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Ideal for solo travelers as well as couples, the city makes for a fantastic visit, offering a range of best places to see in Kristiansand.
And in this Kristiansand blog I’ll share with you some of my top things to do in Kristiansand.
Going on a 4 days trip is sufficient to see some of the most interesting places in Kristiansand. But if you can add 2-3 days more you’d be able to experience rather than ‘see’ that an ordinary tourist does. So, without further ado, let me present you some of the best things to do in Kristiansand, top things to do in Kristiansand and some helpful travel tips.
1. Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park
One of the most visited site in the region, it rolls a zoo and an amusement park into one.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 150 acres, the highlight of Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park includes a waterpark and a zoo with exotic animals.
- Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park was opened in June 1966.
Address: Kardemomme By 4609, 4636 Kristiansand, Norway
2. Kilden Performing Arts Centre
Kilden Performing Arts Centre is a cultural center which hosts several important concerts, exhibits and events.
The center holds a variety of aorkshops, artistic presentations and musical performances. Check out online to see the events happening here.
With a capacity of more than 2200 seats, Kilden Performing Arts Centre is the main performance venue of the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra.
Quick Facts:
- Built in the classic Modern architecture style, its highlight include beautiful modern architecture.
A natural crowd puller, Kilden Performing Arts Centre is right up there in the list of best things to do in Kristiansand.
Address: Sjølystveien 2, 4610 Kristiansand, Norway
3. Odderøya
Odderøya is a serene island, known for its scenic beauty, located out in the open sea.
You will get to see some of the fantastic views of the sea.
Connected by bridges with mainland it is fairly easy to reach to..
Snorkeling is a particularly popular activity here. You can also enjoy the soft sand on the pristine beach.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over an area of 70 ha, the highlight of Odderøya includes a gorgeous lighthouse.
- It attains a highest elevation of 302 ft.
- Odderøytoppen is the highest point of the small island.
4. Kristiansand Cannon Museum
A visit to Kristiansand Cannon Museum is unlike your typical museum, meant for those seeking and wanting to learn something different.
It is located around 8 kilometers from the city center and displays a collection received from an erstwhile military installation.
Quick Facts:
- Established in 10 April 1991, the highlight of the unique museum includes a cannon from ww2 considered to be the world’s second largest!
An incredible sight, Kristiansand Cannon Museum scores high in the list of the best things to do in Kristiansand.
Address: Kroodden, 4624 Kristiansand S, Norway
5. Ravnedalen
Ravnedalen is a large landscaped park, an oasis of greenery, located in Kristiansand.
It is a good way to reconnect with nature – relax under the shady trees, watch the kids play.
Amble along on the crunchy gravel path and enjoy the foliage that spreads through the park. It’s easy to spend an entire day here, wandering through these flourishing gardens.
Quick Facts:
- Easy to get to Ravnedalen is located in a neighborhood called Grim.
- bring your own snacks and avoid the expensive cafe.
6. Fiskebrygga
A place to see the fresh catches, Fiskebrygga is a popular fish market in the region.
Come here to experience the dynamic atmosphere.
Without a doubt this wonderful fish market is one amongst the top things to do in Kristiansand.
Address: Gravane 6, 4610 Kristiansand, Norway
7. Bystranda
Bystranda is a small picturesque beach with soft sand and clear blue waters.
It is one of the tourist-friendly beaches, with the facilities one would need. At the foodjoints that line the beach, there are plenty of options to eat.
Quick Facts:
- river Otra.
- It is rewarded with Blue Flag for its excellent tourist facilities.
8. Kristiansand Cathedral
Kristiansand Cathedral is a charming old Cathedral located in the city of Kristiansand, Norway.
One doesn’t need to be an art expert to appreciate the elaborate detail and artwork on the front façade. As you walk down you will observe gilded furniture and ornately carved benches dating hundreds of years.
Quick Facts:
- This 70 m tall structure is certainly magnificent to look at.
Address: Gyldenløves gate 9, 4611 Kristiansand, Norway
9. Kristiansand Museum
Kristiansand Museum is a model village showcasing the heritage of the people of the area.
If you wish to understand more about Norway’s culture, this is a site that should not be missed.
Qualified guides dressed in traditional attire will teach you about life and work in rural Norway. Rural architecture from different areas has been brought to this location and rebuilt into their own communities.
Quick Facts:
- Kristiansand Museum was opened in 1903.
Add it to your Kristiansand trip if you have time.
Address: Vigeveien 22B, 4633 Kristiansand, Norway
10. SKMU Sørlandets Kunstmuseum
If browsing through quirky art displays interests you, SKMU Sørlandets Kunstmuseum is the one you should head to.
The museum presents well the contemporary works of the local as well as the international artists.
The collection is speread out amongst the art pieces belonging to quirky installations, electronic art experiences and experimental photography. The multimedia exhibits with a clever mixe of sound and light is a must watch.
Quick Facts:
- SKMU Sørlandets Kunstmuseum was opened in 1995.
Address: Skippergata 24B, 4611 Kristiansand, Norway
11. Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden
Quick Facts:
- a manor house.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Kristiansand trip.
Address: Tangen 8, 4608 Kristiansand, Norway Pending review
12. Oksøy Lighthouse
Oksøy Lighthouse is a long-standing lighthouse which has been in continuous use since its inception.
It has been an important signal point to warn incoming ships away from the shoreline. Even from the land this pretty whitewashed lighthouse can be seen from miles.
And if you want to dwelve more into the history of Oksøy Lighthouse, you can do so in the attached nautical museum. There is a small park nearby with lush green grass and benches to sit.
Quick Facts:
- the islet of Oksøy.
- Oksøy Lighthouse was opened in 1832.
- This 36 m tall structure is certainly magnificent to look at.
Address: 4625 Flekkerøy, Norway
13. Oddernes Church
Oddernes Church, the centuries old landmark, is considered to be one of Kristiansand’s most gorgeous churches.
Frescoes and gold details adorn the ceiling of the church. A quiet looking cemetry adores the church ground.
Quick Facts:
- Oddernes Church was opened in 12th-century.
- Though the church belongs to the Parish faith, but is visited by others too.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Kristiansand trip.
Address: Jegersbergveien 6, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway
14. Nupen Fontenen
Nupen Fontenen is a beautifully landscaped park spread over a large area in Kristiansand.
This fabulous park was developed with the sole aim to promote the good health of the citizen.
The park has a small lake where you can spot ducks swimming enjoying their day. Sit on a bench and meditate or bring your favorite book or simply sit and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
15. Gillsvannet
Gillsvannet is an alluring lake, a drop from heaven with clean, clear water.
In the summer visitors flock to enjoy water activities such as canoeing, boating and swimming. There is also a park on shore, with a playground for little ones too.
Quick Facts:
- Spread over a total area of 105 ha, it stretches for around 1.9 km on the longer side.
- It has a max width of 1,500m.
If you have time, it makes for a nice addition to your Kristiansand trip.
Thanks for reading this travel blog, hope now you know plenty of must see places in Kristiansand. In this Kristiansand travel blog post, I have listed not just what to see in Kristiansand but also what to do.
And it’s not difficult to create an itinerary that includes some of the best tourist attractions in Kristiansand. So what are Kristiansand sights to see or you have already been here? Let me know in the comments along with your tips and experiences.