Bjorbekk: Recreation and Landscape

Bjorbekk’s landscape is shaped by an important recreational area, the protected Lilleelv watercourse and the agricultural landscape north of the built-up area. When looking for a hotel in Bjorbekk, it helps to distinguish between the two: the local focus is on landscape and trails, while cultural and other nature-related attractions are part of the wider travel destination of Arendal.

Recreation Trails and Landscape in Bjorbekk

An important recreational area runs from the park by the psychiatric centre via Skibberhei, where trails branch off to the west, down to Lilleelv and across a bridge. This sequence of landmarks gives an impression of the area’s layout. Check current trail conditions before setting out.

Bjorbekk kirke is an important landmark in the agricultural landscape north of Bjorbekk’s built-up area. Lilleelv is part of a protected watercourse and shapes the landscape. Here, a distinctive building in the agricultural landscape and a protected watercourse stand side by side as distinct points of reference.

Culture in the Wider Travel Destination of Arendal

In the wider travel destination of Arendal, the exhibitions at KUBEN explore the history of Aust-Agder and Arendal. The museum also has a children’s exhibition, “Barndom”. Furnishings from the 19th century are displayed in the interiors of the Langsæ estate as part of the museum collections. Part of KUBEN’s old bird collection is also exhibited in former classrooms at the household school at Langsæ gård.

The Eydehavn Museum presents Eydehavn’s industrial and labour history. The first floor covers the Arendal Smelteverk and Nitriden factories, as well as the society that developed around these industries. The exhibition also includes a workers’ home from the 1920s and “Marens minner”, about the work of coastal women in earlier times.

Bomuldsfabriken Kunsthall focuses on contemporary art and is located in a former cotton mill. The Gruvene Sculpture Park has a trail that starts on the third floor of Bomuldsfabriken and runs through the mining area. Maintenance and access may change; check the current access conditions before visiting. To arrange guided tours at Gruvene for groups, school classes and individuals, contact by email. Confirm booking arrangements in advance.

Bratteklev Skipsverft, a nearly fully preserved shipyard from the sailing-ship era, is located on Tromøya outside Arendal. Fourteen vessels were built there between 1868 and 1924: eight sailing ships, five steamships, including two made of steel, and one schooner with a diesel engine. Visitors can see the sawmill, forge, workshops and boathouses.

Coast, Nature and Getting Around in Arendal

The nature attractions in the wider travel destination of Arendal also vary considerably: Hove and Spornes have several kilometres of coastal trails, and Hovekilen is a place to swim. The Raet National Park extends off the outer shore of Merdø, in Arendal municipality.

Vitensenteret Arendal is a visitor centre for Raet National Park. Its exhibition areas cover the human body, technology, mathematics and marine life. The centre is located on Arendal’s waterfront on the ground floor of Eurekabygget; the Pollen p-hus car park is directly in front. During the summer holidays, the ferry to Merdø departs from the quay at Pollen several times a day. Check the timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Eydehavn, His, Færvik, Kilsund, Rykene, Arendal, Staubø, Saltrød.

Go to the wider travel overview: Arendal.