What to do and see in Grimstad, Norway: The Best Places and Tips

What is a smooth rocky shore? Cliffs and sandy Beaches are very common, but the polished rocky shores are unique to Norway – almost. They do exist in other places, but not many. Stretches of such rock formations can be found from the Swedish west coast and up to Stockholm’s archipelago, and also in Greenland, Scotland, Alaska and possibly New Zealand. The rest of the world, however, does not have anything resembling these beautiful shores we associate with Southern Norway and the Oslo Fjord. The reason is that not many areas fulfil the two conditions required for such polished, smooth rocks to be formed. High-grade metamorphic rock such as gneiss or granite is required, and this coarse-grained formation must have been scoured and rubbed smooth by a thick layer of ice. As old as time itself! The Norwegian rocky shores originated long before the ice arrived - maybe as much as a billion years. Formation started 1.8 billion years ago and ended 1200 million years later. The time-span is almost incomprehensible! When the ice retreated for the last time, the rocky shores were given a last finish and took their current shape. This is only 10 000 years ago. Since then, the land has risen as much as 200 metres in some areas. Hence, the rocky shorescurrently lining the water’s edge were far below sea level and a thousand metres or more under the ice when they were formed. As the ice moved, masses of sand, gravel and stone were pushed in front and below. These deposits were pressed down and rubbed against the bedrock with immense force. This was how Norway’s rocky shores were formed. Soft elements were scoured away, and the hard rock was left polished, smooth and rounded. In several areas, characteristic scour lines are still evident, and some cracks in the actual bedrock can also be seen.

Homborsund Lighthouse is located on a small island by the Homborsund inlet off the coast of Grimstad. During the summer season, lighthouse hosts are on hand to welcome visitors. Please visit homepage for more information.

Henrik Ibsen came to Grimstad in 1843/44 to start his apprenticeship with apothecary Reimann. He stayed for 6 years, and when he left in spring 1850 it was as the author of the play "Catilina". The museum focus on the period before he achieved success and world fame. Topics such as how Ibsen made a living when his apprenticeship ended, his dire financial situation, the people who inspired him, the love stories and the son born out of wedlock all form part of the exhibition. The very pharmacy in which Ibsen worked is still intact. A museum shop is available.

From the tourist office, followSmith Petersens Gate towards Arendal. Continue past Grimstad Church and Grimstad Town Hall on the left, and follow the foot and cycle path across Biesletta. Cross the road by the Bieheia turn-off, and continue along the foot and cycle path on the right hand side until you reach Vikkilen. Follow the signs for Fevik. At the Vik junction, turn right and follow the foot and cycle path along route 420 towards Fevik. When you reach the 40 km/h zone, cross the road and continue along the foot and cycle path on the left hand side. After a few kilometres, where you have open views to the sea, you can see the idyllic Strand Hotel Fevik. At the very tip of the headland is Sandodden Fort. Cross over to the right hand side and follow the pavement to Fevik. Turn right at Feviktoppen, and then take the second right. Feviktoppen has a small shopping centre. Continue past Fevik Park on your left and Fevik Church Community Centre on your right. Follow the signs for Som/Haugenes. Somsveien towards Hasseltangen does not have a foot and cycle path. An alternative route is marked in blue. Please see recommended trip below. After the Haugenes junction, continue straight ahead until your reach Hasseltangen. To get to the outermost part of Hassel-tangen, follow the gravel road to the left at the very end of the car park. On your return, turn right towards Birketveit at the first junction. At the route 420 junction, turn left towards Fevik. When you have passed a riding school on your left, cross the road and follow the signs for Lunde. At the end of the road is a T-junction where you turn left towards Lia. Continue straight ahead until you reach the foot and cycle path, and follow this towards Vik/Grimstad. Just before the Vik junction, use the pedestrian crossing to get over to the right hand side and then follow the foot and cycle path underneath route 420. From here, follow the foot and cycle path back to Grimstad. Opt. 1: Turn right towards Storesand, and continue past Randvika. In the upper part of the car park, bear left and follow the main road until you reach Haugenes junction. Then turn right towards Hasseltangen. Comments: Mainly flat and gentle terrain, but parts of the trip do not follow foot and cycle paths. Some gravel roads.

Enjoy an exciting farm visit. Open for farm adventures between 12:00 and 16:00 on Wednesdays in the summer season. Otherwise by appointment. Horse & cart rides, horseback riding and lots of animals. BBQ, Hot Dogs, pancakes, soft drinks, coffee and ice cream. Excellent walking, fishing and swimming opportunities. Boats, canoes and cabins for hire, and a Lavvo (Sámi tent) with food from the wild on the menu. Would you like to go fishing? There are trout, perch, pike, whitefish and eel in Uranavassdraget. Boats for sea fishing can be rented.

Dømmesmoen, the beautiful park in which the museum is located, is abundant in flowers, towering trees providing cool, shady areas and heritage dating back to prehistoric times. Furthermore, the museum grounds comprise beds of roses and herbs, as well as an apple orchard featuring a number of Norwegian varieties. The museum contains three Exhibitions. The newest has been named "Bees and flowers - the ecological interplay". The display focuses interaction between bees and flowers, and the importance of this balance in order for us to be able to harvest numerous fruits and berries. Museum shop and cafe.

Grimstad Tourist Office is where visitors and holiday makes can find information and advice. We provide details on attractions, events and places worth visiting, as well as brochures covering Southern Norway and other regions. Sale of maps, travel guides, postcards etc. Opening hours: Summer season 20.06. - 20.08. Mon-Fri 09.00 - 18.00/Sat-Sun 10.00 - 16.00 Rest of the year Mon - Fri 08.30 - 16.00/Sat-Sun closed

Marivold offers sandy Beaches, a rocky shoreline and ample parking for day visitors. Wildlife area abundant in orchids. Tarmac path to the sea. This is also where Marivold Resort is located, offering camping facilities and cabin rental, as well as a shop and restaurant during the summer season.

Public recreation ground/coastal park in Homborsund with an abundance of cultural monuments, and a varied scenery ranging from woodland to rocky shores. Hiking: The area has a number of way-marked trails equipped with information displays. A brochure is available.