Mini-vacation in sight: To the idyllic Sørland in Arendal

There's something special about packing your bags at the beginning of July, getting in the car and heading south along the E18. The trip takes you to Arendal for a three-day break. Based at the historic Grand Hotel in the heart of the city, everything is in place for a couple of days filled with salt water, cobblestone charm and a real southern summer atmosphere. Here's how we recharge, and what's on the agenda for the first proper July days of the year!

The Base: Grand Hotel Arendal – Classic elegance in the heart of the city

When it comes to staying in a hotel in Arendal, location is everything. Grand Hotel (part of Unike Hoteller) was built all the way back in 1888 and has a very special, intimate charm. The newly renovated rooms combine history with modern luxury. Best of all: you're within walking distance of absolutely everything.

It will be wonderful to start the day with the hotel's famous breakfast buffet. Then we can stroll the few meters down to Pollen - the city's pulsating heart.

The itinerary and preparations

The trip takes just under two hours along the E18, making it a perfect, stress-free road trip.

• Packing list focus: The southern summer demands a flexible wardrobe. Sunglasses and light summer clothes are necessary for daytime viewing on the pier. But also remember a good sweater or thin jacket for late evenings by the sea. Good sneakers are a must for climbing the charming, but sometimes steep slopes of Tyholmen.

  
  

• Practical tip: Since the hotel is located right in the city center, it's a good idea to check out the parking options nearby. For example, in one of the parking facilities in the mountain, so you don't have to search when you arrive.

  
  

Top 4 experiences in Arendal

Even though the big festivals like Canal Street and Water Festival kick off later in the month, Arendal is bustling with life in early July. Here are the things we're most looking forward to experiencing:

1. Evening fun in Pollen

This is the natural gathering point in Arendal. The harbor basin is surrounded by restaurants, outdoor restaurants and a bustling boating scene. Here we will secure a table in the sun, eat good food (perhaps fresh shrimp or local seafood?) and just watch the people go by.

2. Hiking on historic Tyholmen

Right next to Pollen is Tyholmen, Arendal's old town. Here you will find incredibly well-preserved wooden houses from the 18th century. Walking leisurely through the narrow alleys, looking at the beautiful skipper's houses and stopping by the monumental Church of the Holy Trinity is the perfect way to spend a quiet morning.

3. Archipelago idyll on Merdø

You can't visit Arendal without getting out on the water. From Pollen there is a regular boat service to the car-free island of Merdø. The trip only takes about 20 minutes. The island has fantastic sandy beaches, narrow paths between old Sørlandshus, and a unique tranquility. Pack a swimsuit and have a picnic on the rocky shore.

4. The harbor baths and roof terraces

If the weather is nice, Arendal has a fantastic floating harbor bath at the far end of the quay. After a dip there, it's a short walk up to one of the city's rooftop terraces for refreshments with a view of the entire approach to the city.

Summary of the trip

The best southern holiday is one where you slow down. We're looking forward to two days without an alarm clock, filled with the smell of salt water, the sound of seagulls and pure hotel luxury!

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Stay tuned for updates and photos as we roll south.