A Short Walk Through Lillesand

I thought it about time that I showed you something of, and about, where it is that I live. Lillesand is not only a town of some 9 to 10 thousand people, which blossoms to three times that in the tourist season, but also what is called here in Norway a Kommune. This equates to what my American friends and family know as a County and my friends and family in England would call a Unitary Authority. My walk today takes in only the town itself but I will show you sights from some of the other towns included in the Kommune later.

Lillesand is located along the southern coast in Aust Agder and is basically a harbour town with a rich sailing heritage. The surrounding countryside has many small farms and houses are seemingly fit into whatever space may be available with sometimes confusing results. The primary philosophy of life here is one of "relax, it will happen", which for the first few years of living here was extremely frustrating but now I have come to embrace. This philosophy is summed up in a simple three word phrase not far from peoples lips, "Ting Tar Tid" or in English "Things Take Time" and is the usual response to a question asking when something will happen. But enough of this, if you want to know more on the history of the town and area simply Google "Lillesand", you will probably find out more than I am aware of.

These are my everyday sights and are what I find inspiration from when I take photos. I will say one more thing though. To some, especially the younger folk, Lillesand may not be the greatest place to live but to me it is the greatest place to be alive in. This is my home, I hope that you like it

About 300 meters away from the back of our house is a small lake, a great place to walk and just be quiet.

This year there are many water lilies on the lake and it is festooned with tadpoles.

From the lake you get a good view of the town itself.

This style of signposting is common throughout the area, pointing the way to places of interest. This is located at the lake.

Walking into the centre of town. During the Summer the main roads in the centre of town are shut off to cars and only delivery vehicles can enter. The predominantly white buildings are typical or the entire area.

Lillesand has a thriving artistic heritage and works of art are valued highly. This statue is in the centre of town.

Part of Lillesand Harbour. Where once was a busy shipping harbour there is now the home to a popular tourist boating industry.

A small bandstand in the harbour car park.

In the Summer time fresh fruit and vegetables are available in the harbour car park. Expensive, but well worth it!

Walking down through town from the harbour we come across the Rådhus, the town council building.

A view from the town centre looking towards Lillesand Kirken, the Lillesand Church.

Lillesand Kirken.

Not a picture that you would think important. But to Norwegians this is a vital part of life, stocking up firewood for the Winter. This will probably NOT be enough!


The next two pictures are typical examples of the style of house built here in the past. The are not overtly impressive at first glance, but a finer scrutiny reveals many small embellishments that are usually all hand carved.

Small, simple beauty can often be found in surprising places. This small arch and bridge, hand built, over a small brook is situated just metres away from the busy main road through Lillesand.

Again, right next to the road through town.

Here in Lillesand you are never far from the sea, it takes only a short walk to catch glimpses of it.

I could not resist taking this. These were growing wild along the side of the road and the colour was phenomenal.