Mari’s guidebook to Arendal
Food scene
This is my favourite café in Arendal. It is also run by one of my best friends (her name is Mia and have brown curly hair, feel free to name-drop if you see her ;)). They have affordable, healthy lunch dishes, like salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups etc. Home made cakes, and just around the corner they have their own gelato-stall with home made gelato. Good coffee and an amazing location overlooking "Pollen", the small harbor area in central Arendal. And it is only a short walk from the ferry that will take you over to Kolbjørnsvik where the house is. Only problem, this cafe is often full mid-day, seating indoors and outdoors.
7 Einheimische empfehlen
Cafe Victor
5 KirkegatenThis is my favourite café in Arendal. It is also run by one of my best friends (her name is Mia and have brown curly hair, feel free to name-drop if you see her ;)). They have affordable, healthy lunch dishes, like salads, sandwiches, wraps, soups etc. Home made cakes, and just around the corner they have their own gelato-stall with home made gelato. Good coffee and an amazing location overlooking "Pollen", the small harbor area in central Arendal. And it is only a short walk from the ferry that will take you over to Kolbjørnsvik where the house is. Only problem, this cafe is often full mid-day, seating indoors and outdoors.
Neighborhoods
The beautiful old town of Arendal, with wooden houses. Whilst Arendal back in the day burned down three times, this part of town was saved since it used to be an island. Today the canal is unfortunately gone, but the area remain beautiful with wooden houses in many colours. Go exploring! It also includes the old town hall, the trinity church, Arendal high school (the big yellow building), and Arendal guest harbor.
Tyholmen
The beautiful old town of Arendal, with wooden houses. Whilst Arendal back in the day burned down three times, this part of town was saved since it used to be an island. Today the canal is unfortunately gone, but the area remain beautiful with wooden houses in many colours. Go exploring! It also includes the old town hall, the trinity church, Arendal high school (the big yellow building), and Arendal guest harbor.
Kolbjørnsvik is the neighborhood of the house, idyllically located on the island of Hisøya. It is an old village, mostly consisting of wooden houses. It has a pretty little harbor area where the ferry will take you in to town in 5 minutes. There are plenty of areas to explore in walking distance. There is even a neighborhood pub called Moringen by the harbor.
Kolbjørnsvik
Kolbjørnsvik is the neighborhood of the house, idyllically located on the island of Hisøya. It is an old village, mostly consisting of wooden houses. It has a pretty little harbor area where the ferry will take you in to town in 5 minutes. There are plenty of areas to explore in walking distance. There is even a neighborhood pub called Moringen by the harbor.
Sightseeing
Take a boat trip to the charming small island of Merdø. The ferry leaves several times per day from the city centre. This is my favourite summer spot in Arendal. Almost like traveling back in time. They have a museum and a cafe that sells fish soup, ice cream and craft beer. Read more here:
https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/southern-norway/arendal/listings-arendal/visit-on-merd%c3%b8-island/5146/
11 Einheimische empfehlen
Merdø
Take a boat trip to the charming small island of Merdø. The ferry leaves several times per day from the city centre. This is my favourite summer spot in Arendal. Almost like traveling back in time. They have a museum and a cafe that sells fish soup, ice cream and craft beer. Read more here:
https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/southern-norway/arendal/listings-arendal/visit-on-merd%c3%b8-island/5146/
A beautiful national park, only 15 minutes drive from Arendal. Located on the island of Tromøya. Beautiful place to go for a walk, take swim and enjoy the view of the two lighthouses. See more here:
https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/southern-norway/arendal/listings-arendal/raet-national-park/208572/
Raet
A beautiful national park, only 15 minutes drive from Arendal. Located on the island of Tromøya. Beautiful place to go for a walk, take swim and enjoy the view of the two lighthouses. See more here:
https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/southern-norway/arendal/listings-arendal/raet-national-park/208572/
Another beautiful place at Hisøya to bike to (or drive) just minutes past the Stølsviga beach. Follow the road till it ends. Picturesque spot with a small canal where boats pass by. To the left is a very popular spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Havsøysund
Another beautiful place at Hisøya to bike to (or drive) just minutes past the Stølsviga beach. Follow the road till it ends. Picturesque spot with a small canal where boats pass by. To the left is a very popular spot for sunbathing and swimming.
Museums
Arendals historical museum, newly reopened.
23 Einheimische empfehlen
KUBEN - Aust-Agder Museum Og Arkiv
16A ParkveienArendals historical museum, newly reopened.
https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/southern-norway/arendal/listings-arendal/kl%c3%b6ckers-hus-arendal-town-museum/3726/
Klöckers Hus - Arendal town museum
14 Nedre Tyholmsveihttps://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/southern-norway/arendal/listings-arendal/kl%c3%b6ckers-hus-arendal-town-museum/3726/
Beach
This beach is only a half hour bike ride away from the house. A beautiful, family friendly spot. It has two sandy bays for swimming, diving board, playground, a beach volley ball court, parking and a small kiosk selling ice cream. Read more here:
https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/southern-norway/arendal/listings-arendal/st%c3%b8lsviga-in-arendal/5446/
8 Einheimische empfehlen
Stølsvigen
This beach is only a half hour bike ride away from the house. A beautiful, family friendly spot. It has two sandy bays for swimming, diving board, playground, a beach volley ball court, parking and a small kiosk selling ice cream. Read more here:
https://www.visitnorway.com/places-to-go/southern-norway/arendal/listings-arendal/st%c3%b8lsviga-in-arendal/5446/
This is a beautiful, hidden (but public) spot for a picnic and a swim. Great view overview over the ocean and boat traffic. There is a ladder to get in and out of the water easily. Walk down a small path (to the right of a red house) that leads you to the front of the lighthouse.
Sandvigodden Lighthouse
This is a beautiful, hidden (but public) spot for a picnic and a swim. Great view overview over the ocean and boat traffic. There is a ladder to get in and out of the water easily. Walk down a small path (to the right of a red house) that leads you to the front of the lighthouse.