GRIMSTAD
The city of poets
Its cobblestone streets, traditional wooden houses and narrow lanes make Grimstad a cosy town on Norway's southern coast.
/17.3596,65.4818,2.1,0/200x200@2x?access_token=pk.eyJ1IjoidmlzaXRub3J3YXkiLCJhIjoiY2p2ZXd6N2FxMHNodjQzcDZ6eWZzczc2YyJ9.SKR8r-oEFusQxkBUhsLQNg&attribution=false&logo=false)
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 left 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 in which 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, there are plenty of gentle cycling routes to choose from too, both along the coast and further inland.
You can rent bikes at the tourist information office.
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 trail 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.
Stop by 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 Southern Norway's literature festival (Ibsen and Hamsun) 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!