A holiday paradise for children! Kristiansand is the capital of Southern Norway. Simple to get to and easy to enjoy. For decades, Kristiansand has been Norwegians’ favourite holiday destination, and we are not afraid to call the town a holiday paradise for children.
Experiences
Kristiansand is full of experiences for young and old alike. Its most well-known attractions are Kristiansand Zoo with the Kaptein Sabeltann pirate show, Cardamom Town and Hakkebakkeskogen forest. The town also a lovely new swimming complex beside Bystranda – the beach in the middle of the town. Its a public health and wellbeing complex, which offers activities in water and on land. A climbing park has also established itself as the coolest playground in town. The town is known as Children’s Town, with lots of opportunities for great experiences!
Culture
The spectacular Kilden Performing Arts Centre is situated further out on the quay at Odderøya, and it houses our foremost cultural institutions such as Kilden Opera, Agder Theatre and Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra.
Free concerts are held on Fiskebrygga quay Kunstsilo, an award-winning former grain silo on Odderøya island in Kristiansand, has been transformed into one of Northern Europe’s most innovative powerhouses for art and cultural experiences. The museum opened in May 2024 and houses the Tangen Collection – the world’s largest collection of Nordic modernism – and Sørlandet Art Museum’s permanent collection. The museum also houses international digital contemporary art, temporary exhibitions, and offers a wide array of lectures, concerts, culinary experiences, workshops, function rooms and events.
Free concerts are held on Fiskebrygga quay every Tuesday throughout summer and every Thursday at Torvet square. These popular events feature great music and attract large crowds.
Well-known Norwegian artists perform at Søgne cultural centre’s outdoor amphitheatre in summer. There are often exhibitions and activities for adults and children alike at the cultural centre, the rural museum and the surrounding areas.
Søgne cultural centre is an old vicarage situated in beautiful rural surroundings, where visitors can experience art and history exhibitions all year round. An exhibition about the Stone Age describes how Norway’s oldest skull belonged to a young girl called ‘Sol’ (Sun), who lived around 9,800 years ago. Hitler’s secret weapon in Southern Norway – a one-man Biber submarine – is exhibited inside the rock formation behind the cultural centre.
Søgne Old Church is one of the biggest attractions in Søgne. The church dates back to 1640, and it is the oldest timber-frame church. Inside, you find beautiful decorations, carvings, wall and ceiling paintings in Rococo and Baroque styles.
Quayside promenade
Wander along the beautiful quayside promenade, past small boats in the marina with art en route. Walk to the fort and admire the view of Østre Havn. You can conclude your walk at Fiskebrygga quay in Vestre Havn, where you can buy delicious seafood, enjoy a free sample, or sit on the edge of the quay with an ice cream while boats pass through the Gravane Canal
Sea and land
There are lots of nature experiences on offer in Kristiansand. Odderøya to the south-west and Baneheia in the north-east have great walking trails, lovely swimming spots and abundant nature and culture.
Ravnedalen er en praktfull park, anlagt av General Oscar Wergeland og et flott endepunkt etter en tur i Baneheia. Concerts, quizzes and book events are held here throughout the summer. There are boats that takes you out to the islands during summer, and through the sheltered Blindleia to Lillesand. Our archipelago is a MUST.
The passenger ferry from Høllen takes you to the picturesque harbour Ny-Hellesund. Step ashore on Helgøya island and enjoy the panorama view of Skagerak from the top of the WWII coastal fort, intact with its canons in casemates.
In Høllen, you can also walk along the new beach path towards Åros, a beautiful and easily accessible walk suitable for everyone. Høllegada is a picturesque collection of old and well-preserved wooden houses, in which people still live.
Right beside the North Sea Route, on the way west towards Søgne, you will find the outdoor recreation park Helleviga, where you can go swimming at small sandy beaches, sunbathe on smooth rocks, follow waymarked pathways or spend the night in turf-roofed shelters. There is also a lovely beach path in Søgne that takes you from Åros camping to Høllen.
Eating out
There are an abundance of restaurants in Kristiansand that reflect both local produce and food from all corners of the globe. In summer, it is particularly nice to sit at one of the many restaurants on Fiskebrygga quay and enjoy some delicious seafood or a pizza.
What’s on
There’s always something on in Kristiansand! Concerts, summer markets, fairs, exhibitions. Concerts, shows, sports events and lots more. Check the calendar at www.visitkrs.no
There’s something for everyone!
Tourist Information Rådhusgt. 18, 4611 Kristiansand turistinformasjon@kristiansand.kommune.no
Tel.: +47 38 07 50 00 Open all year, www.visitkrs.no