Skip to main content

GRIMSTAD

The city of poets

Scroll down for inspiration or go directly to our plan your trip page.

Its cobblestone streets, white wooden houses and narrow alleys make Grimstad a cosy town on Norway's southern coast.

The old houses also tell exciting stories about those who have lived here before ...

... like the famous Norwegian writers Henrik Ibsen and Knut Hamsun.

When Ibsen was 15, he moved here to become an apprentice pharmacist, but by the time he moved from the city, several years later, he had written his first play.

Dive into Ibsen's years in Grimstad at the Ibsen Museum, Norway's oldest of its kind.

The museum comprises the pharmacy where the famous playwright worked, as well as the room where he wrote his first play.

Or maybe you want to go for a walk in a poet's footsteps?

Join a guided tour through the city, or go exploring on your own! If you bring your mobile, you can get to know Grimstad's famous poets through the QR codes posted around the city.

You can also tour the area by bike.

In fact, two of Norway's best cyclists of all time, Thor Hushovd and Dag Otto Lauritzen, come from Grimstad.

So, if you are up for a real challenge, you should try one of Thor & Dag Otto’s cycle routes.

If you are more of a “bike with basket” kind of person, you have plenty of cycling routes to choose from, both along the coast and inland.

You can rent bikes at the tourist information.

Grimstad can easily be explored on foot as well. Enjoy a stroll along the seafront, admire the beautiful flowers in the Dømmesmoen park (pictured) …

… and let your mind wander as you walk along a scenic coastal path in Raet national park, one of Southern Norway’s most popular recreation areas.

If you want to go shopping, the city centre is your place. Here, you'll find several cosy boutiques, cafés and eateries.

Check out Smag & Behag, Herlighed and Apotekergaarden for amazing food and a good atmosphere.

Festival fans have many reasons to visit Grimstad in the summer. The town hosts several events.

Some of the highlights include the Norwegian Short Film Festival in June and the Ibsen and Hamsun Days festival in August.

In summer, you can also hop aboard the beach boat Badebåden Østerøy and head to some of the finest beaches and swimming spots in Grimstad ...

... or go sailing with the schooner Solrik.

If you prefer to explore on your own, you can rent a small boat at the tourist information office.

And remember, the archipelago is beautiful all year round. Explore the area outside the summer season for a completely different experience!

Welcome to Grimstad!

Planning is half the fun

Where to stay I Where to eat I Top attractions I How to get here

Discover more

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

Your recently viewed pages