Grimstad belongs to the geographical region of Sørlandet. The administrative center of the municipality is the town of Grimstad. Some of the villages in Grimstad include Eide, Espenes, Fevik, Fjære, Håbbestad, Hesnes, Homborsund, Jortveit, Kroken, Landvik, Nygrenda, Prestegårdskogen, Reddal, Roresand, Rønnes, Skiftenes, Tjore, Vik, and Østerhus.

The municipality is centered around the little maritime town of Grimstad which is surrounded by many small islands (Skjærgård). There is a harbor, a long pedestrian shopping street, a small market square, Grimstad Church, and a museum dedicated to the early life of Henrik Ibsen, who served as an apprentice to Grimstad´s local pharmacist Reimann, from 1844 to 1847, before leaving Grimstad in 1850. Ibsen´s intimate knowledge of the local people and surroundings can be seen in his poem Terje Vigen. The majority of the inhabitants live in and around the town, while the rest of the municipality is rural and heavily forested.

Grimstad inNorway gained the status of town in 1816 and has a current population of approximately 22.000 and a area of 303,2 km2 in Aust Agder. Grimstad is an excellent starting point for bicycle rides. Make your trip long or short, ride along the beach or explore the inland. Commerce is varied in the district and it is particularly famous for agricultural and horticultural products. Farming and forestry have long traditions as important sources of income in the area, as do shipping and boat building such as Marex.

A unique feature of the long Grimstad coastline is the hundreds of islands open to the public. A foundation known as “Selskapet for Grimstad Bys Vel” began purchasing the island properties as early as the 1920s and many were donated. The islands belonged to the rural farms, and each island would often have several owners. Over the years the islands were obtained so that most of those close to the town centre are now owned by the town’s foundation and are open to visitors and locals alike. They are well maintained, and over recent years the town foundation has built up several small sandy beaches on the islands.

The Island park or (Skjærgårdspark), was established in 1977 and covers an even greater number of islands, keeping them open to the public. Many of the islands and islets have fittings for mooring boats, toilets and waste containers maintained by the team of rangers responsible for the islands’ upkeep. The beaches are kept clean and the water quality at the ten most popular beaches is checked every year. Tests show consistently that the water quality in Grimstad is excellent. The island park has several nature reserves / bird reserves. General principles and regulations for use of outdoor areas apply.

Binabben, Vardeheia, Kirkeheia and Møllerheia are the moors surrounding the town, all of which have marvellous views. Binabben and Vardeheia are nature areas owned by the Association for Grimstad Town’s Well being. Kirkeheia is one of the town´s finest parks. The views from Vardeheia and Kirkeheia are also accessible to the disabled.

Groos recreation area are a public recreation area with a beach, situated 20 minutes’ walk from the centre of Grimstad. Very popular daytrip destination, offering large grassy areas and good opportunities for swimming. Summer cafeteria. The Outdoor Act and general rules of behaviour in public recreation areas apply Camping not allowed. Good parking. Situated approximately 3 km west of the centre of Grimstad.

Groosebekken adventure trails flows through central parts of the municipality from Bukketjern in the woods to its outlet near the beaches at Groos. A path 4 km long runs alongside Groosbekken from the lake to the beautiful park at Dømmesmoen. This path is marked out and there are signs providing information on cultural history, flora and fauna. A folder is made for this area.

Marivold is a peninsula on the east side of the eastern sea entrance to Grimstad. You can drive right into the Grimstad archipelago here, and you then pass the Hesnes canal. Significant parts of Marivold have been protected by the Grimstad Civic Society as a recreation area. Marivold has parking for day-visitors, sandy beaches, rocky slopes and a wide variety of flora. The area has been adapted for the disabled, with asphalted wheelchair paths down to the beach and to the vantage point overlooking the sea. The Outdoor Act and general rules of behaviour in public recreation areas apply. Camping is not allowed. A prehistoric path is planned. Approximately 6 km east of Grimstad.

IBSEN HOUSE

Ibsenhuset (Ibsen house) and Grimstad town museum, in the centre of town is the oldest and largest Ibsen museum in the country (established in 1909), with the old chemist’s shop where Ibsen was an apprentice (1844-50). His youth in Grimstad had a great effect on Henrik Ibsen’s writing. He wrote his first drama here, Catilina (1849), and found the inspiration for the poem on Terje Vigen, in which large parts of the plot are set in the skerries around Grimstad. The museum contains Ibsen memorabilia from his whole life (1828-1906). The museum has a separate exhibition on the theme of the poem “Terje Vigen”. The old chemist’s shop also displays a unique period in pharmaceutical history. Guided tours.

