Vestfold is a county in Norway, bordering Buskerud and Telemark. The county administration is in Tønsberg.
Vestfold is located west of the Oslo Fjord, as the name indicates. It includes many smaller, but well-known towns in Norway, such as Larvik, Sandefjord, Tønsberg and Horten. The river Numedalslågen runs through the district. Many islands are located at the coast.
Vestfold is known for shipping and sailing. Formerly a headquarters for whaling fleets, the coastal towns of Vestfold now engage in fishing and shipbuilding. Some lumbering is carried on in the interior. The district also includes some of the best farmland in Norway.
History
The family of Harald Fairhair, who is said to be the first king of the whole Norway, was from this area. At that time Vestfold, including Lier and Eiker, was a petty kingdom.
Kaupang, a town from the Viking Age is believed to be the first town in Norway. By the 10th century the local kings had established themselves as the first dynasty to begin the unification of Norway.
Municipalities
