In Grimstad, you can wander around narrow streets and alleyways, enjoy fantastic food at many restaurants and eateries, such as Smag & Behag, go on a pleasant boat trip or follow in the footsteps of writers Knut Hamsun and Henrik Ibsen. If you are travelling with children, there are also plenty of excursions and interesting activities on offer.
Grimstad is a coastal municipality in Aust-Agder and dates back to the Viking Age when it was a market town at the heart of the Vikkilen area. In the Middle Ages, the area was a great fishing town with strong international trading networks.
A visit to Grimstad lets you explore the archipelago and its many isles. Visit the Homborsund Lighthouse, paddle through the Reddal Channel or go camping on Ytre Maløya. You can hire a bicycle and explore the town or take a trip to Dømmesmoen, a beautiful park just outside the town centre. The Oddensenteret shopping centre, situated on the quay, is a haven for a spot of retail therapy.
Literature enthusiasts should visit the Ibsen Museum. It is a short trip to the other towns in Southern Norway, such as the charming town of Arendal or Kristiansand. You can hire a boat in Grimstad and explore more of the breathtaking coastlines around Grimstad.
The closest airport is Kristiansand, approximately 30 minutes’ drive away from Grimstad. Grimstad has no train station but there is a regular bus service. If you’re thinking about visiting Grimstad in the summer, make sure to book in advance, as hotels can get booked up very quickly.
In Grimstad, you can relax and enjoy the beautiful summer days. You can completely unwind at one of the many beaches or explore the archipelago and the surrounding area. The town is well known for its narrow streets and wooden houses, and large parts of the town centre now feature on Norway’s preservation list for towns of national interest.
