Overlooking the north shore of the Tvedestrandfjorden, Tvedestrand is a coastal town that once served as the departure point for materials from the Næs Ironworks. Its cobblestone streets are lined with charming wooden buildings that house second-hand bookstores, antique shops and stylish cafes.
Things to do in Tvedestrand
As you explore Tvedestrand, don’t miss a visit to one of its most photographed sights, Strykejernet, which is believed to be the narrowest house in Norway. Also of note is the Forvaltergården, a beautifully preserved 18th-century building that’s been transformed into a museum. Browse its old pharmacy and thrift store before admiring the vintage costumes from the Frøja clothing factory.
Spend an afternoon admiring the old production buildings and equipment showcased at Næs Ironworks Museum, one of Norway’s best-preserved ironworks. Discover what life was like for ironworkers between 1665 and 1959 and see its rebuilt bellows in action. A short walk from the museum is the Solberg Mine, which operated until the mid-19th century and is now accessible on guided tours.
Travelling with kids? You can cool off at the Tvedestrand Aquapark, which lies on the lake shores of Fjæretjenn. In addition to its floating obstacle course and sandy beach, you can rent kayaks, canoes and stand up paddleboards to enjoy the lake at your leisure. A variety of water activities are also available in Raet National Park, which encompasses the archipelago surrounding Tvedestrand.
Getting around Tvedestrand
Tvedestrand is around an hour’s drive from Kristiansund and Kristiansand Airport, which has flights to destinations across Europe, while Oslo Airport is 3.5 hours away. Buses travel throughout Tvedestrand and connect to the surrounding towns and villages. The centre of Tvedestrand is compact enough to explore on foot.