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Project description

There is only one place where Thor Heyerdahl was born: Larvik. This is the starting point for Larvik Municipality's initiative to make known the discoverer and scientist's childhood and upbringing in Larvik. The primary reason for establishing this project is the fact that there is still a need to make this fact known.

Thor Heyerdahl was born in Larvik on the 6th of October 1914. His life, research, expeditions and not least his ardent commitment to the environment and peace, has made Thor Heyerdahl one of the most famous and recognised Norwegians of all time. From an early age he had an interest in wildlife and nature and ran a museum out of his home at Stiengata 7. Perhaps his early days in Larvik helped to form the man who would later become known for such famous expeditions as Kon-Tiki and Ra!

Right up until his death in 2002, Heyerdahl never hid the fact that he was from Larvik - quite the opposite, he was very proud of his roots. Thor Heyerdahl was honoured many times all around the world and received a state funeral after his death on 18th April, 2002.

There are a number of landmarks and attractions named for Thor Heyerdahl in Larvik:
Thor Heyerdahl High School;
Monument of Thor Heyerdahl, signed by Nico Wideberg at Tollerodden;
Heyerdahl Instituttet;
a street name;
Larvik Maritime Museum;
Thor Heyerdahl’s Childhood home, at Steingata 7 (soon to be renovated).



Now Larvik is once again focusing on Thor Heyerdahl and, during a 3 year generator project, will “bring” him home. Our aim is to make it known both in Norway and internationally that he was born in Larvik and to create attractions and experiences based on core values such as innovation, adventurousness and openness.

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