GRIMSTAD

Relaxing summer vibes

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Grimstad .
Photo: Peder Austrud / Visit Sørlandet

Get lost in narrow cobblestone streets …

The Ibsen museum in Grimstad .
Photo: Hanne Feyling / Visit Sørlandet

… find your own private island …

Summer in Grimstad .
Photo: Peder Austrud / Visit Sørlandet

… 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.

The Valøyene islands in Raet national park .
Photo: Ronny Sandberg / Grimstad Turistkontor

Grimstad is ideally located between Arendal and Kristiansand in Southern Norway and is one of those places where the atmosphere itself is the main attraction.

Here, summers are synonymous with ice cream on the quay, lazy days on the beach, and boat trips to the islands.

Grimstad guest harbour .
Photo: Peder Austrud / Visit Sørlandet

Many of the islands and islets outside of Grimstad are designated recreational areas and open to the public.

On selected dates in July, the old fishing vessel Østerøy (pictured) and the schooner Solrik offer fun adventures for the whole family.

M/S Østerøy in Grimstad .
Photo: Grimstad turistkontor

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

Summer in Grimstad .
Photo: Hanne Feyling

You will quickly realise that the Grimstad locals are crazy about their bikes.

In fact, two of Norway’s most successful cyclists throughout time, Thor Hushovd and Dag Otto Lauritzen, are from ;here.

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

Cycling in Grimstad .
Photo: Terje Rakke / Nordic Life

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.

Cycling in Grimstad .
Photo: Hanne Feyling / Visit Sørlandet

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

Dømmesmoen park in Grimstad .
Photo: Odd Magne Myhre

… or walk in the footsteps of two of Norway's most famous writers throughout time, Knut Hamsun and Henrik Ibsen, who both spent parts of their life in Grimstad.

The town has the country’s oldest Ibsen museum, which comprises the pharmacy where Henrik Ibsen worked and lived.

A bust of Henrik Ibsen in Grimstad .
Photo: Hanne Feylin