The Area and Activities

Tvedestrand Town

Idyllic Archipelago Just Outside Your Cabin Window

As the song about the watchmaker from Tvedestrand says, it is a charming little Southern coastal town.

It lies quietly with its crooked, white wooden houses that seem to cling to the landscape. Here, you can wander up narrow streets and down steep steps toward the fjord and the harbor, breathing in the scent of freshly baked goods blending with the smell of the sea.

Islands

Lyngør

Ahh, Lyngør – the car-free island paradise. The white-painted village has been named Europe’s best-preserved coastal settlement. Here, historic white wooden houses line the waterfront, standing close together. Former skipper’s houses, pilot homes, and old taverns recall the golden age of sailing ships in the 19th century. Simply strolling through the charming narrow streets and along the winding paths between the houses is worth the trip alone.

Sandøya

Sandøya is so idyllic and charming that you slip into holiday mode almost before the boat reaches the dock. This small island community, located between Lyngør and Tvedestrand, has been described by Forbes as one of the 11 “Insanely Beautiful Lesser-Known Islands Around The World.” Picture a scene from a Scandinavian summer story, and you’ll understand what we mean. Sheltered coves, white sandy beaches, grazing sheep, and meadows filled with wildflowers.

For the active

Get in Shape at One of Norway’s Most Beautiful Golf Courses

Arendal & Omegn Golf Club in Tvedestrand is a hole-in-one for anyone who loves golf – whether you’re a seasoned player or a beginner. The club offers one of Norway’s largest and finest golf facilities, featuring an 18-hole main course and a 9-hole short course. The course is set in scenic surroundings at Nes Verk.

Raet National Park

Established in 2016, Raet National Park stretches from the Valøyene islands in Grimstad – along the entire Arendal coastline – to Lyngør in Tvedestrand. Here, you can explore 607 square kilometers of coastal landscape and open sea.

Fagerhei

Fagerhei is located east of Tvedestrand town center and is a popular hiking area year-round. Enjoy beautiful nature along forest roads and well-marked trails. At 176 meters above sea level, Fagerhei offers stunning views of the sea, small lakes, and Hovdefjell.

Cycling

The opportunities for cycling in and around Tvedestrand are almost endless. We highly recommend island hopping by bike. The route takes you from Tvedestrand, from island to island through the true Southern Norwegian archipelago, out toward the open sea and the historic island community of Lyngør.

Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park

A favorite among children and Norway’s largest family attraction. Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park is just a one-hour drive from Tvedestrand. The park offers memorable experiences for the whole family, with 123 different animal species, a water park, Kardemomme Town, Hakkebakkeskogen, Captain Sabertooth’s World, and much more.

Water Park

Just a stone’s throw from the town’s pedestrian streets, you’ll find Tvedestrand’s own water park. It features a sandy beach, canoe and kayak rentals, and plenty of floating elements and slides. All activities are free of charge.

Food and Drink

From Traditional Seafood to Italian Delicacies

Tvedestrand and the surrounding islands offer something for every taste. Here are just a few highlights. Try the heavenly fish cakes from Fiskespesialen at Øyvind Bjorvatns Plass. Owner Lars Wilhelmson has been behind the counter for 20 years, serving his legendary delicacies. The shrimp salad is a favorite!

In the town center, you’ll also find the artisan bakery Bonzo, where the freshly baked Bonzo bread or the signature ginger and lime swirl is well worth a try. And you shouldn’t leave Tvedestrand without tasting an organic lamb sausage from RAGG and Bondens Valg. The sausages are available at Real, located at the top of the main street in the town center.

Along the waterfront, you’ll find Tvedestrand Fjord Hotel with Café Sjøsiden and the floating outdoor restaurant Pir4, both enjoying sunshine throughout the day. At the innermost part of the harbor is Vertshuset, which also features a floating dock restaurant called Flåta, where you can enjoy mussels, fish soup, Skagen toast, and much more. Be sure to visit Lyngør, home to Seilmakerfruens Kro and Pers Brygge, or head to Sandøya with its many dining spots, including the Italian restaurant La Locanda di Marie.