:Farrisvannet_fra_sofaen.jpg|thumb|right|Larvik is home to two of Vesfold's largest lakes: [[Farris]] and [[Goksjø]].]]
Recreation areas in Larvik include the beach Lydhusstranda at [[Naverfjorden]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mann i 70-årene omkom |url=http://www.aftenposten.no/nyheter/iriks/Mann-i-70-arene-omkom-7644427.html#.U84gzuOSyVM |website=Aftenposten.no |language=no}}</ref>

The river [[Numedalslågen]] is considered to be one of Norway's best [[salmon]] fishing rivers.<ref name="grevens by" />{{rp|68}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ebbesen |first=Jorgen Tandberg |title=The Sulphureous Bath at Sandefjord in Norway |publisher=Sagwan Press |year=2018 |isbn=9781297731068 |page=10}}</ref><ref name="snl" /> Freshwater fishing is also common at the lake [[Goksjø]], which lies on the [[Sandefjord]]-Larvik border. Fish species in this lake include [[Northern pike]], [[European perch]], [[Ide (fish)|Ide]], [[Common dace]], [[European eel]], [[Salmon]], and [[Brown trout]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Goksjø |url=http://www.sandefjordby.no/goksjo/ |website=SandefjordBy.no |language=no}}</ref> The lake is also used for ice-skating, canoeing, swimming, boating, and other recreational activities.

The {{convert|12|m|adj=on}} tall ''[[Trollfoss]]'' is the largest and tallest waterfall in [[Vestfold|Vestfold County]].<ref name="snl" /><ref name="VB">{{Cite book |last=Børresen |first=Svein E. |title=Vestfoldboka: en reise i kultur og natur |publisher=Skagerrak forlag |year=2004 |isbn=9788292284070 |language=no}}</ref>{{rp|96}}<ref name="Aadnevik">{{Cite book |last=Aadnevik |first=Kjell-Einar |title=Turguide til Larvik og Omegn |publisher=Dreyers forlag |year=2019 |isbn=9788282654418 |pages=54 and 274}}</ref><ref name="Schandy">{{Cite book |last1=Schandy |first1=Tom |title=Naturperler i Vestfold |last2=Helgesen |first2=Tom |publisher=Forlaget Tom & Tom v/Schandy |year=2012 |isbn=9788292916148 |pages=192 and 227 |language=no}}</ref>

Hiking trails can be found throughout the municipality, including in the city forest ''[[Bøkeskogen]]'', Norway's largest beech tree forest.<ref name="Cap" />{{rp|23}}<ref name="grevens by" />{{rp|58}} This forest is home to various trails, starting at {{convert|2.6|km}} in length up to {{convert|10|km}} in length.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bøkeskogen &#124; Larvik, Norway Attractions |url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/norway/larvik/attractions/bokeskogen/a/poi-sig/1499575/360251}}</ref> Hiking trails can also be found at [[Mølen]], which is an [[UNESCO Global Geopark|UNESCO GeoPark]] and home of Norway's largest stone beach.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Mølen |url=https://www.atlasobscura.com/places/molen |publisher=AtlasObscura.com}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Mølen |url=https://www.visitvestfold.com/en/larvik/see-and-do/Attractions/?TLp=1121470&Molen |publisher=VisitVestfold.com}}</ref> The Coastal Path (''Kyststien'') is a {{convert|35|km|adj=on}} path through [[Brunlanes]] to the town [[Stavern]]. Additional hiking trails can be found by the lakes [[Goksjø]] and [[Farris]]. Farris Lake is the largest lake in Vestfold County.<ref name="Cap" />{{rp|99}}

