Arendal


 * Arendal is also a neighborhood in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Arendal is the biggest city in Aust-Agder, Norway, with a population of 40,000.

It is a pleasant tourist destination, where its main attractions are its picturesque old town, and, in the summer months, its popular harbourside restaurants, bars and music festivals.

By plane
Kristiansand airport is around 45 minutes away by car, and also has frequent bus service to Arendal. Frequent flights with Widerøe from Copenhagen, Bergen, Stavanger and London-Southend, with SAS and Norwegian from Oslo, KLM from Amsterdam.

Sandefjord-Torp is around 2 hours away by car.

By bus
The bus from Oslo takes around 4 hours for the 260 km journey.

By train
A sideline takes you from Nelaug Station by the Sørlandet Line (Sørlandsbanen), where it is necessary to change the train to the local train bound for Arendal Station. The railway Sørlandet Line follows an inland route from the larger cities Oslo (to the east), Kristiansand and Stavanger (to the west).

On foot
The city center is quite compact, which means that everything is within walking distance.

By bus
Setesdals Bilruter operates the white city buses.

By car
Parking might be difficult in the city centre, try the parking houses.

By motorcycle
In the city and especially in the outskirts of the city, motorcycle often is the best mode of transport. There are many winding but picturesque country roads to explore. Remember to be aware and follow the speed limits.

By taxi
Please note that using a taxi in Norway is not cheap.

Hove Festival
The Hove Festival is one of Norway's biggest music festivals featuring big international acts in every music genre. It is at an island called Tromoya, just outside the city centre. The festival mixes large international acts with Norwegian bands in the unique setting of an island outside Arendal city. Besides music, there is art, cinema and food to enjoy. Children under 12 are admitted free.

In 2010 the British newspaper The Daily Telegraph named Hove Festival as the best festival in Europe. The festival is easy to reach from Arendal. There will be buses and ferries every 15 minutes from the city centre.

Shopping malls

 * The city centre

Connect
There are many Wi-Fi hotspots scattered around town, including many eateries, cafes and various hotels.

Go next

 * Grimstad is a city west of Arendal, known as the residence of the famous Norwegian authors such as Henrik Ibsen and Knut Hamsun, its picturesque wooden houses and for good swimming spots for families with children.
 * Evje is a village northwest of Arendal towards Setesdal. Here you can go rafting in small rivers and for those who are interested in geology, a visit to  the Mineral Park in Evje should be mandatory.