The harbour is the centre of Arendal's social life, particularly in summer. Wooden boats — some classic old motor launches, some sailboats, the occasional restored vintage vessel — fill the berths along the quayside, and the waterfront restaurants and cafes are busy from mid-morning until late in the long Norwegian evenings.
Even outside the summer season, the harbour is worth walking. The view across to Tyholmen is excellent, and the working end of the port — the ferry terminal, the supply boats — gives a sense of how connected the community still is to the sea. The Arendal Boat Festival, held in late July, is one of the largest gatherings of traditional wooden boats in Norway and draws visitors from across Scandinavia.