The Vestfold, Telemark, Aust-Agder and Vest Agder coastline is famous for bustling summer and boating activities. Cosy villages, culture and beautiful landscapes are characteristics of this part of the Norwegian coast. The idyllic archipelago and thriving coastal townships offer unlimited opportunities for summer "Sørlandsopplevelser" (south coast adventures). A cycle trip, lasting several days in this region, will enrich your holiday no end.
The Coastal Route is varied, bringing you in close contact with the coastline. The signposted route starts in Horten, passes through Åsgårdstrand, Edvard Munchs hometown and follows the coast to Husvik. From Husvik you can either take the ferry to Nøtterøy, Veierland and Engø on the outskirts of Sandefjord or you can choose the route via Tønsberg to Sandefjord and then on to Larvik, avoiding ferries all together.

From Larvik the Coastal Route continues to Helgeroa via idyllic Stavern where the ferry leaves for Langesund. Just outside of Larvik, in the direction of Stathelle, lies the Quality Skjærgården Hotell & Badepark, a tropical swimming pool complex with indoor and outdoor pools - a sure favourite with the children. The route then runs on to Valle and Kragerø. Valle bubbles with life all summer and you can choose either to take a taxi-boat to Jomfruland and then on to Kragerø by ferry or you can do the whole stretch by bike via Helle.
Kragerø is both the perfect starting point for "island hopping" and the most popular summer venue in Telemark. Kragerø’s exciting, pulsating lifestyle attracts thousands of holidaymakers every year.

You can take a short boat trip over the fjord to Stabbestad or cycle around to Kil and Kjølebrønn. The 20 km from Stabbestad to Øysang are easy cycling and the ferry to Risør leaves from here. Risør, with its many characteristic, white wooden south coast houses, nestles like a jewel off the coast where the fjord meets the sea. Try to visit as many of the numerous galleries and handcraft shops in the town as possible and the Risør Aquarium. Take part in one or several of the summer festivals.

Follow the coast from Risør to Tvedestrand. A stop at Gjeving is recommended and from here you take the ferry to Lyngør, an award winning hamlet. There are any number of opportunities to swim and sunbath along this stretch of the route before you arrive in lovely Tvedestrand. After Tvedestrand other south coast towns, Arendal and Grimstad with their beautiful white buildings, are waiting for you.

Westwards out of Grimstad you cycle through beautiful, undulating, inland scenery on the Vestlandske Hovedvei. You will have to cross the busy E18 to get to idyllic Lillesand, famous for its narrow streets and an abundance of flowers wherever you look. As the E18 is extremely busy we recommend you take the local steamer M/S Øya from Lillesand to Kristiansand via Blindleia. Alternatively you can cycle via Birkeland – a relatively long but very beautiful ride on idyllic woodland tracks.

Kristiansand is the capital of the south coast with a zoo and charming town centre. We recommend a visit to the recreation area, Hellevika. The route continues on to Mandal, Norway’s southernmost town where you would be wise to stay for the Sea-food Festival and a dip in the sea at Sjøsanden beach.

Between Mandal and Farsund you will discover the characteristic fertile, coastal landscape, and lush forests. A detour to the Lindesnes lighthouse, Norway’s southernmost point is strongly recommended. The route ends at Flekkefjord, the town that marks the border to Vestlandet and the North Sea Cycleway.