Stavern

Stavern (until 1930 named Fredriksvern) is a town in Larvik Municipality in Vestfold county, Norway. The town is located at the mouth of the Larviksfjorden along the Skagerrak coast, about 7 kilometres (4.3 mi) south of the town of Larvik. Historically, Stavern was a self-governing municipality from 1838 until 1988 when it became part of the large Larvik Municipality. The 3.75-square-kilometre (930-acre) town has a population (2022) of 5,902 and a population density of 1,575 inhabitants per square kilometre (4,080/sq mi). Stavern is a small town where tourism is one of the most important sources of income. During summer, the population increases to around 30,000-40,000 people, due to camping sites and cottages around the town centre as well as boats visiting the harbour. Stavern experiences about 200 days of sunshine per year. From the mid-1750s until 1864, Stavern was home to the nation's main naval base located in a shipyard in Fredriksvern. A gunpowder tower and commandant's house remain on Citadel Island, a current refuge for artists. The town is also home of the Hall of Remembrance, a monument dedicated to seamen killed during World War I and World War II. Stavern Church is located in the town.