Kristiansand

Kristiansand is a coastal town located in Agder county. It is the fifth largest city in Norway with a population of about 93,000.

Feel the light from the sun rays reflect from the whitewashed walls of Posebyen old town, the very heart of Kristiansand, and a great place to start exploring Norway’s southernmost city. It has the biggest collection of charming wooden houses,  that characterizes many of the villages of Southern Norway. Today, they are filled with charming little shops, cafes and bars.

Bystranda city beach gives you the feeling of being in Southern Europe. Although the sea can become quite warm in the summer, you are guaranteed a comfortable 25 degrees Celsius all year round in the Aquarama Waterpark’s outdoor pool, right by the city beach. The palm trees at the beach are the inspiration behind the name of the annual Palmesus music festival that takes place at Bystranda in the beginning of July. With 60,000 attendees and an international line-up, it’s Norway’s biggest beach party.

Kilden Performing Arts Centre is located at Odderøya, a former naval base turned into a recreational area with an artsy vibe. The striking building houses a theatre and a music hall with an exiting programme.  Follow the sign-posted paths and have a coffee with a view or challenge yourself in the indoor climbing park Høyt & Lavt Odderøya. In 2024, an impressive new museum, Kunstsilo, opened its doors, filled with contemporary art and the worlds largest collection of  Nordic modernist art.

The lively Fiskebrygga harbour with its stunning canal scenery is a favourite destination for locals, especially on a sunny day. At Fiskebrygga you can visit the fish market, enjoy some ice cream or get yourself a freshly made «Pirate» burger.

A short hike from the city centre lies a beautiful  natural park area called Ravnedalen, the valley of ravens, translated. The park was built in 1874-78, under the guidance of Colonel Oscar Wergeland. The park was constructed as a romantic garden, with a fountain, and exotic plants like rhododendron, magnolia, mimosa, yew, and cypress. There are open areas for public arrangements, like festivals, concerts, and other gatherings. The former gardener house today serves as a café.

Here, family entertainment is an art form and Kristiansand. Dyreparken Zoo and Amusement Park – which also includes a big water park (in summer) – is a much desired destination by Norwegian children.

Another attraction worth seeing is Kristiansand Kanonmuseum (cannon museum) in a historical World War II museum in Kristiansand that features a German coastal defense battery from 1940-45, with the world’s second largest land-based cannon (337 tonnes). The area around the cannon has a beautiful view and is great for easy hiking. Kristiansand Kanonmuseum (cannon museum) Møvik Fortress outside Kristiansand was built by the Germans during World War II. The museum houses the only remaining 380mm Krupp gun in the world and plenty of other material from WWII.

It’s impossible to pick a favourite from the thousands of islands of the archipelago. But beautiful  Bragdøya is easily accessible by ferry.With a coastal centre, cosy cafés, a white beach, and picturesque trails, this island captures the essence of a the «southern pleasure».

Welcome to the south of Norway!