Arendal

Travel Guide

Arendal
Arendal
Arendal
Arendal
Arendal

Arendal has dedicated the entirety of its beautiful archipelago to museums, walking paths, climbing parks and festivals. Here there are activities and opportunities to kick back and relax for young and old.

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.

Hotell Arendal
Hotell Arendal
3 out of 5
Østre gate 2-4, Arendal, Agder
Fully refundable
The price is S$228 per night from 15 Jul to 16 Jul
S$228
15 Jul - 16 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Arendal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Glass Elevator to the Top of Fløyheia ...
7.6/10 Good! (399 reviews)
90 cm from bed to ceiling.
"The photo on the ad on hotels.com does not represent the room. the photo was of a king size bed, but the actual room was a bunk-bed in a capsule. Needless to say i didnt read the ad well enough, but the misrepresenting photo made up for the confusion. Would not recommend to stay here in a ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug, 2024

Hotell Arendal
Fengselshotellet
Fengselshotellet
2 out of 5
6 Parkveien, Arendal, Agder
The price is S$170 per night from 2 Aug to 3 Aug
S$170
2 Aug - 3 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this hotel in Arendal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions KUBEN and Glass Elevator to the Top of Fløyheia are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (74 reviews)
"Everyone we interacted with was kind and friendly. Everyplace was very clean."

Reviewed on 15 Jun, 2025

Fengselshotellet
Thon Hotel Arendal
Thon Hotel Arendal
4 out of 5
Friergangen 1, Arendal
The price is S$212 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
S$212
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Arendal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a rooftop terrace. Popular attractions Klockers Hus and Trinity ...
9/10 Wonderful! (880 reviews)
"Somewhat noisy in front rooms due to active teenager facility across the street."

Reviewed on 24 Apr, 2025

Thon Hotel Arendal
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Hotell Arendal
Hotell Arendal
3 out of 5
Østre gate 2-4, Arendal, Agder
Stay at this 3-star aparthotel in Arendal. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and daily housekeeping. Popular attractions Glass Elevator to the Top of Fløyheia ...
7.6/10 Good! (399 reviews)
90 cm from bed to ceiling.
"The photo on the ad on hotels.com does not represent the room. the photo was of a king size bed, but the actual room was a bunk-bed in a capsule. Needless to say i didnt read the ad well enough, but the misrepresenting photo made up for the confusion. Would not recommend to stay here in a ..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug, 2024

Hotell Arendal
Raet Camping
Raet Camping
2 out of 5
Hoveodden 200, Arendal
Stay at this campground in Arendal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a marina. Popular attractions Hove strand and Bukkevika are located nearby.
7.4/10 Good! (27 reviews)
"Nydelige omgivelser, gode senger og vennlige unge servicearbeidene. Alt ble skjemmet av dårlig vedlikehold og manglende rengjøring. Vi hadde en enkel, eldre hytte. Terrassen var ingrodd av skitt og malingen flasset av, mange av bordene var rotne. Trist"

Reviewed on 20 Jul, 2024

Raet Camping
Arendal Deluxe Rooms
Arendal Deluxe Rooms
3 out of 5
Nygårdsveien 49, 4844 Arendal, Arendal, Agder
Stay at this 3-star apartment in Arendal. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions Tyholmen and Bomuldsfabriken Art Hall are located ...
Arendal Deluxe Rooms
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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