A coastal city in southern Norway with sandy beaches and a well-preserved old town. Home to the University of Agder and connected by E18 highway and rail lines.
Kristiansand, Norway's southernmost city, sits on the coast and offers many activities for visitors. You can walk among the white wooden houses in Posebyen old town, swim at Bystranda beach in the city center, or hike on Odderøya island, a former naval base. Watch a play or concert at Kilden Performing Arts Centre, or take a boat to explore the nearby islands.
Explore Posebyen Old Town
Posebyen contains the largest collection of wooden houses in Southern Norway. As you walk through its streets, you'll see shops in well-preserved 17th and 18th-century buildings. This area survived the city fire of 1892. You can visit the former post office building on Kronprinsensgate, dating back to 1695, and the old nursing home on Elvegata.
Relax at Bystranda Urban Beach
Bystranda, Kristiansand's urban beach, is a Blue Flag certified stretch of sand in the city center. You can swim, play volleyball, or use the skate ramp. In summer, the beach hosts concerts and sporting events. Next to the beach, Aquarama Waterpark has a 25°C outdoor pool open year-round.
Experience Culture at Kilden Performing Arts Centre
Kilden Performing Arts Centre houses a theatre and a music hall, presenting various performances throughout the year. You can attend classical concerts, contemporary plays, and other cultural events. The building has a wave-like wooden front that stands out along the waterfront.
Discover Odderøya Island
Odderøya, once a naval base, is now a recreational area popular with artists. The island has sign-posted hiking paths with views of the city and sea. You can have coffee at one of the cafes or try the indoor climbing park, Høyt & Lavt Odderøya. Kunstsilo, Northern Europe's center for art and culture, is located here in a converted grain silo.
Visit Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park
Located 11 kilometers east of the city, Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park is Norway's largest zoo and the country's second most visited attraction. The 150-acre zoo is home to over 140 animal species. The park also includes an amusement area with rides and shows.
Enjoy Fresh Seafood at Fiskebrygga
Fiskebrygga, the old fish landing, now has restaurants and shops in wooden-fronted buildings, including a fish market. On summer evenings, you can eat fresh seafood while watching boats in the Gravane Canal. The area is busy during long summer evenings, with many people using the outdoor seating areas.
Hike in Ravnedalen Valley Nature Park
A short distance from the city center, Ravnedalen Valley Nature Park was constructed between 1874 and 1878. It has walking trails and a lake. After your walk, you can eat at Café Generalen, which serves homemade burgers. In summer, the cafe hosts live music events.
Experience Palmesus Festival
If you visit in early July, you might attend Palmesus, Scandinavia's largest beach party. The festival, held on Bystranda beach, attracts over 60,000 people with international musicians. Many Norwegians start their summer vacations at this time. Book tickets early, as they often sell out months before the event.
Learn History at Kristiansand Cannon Museum
Visit the Kristiansand Cannon Museum at Møvik Fortress to learn about World War II in Norway. The museum is in a fortress built by the German Navy during the war. You can ride the old ammunition railway and see views of the archipelago while learning about the area's wartime history.
Take a Ferry to Bragdøya Island
You can take a ferry from Kristiansand to Bragdøya island. The island has a coastal center, cafes, and a white sand beach. You can walk on trails, relax on the beach, or learn about local maritime history at the coastal center. It's a good option for a day trip to experience the Norwegian archipelago.
