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Holiday in Arendal – the idyllic appeal of Sørland and culture among coastal rock slopes
Thanks to the timber trade, Arendal appeared on Dutch naval charts as early as the 1500s, and over the next couple of hundred years the town developed into an important seaport in the region, becoming the largest seafaring port in Norway from 1880 onwards. Traces of the many different functions the town has played over time can be observed in the many museums Arendal offers.
The Eydehavn Museum is situated in a former industrial area and shows how a worker's home would have been furnished in the 1920s, while the Kløckers hus in its imperial style shows how a middle class family lived around 1900. This is also home to Norway's largest collection of ships in bottles. At the Aust-Agder Cultural and History Centre you will find regional archives and various exhibitions of local historical significance, while the Bomuldsfabriken Art Hall presents exhibitions of contemporary art, so there is much here to choose from.
The Merdøgaard Museum is furnished to reflect how a skipper’s family lived 200 years ago. All of Merdø is car-free, and a popular spot for walks and bathing. Here you will have a view towards the two lighthouses Store and Lille Torungen, built in 1844. Ferries operate throughout the summer from Pollen Harbour, where you will also find a wide selection of places to dine. Many of the town's outdoor areas can also be found here, offering a pleasant atmosphere for evening socialising.
If taking a weekend trip to Arendal, you can enjoy a bicycle outing on Hisøy or Hove on Tromøy Island, where you will discover typical Sørland charm with wonderful beaches and rocky slopes. The latter is located in a protected natural area where kids can explore the climbing park.
A popular place for younger family members is the Sørland Science Centre, with its interactive exhibitions. If you are visiting during the winter months, the Arendal Winter Festival takes place in the early part of the year, offering winter activities and cultural experiences for all ages. If, on the other hand, you travel here in July, you will have the chance to enjoy the Canal Street Jazz and Blues Festival, which attracts both Norwegian and international artists.
Arendal has good train and bus connections to the rest of the country, and if you are travelling from afar, the nearest large airport is in Kristiansand. When you see the tower on the Trefoldighetskirken, you will know that you will soon be arriving in the pearl of the Sørland region.
Top Hotel Deals
Arendal Herregaard Spa & Resort
Hovevn 65, ArendalLocated in Faervik, this spa hotel is 3.5 mi (5.6 km) from Merdogaard Museum and within 20 mi (32 km) of The Ibsen House and Ibsenhuset og Grimstad Bymuseum.
Thon Hotel Arendal
Friergangen 1, ArendalLocated in the heart of Arendal, this hotel is 6.8 mi (10.9 km) from Merdogaard Museum and within 16 mi (25 km) of The Ibsen House and Ibsenhuset og Grimstad Bymuseum. Nes Verk Golfpark and Nes Iron Works are also within 16 mi (25 km).
Charm Inn Arendal
Strømsbuveien 2, ArendalLocated in the heart of Arendal, this apartment is 6.6 mi (10.7 km) from Merdogaard Museum and within 16 mi (25 km) of Ibsenhuset og Grimstad Bymuseum and The Ibsen House. Nes Iron Works and Nes Verk Golfpark are also within 20 mi (32 km).
Clarion Hotel Tyholmen Arendal
Teaterplassen 2, ArendalLocated in the heart of Arendal, this hotel is 6.9 mi (11.1 km) from Merdogaard Museum and within 16 mi (25 km) of The Ibsen House and Ibsenhuset og Grimstad Bymuseum. Nes Verk Golfpark and Nes Iron Works are also within 16 mi (25 km).
Arendal Maritime Hotel
Vestregate 11, ArendalLocated in the heart of Arendal, this hotel is 6.6 mi (10.6 km) from Merdogaard Museum and within 16 mi (25 km) of The Ibsen House and Ibsenhuset og Grimstad Bymuseum. Nes Verk Golfpark and Nes Iron Works are also within 16 mi (25 km).
Strand Hotel Fevik
Nedre Hausland 80, GrimstadNestled on the beach, this Fevik hotel is within 9 mi (15 km) of The Ibsen House, The Reddal Canal, and Ibsenhuset og Grimstad Bymuseum. Merdogaard Museum is 15.6 mi (25.1 km) away.
Risør Hotel
Tangengata 16, RisorLocated in the heart of Risor, this hotel is within 1 mi (2 km) of Risor Marina, Urheia Military Forts, and Frydendal Church. Tvedestrand Marina and Nes Verk Golfpark are also within 20 mi (32 km).
Scandic Grimstad
Kirkegaten 3, GrimstadLocated in the heart of Grimstad, this hotel is steps from Ibsenhuset og Grimstad Bymuseum and The Ibsen House. The Reddal Canal and Lillesand Town Hall are also within 12 mi (20 km).
Top Flight + Hotel Deals
Byrkjedalstunet
3.0 out of 5.0Fri, 1 Dec - Fri, 8 Dec
Tees Valley - Kjevik
£601
per person
Clarion Hotel Ernst
4.0 out of 5.0Fri, 1 Dec - Fri, 8 Dec
Tees Valley - Kjevik
£646
per person
Scandic Grimstad
3.5 out of 5.0Fri, 1 Dec - Fri, 8 Dec
Tees Valley - Kjevik
£613
per person
Thon Hotel Sørlandet
3.0 out of 5.0Fri, 1 Dec - Fri, 8 Dec
Tees Valley - Kjevik
£601
per person
Comfort Hotel Kristiansand
3.5 out of 5.0Fri, 1 Dec - Fri, 8 Dec
Tees Valley - Kjevik
£599
per person
Top Deals on Flights
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