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Grimstad, Norway

Emma Smith

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Grimstad is the town in Norway with the highest number of recorded days of sunshine! You will find us just 20 km south of Arendal and 50 km east of Kristiansand.

Grimstad was awarded town status as far back as 1816 and today the population is above 18,000. Here peace and quiet prevails, and Grimstad is an excellent place for those seeking to relax and enjoy life by 'the wonderful sea and the waves'.

Boat trips to the Maritime Museum, our comprehensive City Museum and the Norwegian Horticultural Museum, are all worth a visit, not to mention the wealth of exhibitions, concerts and the like the town also hosts.

Many rocky shores and small cosy beaches on our long expanse of archipelago await the family. The town centre's cobbled streets, with their small white houses tucked between the hills, take one back to the days when the young Henrik Ibsen served as an apprentice to local pharmacist Reimann. You can read about Ibsen's intimate knowledge of the local people and surroundings in Terje Vigen. Take a stroll among the many curious shops, pause a while at an outdoor restaurant, enjoy the maritime milieu down by the wharf, or sample fresh pastries from one of the town's many bakeries. If you prefer to enjoy a good meal in peace and quiet, you can choose from the town's selection of restaurants.

During the month of July you can take advantage of Grimstad's tradition of late-night shopping, with grilling in the streets and live music.

During early summer Grimstad plays host to the Norwegian Short Film Festival, which attracts film enthusiasts from far and near. Agder Theatre - Fjćreheia, open-air stage located in a disused stone quarry is an absolute must. The stage has been graced by performances of several of Ibsen's plays. Grimstad has ample overnight accommodation, and one is able to choose between a selection of hotels and campsites with sea views and fine beaches. Self-catering chalets are also available. Just outside the town centre you will discover farmland, forests with splendid fishing lakes, cycling and touring country, and Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park is just 35 minutes by car. If you travel by sea you will be welcomed by a well-equipped visitor's harbour with showers, handicapped shower/WC, changing rooms, electricity, fuel supplies - the harbour dues even include breakfast for two! More info on: www.norwaydirect.co.uk