Welcome to Arendal!
The town was established as a municipality on January 1, 1838.
Shipping, shipbuilding and the timber trade, as well as mining and ironworks, were important industries in the Arendal region for many centuries. Today, the town has small boat production, mechanical industry, electronics industry and one of the world's largest silicon carbide refining plants. In addition, the region's largest battery factory is under construction in the municipality.
Agder is the southernmost county in Norway.
The population of Arendal is estimated to be 45 000 inhabitants. Arendal municipality is the second largest in the Agder region.
Arendal is also known for being the inspirational town for the Disney animated film 'Frozen'. "Arendelle" is the central location for the "Frozen" movie series and the birthplace of the characters "Anna" and "Elsa". Hidden in the movie are some very clever and well-researched pieces of Norwegian history and archaeology.
Stay and explore
Pollen, pictured at the top of the page, is known as the heart of the town center. Here, in summer and winter, you can look out over the boating life in the harbor and the crowds along the quays and in the downtown area of Arendal.
Arendal municipality's website has practical information for its citizens.
The town offers many exciting activities. At Kuben you will find exciting exhibitions showing the history of Arendal and eastern Agder. The museum has a special exhibition created especially for children.
Welcome Hub Agder
Welcome Hub Agder invites new residents to "become a local!" in Arendal.
Funded by local business, service organizations and the local municipality, WHA is positioned as an integral part of the community of over 100+ networking organizations - together we provide information, networking opportunities and support to both start-ups and well-established nationals and internationals.
WHA's services are available to all who wish, but particularly emphasize a varied offer to newly established national and international families. Check their website for many exciting events or send an email to info@welcomehub.no.
The WHA network understands that moving to a new place affects the whole family. This important transition should be exciting and positive. So let them help you get comfortable!
Arendal Week
In August, a democratic meeting place is organized for everyone who is engaged in the society we live in. Arendalsuka is the event for those who want to listen to, debate and solve the societal challenges of today and tomorrow.
Around 1,000 events and 200 stands fill the center of Arendal for five days in August each year.
Pollen during Arendalsuka.
Education and training
Children in Norway start school in the year they turn 6 years old. The child will automatically be called to their local school based on their home address, but if desired, parents can apply to other schools in or outside the municipality and to private schools.
Everyone who settles in Arendal can choose whether they want Norwegian or English education. Here we show a small selection of the options that international students often choose:
The International School in Arendal offers a high quality international education. Classes are taught in English to students aged between 6 and 16 years old. You can read more about the school here: Arendal International School
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme (IB ) at Arendal Videregående Skole offers high school with almost all teaching in English.
TheUniversity of Agder has its largest campus in Kristiansand. The second campus is in Grimstad. UiA has 13,000 students and 1,300 staff.
Arendal also offers Norwegian language courses for adults, both day and evening classes.
Transportation
The nearest commercial airport is in Kristiansand International Airport Kjevik. The airport has direct international routes to Amsterdam and Copenhagen. Seasonal direct flights to Spain, Greece, Cyprus and some other countries.
Transportation to and from Kristiansand Airport, see Avinor.
Taxi Arendal & Grimstad Taxi at number 07000 .
Local bus routes, check AKT.no/English. Here you can both buy and plan your trip.
If you want to travel by bus or train outside Agder, please see Vy.
In Arendal there are local ferries to the following destinations:
Tromøy - Arendal - Hisøy
Arendal - Merdø
Departures and itineraries, please check here.
Contact details of public stakeholders
Emergency numbers
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Ambulance: 113
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Police: 112
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Fire: 110
- Emergency services: 116 117
Hospitals and emergency services
Sørlandet Hospital Arendal, Sykehusveien 1, 4838 Arendal
Telephone: + 47 906 10 600
Police station
Arendal and Froland police station, Åsbieveien 39, 4848 Arendal
Monday - Friday 09.00-14:30 (Thursday 16.30)
NAV (The Norwegian labor and welfare administration)
NAV Arendal, Nedre Tyholms vei 13, 4836 Arendal
Monday - Friday: 12:00-15:00
