The Beautiful Islands of Lyngør

By ThorNews on June 14, 2012 • ( 0 )

Lyngør is one of the most popular travel destinations on the Norwegian South Coast. During the summer, you can have a look at the many boats out in the “street” – the sound between the islands, or go swimming in the fresh, warm water. A stroll on the pedestrian island of Lyngør is like taking a step back in time. Here, the idyllic summer days are like therapy for your soul!

Lyngør is a village area on a group of small islands in the municipality of Tvedestrand in Aust-Agder County. The village is located about 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) northeast of Tvedestrand city center and also 12 kilometres (7.5 mi) south of the city of Risør.

Previously, Lyngør was a popular home for sea captains. The village is accessible only by boat, has no cars and is known for its scenic harbor and charming wooden houses. It is recognized as one of the best-preserved communities in Europe. Most of the buildings are now summer houses, but there are about 80 permanent, year-round residents. Lyngør is a popular destination during the summer but has in later years struggled to maintain a stable permanent population. The community has a sail-making factory, a few restaurants that are open during the tourist season and a famous general store.

There are no cars, only narrow streets and paths that wind between the houses and gardens with white picket fences.

The sound that goes through Lyngør is well-known for the dramatic Battle of Lyngør during the Napoleonic Wars, in which the British Royal Navy effectively put an end to the last of Dano-Norwegian naval forces. The wreck of the Danish frigate “Najaden” was discovered in the sound in 1957.