Kristiansand Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Kristiansand
Kristiansand
Kristiansand
Kristiansand
Kristiansand

Kristiansand is known as the most summery of all summer towns in Norway, but there are things to do and see there all year round, not just the zoo and the city beach.

Kristiansand is the largest and perhaps the liveliest city in Southern Norway, and attracts throngs of tourists every year. A holiday in Kristiansand is exciting for the family, not least because it is home to Norway's biggest zoo. The city is a great travel destination for a weekend trip or holiday—for families, friends, and couples alike.

Start off your holiday in Kristiansand with a trip to the zoo, Dyreparken, which is worth a visit even if you’re travelling without kids. In the summer, Kaptein Sabeltann's (Captain Sabertooth) show is extremely popular, and the same is true of Kardemommeby town. Stay the night and say hello to the main characters: Kasper, Jesper and Jonatan. Kutoppen farm and Hakkebakkeskogen (Hakkebakke Forest) are especially popular with the little ones. Come and see tigers, giraffes, camels and lemurs in the zoo—there's something for the whole family! In Dyreparken, there is also a waterpark, where you can cool down or enjoy the slides.

Kristiansand is also bustling with lovely cafés, restaurants and many fashionable clothing shops. Set aside time to walk around the centre and Markens, the charming pedestrian street in Kvadraturen. Eat an ice cream or have a beer in one of the many bars and restaurants, and finish your day with a great dinner.

Kristiansand is one of the few cities in Norway with its own city beach. It's a great place to sunbathe and play in the summer, but is also good for walking in the winter or picnicking in autumn. There are also smaller beaches where you can hide away. The city field in Baneheia is a wonderful place for recreational activities.

Take a trip to the old part of town, called Posebyen. It's a lovely place where you can enjoy the old wooden houses. Also make sure to go to a concert or exhibition in the city's new pride and joy, Kulturhuset Kilden (Kilden Culture House), which is a great piece of architecture. Art lovers shouldn’t miss miss Sørlandets Kunstmuseum (Southern Norway Art Museum) and Kristiansand Kunsthall (Kristiansand Art Gallery). Or what about a trip to the canon museum, Kanonmuseet?

Kristiansand is a city with speed and excitement, sun and summer, but also shopping, cultural experiences and a beautiful coastal landscape. In other words, there is more than enough to do!

Where to stay in Kristiansand

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Posebyen

You'll appreciate the waterfront views during your time in Posebyen and you might want to plan a stop by Kristiansand Domkirke and Kristiansand Cathedral while you're in the area.

Posebyen
Radisson Blu Caledonien Hotel, Kristiansand
Radisson Blu Caledonien Hotel, Kristiansand
4 out of 5
Vestre Strandgate 7, Kristiansand
The price is ₹15,203 per night from 6 Jul to 7 Jul
₹15,203
₹17,027 total
6 Jul - 7 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star eco-certified hotel in Kristiansand. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, 2 bars/lounges and room service. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the comfy ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,809 reviews)
"Fantastic location for views, dinning options and shopping. Wonderful rooftop bar."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Radisson Blu Caledonien Hotel, Kristiansand
Clarion Hotel Ernst
Clarion Hotel Ernst
4 out of 5
Rådhusgt. 2, Kristiansand
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹13,278 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹13,278
₹14,871 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Kristiansand. Enjoy free breakfast, a fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,005 reviews)
"Good Service."

Reviewed on 30 May 2025

Clarion Hotel Ernst
Scandic Sørlandet
Scandic Sørlandet
3 out of 5
Travparkveien 14, Kristiansand
The price is ₹16,971 per night from 4 Aug to 5 Aug
₹16,971
₹19,008 total
4 Aug - 5 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Kristiansand. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
8/10 Very Good! (1,013 reviews)
"Convenient as we needed to get on the feery to Denmark early in the morning. Hotel & food were good. Bartender was not very knowledgeable about anything Norwegian."

Reviewed on 1 Oct 2024

Scandic Sørlandet
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Juliusskogen
Juliusskogen
2 out of 5
Dyreparkveien, Kristiansand, Agder
Stay at this cabin in Kristiansand. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Kristiansand Zoo and Kristiansand Dyrepark ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (74 reviews)
Praktisk opphold
"Enkelt og fint opplegg i Juliushytte. Var perfekt for mor og sønn på 8. Kan gå via Abra-Havn og badeland. Gode senger, god strømtilgang. Behagelig utedusj med god skjerming , inkludert dusjsåpe og shampo. Inkludert sengetøy og håndklær. Ingen maur eller mygg i løpet av det døgnet, og alle vinduer ..."

Reviewed on 1 Jul 2025

Juliusskogen
Hamre Familiecamping
Hamre Familiecamping
3.5 out of 5
Hamresandveien 1, Kristiansand
Stay at this 3.5-star beach cabin in Kristiansand. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a beach locale and a snack bar/deli. Popular attractions Kristiansand Dyrepark and Kristiansand ...
ok+
"Var AC på rommet, men fikk beskjed om at det ikke brukes om sommeren. Forferdelig temperatur i hytten..."

Reviewed on 16 Aug 2020

Hamre Familiecamping
Solferie Holiday Apt. Kronprinsensgate
Solferie Holiday Apt. Kronprinsensgate
3.5 out of 5
Kronprinsensgate 7b, Kristiansand
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Kristiansand. Enjoy free parking, a marina and a garden. Popular attractions Kristiansand Dyrepark and Kristiansand Zoo are ...
"Helt fin leilighet og veldig sentral beliggenhet. Eneste er at en må være obs på en veldig smal kjøreport for å komme inn til parkeringen"

Reviewed on 29 Jul 2018

Solferie Holiday Apt. Kronprinsensgate
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Reviews of Kristiansand

4.5
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 50%
4 - Good
1
4 - Good 50%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
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2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
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1 - Terrible 0%

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller

A worthy Norwegian city to visit and explore

Cities near Kristiansand