GRIMSTAD MARITIME MUSEUM

The old shipyard at Hasseldalen is one of only three preserved sailing shipyards in Norway. The yard was established in 1842 and the Maritime Museum (Sjøfartsmuseet) in Hasseldalen is situated in the “Old Office” – the administrative building of the old sailing shipyard. The museum is open during the summer and by special arrangements throughout the rest of the year.

BLACKSMITHS on KIRKEBAKKEN

This tiny building houses a rich collection of tools.

REIMANNGÅRDEN HOUSE

Reimanngarden is a complex of four 18th century houses in Tverrstredet / Vestregate. The complex was built ca. 1780, but was pulled down in 1958. It was later rebuilt 50 meters from its original site. This was the town’s first chemist’s, where Ibsen was an apprentice from January 1844 until the autumn of 1846. The buildings are owned by Ibsenhuset and the museum, and are today used by the Grimstad Art Association which arranges exhibitions all year round.

GRIMSTADS FORTUNES

The largest mosaic in Norway by Marit Bockelie. Fabulous work of art developed around the Grimstad coat of arms, located in the municipal boardroom in Grimstad town hall. The materials used are natural stone (Fjære granite) and Italian smalto (glass). More than 160,000 pieces of mosaic and 2.5 tonnes of mortar were used.

NØRHOLM

Nørholm farmin Eide was the home of Knut Hamsun from 1918 until 1952. It lies six kilometres west of Grimstad, and can be seen from the E-18 motorway. Not open to the public.

THEATRE IN STONE QUARRY

Since 1993 the Agder Theatrical company has been putting on performances each summer in a disused stone quarry at Fjæreheia near Grimstad. The venture has proved a great success for the company, which bought the quarry in 1995. In 1999 a grandstand with 1,000 seats was completed. The quarry, which lies about 2 km from Fjære Church, provides a unique outdoor auditorium with excellent acoustics. Visitors attending the perform ances can use the public parking area near the church, and then walk about 20 minutes to the quarry. There are also special buses from Grimstad bus station right up to the quarry.

DØMMESMOEN

Old cultural landscape with wealth of memorials (approx. 60 graves dating back to 600-200 B.C.). Beautiful parkland developed around the dam, a natural source which used to supply Grimstad town. From the dam, the park rolls gently around buildings and roads, making its way over to forest and fields. Ideal for hiking. Previously owned by governmental gardening school, now a section of Agder High school and a central feature of one of Grimstad’s greatest cultural traditions – agriculture and horticulture.

NORWEGIAN MUSEUM OF HORTICULTURE

Recently opened section at Dømmesmoen. Collection of old horticultural and gardening tools. Includes an old fashioned seed shop and a wonderful wine museum with a lot of old objects from Fuhr’s wine cellar. The museum is also home to Knut Hamsun’s 1929 model tractor from Nørholmen. In addition to the beautiful parkland, an arboretum is being developed here.

ENERGY PARK

Agder High school and Agder Energy have established the National Centre for Recyclable Energy in Grimstad. The centre is the largest of its type in Norway, and an area of just under one acre is occupied by the Dømmesmoen Energy Park. The energy park covers systems for exploitation and storage of solar energy and ground heat, production and use of hydrogen and development of efficient private use of energy – the park shall be connected to the windmill park at Lista.

The park is to be used for research and development of recyclable energy and energy systems and shall include facilities for education, courses and demonstrations for large numbers of visitors. Climate and energy. The earth´s atmosphere is subject to increasing stress from various gases which are slowly changing our cimate. Here in Grimstad, we are working on climate and energy projects which will result in proposals for how we in Grimstad can reduce our discharge of gases and energy consumption. Agder High school’s new energy park is an excellent opportunity for us to increase our know how of the future´s recyclable energy sources.

GRIMSTAD CHURCH

The church was inaugurated on 7 April 1881. It has 1,150 seats and is Norway´s second largest wooden church. Architect: Thrap Meyer. Builder: Heinecke. Grimstad church is situated at Kirkeheia with a lovelyview over the town and the sea. War Memonal. Guided tours for groups.

FJÆRE CHURCH

This church is made of stone and dates back to the middle of the 12th century. Despite being 850 years old, it is a living congregational church. It was not completed in one generation, but was created gradually over the centuries. The church grew together with the village and the people, and became the centre of Fjære´s history from the Middle Ages until the present day. The oldest and most valuable individual cultural monuments in and around Fjære church are the finely sculpted head of a man in stone over the south door, dating from before 1150.

