Tvedestrand Book Town is located in the small coastal municipality of Tvedestrand in Agder, Southern Norway, with around 6,200 inhabitants. Like other international book towns, it is known for its many bookshops and strong literary culture. In the historic cobblestone streets and wooden houses near the harbour, visitors can find several antiquarian bookshops, book outlets, a library and a publishing house. Together they offer hundreds of thousands of books in many languages and genres. Throughout the year, the town hosts literary events, readings and cultural activities. The Book Town association is a voluntary organisation that promotes literature and helps develop Tvedestrand as a unique destination for readers and visitors

Tvedestrand has several renowned antiquarian bookshops and book-related businesses. Locus Antikvariat specialises in travel literature, mountaineering, hunting and fishing, World War II, fiction, art and architecture. Ex Libris Antikvariat spreads across two floors and ten rooms filled with books, reading corners and armchairs – and even offers a small self-service bookshop open day and night. Nynorsk Antikvariat is one of Norway’s largest antiquarian bookshops, with around 100,000 books from seven centuries in many languages. Bokhuset Tvedestrand operates an online antiquarian bookshop and publishing house that sends books to readers throughout Norway and beyond.

Stroll through Tvedestrand’s historic wooden streets by the harbour and explore its cosy antiquarian bookshops. Within a short walk you can discover thousands of rare and unexpected books in one of Norway’s most charming small coastal towns.

Highlights include the winter crime fiction festival hosted by Hans Olav Lahlum, bringing leading Nordic crime writers to Tvedestrand, and the Children’s Book Town Summer in July with weekly storytelling, performances and literary activities for families.

Tvedestrand lies on Norway’s beautiful southern coast, surrounded by forests, islands and the Raet National Park. Visitors can explore the archipelago by boat or kayak, swim from smooth coastal rocks or walk scenic trails along the sea. Nearby towns such as Arendal and Risør offer galleries, festivals and maritime history. The region is known for its white wooden houses, lively summer harbour life and relaxed coastal atmosphere, making it a perfect destination for travellers who enjoy combining literature, nature and seaside culture.

Tvedestrand has far more books than inhabitants. In the narrow streets near the harbour you can explore hundreds of thousands of books in antiquarian shops and book outlets – an impressive number for such a small coastal town.

Southern Norway has a rich literary tradition, and Tvedestrand plays an active role in it. The town’s bookshops preserve and promote Norwegian literature, including works written in Nynorsk, one of Norway’s two written languages. Writers, translators and book collectors regularly visit the town, and the Book Town initiative encourages authors to spend time here, meet readers and present their work.

Tvedestrand is located on Norway’s southern coast between Oslo and Kristiansand. The town is easily reached by car via the E18 highway, with regular bus connections from major cities. The nearest airports are Kristiansand and Oslo (Torp)

Website  |  Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Email