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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹15,170 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹15,170
₹16,991 total
27 Jul - 28 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! (1,866 reviews)
"Fantastic location for views, dinning options and shopping. Wonderful rooftop bar."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

Radisson Blu Caledonien Hotel, Kristiansand
Comfort Hotel Kristiansand

Comfort Hotel Kristiansand

3.5 out of 5
Skippergata 7-9, Kristiansand
The price is ₹10,691 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹10,691
₹12,086 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3.5-star business-friendly hotel in Kristiansand. Enjoy free breakfast, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (1,019 reviews)
"I have stayed at the Comfort Hotel, Kristiansand several times. It is nestled off the main shopping street with easy access to everything. It offers all the basics you need to help you enjoy a great time away."

Reviewed on 4 Jul 2025

Comfort Hotel Kristiansand
Citybox Kristiansand

Citybox Kristiansand

3 out of 5
12 Tordenskjolds gate, Kristiansand, Agder
The price is ₹7,133 per night from 3 Aug to 4 Aug
₹7,133
₹7,989 total
3 Aug - 4 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star hotel in Kristiansand. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, housekeeping and co-working space. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (936 reviews)
"Construction outside was loud and early (but that's temporary). No parking so had to find street parking a few blocks away. Kind of a pain. Staff was very friendly."

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2024

Citybox Kristiansand
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! (99 reviews)
Nytt, fint og barnevennlig
"Perfekt for barnefamilier. Barna elsket løypa de kunne klatre i i trærne rett utenfor hytta."

Reviewed on 21 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 Zoo and Hamresanden ...
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 Apartment Kongsgård

Solferie Holiday Apartment Kongsgård

3.5 out of 5
Kongsgård alle 2, Kristiansand
Stay at this 3.5-star apartment in Kristiansand. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and cable TV channels. Popular attractions Kristiansand Zoo and Oddernes Kirke ...
Solferie Holiday Apartment Kongsgård
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.

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