Due to the municipality's many rural areas, Larvik is known for its game hunting, and large forests are open for hunting. There are great stocks of [[moose]]; Larvik has among Norway's highest number of moose.<ref name="snl" /> Between 700 and 800 moose are annually slaughtered in the county.<ref>{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Vestfold |encyclopedia=[[Store norske leksikon]] |publisher=[[Kunnskapsforlaget]] |url=https://snl.no/Vestfold |date=2023-01-25 |editor-last=Lundbo |editor-first=Sten |language=no |editor2-last=Thorsnæs |editor2-first=Geir |accessdate=2023-11-11}}</ref> Other important species of game are [[Roe deer]], [[Red deer]], [[Mountain hare]], [[European beaver]], and [[Common wood pigeon]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Jakt |date=3 January 2018 |url=https://www.larvik.kommune.no/natur-og-miljoe/fiske-og-viltforvaltning/jakt |publisher=Larvik kommune |language=no}}</ref>

===Beaches===
[[File:Batteristranda.JPG|thumb|right|Batteristranda in Larvik city centre.]]
[[File:Beach,_Ula.jpg|thumb|right|Beach in the village of [[Ula, Norway|Ula]].]]
List of publicly-owned beaches in Larvik:
* Farris
* Rekkeviksbukta
* Batteritomta
* Gonstranda (Østre Halsen)
* Hvittensand (Østre Halsen)
* Corntin ([[Stavern]])
* Blokkebukta (Naverfjord)
* Anvikstranda (Naverfjord)
* Stolpstadstranda (Naverfjord)
* Lydhusstranda (Naverfjord)
* Roppestad (Farris)
* Skjærsjø ([[Kvelde]])
* [[Ula, Norway|Ula]] ([[Tjølling]])
* Kjerringvik (Tjølling)

==Culture==
===Larvik Museum===
[[File:Kirkestredet 5 Larvik.jpg|thumb|Larvik Maritime Museum is housed in Larvik's oldest brick building.]] 
The Larvik Museum Society was founded in 1916. The museum is now associated with the Vestfold Museum (''Vestfoldmuseene''). Larvik Museum was established with the purpose of preserving, and restoring the city's collection of historic buildings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Things to see in Larvik |url=http://www.frommers.com/destinations/larvik/3592010029.html#ixzz1EsxqilLG |publisher=Frommer's}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=Larvik Museum |url=http://www.visitnorway.com/us/Product/?pid=30558 |website=VisitNorway.com}}</ref><ref name="snlLM">{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Larvik Museum |encyclopedia=[[Store norske leksikon]] |publisher=[[Kunnskapsforlaget]] |url=https://snl.no/Larvik_Museum |date=2023-05-21 |editor-last=Arnesen |editor-first=Catherine |language=no |accessdate=2023-11-11}}</ref>

[[File:Larvik museum.jpg|thumb|right|Verkensgården houses geological exhibitions of [[Larvikite]], a locally quarried 500-million-year-old [[granite]] type.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Verkensgården &#124; Larvik, Norway Attractions |url=https://www.lonelyplanet.com/norway/larvik/attractions/verkensgarden/a/poi-sig/1419241/360251}}</ref>]]
The Treschow-Fritzøe Museum (''Verkensgården'') houses exhibitions from the former Treschow-Fritzøe ironworks. Verkensgården displays tools, equipment, drawings, and models illustrating the iron-production era in Larvik, which dated from 1670 to 1870. The exhibition shows various aspects; from the geological process of creation to production, and use of the stone [[larvikite]], the area's main export product. The Iron Works was closed during 1868.<ref name="snlTF">{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Treschow-Fritzøe AS |encyclopedia=[[Store norske leksikon]] |publisher=[[Kunnskapsforlaget]] |url=https://snl.no/Treschow-Fritz%C3%B8e_AS |date=2023-11-09 |editor-last=Antonsen |editor-first=Robin |language=no |accessdate=2023-11-11}}</ref>

