Tromøy

Tromøy is the largest island outside the town of Arendal in Norway. It is known for having once hosted many Viking kings. A 400 meter bridge gave direct access with the mainland in 1961. There is a passenger ferry from Skilsø to Arendal (6 min ride).

World War 2

During the German occupation of Norway (1940-1945), the Germans had an anti-aircraft school at Tromøy (Feld Flakartillerie-schule 50) from 1941-1944 at Hove camp. The camp was built for 1,500 men. There were 3 radars at the island and supposedly four 88mm anti-aircraft cannons. Construction of a 200 meter-long airstrip was begun. Most of the camp's buildings, including the airstrip which never where completed, are still there today, along with a bunker (R618) [http://www.axishistory.com/index.php?id=5949] of unknown purpose. The bunker is currently undergoing restorations (2007) but work has been halted due to an ownership dispute. The German military used 75 buildings in the area, most of them built during the war.

Dining

[http://www.arendalcatering.com/ Arendal Catering] is located at [http://www.hoveleirsenter.no/ Hove Camp] (Hove Leirsenter). [http://www.bjellandstrand.no/ Bjellandstrand Gård] has a farm restaurant with exclusive dishes, and at [http://www.arendalherregaard.no/ Arendal Herregaard Hotel] (close to Hove Camp) there's another restaurant. There is only one gas station on the island and it serves some fast food.

Accommodations

Hove Leirsenter (Hove Camp) is located at the idyllic Hove on the shore of the island of Tromøy, about 12 km from Arendal town centre. They have a variety of accommodation possibilities: dormitory, houses, lodges and tent areas are all at your disposal. The camp area is more than 87 acres and offers a soccer ground, handball courts, volleyball courts, playground, walking paths and beaches. The camp area is suitable for large camps and the price is very reasonable.

Arendal Herregaard Hotell was built in 1930 and it is one of the oldest hotels in the region. It is situated in idyllic surroundings only about 250m from Spornes beach - practically on the threshold of the North Sea. All rooms have been refurbished during 2003/2004, 2006 and they are charming and comfortable, with light colors inspired by southern Norway and the sea. The rooms are of different sizes and are furnished with birch wood furniture from Hovden and comfortable beds with mattresses from Ekornes, both leading Norwegian suppliers of quality furnishings. All rooms are equipped with fridge and TV. They offer: 41 rooms, restaurant with bar and conservatory (110 persons), lounge, spa (sauna, bath, aromatherapy and massage), conference facilities for up to 100 persons, team building and incentive activities, camp with lavvo, activities and hot tub.

Hove Familie Camping (Hove Family Camping) lies in beautiful surroundings. This is perfect for families, with great possibilities for fishing and hiking on many walking paths in the woods and along the coast. The camping ground is about 50 meters from the beach, and offers cabins, room for your caravan, a place to put up a tent, a kiosk and mini golf.

Hove Festival

Starting in 2007, Hove Festival was Norway's largest festival venue. Its capacity is 20,000 people. Headliners for the initiation year was US bands Slayer, The Killers, Queens of the Stone Age and My Chemical Romance.

Pictures