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View over Arendal from the Glass Lift
A couple wandering down a cobblestone street in Arendal, Southern Norway.
The Pollen harbour in Arendal, Southern Norway.
Winter in Pollen, Arendal
Kids experimenting with colourful vials at The science center in Arendal, Southern Norway
Chocolate from Heimdal chokolade factory in Arendal, Southern Norway.
Children are seated in a giant book at Kuben Aust-Agder museum and archive in Arendal, Southern Norway.
People bathing at the Løkholmen beach outside Arendal
Groups of people by the water in Raet national park in Arendal, Southern Norway.
Two people stand up paddleboarding in Arendal, Southern Norway, with Torungen lighthouse in the background.
The old prison in Arendal
The beach outside Merdøgaard, Merdø in Arendal
Summer between wooden houses in Arendal

ARENDAL

Seaside bliss

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

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 …

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

How about visiting Arendal in another season? The Pollen harbour also looks beautiful in its winter clothes!

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

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

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.

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!

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

There are also a lot of family friendly bathing spots, like for example the wonderful Løkholmen beach!

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

… 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, underwater safaris and swimming.

Ready for a "captivating" stay at the Arendal Prison Hotel? Sleep in one of the prison cells, if you dare..

Or take the ferry 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.

Two children by the sea at Bragdøya in Kristiansand
The Norwegians’ summer island paradise

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