[[File:Larvik Herregaarden.jpg|thumb|left|Herregården is one of Norway's best preserved wooden structures.<ref name="LFK" />]]
[[File:Fritzøehus.jpg|thumb|Fritzøehus is the largest privately owned estate in Norway.<ref name="FH">{{Cite news |date=2014-10-18 |title=Fritzøehus |url=https://www.op.no/treschow/fritzoehus/s/1-85-7401473 |work=[[Østlands-Posten]]}}</ref><ref name="SG">{{Cite web |title=Fritzøehus - Norges største privatbolig |url=http://www.stavernguiden.no/fritz-ehus---norges-st-rste-privatbolig.html |website=StavernGuiden.no |language=no}}</ref>]]
Manor House (''Herregården'') was built by [[Ulrik Fredrik Gyldenløve]] for his third wedding in 1677. It is a large wooden structure with well-preserved baroque interiors from the 1730s. Herregården manor house is a large [[Baroque]] wooden building with classic elements. The interior design is mainly [[Baroque]] and [[British Regency|Regency]] style. The house is filled with 17th- and 18th-century antiques.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Herregården |url=http://www.kulturnett.no/institusjoner_og_kulturminner/institusjon_og_kulturminne.jsp?id=T396233 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110629071848/http://www.kulturnett.no/institusjoner_og_kulturminner/institusjon_og_kulturminne.jsp?id=T396233 |archive-date=2011-06-29 |website=Kulturnett.no |language=no}}</ref> Herregården from 1677 is considered one of Norway's finest secular Baroque structures.<ref name="DK" /> It is one of few baroque architectural monuments representing nobility in Norway.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Herregården in Larvik |url=https://www.visitvestfold.com/en/larvik/see-and-do/Attractions/?TLp=1178287&Herregarden-in-Larvik |website=VisitVestfold.com |language=no}}</ref> Furthermore, it is one of Norway's largest wooden buildings from 17th century.<ref name="grevens by" />{{rp|22}}

The Larvik Maritime Museum (''Larvik Sjøfartsmuseum'') is housed in Larvik's oldest brick building, dating from 1730. Larvik Maritime Museum is  located in the old [[Custom house|customs house]], and is the residence of the local building inspector. This museum displays models of ships, paintings of sailing vessels, and other nautical artifacts to bring the port's maritime history alive. One section of the museum is devoted to the expeditions of Larvik-born [[Thor Heyerdahl]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Larvik Maritime Museum |url=http://www.visitnorway.com/en/Product/?pid=30578 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717220617/http://www.visitnorway.com/en/Product/?pid=30578 |archive-date=2011-07-17 |publisher=Innovation Norway}}</ref><ref name="snl-LS">{{Cite encyclopedia |title=Larvik Sjøfartsmuseum |encyclopedia=[[Store norske leksikon]] |publisher=[[Kunnskapsforlaget]] |url=https://snl.no/Larvik_Sj%C3%B8fartsmuseum |date=2023-08-01 |editor-last=Rabbevåg |editor-first=Frode |language=no |accessdate=2023-11-11}}</ref>

===Fritzøehus===
{{Main|Fritzøehus}}
[[Fritzøehus]] is a private estate located in Larvik. The estate has traditionally been associated with various members of the [[Treschow (noble family)|Treschow]] family and is presently owned by [[Mille-Marie Treschow]]. It is Norway's largest privately owned estate.<ref name="FH" /><ref name="SG" />

===Churches===
The [[Church of Norway]] has twelve parishes ({{lang|no|sokn}}) within the municipality of Larvik. It is part of the [[Larvik prosti]] ([[deanery]]) in the [[Diocese of Tunsberg]].