The church´s unique and beautiful christening font, in the High Gothic style from the Middle Ages. Olavskilden, a fountain associated with St. Olav the Holy. The Terje Vigen stone monument in memory of the brave men of the 1807-1814 war. The stone monument was erected in 1906 by the friends of Terje Vigen. The altarpiece, pulpit with panelled ceiling and pews with the names of farms painted on them are consldered valuable. They were made in the period 1500-1700. The church is verywell preserved, with many interesting finds and stories. Guided tours. Approximately 3 km east of Grimstad.

S/S SOLRIK

70-foot schooner. Beautiful yacht built in 1929 and restored in Grimstad. Grimstad´s yacht can take you on exciting cruises to the Archipelago. May be rented for daytime, nighttime or weeklong cruises.

M/S BIBBEN

82-foot wooden boat, M/S Bibben will take you on a two hour guided sightseeing tour around the Grimstad archipelago, or on a three hour fishing trip in the summerseason. Other sightseeing trips are available for groups.

M/S OSTERØY

Classic fishing boat, owned and run by Terje Viken at Kystlaget coastal association. Availble for hire from~ May – August. Max. 43 persons.

FEVIK

Fevik is located approximately 6 km from Grimstad centre. Ancient settlement and safe harbour, now one of Grimstad’s most popular residential areas. Total population of approximately 4000. Fevik primary school has around 380 pupils, secondary school located at Vik. More and more people are choosing to spend their free time enjoying special landscapes, flora, fauna and birdlife. Fevik is rich in all these, and is home to several areas with unique natural features protected by environmental bodies.

SØM NATURE RESERVE

This area has the best birch forest in South Norway and a very rich population of butterflies and insects. Approximately 11 km from Grimstad centre.

SKARSDALEN NATURE RESERVE

Located in Fevik, predominantly forested with oak with areas of black alder, aspen and ash. A total of 19 species of tree have been noted. Approximately 6 km from Grimstad centre.

SÆVELI NATURE RESERVE

Located in Vik, Noble deciduous wood covers around 60% of this reserve and forms a natural belt down towards Sæveli stream. The majority of the forestation is oak, with black alder in the lower reaches. A total of 21 species of tree and bush have been recorded. Approximately 3 km east of Grimstad centre.

STORESAND OUTDOORS AREA

Public outdoors area at walking distance from Fevik. One of South Norway’s most popular outdoors areas, with excellent sandy beach and good parking. Please observe general principles and rules for use of outdoors areas. No camping permitted. Access: Road number 420 to Fevik then follow Sømsveien to Storesandveien. Approximately 9 km east of Grimstad centre.

HAUSLANDSANDEN

Public beach nearby Strand Hotel. Popular for bathing, easily reached. Access: Road number 420 to Fevik, close to bus stop. No camping permitted. Approximately 7 km east of Grimstad centre.

HASSELTANGEN OUTDOORS AREA

Public outdoors area east of Grimstad municipality. Great area for families with beach, wide grassy areas and beautiful scenery. Area has been adapted for the handicapped with tarmac trails for wheelchairs down to the beach and viewpoint over the sea. Please observe general principles and rules for use of outdoors areas. No camping permitted. Approximately 12 km east of Grimstad centre.

GREFSTADVIKA OUTDOORS AREA

Public outdoors area east of Moysand campsites. Perfect for the family with sandy beach, grassy areas and viewpoint to Valøyene islands and Hesnes islands. Toilets. Please observe general principles and rules for use of outdoors areas. Approximately 6 km east of Grimstad.

LANDVIK

The Reddal canal was built around 1875-80 and now connects the Strandfjord with the inland lakes of Landvikvannet and Reddalsvannet. The canal is open to smaller boats and is a popular tourist attraction. In its day, the Strandfjord was an important centre for construction of sailing ships and timber delivery. The mouth of the canal has been home to both a sawmill and a milling plant. The old millstones Iying on the canal banks bear testimony to days gone by. The Agreelva river and later the Reddal canal were very important for timber floating. The canal crosses some uniquely beautiful scenery.

Reddal lake Nature Reserve is a very important biota for ducks and mute swans. The fertile belt of reeds surrounding the lake is home to the reed bunting, garden warbler, reed warbler and others. The Reddal lake is connected to the sea via the Reddal canal. The reserve is some 7 km north of Grimstad centre.

Bjørsund Nature Reserve is at the mouth of Rørevannet lake. When the lake floods, almost the entire reserve lies under water. Not only is this an important site for ducks, Bjørsund is also the nesting ground for various species of wading birds. The reserve is some 9 km north of Gnmstad centre.

