Islands and islets, white-painted wooden houses, narrow streets, and lots of outdoor fun. Welcome to one of Southern Norway’s most atmospheric towns.
The small city of Grimstad is located between Arendal and Kristiansand in Southern Norway. Visitors are often charmed by the town’s white-painted wooden buildings, narrow streets, and picturesque alleyways.
Enjoy a stroll or a bike ride along the seafront, explore the archipelago that comprises an array of beautiful islands and islets, or venture into Raet national park, which covers a total of 607 square kilometres of coastal nature and sea.
Norway’s most famous playwright throughout time, Henrik Ibsen, spent parts of his life here. The Ibsen museum in Grimstad is Norway’s oldest of its kind.
In the pedestrian streets, you’ll find several small, independent shops and a wide selection of cafes and restaurants, including the rewarded Smag & behag.
Get in-depth travel information on Grimstad’s official website.
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Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
Getting here and around
Plan your trip to Grimstad with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.
By boat
From Denmark and the Netherlands, you can take a ferry to Kristiansand and continue your journey by bus from there.
By bus
Daily bus departures from Oslo and Stavanger stop along the E18. From the bus stop, the town centre is a 15-minute walk away.
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By train
Nelaug station outside of Arendal is the nearest train station. From here, you can go by bus to Grimstad.
Another option is to go by train to Kristiansand and continue by bus from there.
By plane
The nearest airport is Kristiansand Airport, located about 45 kilometres from Grimstad. From the airport, you can go by shuttle bus to Grimstad.
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By car
Grimstad is situated roughly midway between Oslo and Stavanger. From Oslo and Kristiansand, follow the E18 motorway.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more on the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