{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center"
|+ style="font-size:medium"|'''''Churches in Larvik'''''
!Parish ({{lang|no|sokn}})!!Church name!!Location of the church!!Year built
|-
|rowspan="3"|Berg||[[Berg Arbeidskirke]]||[[Helgeroa]]||2007
|-
|[[Berg Church (Vestfold)|Berg Church]]||[[Berg, Vestfold|Berg]]||1878
|-
|[[Old Berg Church]]||[[Berg, Vestfold|Berg]]||c. 1100
|-
|rowspan="1"|Hedrum||[[Hedrum Church]]||[[Hedrum]]||c. 1100
|-
|rowspan="1"|Hvarnes||[[Hvarnes Church]]||[[Hvarnes]]||1705
|-
|rowspan="1"|Kjose||[[Kjose Church]]||[[Kjose]]||1850
|-
|rowspan="1"|Kvelde||[[Kvelde Church]]||[[Kvelde]]||1871
|-
|rowspan="3"|Lardal||[[Hem Church]]||[[Hem, Lardal|Hem]]||c. 1100
|-
|[[Styrvoll Church]]||Styrvoll||c. 1150
|-
|[[Svarstad Church]]||[[Svarstad]]||1657
|-
|rowspan="2"|Larvik||[[Larvik Church]]||[[Larvik (town)|Larvik]]||1677
|-
|[[Langestrand Church]]||[[Larvik (town)|Larvik]]||1818
|-
|rowspan="1"|Nanset||[[Nanset Church]]||[[Larvik (town)|Larvik]]||1974
|-
|rowspan="1"|Stavern||[[Fredriksvern Church]]||[[Stavern]]||1756
|-
|rowspan="1"|Tanum||[[Tanum Church (Vestfold)|Tanum Church]]||[[Tanum, Norway|Tanum]]||c. 1100
|-
|rowspan="1"|Tjølling||[[Tjølling Church]]||[[Tjøllingvollen]]||c. 1100
|-
|rowspan="1"|Østre Halsen||[[Østre Halsen Church]]||Halsen in [[Larvik (town)|Larvik]]||1983
|}

== Points of interest==
[[File:Stavern_Wasilioff.jpg|thumb|right|[[Stavern]] is a summer resort community.<ref name="DK" /><ref name="VS" />]]
[[File:Steingata_7.jpg|thumb|right|Childhood home of [[Thor Heyerdahl]].]]
Notable points of interest include:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Attractions |url=https://www.visitvestfold.com/en/larvik/see-and-do/attractions/ |website=VisitVestfold.com}}</ref>

* '''[[Istrehågan]]''', ancient [[burial ground]] on the Larvik-[[Sandefjord]] border
* '''[[Bøkeskogen]]''', Norway's largest and the world's northernmost beech tree forest.<ref name="LPN" /><ref name="HKB" />
* '''Larvik Maritime Museum''', museum dedicated to Larvik's nautical history. It is home to several models by [[Colin Archer]], and has its own exhibition dedicated to [[Thor Heyerdahl]].<ref name="DK" />
* '''[[Helgeroa]]''' and '''[[Nevlunghavn]]''', adjacent coastal villages
* '''[[Kaupang]]''' in [[Skiringssal]], remains from the oldest [[Nordic countries|Nordic]] town yet discovered.<ref name="DTW" />
* '''[[Mølen]]''', first [[UNESCO Global Geopark]] in the [[Nordic countries]]. It is home to 230 [[cairn]]s dating to the Iron Age.<ref name="Aadnevik" />
* '''[[Farris|Farris Lake]]''', largest lake in [[Vestfold|Vestfold County]].<ref name="Schandy" /><ref name="Cap" />{{rp|99}}
* '''[[Stavern]]''', coastal town and former home of Norway's main naval base in [[Fredriksvern]]
** '''[[Minnehallen|Hall of Remembrance]]''', largest monument in Vestfold County.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Minnehallen |url=http://www.stavernguiden.no/minnehallen.html |publisher=StavernGuiden.no}}</ref>
** '''[[Citadellet|Citadel Island]]''', fort which came to prominence during the [[Great Northern War|Nordic War]] of 1709–1720.
* '''Farris Bad''', built next to Larvik's best sandy beach, Farris Bad is named amongst the best spas in Europe by ''[[Lonely Planet Publications]]''.<ref name="LPN" />
* '''The Nesjar Monument''', located in [[Helgeroa]], made on the 1,000th anniversary for the [[Battle of Nesjar]]. First unveiled July 29, 2016.
* '''Herregården''', erected in 1677 and recognised as one of Norway's finest secular Baroque structures.<ref name="DK" />
* '''[[Larvik Church]]''', erected in 1877 and situated at [[Tollerodden]]. Famous for its paintings.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Larvik church |url=https://www.visitvestfold.com/en/larvik/see-and-do/Attractions/?TLp=1121504&Larvik-church |publisher=VisitVestfold.com}}</ref>
* '''Childhood home of [[Thor Heyerdahl]]''', located at Steingata 7 in Larvik proper.
* '''[[Goksjø]]''', third-largest lake in Vestfold County, located on the [[Sandefjord]]-Larvik border. Used for swimming, fishing, kayaking, ice-skating, and skiing.