“Kongeveien”, the West Norway route. Originally built around 1790, this was the main thoroughfare along the west coast until 1905. 8 km of this route were reopened for walkers in 1994. The old “Kongeveien” between Dalholt in Grimstad and Kaldvell in Lillesand was and still remains a uniquely beautiful stretch. The thick deciduous forest has been thinned out at the highest points to allow views over the many glittering lakes along the route, Eineid bridge crossing the Reddal canal was reconstructed in its original style.

There are information boards along the route. By combining this stretch of the route with forestry tracks, paths and roads with little traffic, you can make up some excellent round trips of varying lengths. Most of the “Kongeveien” is for pedestrians only, and is strongly recommended as a cycle trail between Grimstad and Lillesand.

Skiftenes Nature Reserve in Landvik was established in 1973, with the aim to preserve the characteristic southern Norwegian oak forest with some hardy and well looked after trees. The reserve is also home to the yew, elm and lime species. The area has a waymarked nature trail. The reserve is some 10 km north of Grimstad centre.

LANDVIK CHURCH

This cruciform church dates back to the 1820s. It seats 400 and is a beautiful wooden church, built on the site of an earlier church, most probably from about the same time as Fjære church (around the 12th century).

HOMBORSUND

Kalvehageneset outdoors area is a public outdoors area / island park located in Homborsund, right out on the coast by Skagerrak. The landscape varies from forests to rocky shores, and has a rich choice of memorials. Very popular for walking and rod fishing. Perfect for those who want to visit the coastline but don’t have a boat. The area has waymarked trails with information boards, and a brochure is available. Please observe general principles and rules for use of outdoors areas. Several small and pretty sandy beaches in Meggersvik. Approximately 15 km west of Grimstad centre.

Svennevig outdoors area is is one of the most popular outdoor areas in the area, with its sandy beaches, good facilities with toilets and waste disposal. Please observe general principles and rules for use of outdoors areas.

The island of Auesoya lies on the border with Lillesand and can only be reached by boat. Large parts of the island form part of a landscape reserve to preserve this typical southern Norwegian island with its beautiful natural and cultural landscape, fauna and flora. A cultural trail has been set up on the island, with its own brochure. The island is perfect for outdoor pursuits, and “Sokken” is the most important area and perfect for families with young children. Please observe the rules and regulations set up for the reserve.

HOMBORSUND LIGHTHOUSE

You can reach the Homborsund lighthouse (Homborsund fyr) by boat. It has overnight accommodation, and visitors can enjoy an evening barbecue, go fishing, or absorb the atmosphere of a typical lighthouse station. Wardens are based here in the school holidays, when it’s “open house”. For information on boat travel, contact the wardens. The lighthouse can also be rented at other times of the year.

EIDE CHURCH

The present church at Eide dates back to 1796. The church is situated on a stretch of land between two inclines. The church was restored in 1974-76, revealing many interesting finds. The church was found to contain remains from two earlier churches

FARM VISITS

Visit a farm about 10 minutes from the centre of Grimstad. Take your family / friends and enjoy some pleasurable hours here amidst animals and nature. Enjoy a ride on a horse and cart, or on a tractor and trailer. Feed and care for the animals (rabbits, hens, calves, lambs, ducks, etc). Magnificent rambling country, excellent bathing opportunities, fishing and barbecuing. Open every Thursday in July, or by prior arrangement.

BEAVER AND WILDERNESS SAFARI

Evening trips into the wilderness, looking for beaver, elk and deer. Mid-June to mid-August.

GRIMSTAD MARINA

The innermost harbour has 100 moorings for guests, with 2 service buildings including toilets, showers, washing machines and tumble driers. The harbour also has a sewage emptying facility for leisure boats.

FISHING

A list of fishing lakes and where to buy fishing permits. Separate fishing map for the entire region. Regular sea-fishing trips in the summer. All motor boats and one traditional fishing boat with sails. Boat hire from the Tourist Office. Rental by the day, hour and week, several sizes and price ranges.

FRESHWATER FISHING

The inland villages in Grimstad municipality are surrounded by some breathtaking countryside which is very popular for outdoor pursuits. And thanks to a program of ]iming the spawning streams and larger lakes, the fish are now returning to our freshwater lakes local fishing associations have put in a lot of voluntary work to cultivate our fishing lakes, and they have cooperated to produce a common fishing licence for several watercourses in the municipality. Fishing licences are on sale at the Shell petrolstation in the town centre and other places. A brochure with information on freshwater fishing is also available.

GOLF

Grimstad Golfclub, is located in beautiful countryside at Hodnebrog. Course covers rolling terrain with 9 holes and total length of 1820 metres, two thirds of a complete 9 hole course. Also has approximately 6 acre driving range and training area with driving mats and ball machine.