Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
SEEING THE SIGHTS
Arendal Rådhus The Rådhus, or Town Hall, in the center of town, still
houses the administrative offices of the city. It's better known as the second-
largest timber building in Norway and the country's single tallest timber struc-
ture. Built in 1815, the building accommodates Norway's largest collection of
antique portraits (there are some 300), most of them painted in the 19th century.
Rådhusgata 19. & 37-01-30-00. Free admission. Mon-Fri 9am-3pm.
Aust-Agder Museum This is an unusual museum, a result of the fact
that the town's sailors were asked to bring home items from their global sailing
that might interest the folks back home. These seafarers succeeded so admirably,
this museum was opened in 1932. In addition to finds from around the world,
the museum also showcases the folk art of the region and is filled with memo-
rabilia of the history of the town, mainly artifacts from its seafaring heyday. The
museum lies about 1.5km (1 mile) north of the center; to reach it, follow the
signs in the direction of Oslo.
Parkveien 16. & 37-07-35-00. Admission 20NOK ($2.85) adults, 10NOK ($1.40) children. June 25-Aug 13
Mon-Fri 9am-5pm, Sun noon-5pm; Aug 14-June 24 Mon-Fri 9am-3pm, Sun noon-3pm.
WHERE TO STAY
Clarion Tyholmen Hotel Enjoying panoramic views of one of Norway's
loveliest harbors, this hotel is one of the best bets in the area for an overnight
stopover. Architecturally, it was inspired by the 1800s, the heyday of the sailing
vessels that put Arendal on the map. The decor of each bedroom reflects the his-
tory of a different ship constructed in Norway, and each unit is named for a par-
ticular vessel. All of the accommodations are decorated in soothing pastels, with
modern furnishings and midsize bathrooms with tub/shower combinations. The
hotel's restaurants, Ruffan and Tre Seil (p. 226 and 227), are both popular in the
area during the summer. The dining facilities here are so excellent that you may
want to patronize the hotel for food and drink even if you're not a guest. The
location is a 2-minute walk south of the bus station.
Teaterplassen 2, N-4800 Arendal. & 37-07-68-00. Fax 37-07-68-01. www.choicehotels.no. 60 units. Mid-
June to mid-Aug 990NOK ($141) double; off season Mon-Fri 1,525NOK ($217) double, Sat-Sun 930NOK
($132) double. AE, DC, MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; sauna; laundry service/dry cleaning. In room:
A/C, TV, minibar, hair dryer, safe, trouser press.
Scandic Arendal Despite frequent renovations, and a foundation that may
have supported many buildings before this one, much of what you'll see when
you look at this pleasant hotel dates from the late 1960s. Only three of its five
floors contain bedrooms; the remaining two floors are entirely devoted to con-
ference and convention facilities, making it a frequent host for corporate con-
ventions from throughout Norway. The medium-size bedrooms come in
monochromatic tones of pale blue, pale green, and earth tones. Each of the tiled
bathrooms has its own shower, and a few (only 10) have bathtubs as well. The
hotel's restaurant, Serdinand, is separately recommended (p. 227).
Fiergangen 1, N-4800 Arendal. & 37-05-21-50. Fax 37-05-21-51. www.scandic-hotels.com. 84 units.
Mon-Thurs 1,305NOK ($185) double; Fri-Sun and daily mid-June to mid-Aug 890NOK ($126) double. AE, DC,
MC, V. Amenities: 2 restaurants; bar; nightclub; lobby bar with pianist; business center; laundry service/dry
cleaning. In room: TV, minibar, hair dryer.
WHERE TO DINE
Ruffan STEAKS/NORWEGIAN Ruffan is a cozy cellar kind of place with a
nautical decor, housed within Arendal's best hotel, the Clarion Tyholmen Hotel
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