==Gallery==
<gallery mode="packed">
File:Gravhaug.jpg|Burial mound in [[Bøkeskogen]].
File:Kaupang, Vestfold view 22jun2005.jpg|[[Kaupang]] is the oldest town in Norway.<ref name="VB" />{{rp|50–51}}|alt=Kaupang is the oldest town in Norway.: 50–51
File:Larvik church, Larvik, Vestfold, Norway - panoramio.jpg|[[Larvik Church]].
File:Fredriksvern shipyard - panoramio.jpg|[[Fredriksvern]] in [[Stavern]].
File:Larvik town hall.jpg|Former Larvik Town Hall.
File:Larvik (14387497427).jpg|[[Widerøe]] aerial photo, 1964.
File:Larvik torg.jpg|Larvik City Centre.
File:Larvik museum.jpg|[[Larvik Maritime Museum]].
File:Citadelløya Stavern.jpg|[[Citadellet|Citadel Island]].
File:Cairns at Mølen.jpg|[[Mølen]] is Norway's longest stone beach.
File:Istre Hågan.jpg|Rock settings at [[Istrehågan]] resemble a ship.<ref name="himberg" /><ref name="VB" />{{rp|28}}|alt=Rock settings at Istrehågan resemble a ship.: 28
File:Ulaflyfotojle2003.jpg|[[Ula, Norway]]. 
</gallery>

==Notable people==
[[File:Thor_Heyerdahl.jpg|thumb|right|150px|Thor Heyerdahl sailed {{convert|8000|km}} across the Pacific Ocean during the [[Kon-Tiki expedition]].]]
{{main category|People from Larvik}}

===Honorary citizens===
* [[Thor Heyerdahl]] (1914–2002), an adventurer and ethnographer
* [[Carl Nesjar]] (1920–2015), a painter, sculptor, and graphic artist who worked with Pablo Picasso
* [[Antonio Bibalo]] (1922–2008), an Italian-Norwegian pianist who composed classical operas
* [[Arne Nordheim]] (1931–2010), a composer
* [[Ingvar Ambjørnsen]] (born 1956), a writer<ref>{{Cite news |last=Nordheim |first=Lasse |date=2014-04-19 |title=Tar gjerne turen til Larvik oftere |url=https://www.op.no/nyheter/tar-gjerne-turen-til-larvik-oftere/s/1-85-7324216 |access-date=2017-04-18 |work=[[Østlands-Posten]] |language=no}}</ref>

=== Explorers ===
* [[Johan Bryde]] (1858–1925), a ship-owner and whaler
* [[Carl Anton Larsen]] (1860–1924), an Antarctic explorer who discovered fossils
* [[Oscar Wisting]] (1871–1936), a Norwegian Naval officer and [[List of polar explorers|polar explorer]]
* [[Erik Hesselberg]] (1914-1972), a [[Kon-Tiki]] crew member, author, painter, and sculptor
* [[Jarle Andhøy]] (born 1977), a controversial adventurer and sailing [[Skipper (boating)|skipper]]
[[File:Portrett av Jens Schou Fabricius - Oslo Museum - OB.00074.jpg|140px|thumb|Jens Schou Fabricius]]
[[File:LarsGule.jpg|140px|thumb|Lars Gule, 2006]]

