Drive it Yourself: Oslo to Kristiansand on the E18
This drive goes from Oslo to Kristiansand in the south of Norway, following the E18.
North European travel guide
Arendal is one of the larger coastal towns in southern Norway and is commonly nicknamed the ‘Venice of the North’ because of its beautiful location out in the water.
Latitude: 58.2 degrees north
Population: 45,500
Founded: 1838
Hottest Month: July
Coldest Month: February
Wettest Month: November
Windiest Month: January
Arendal Municipality
Here are some things that you must try in Arendal!
Arendal town centre has a nice collection of wooden houses dating back to the 17th century. The area is call Tyholmen. A lot of the houses have neoclassical, rococo and baroque influences. The city hall here is from 1815.
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Arendal.
The Store Torungen Lighthouse was built in 1844 and electrified in 1914.
Strømsbo gard is a manor house from the 1760s.
Looking to go for a hike or take part in a unique experience? Here are our recommendations!
Please note – the links provided are affiliate links. We only recommend experiences that we have researched and/or tested and focus on providing unique, local things to do!
Løkholmen Beach is a popular swimming spot.
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Arendal.
The E18 is the main highway from Oslo down south to Kristiansand. Along the way are several important towns and villages that feature in Norway’s early history.
Follow one of our self-guided walks around Arendal.
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Arendal.
The village was established in the middle of the 16th century. When Kristiansand was founded by King Christian IV, he granted the citizens on the monopoly of trade in the region, including Arendal. The towns and the peasants in the countryside protested the hardships that it caused, and as a result Arendal received royal permission in 1622 to be a loading place for timber until a means could be found to transfer its trade to Kristiansand. Arendal maintained its market rights and became an important place for shipping, shipbuilding and timber. Mining and ironworks also developed as important industries.
At the turn of the 20th century, thousands of Norwegians went to the United States and many of those came from Arendal and took their economic traditions with them. In New York City and surrounding areas, a great number of Americans can trace their Norwegian roots to Arendal, as a great number of Norwegian sailors, shipbuilders and carpenters from Arendal settled in Brooklyn and Staten Island.
The service industry is important for the municipality.
Fly: No airport access
Drive: Arendal is located just off the E18 highway that goes between Oslo and Kristiansand.
Train: No train connection
Ferry: No ferry access
Cafes & Bakeries
Heimdal Chokolade is Norway’s smallest chocolate factory.
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
High End & Unique Eats
Blom Restaurant is a popular seafood restaurant. It is the most expensive seafood restaurant in town.
All our hotel recommendations are based on research and experience. We don’t recommend somewhere unless we think it is wonderful! The Hidden North focuses on accommodation that provides good quality for price or offer local or unique experiences.
Campgrounds & Hostels
Guesthouses & BnBs
Chains & Mid-Range
Thon Hotel Arendal is a typical Thon hotel with nice rooms and a good breakfast.
High End & Unique Properties
Clarion Tyholmen Hotel is the best hotel in town and is a beautiful restored building by the waterfront.
Click here to view rates & book
It is possible to stay in a Mongolian yurt in the forest.
Arendal Prison Hotel is a hotel inside a historic prison.
Sunrise: 9:02am
Sunset: 4:04pm
Average Temperature: 2C (35F)
Sunrise: 7:59am
Sunset: 5:19pm
Average Temperature: 1C (34F)
Sunrise: 6:40am
Sunset: 6:28pm
Average Temperature: 2.7C (37F)
Sunrise: 6:11am
Sunset: 8:39pm
Average Temperature: 6C (42F)
Sunrise: 4:56am
Sunset: 9:47pm
Average Temperature: 10C (50F)
Sunrise: 4:17am
Sunset: 10:34pm
Average Temperature: 14C (58F)
Sunrise: 4:42am
Sunset: 10:18pm
Average Temperature: 17C (62F)
Sunrise: 5:47am
Sunset: 9:10pm
Average Temperature: 17C (62F)
Sunrise: 6:55am
Sunset: 7:43pm
Average Temperature: 13C (56F)
Sunrise: 8:01am
Sunset: 6:18pm
Average Temperature: 9C (48F)
Sunrise: 8:14am
Sunset: 4:03pm
Average Temperature: 5C (41F)
Sunrise: 9:08am
Sunset: 3:31pm
Average Temperature: 3C (36F)
This drive goes from Oslo to Kristiansand in the south of Norway, following the E18.