Brevik: A Preserved Sailing-Ship Town

Brevik is one of the best-preserved small towns from the sailing-ship era in Norway. Narrow, crooked streets wind between wooden houses, most built after fires in 1761 and 1800. It was established as a seaport in 1680 and grew wealthy on timber and ice exports. The old merchant's manor from 1761 now houses the town museum. Today Brevik is part of Porsgrunn municipality, a sleepy waterfront village of around 2,100 people that rewards a short stroll.