=== Public Service & public thinking ===
* [[Jens Schou Fabricius]] (1758–1841), a [[Vice-admiral]] and Norwegian Minister of the Navy from 1817–1818
* [[Friderich Adolph Schleppegrell|Friderich Adolph von Schleppegrell]] (1792–1850), a Dano-Norwegian military officer
* [[Johan Sverdrup]] (1816–1892), a politician who was [[List of heads of government of Norway|Prime Minister of Norway]] from 1884-1889
* [[Thomas Archer (pastoralist)|Thomas Archer]] (1823-1905), an [[Australia]]n [[Pastoralism|pastoralist]] and [[Agent General]] for Queensland
* [[Colin Archer]] (1832–1921), a Norwegian naval architect and [[Shipbuilding|shipbuilder]]
* [[Sophus Bugge]] (1833–1907) a philologist and linguist
* [[Karl Gether Bomhoff]] (1842–1925), a pharmacist, politician, and Governor of [[Norges Bank]]
* [[Bertrand Narvesen]] (1860–1939), a businessman who founded ''[[Narvesen]]''
* [[Bernt Berntsen]] (1863–1933), a Norwegian-American Protestant Christian missionary to China
* [[Anna Hvoslef]] (1866–1954), a journalist, politician, and feminist
* [[Adolf Fonahn]] (1873–1940), a physician, medical historian, and orientalist
* [[Niels Christian Ditleff]] (1881–1956), a diplomat and architect of [[White Buses]] operation
* [[Erling Utnem]] (1920–2006), a theologian, priest, and [[Diocese of Agder og Telemark|Bishop of Agder]] from 1973-1983
* [[Herman Sachnowitz]] (1921-1978), one of the few [[History of Jews in Norway|Norwegian Jews]] who survived deportation to a concentration camp
* [[Knut Helle]] (1930–2015), a historian and academic
* [[Mille-Marie Treschow]] (born 1954–2018), a landlord and businessperson
* [[Lars Gule]] (born 1955), a philosopher and commentator on extremism and terrorism
* [[Anders Anundsen]] (born 1975), a politician who was [[Minister of Justice and Public Security|Minister of Justice]] from 2013-2016
* [[Hassan Abdi Dhuhulow]] (1990–2013), a Norwegian-Somalian [[Islamic terrorism|Islamist terrorist]]
[[File:35. Herman Wildenwey sic - no-nb digifoto 20160309 00143 blds 02079.jpg|140px|thumb|Herman Wildenwey]]
[[File:Anne Holt.jpg|140px|thumb|Anne Holt, 2009]]

=== The arts ===
* [[Cecil Aagaard]] (1916–1984), a jazz vocalist and band leader
* [[Absolute Steel]] (formed in 1999), a heavy metal band
* [[Mari Bjørgan]] (1950–2014), an actress and variety show comedian<ref>{{IMDb name|0085045|Mari Bjørgan|section=bio}}. Retrieved 30 November 2020</ref>
* [[Birgitte Einarsen]] (born in 1975), a singer and musical theatre artist from Helgeroa
* [[Terje Gewelt]] (born 1960), a jazz musician who plays the upright bass who was raised in Larvik
* [[Hans Holmen]] (1878–1958), a painter and sculptor
* [[Anne Holt]] (born 1958), a crime writer, lawyer, and former minister of justice
* [[Louis Jacoby (singer)|Louis Jacoby]] (born 1942), a singer and writer
* [[Ruth Lagesen]] (1914–2005), a pianist and conductor
* [[Bjørn Lynne]] (born 1966), a sound engineer and music composer<ref>{{IMDb name|0528842|Bjørn Lynne|section=bio}}. Retrieved 30 November 2020</ref>
* [[Carl Nesjar]] (1920–2015), a painter, sculptor, graphic artist, and fabricator for [[Pablo Picasso]]
* [[Arne Nordheim]] (1931–2010), a composer
* [[Arthur Omre]] (1887–1967), a novelist, [[Rum-running|liquor smuggler]], swindler, and thief
* [[Gunnar Reiss-Andersen]] (1896–1964), a lyric poet and author
* [[Jonas Kilmork Vemøy]] (born 1986), a jazz trumpeter and composer who was raised in Larvik
* [[Herman Wildenvey]] (1885–1959), a poet

