Sandefjord Spa

The 1899 "Kurbadet" is made in style of a dragon.[1]
Henrik Ibsen visiting Kurbadet, summer of 1900.

Sandefjord Spa (Norwegian: Sandefjord Kurbad, often shortened to Kurbadet), was a spa in Sandefjord, Norway, established by Heinrich Arnold Thaulow in 1837.[2] The main building from 1899 is one of the largest wooden buildings in Norway[3] and in the Nordic countries overall.[4][5] Kurbadet was one of Europe’s most visited baths in the late 1800s.[6] Royalty and Prime Ministers from throughout Europe visited the spa in the late 1800s.[7] It was the first spa in Sandefjord and functioned as a medical institution focusing on the treatment of symptoms for rheumatic diseases. A majority of spa visitors were from Norway, but international guests from Germany, Britain and the United States also visited Kurbadet.

The spa was open from 1837 until 1939, when it became a municipal property.[8] The buildings are now housing a café, bar, gallery, and a host of local associations.[9] The bath’s original building from 1899 is made in style of a dragon[10] and is located in the city centre. Tours of Kurbadet can be scheduled.[11][12]

History

Sandefjord Spa was established in the mid 1800s by Dr Thaulow, the city’s first physician. It was located in a large wooden structure at Bryggegaten, and guests were treated sulphur baths and were offered saltwater baths at Strømbadet. Among the spa’s notable visitors were Henrik Ibsen, Svend Foyn, Camilla Collett, Adolph Tidemand, and members of the royal family. The spa later expanded when Dr Thaulow purchased Hjertnes Hovedgård, a large farm by the city harbor, now home to Park Hotel. The building, Socitetsbygningen, was equipped with a restaurant, reading hall, smoking room and pool tables. The bath’s own orchestra practiced in the hall.[13][14]

References

  1. ↑ Lee, Phil (2012). The Rough Guide To Norway. Rough Guides. Page 118. ISBN 978-1405389716.
  2. ↑ Davidsen, Roger (2008). Et Sted i Sandefjord. Sandar Historielag. Page 303. ISBN 978-82-994567-5-3.
  3. ↑ Bertelsen, Hans Kristian (1985). Sandefjord: A modern city with vast potential. Grafisk Studio. Page 51. ISBN 82-90636-00-8.
  4. ↑ https://www.visitnorway.no/listings/kurbadet-1837-1939/24176/
  5. ↑ https://sandefjordkurbad.no/
  6. ↑ Jøranlid, Marianne (1996). 40 trivelige turer i Sandefjord og omegn. Vett Viten. Page 36. ISBN 9788241202841.
  7. ↑ George, Francis Stevens (2017). Camp NoE. Lulu Publications, Inc. Page 50. ISBN 9781387047680.
  8. ↑ Davidsen, Roger (2008). Et Sted i Sandefjord. Sandar Historielag. Page 354. ISBN 978-82-994567-5-3.
  9. ↑ https://www.visitnorway.no/event/omvisning-p%C3%A5-kurbadet/92025/
  10. ↑ Bertelsen, Hans Kristian (1985). Sandefjord: A modern city with vast potential. Grafisk Studio. Page 51. ISBN 82-90636-00-8.
  11. ↑ https://www.visitvestfold.com/en/sandefjord/whats-on/?TLp=1231368&Guided-tour-at-Kurbadet&startDate=1529964000000&startTime=15:00
  12. ↑ http://www.cruise-norway.no/ports/Sandefjord/Sightseeing-by-walking.aspx
  13. ↑ Holskjær, Lars (2017). Kamper uten tall. Forlagshuset i Vestfold. Page 199. ISBN 9788293407294.
  14. ↑ https://www.sandefjord.folkebibl.no/sandefjord/tema/digitalsamling/kurbadetjubileum17.html

Coordinates: 59°07′42″N 10°13′43″E / 59.1282°N 10.2285°E / 59.1282; 10.2285

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