In Hamsun's footsteps

In June 1945, Knut Hamsun was detained at his home at Nørholm and brought to Grimstad Hospital where he was held until September the same year. He was then transferred to vik Nursery Home. His book “On Overgrown Paths” describes the walks he made in the area. All the walking took a toll on his shoes, but when he wrote to Nørholm to ask for a new pair no one would help him post the letter. As a result, the detainee had to go into town himself to find a letterbox. As he was not permitted to go this far, he walked across the hills in order to avoid being spotted. The trails start by old Grimstad Hospital. and brochures are available from the tourist office.

The post box Hamsun used to post letters home to Nørholm can be found on Riips’ wall in Storgaten.