Weekend in charming Lillesand

Imagine that you've parked your car for the weekend. You've checked in, dropped off your luggage, and opened the windows wide. The afternoon is cool and carries the scent of the sea. The seagulls cry, reminding you that you've arrived and that your days off are ahead. Finally!

In Lillesand, you sleep well, whether you choose to stay at the venerable Hotel Norge in the heart of the town, at Horisonten just off the E18, or one of the city's campsites. There are also good options for private rentals. Regardless of your choice, you'll be warmly welcomed.

Hamsun's Room

If you're coming for a long weekend with your partner or a good friend, the historic Hotel Norge is the perfect starting point. If you're lucky, you can check into Knut Hamsun's room, room 302, where the author spent long periods seeking peace to write. The suite consists of a living room, bedroom, and bathroom and offers an unbeatable view of Lillesand harbor.

At the hotel, you'll also find a culinary kitchen that offers both locally sourced specialties and continental flavors. It's not uncommon for the entire hotel to be filled with the aroma of freshly baked apple cake, made with apples from the hotel's own trees. So, you can choose whether to enjoy it in the dining room, the summer restaurant in the hotel garden, one of the historic lounges, or in the library with a good book.

Food straight from the sea

If you're looking for great dining experiences, it's also a short way to Hos Oss på brygkanten, which specializes in seafood, but also serves a number of other dishes. Here you sit close to the sea, and whether you want to eat inside, on the glazed terrace or outdoors, you enjoy good food and drink in lovely surroundings. Head chef Christopher has a background, among other things, from a gourmet restaurant in the fishing village of Mogán on Gran Canaria, and with his own fish reception, the access to fresh fish is impeccable.

At Restaurant Beddingen you are inside and outside at the same time. Also here on the edge of the wharf, close to the pavilion on Havnetomta. Here you get the city's best view of the guest pier, and guaranteed good food and drink, whether you come for dinner, lunch or just something good with your coffee. On the edge of the wharf, you will also find Nino's, which serves real Italian stone oven pizza and a number of other dishes. At TT Beach you get, among other things, delicious Thai food, while Sjøbua offers simple snacks and drinks from its fantastic pier service. At the newly restored Strandhaven you can eat both lunch and dinner, enjoy your morning coffee or something good by the glass. Café, restaurant and night club with a large and delicious garden, which is wonderfully situated on the edge of the wharf

Unique shops

Should the need arise, it is therefore not difficult to park a possible travel companion when the urge to shop arises. Because in Lillesand it's easy to get the urge to pop into the shops. The town is known for its niche shops, and is open on Sundays both in the summer and before Christmas. Here there are clothing stores for both women, men and children, toy stores, shoe stores, interior and gift shops, flower shops, perfumeries, gallery shops and delicatessens, in addition to electronics dealers, kiosks, liquor stores, opticians, bakeries and a number of hairdressing and skin care salons.

In addition to the colonials in the centre, the grocery stores are close to Tingsaker, where you will also find Lillesand Senter. Here, too, a mix of niche shops and well-known chains, as well as the café Edgar's, where the temptations lie in a queue.

Historic small town

When you first stroll the streets, notice the houses around you. Everywhere are the white-painted southern gems in Empire style with high foundation walls and windows with bars. And newer detached houses, also these in the charming southern style. The streets are narrow, the alleyways narrow and behind white picket fences, the first crocuses and snowdrops are blooming, followed by lilacs, then lavender and roses.

If you take the walk above Kokkenes, you will get a glimpse of the city's proud maritime history. At Verven is the only remaining building from the sailing ship business, which reached its peak towards the end of the 19th century. From 1860 until 1900 there were as many as eight shipyards along the harbor in Lillesand, in addition to a large fleet of sailing ships. Fifty large wooden sailing ships were built at these yards.

At Verven you will find another small piece of coastal history, and perhaps the world's only wheelhouse library. Here you can supply yourself with reading material that you choose whether you want to keep or return. The small wheelhouse once stood on the fishing boat Andrea, and the micro-library is open 24/7 all year round.

Out to sea?

Incidentally, there are several good lending schemes in Lillesand. Once you are at Verven, you can actually borrow a rowing boat - absolutely free. If you would rather paddle, you can borrow a kayak for free at BUA, where you will also find a large selection of bicycles, roller skis, fishing equipment and various other sports and leisure equipment. Everything freely available, but the principle is first come, first served. If you want to reserve a boat in advance, you can get it from Lillesand Explorer.

Fishing in Lillesand? Read more about it here.

If you prefer to be a passenger, you can join the sightseeing boat Øya through Blindleia, or jump on the Badebåden which runs between the center and Skauerøya and Saltholmen. The possibilities are many, and that's a good thing, because it would be a shame to travel from Lillesand without experiencing the finest the city has to offer.

Varied hiking terrain

All in all, Lillesand is an eldorado for those who enjoy being out in, and experiencing, nature. From the spectacular sunrise on the horizon to the magical light when the sun sets late in the evening, the stage is set for great experiences both in the archipelago and in the many organized recreation areas. Here you will find a hiking trail that suits you. If you haven't been to Kaldvell, perhaps it should be at the top of your list? At the top of Kniben, you get a good overview of the hiking area east of Lillesand. From Fløresteinen closer to the centre, you can see the small town from a bird's eye view, and visit the Kingdom of the Three Figures.

And you, if you really want to top the trip – swing by the OVER experience tower, just off the E18, and take the stairs in the world's highest free-standing climbing tower. It is 47 meters high, and gives you a view halfway to Denmark.