ARENDAL

Seaside bliss

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

Merdø in Arendal .
Photo: Peder Austrud

The traditions of the past meet the modern trends of today in Arendal, located an hour east of Kristiansand in Southern Norway.

From the lighthouses that have survived over decades to underwater safaris and a science centre – you will leave truly inspired.

The charming old town Tyholmen …

The old town Tyholmen in Arendal .
Photo: Peder Austrud

… and the buzzing inner harbour Pollen make Arendal a varied and exciting seaside town with adventures for both old and young.

Pollen harbour in Arendal .
Photo: Foap

To cool down on a hot day, jump in the ocean or enjoy the floating pool by the marina.

Arendal harbour .
Photo: Arendal kommune

Arendal Harbour .
Photo: Arendal kommune

And if you have a future scientist in the family, the Science centre is the place to go for fun experiments.

The science center in Arendal .
Photo: Vitensenteret Sørlandet

Or perhaps you want to taste the result of other people’s brilliant ideas?

Like the homemade chocolate at Heimdal Chokolade, Norway’s smallest chocolate factory.

Heimdal chokolade in Arendal .
Photo: Innoventi AS

After indulging in treats, it’s time to take in some culture.

Visit Southern Norway’s largest location of contemporary art, Bomuldsfabriken Kunsthall with the Torbjørnsbu mines.

The centre for cultural history, KUBEN, has exhibitions and a large reading area – literally!

Kuben in Arendal .
Photo: KUBEN

When the sun is out, bring a good book to the beach for a relaxing day by the sea.

The town and its idyllic archipelago are located in the marine national park Raet …

Raet national park in Arendal .
Photo: Raet Nasjonalpark Hove

… and the iconic lighthouses Lille and Store Torungen (pictured) mark the entrance to Arendal if you arrive by boat.

Imagine waking up in one of those white houses. It is possible – they are for rent.

The Arendal archipelago is great for stand up paddleboarding (SUP), boat trips, and swimming. But that’s not all!

Stand up paddleboarding around Torungen lighthouse in Arendal .
Photo: Canvas Hove

Spy on the fish from a transparent kayak or on a diving safari with Canvas Hove.

Kayaking in Arendal .
Photo: Canvas Hove

At their popular glamping hotel, you can sleep in this fancy cocoon or a Mongolian yurt, rent an outdoor kitchen, and bike on the trails in the woods.

Glamping at Canvas Hove in Arendal .
Photo: Canvas Hove

Or bring your bike to Merdø, the car-free island outside of Arendal.

With its charming café, museum and beach, the island has everything you need for a lovely day trip.

Torungen lighthouse in Arendal .
Photo: Peder Austrud

Tempted?

Plan your trip to Arendal

Kayaking in Arendal .
Photo: Canvas Hove

Dynamic Variation:

Your Recently Viewed Pages

Photo:

Places to go

Cities and places

Things to do

Plan your trip

ARENDAL

Seaside bliss

Places to go

Cities and places

Things to do

Plan your trip

ARENDAL

Seaside bliss

Top 10 coastal cities in Norway

The Norwegians’ summer island paradise

Canoeing and kayaking

Lighthouses

Glamping all year round