What to do and see in Arendal, Southern Norway: The Best Things to do

On the southern part of the island of Tromoy, only 10 minutes from Arendal town by car, bus or boat, there is a beautiful area called Hove. This recreation area is part of a protected moraine that lies along the southern coast. The whole area has been adapted for walks with resting places along the shore. There is a beach and kiosk at Hove camping during the summer season, and several kilometres of smooth rocks. Sundays between September and May, there is a lunch buffet at Hovestua in Hove camp from 12 to 18.  The paths are many and stretches from Hove to Alve, along Spornes beach, consisting of boulders and rocks, and sand when the sea permits. The area is used for hiking both summer and winter, and is suitable for everyone, children and adults. The trip from Hove camping to Alve and back is about 12 kms, and the network of paths allows both short and long trails. Maps for sale at Arendal tourist office, Hove camp, and Bjellandstrand Gard. Parking for instance at Hove camping and Hove camp. Bus no 3 to Tromoy ost leaves Arendal every hour during the day, Monday-Saturday.

Trollpark Hove har et spennende produkt som er ideelt for både store og små. En gøyal klatrepark hvor du får flere typer utfordringer høyt oppe i trærne i Trollpark Hove har benyttet et kontunierlig og moderne sikkerhetssystem som gjør det hele veldig enkelt og trygt.

A lovely and modern cafe boutique selling locally produced food, soaps, cosmetics and household items that are plastic-free! Local craftsman items of high quality. Beautiful and stylish products that are sustainable, goods for you and good for the environment! Southern Norway’s first zero-waste shop. It is possible to grind your own flour, buy healthy snacks, or fill up on an array of different spices! Lots to see!

We arrange Sea kayaking courses and tours, RIB-adventures and horse experiences ...in the beautiful environments of Raet National Park

Arendal artificial ice rink is located in Arendal sports park. The rink is perfect for speed skating, bandy, ice hockey and playing on the ice. The ice rink is found between Brastad and Myra by the highway E18, and the rink is open for 4 months from about 1 November each year. Opening hours winter 2011/2012: Monday 12-15 and 17-21 (parts of the mid section closed 17-21). Tuesday 10-15 and 18-21 (track only for speed skating 18-20). Note! Ball/puck not allowed in the mid section between 18-20. Wednesday 10-15 and 17-21 (parts of the mid section closed 17-21). Thursday 10-15 and 18-21 (track only for speed skating 18-20). Note! Ball/puck not allowed in the mid section between 18-20. Friday kl 10-15 and 17-19. Saturday 10-18 (only speed skating from 10-12, both mid section and track). Sunday 10-18 (track only for speed skating from 10-12). Note! Ball/puck not allowed in the mid section between 10-12. Arendal municipality may close the rink when preparing the rink or at other unforeseen events, so that the ice will be top quality and safe at all times. Prices: Adults (more than 16 years): NOK 40 Children: NOK 20 Family (2 adults + 2 children): NOK 80 Escort: NOK 10 Season ticket: Adults (More than 16 years): NOK 700 Children: NOK 350 Escort: NOK 100 Season ticket can be obtained at the skating rink. Rules on the ice: Don't wear shoes on the ice Don't spit snuff on the ice If you are using the track, skate counter clockwise Children and youth should wear a helmet Use the underground No ball or puck on the ice Tuesday/Thursday 18-20 and Saturday/Sunday 10-12 No sitting/standing on the pillows No skating indoors Please don't throw snow/ice and other objects on the ice Dogs not allowed Have a pleasant skating experience!

Eydehavn Museum displays the industrial history of Eydehavn and the new industrial times after 1913. The two cornerstone companies Arendal Smelteverk AS and Det norske nitridatieselskap (Nitriden) plays a central part in the exhibitions as they catch a glimpse of life at home and at work. In addition the exhibitions contains topics such as housing conditions, social life and political activity . We also have a restored, fully equipped apartment from the 1920s, Maren Aanonsens collection of older domestic utensils and our temporary exhibitions. The museum has an outdoor exhibition located in the neighbourhood. The exhibition is based on street names with personal names and provides an insight into the history of Eydehavn through these people. The exhibition is open throughout the year.

The location of the museum is idyllic, on the old outport and beautiful island of Merdø. The island is worth a visit to those who want to experience the nature, old coastal culture, or just enjoy themselves in cosy surroundings. The part of the island facing Skagerrak is rocky, scattered with pebbles and boulders, and has a fantastic view both summer and winter. Merdø was one of the most important outports in Sørlandet, with a customs station, pilot station, school, shop and post office. The Merdøgaard museum is a small coastal farm with a main building from 1736, kept as it was in about 1800. The museum offers tours in Norwegian every full hour during the summer season. Merdøgaard museum is a department of Aust-Agder kulturhistoriske senter, the county museum. Ferry to the island goes from Pollen in Arendal.

Tromoy church is located at Flademoen on the southern side of Tromoy, and the church was originally a Romansque stone church built around 1150. The church was reconstructed to a cruciform church between 1748-1758, and today this fabulous church is one of Arendal's oldest sights. The church is an old seamark, and due to the unsheltered location, the church is without a tower. The interior of Tromoy church is beautiful. There are wood carvings and painted interior from the 1750s, restored in 1926-1939. Several details in the church are worth mentioning, like the baptismal font made of soapstone from the 14th century, and candlesticks made of brass from 1660 Important people were buried inside the church in the Middle Ages, both in the choir and in the nave. The tombs had large gravestones in the church floor. It has been illegal to bury people inside the church since 1805, and the large gravestones were moved outside during the restoration in the 1750s. They are now visible along the churchyard wall in the west, together with boulders from Tromoy. Tromoy church has been opened to the public in July many summers, to those who wish to study the church. More information, see contact information.