Highlights in Grimstad

Grimstad - The city of poets

Narrow cobblestone streets, white wooden houses and narrow lanes
makes Grimstad an incredibly cozy southern village. 
The old houses also tell exciting stories
stories about those who have lived here before.

Among them are the world-renowned authors Henrik Ibsen and Knut Hamsun, who both lived for several years in Grimstad. Grimstad is the town where Ibsen became Ibsen. He moved here as a 15-year-old to become an apprentice pharmacist, but by the time he moved from the city several years later he had written his first play.

If you come to Grimstad, you can get to know young Henrik better and his turbulent youth here in the city. Our Ibsen museum is the country's oldest, and includes both the pharmacy where Ibsen worked and the watch room where he wrote his first plays.

You can also follow in the poets' footsteps. You can book a guide, or take the tours around the city on your own with your mobile phone in hand. Just scan the QR codes and meet the poets on screen.

Grimstad is also perfect to experience from
the bicycle seat. In fact, both Thor Hushovd and
Dag Otto Lauritzen are from Grimstad.
Do you take the challenge of exploring their recommended bike routes?

If it takes too long, you can take it easy. We have
plenty of shorter routes too, both along the coast and in
the hinterland. You can rent the bike at the tourist office.

If you want to get your legs moving, we have lovely hiking areas. Enjoy beautiful Dømmesmoen park…

… or take a walk along the coastal path
in Raet National Park, one of Southern Norway's most
popular open spaces.

In the town center you can stroll around and discover
charming niche boutiques and a variety of restaurants and coffeeshops.

For example, take a trip to Smag og behag, Herlighed or Apotekergaarden bar and restaurant, which is widely known for its pleasant atmosphere.

Here you eat and drink well.

Several cultural festivals are organized during the year.
In the summer, for example, you can participate in Kortfilmfestivalen festival in June, and the Ibsen and Hamsun days in
August.

Our wonderful archipelago is beautiful all year round.

In the summer you can join Badebåden
some of the finest bathing spots in
the archipelago…

...or go on a sailing trip with the schooner Solrik.

Would you rather explore the archipelago on your own
hand, you can rent a boat at the tourist office.

Welcome to Grimstad!