Raet National Park

Raet National Park, created in 2016, covers about 607 square kilometres around Arendal, most of it sea, and takes its name from the Ra, the terminal moraine the retreating ice sheet left across southern Norway. On Tromoy the moraine surfaces as Hoveodden, a long pebble and sand shore with pine woods behind, and offshore it forms shallow banks that support the marine life the park protects. The coast here is the classic Sorlandet mix of smooth rock, small bays and white timber houses. Merdo island holds a preserved sailing-era community, and Hove has a beach, a campsite and a festival ground. Boats from Arendal serve several of the islands in summer.

What you actually see

• Hoveodden - a moraine shore of pebble and sand with pine behind.
• The island communities - Merdo and Tromoy with preserved timber houses.
• The rock coast - smooth glacier-worn granite and small bays.
• The protected seabed - shallow banks and marine habitats offshore.

When to go

May to September for swimming, walking and island boats; July is the busiest and warmest. Spring and autumn suit the coastal paths, and the park stays open year-round with reduced boat services.

Honest expectations

Much of the park is sea, so the land component is smaller than the area suggests. Hove gets crowded in summer and hosts large events. Access to some islands depends on seasonal boats, and shoreline camping is restricted in places.

Nearby

Arendal's harbour town is on the mainland; Grimstad and the Blindleia channel lie west.