His: Swimming Coves, Trails and Boat Trips

On Hisøy, swimming spots, trails and trips on the water offer different ways to experience the island. Hisøy borders Raet National Park. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing between the specific options available locally: some lead to the water, others to a viewpoint or along a cycling route.

Swimming spots and coastal locations on Hisøy

Ausa is a sheltered cove with opportunities for swimming and fishing. Conditions on site may vary. Tangen is a family-friendly swimming area with a sandy beach, playground and picnic tables. At Stølsvika, the recreation area includes two beaches, a kiosk and a rocky shore. The three locations offer different highlights: Ausa combines swimming and fishing; Tangen offers a sandy beach and facilities for spending time by the water; and Stølsvika has several beaches along a rocky coastline. Facilities and access at Tangen and Stølsvika may change seasonally.

Getting around on foot and by bike

A partly gravelled trail leads to the Boes utsikt viewpoint. The condition of the trail may change seasonally. For cyclists, the Hisøyløypa continues along the cycle path towards Hisøy Church. A cycling detour through Sandvika passes attractive houses and offers views of the sea.

The route description to the viewpoint and the cycling routes provide different points of reference for planning your trip. Road and trail conditions may change, so it is a good idea to check the current route before setting off. The information does not specify a walking time or route length on which to base your schedule.

Boat trip and ferry connection

In July and August, the MS Nidelv offers regular boat trips around Hisøy. The trip travels along the Nidelva and through Raet National Park, passing Havsøya and Merdø. This seasonal tour is distinct from a service to a specific destination. Check the timetable and departure times before your trip.

Kolbjørnsvik has a ferry connection to Arendal city centre. If you plan to take the ferry, check the timetable as well. This lets you include the connection in your plans without confusing it with the tour around Hisøy.

Culture in the wider destination of Arendal

The wider destination of Arendal also has cultural attractions that appeal to different interests. The exhibitions at KUBEN explore the history of Aust-Agder and Arendal; its dedicated children's exhibition is called “Barndom”. The Eydehavn Museum presents the industrial and workers' history of Eydehavn. The first floor focuses on Arendal Smelteverk and Nitriden, as well as the society that developed around these industries. This context complements Hisøy’s nature and coastal attractions with a cultural perspective specifically related to Arendal.

Find hotels in His

You can tailor your choice of activities to your own plans for your stay. Then compare the selected hotels based on the details that matter to you.

Discover more destinations: Eydehavn, Staubø, Bjorbekk, Arendal, Kongshavn, Kilsund, Kolbjørnsvik, Rykene.

Back to the wider travel guide: Arendal.