Slip into island time on Tromoy. At almost 30 square kilometres, it’s one of the largest islands in Southern Norway and is a nature lover’s dream. Explore scenic walking and cycling trails and swim at beautiful beaches. Colourful wooden houses, winding lanes and white picket fences give the island a postcard-perfect aesthetic.
Things to do in Tromøy
The beaches on Tromoy are gorgeous. Some are fringed by soft sand and others feature strips of silver pebbles. You’ll find some of the most sheltered beaches around Hove on the south-west tip of the island. The water is calm, clear and perfect for swimming. Lots of the beaches feature grassy foreshores where you can sunbathe and unpack a picnic lunch. Alternatively, dine at one of the open-air cafes and enjoy classic Norwegian dishes like ocean-fresh mussels and smoked salmon.
Cycling trails criss-cross the island and take you past charming towns and villages. Cruise past beautiful beaches and explore inland trails to discover farms, fields and pretty woodland areas. Some trails take you to Iron Age burial grounds.
Tromoy Church dates to the 1100s and features a picturesque white façade and beautifully decorated interior. Admire the ornate wood carvings and stroll around the churchyard dotted with centuries-old gravestones.
Raet National Park protects a patchwork of islands, reefs and glacier-carved coastline. Use Tromoy as a base to explore the park and discover the unique coastal landscapes. Rent a kayak and paddle along the shoreline or test your balance with a stand-up paddleboard. Glass-bottomed canoes offer a window into the island’s vibrant underwater ecosystem.
Getting around Tromøy
Bicycles are the best way to explore Tromoy and visit different towns, villages and beaches. Passenger ferries run between Arendal and Tromoy in five minutes. Ferries also run between Tromoy and the neighbouring island of Merdø in the summer.