The Norwegians’ summer island paradise

Sandøya close to the town Tvedestrand provides beautiful bays and bare rocks in the sea for bathing, surrounded by cosy white wooden houses. Other things to do include a visit to the local craftsman, enjoying a cinnamon bun at the bakery Brød og Vind, and tasting the delicious fish soup at Cafe Bastehaven. You can get to the island by ferry.

Merdø is located furthest out on the archipelago near the city of Arendal. Here, you’ll again find the typical white-painted wooden houses with flowering gardens, long beaches, and great ocean views. Throughout the summer there’s a cafe at Merdøhus Museum worth visiting. Bring your bathing suit, a packed lunch, and money for ice cream or soda. If you want to stay the night, you have to bring a tent.

The island is easily accessible by ferry, departing from Pollen in Arendal city centre. In the high season, the ferry runs every half hour.

Located just outside of Kristiansand city centre you’ll find the beautiful Bragdøya, with the county’s finest beach and most shallow water. If you want, you can rent a boat or go hiking on one of the islands great trails. Tenting is allowed. In the summer the “bathing boat” runs daily.

In Søgne not far from Kristiansand, you’ll find the old harbour Ny-Hellesund. The island has one of Southern Norway’s finest examples of a building environment typical of this area. Spend the night in nice and modern apartments at the guesthouse Verftet at the waterside and eat at the restaurant Bølgen & Moi with its breathtaking view.

In Ny-Hellesund you can also walk the coastal path from Verfet to Olavsundet. The trip is suitable for all ages. You can pitch your tent at Olavsundet, and don’t forget to visit the exciting coastal fort from the Second World War.

A liner runs all year round, and you can debark at Monsøya, Helgeøya, and Kapelløya.

Ryvingen lighthouse is situated outside the city of Mandal, which makes it the southernmost lighthouse in Norway. And, it’s not too expensive to stay the night. On the mainland, Tregde Ferie offers ocean rafting, which is a fun and exhilarating ride.

The tourist office in Mandal provides information about boat rentals with or without a skipper.

At Hidra, the largest island in the county of Vest-Agder, situated just outside of the small town Flekkefjord, people have lived for thousands of years. 600 people live on the idyllic island today.

Spend the night in the cosy guesthouse Skipperhuset, and visit the exciting gift and interior store Fruenes Hus in Kirkehamn. Here you can also taste some typical Norwegian cakes. Kongshamn pier restaurant, a restored ice-house and fish-landing facility from 1886, contains a bar, a restaurant, and art made by the famous Hidra artist Olav Omland.

The ferry to Hidra runs from Kvellandsstrand, a ten-minute drive from the centre of Flekkefjord. It’s also possible to take a bus from Flekkefjord to Hidra.