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.
Fun Facts About Ã…rendal
Latitude: 58.2 degrees north
Population: 45,500
Founded:Â 1838
Hottest Month:Â July
Coldest Month:Â February
Wettest Month:Â November
Windiest Month:Â January
Arendal Municipality
In this Travel Guide...
Things to See & Do
Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Arendal.
Store Torungen Lighthouse
The Store Torungen Lighthouse was built in 1844 and electrified in 1914.
Strømsbo gard
Strømsbo gard is a manor house from the 1760s.
Arendal Guides
Find guides to Ã…rendal on our online store.Â
Hikes, Day Trips & Experiences
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
Løkholmen Beach is a popular swimming spot.
Road-Trips
Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Ã…rendal.Â
Follow one of our self-guided walks around Arendal.Â
Arendal on YouTube
Watch our YouTube videos featuring Arendal.Â
Uniquely Arendal
Here are some things that you must try in Arendal!
Tyholmen
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.
History of Ã…rendal
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.
Arendal Today
The service industry is important for the municipality.
Travel Information
Getting Here
Fly:Â No airport access
Drive: Arendal is located just off the E18 highway that goes between Oslo and Kristiansand.Â
Train:Â No train connectionÂ
Ferry:Â No ferry access
Getting Around
Shops
Places to Eat
Cafes & Bakeries
Pigene på Torvet is a great bakery.
Heimdal Chokolade is Norway’s smallest chocolate factory.
Quick Bites
Reasonable Restaurants
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High End & Unique Eats
Blom Restaurant is a popular seafood restaurant. It is the most expensive seafood restaurant in town.
Places to Stay
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.Â
Campgrounds & Hostels
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Guesthouses & BnBs
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Chains & Mid-Range
Thon Hotel Arendal is a typical Thon hotel with nice rooms and a good breakfast.