=== Sport ===
* [[Sverre Hansen (footballer)|Sverre Hansen]] (1913–1974), a footballer who was a team bronze medallist at the [[1936 Summer Olympics]]
* [[Gunnar Thoresen (footballer)|Gunnar Thoresen]] (1920-2017), a famous footballer who had 261 caps for [[Larvik Turn]] and 64 for [[Norway national football team|Norway]]
* [[Anette Bøe]] (born 1957), a cross-country skier who was a team bronze medallist at the [[1980 Winter Olympics]]
* [[Hallvar Thoresen]] (born 1957), a footballer with 320 club caps and 50 for [[Norway national football team|Norway]]
* [[Tom Erik Oxholm]] (born 1959), a speed skater and twice bronze medallist at the [[1980 Winter Olympics]]
* [[Tom Sundby]] (born 1960), a footballer with 39 caps for [[Norway national football team|Norway]]
* [[Bjørg Eva Jensen]] (born 1960), a speed skater and gold medallist at the [[1980 Winter Olympics]]
* [[Gunnar Halle]] (born 1965), a football manager and player with 509 club caps and 64 for [[Norway national football team|Norway]]
* [[Espen Hoff]] (born 1981), a retired professional footballer with 427 club caps
* [[Alexander Hvaal]] (born 1992), a professional rallycross driver

==Sports teams==
* [[Larvik HK]] ([[Team handball|handball]])
* [[Larvik TIF]]
* [[IF Fram Larvik]]

==Twin towns – sister cities==
{{See also|List of twin towns and sister cities in Norway}}
Larvik has [[Twin towns and sister cities|sister city]] agreements with the following places:<ref>{{Cite web |title=Vennskapskommuner |url=https://www.larvik.kommune.no/administrasjon/fakta-om-larvik/vennskapskommuner/ |access-date=2021-01-31 |website=larvik.kommune.no |publisher=Larvik Kommune |language=no}}</ref>
*{{flagicon|SWE}} [[Borlänge Municipality|Borlänge]], Sweden
*{{flagicon|DEN}} [[Frederikshavn Municipality|Frederikshavn]], Denmark

==See also==
*[[Mølen]]
*[[Larvikite]]

==References==
{{reflist}}

==External links==
{{commons category|Larvik}}
{{wiktionary|Larvik}}
*[http://ssb.no/kommunefakta/larvik Municipal fact sheet] from [[Statistics Norway]] {{in lang|no}}
*[http://www.opplevlarvik.no opplevlarvik.no Tourist information] {{in lang|no}}
*{{Wikivoyage inline|Vestfold}}
*{{Wikivoyage inline|Larvik}}
*[http://www.ibrunlanes.no iBrunlanes.no] {{in lang|no}}
*[http://www.op.no/kamera/larvik_havn/ Live Camera - 10 cameras from Larvik] {{in lang|no}}
*[http://www.larvikmuseum.no/  Larvik Museum website]
*[http://vestfoldmuseene.no/  Vestfoldmuseene website]

{{Vestfold}}
{{25 largest municipalities of Norway}}
{{Authority control}}
{{use dmy dates|date=November 2023}}

[[Category:Larvik| ]]
[[Category:Municipalities of Vestfold]]
[[Category:1838 establishments in Norway]]