Population 45,500 / 58.2 degrees north

Arendal, Norway

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.

About Arendal

Latitude: 58.2 degrees north

Population: 45,500

Founded: 1838

Hottest Month: July

Coldest Month: February

Wettest Month: November

Windiest Month: January

Arendal Municipality

In this Travel Guide...

Map of Arendal

Uniquely Arendal

Here are some things that you must try in Arendal!

Historic Centre

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.

Things to See & Do

Here’s an overview of some of the best things to see and do in Arendal.

Lighthouse

Store Torungen Lighthouse

The Store Torungen Lighthouse was built in 1844 and electrified in 1914.

Manor House

Strømsbo gard

Strømsbo gard is a manor house from the 1760s.

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!

Beach

Løkholmen Beach

Løkholmen Beach is a popular swimming spot.

Road-Trips

Follow our road-trip guides for scenic trips around Arendal. 

The E18 from Ørje to Kristiansand

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. 

The E18 from Ørje to Kristiansand

Self-Guided Walks

Follow one of our self-guided walks around Arendal. 

Arendal on YouTube

Watch our YouTube videos featuring Arendal. 

History of 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.

Arendal Today

The service industry is important for the municipality.

Travel Information

Getting Here

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

Getting Around

Shops

Places to Eat

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.

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. 

Campgrounds & Hostels

 

Guesthouses & BnBs

 

Chains & Mid-Range

Thon Hotel Arendal is a typical Thon hotel with nice rooms and a good breakfast.

Click here to view rates & book

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. 

Click here to view rates & book

Sunrise/Sunset & Weather Averages

January

Sunrise: 9:02am

Sunset: 4:04pm

Average Temperature: 2C (35F)

February

Sunrise: 7:59am

Sunset: 5:19pm

Average Temperature: 1C (34F)

March

Sunrise: 6:40am

Sunset: 6:28pm

Average Temperature: 2.7C (37F)

April

Sunrise: 6:11am

Sunset: 8:39pm

Average Temperature: 6C (42F)

May

Sunrise: 4:56am

Sunset: 9:47pm

Average Temperature: 10C (50F)

June

Sunrise: 4:17am

Sunset: 10:34pm

Average Temperature: 14C (58F)

July

Sunrise: 4:42am

Sunset: 10:18pm

Average Temperature: 17C (62F)

August

Sunrise: 5:47am

Sunset: 9:10pm

Average Temperature: 17C (62F)

September

Sunrise: 6:55am

Sunset: 7:43pm

Average Temperature: 13C (56F)

October

Sunrise: 8:01am

Sunset: 6:18pm

Average Temperature: 9C (48F)

November

Sunrise: 8:14am

Sunset: 4:03pm

Average Temperature: 5C (41F)

December

Sunrise: 9:08am

Sunset: 3:31pm

Average Temperature: 3C (36F)

All Posts About Arendal