15 Best Things To Do In Kristiansand, Norway

1. Check out Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park

Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park is one of the country’s most popular attractions. The zoo section boasts over 100 species of animals from fierce tigers to lightning-quick cheetahs. Don’t miss the zoo’s highlight: the Africa exhibition located in a rainforest setting on a raised walkway that guests can stroll through while various types of monkeys climb the tangle of branches overhead. Along with the zoo, there’s an exciting theme park inspired by a popular Norwegian book series and TV show. This amusement park is presented in a fabulous pirate village that’s a hit with kids of all ages.

Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park

Address: Kardemomme By, 4609 Kristiansand, Norway

Website: Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 10am - 5pm

2. Sightsee at the breezy Kristiansand Boardwalk

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Immerse yourself in this city’s rare beauty, then take a self-guided sightseeing tour of Kristiansand Boardwalk. This lovely pedestrian waterfront is ideal for enjoying a scenic, leisurely stroll. An award-winning green space in the heart of the city, Kristiansand Boardwalk meanders through a collection of waterside parks with expertly manicured greenery. A standout is Otterdalsparken that features the second biggest fountain in the country. If you’re a fan of ancient fortresses stop by the Tresse that showcases the wonderfully preserved 17th-century Christiansholm Fortress.

Kristiansand Boardwalk

Address: Kristiansand, Norway

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

Price: Free

3. Go for a hike in Odderøya

Odderøya is a fascinating island that lies south of Kristiansand’s city center. This island is accessed via a quartet of bridges that connect to the mainland. If you’re keen on hiking or biking, cross the bridge from Kristiansand Boardwalk. Odderøya features a rugged terrain blanketed in forested splendor. Much of the area is undeveloped, but there are great nature trails so you’re assured of a nice spot to explore nature in peace. This island was once a quarantine station and is also the former site of a fort and naval base so there is lots of history and bygone-era relics to investigate.

Odderøya

Address: Kristiansand, Norway

Website: Odderøya

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

4. Shop and dine at the charming Fish Market

You can’t go wrong spending a casual day exploring Fish Market. Fish Market - or Fiskebrygga as it is known to locals - is a former fish landing with a collection of handsome buildings and wooden wharves that have been beautifully restored. This popular tourist hub offers a wonderful selection of eateries, shopping venues, and more. Even though the area has a polished and bold new look, Fish Market still boasts an original fish market where patrons can purchase some of the freshest seafood from scallops to shrimp.

Fish Market

Address: Gravane 6, 4610 Kristiansand, Norway

Website: Fish Market

Opening hours: Mon: 7am - 5pm; Tue - Sat: 24 hours (closed on Sun)

5. Be entertained at Kilden Performing Arts Centre

Whether you want to enjoy a dramatic play or an elaborate opera, Kilden Performing Arts Centre is the venue for experiencing Kristiansand’s eclectic culture and entertainment scene. Erected in 2012, this renowned concert hall’s architectural design of oak and glass is as attention-grabbing as the center’s calendar of events. This striking harborside structure displays a rare and eye-catching undulating oak façade that reflects ripples from the shimmering waters. The dramatic appearance is definitely Instagram-worthy.

Kilden Performing Arts Centre

Address: Sjølystveien 2, 4610 Kristiansand, Norway

Website: Kilden Performing Arts Centre

6. Dive into fun at Aquarama Kristiansand

When the temperature rises, the only place to go is Aquarama Kristiansand. This delightful multi-use water park provides a myriad of fun aquatic recreation. Situated along the sandy shoreline, this marvelous complex is massive. It offers not only a fun-filled water park but also a rejuvenating spa and an expert fitness facility. A fabulous sports hall holding up to 1,700 persons is also available. Play handball, get a soothing massage, or practice your surfing skills at Flowrider Surfing wave. A non-stop opportunity for relaxed diversions is provided at Aquarama Kristiansand.

Aquarama Kristiansand

Address: Tangen 8, 4608 Kristiansand, Norway

Website: Aquarama Kristiansand

Opening hours: Mon: 12pm - 9pm; Tue: 6am - 9pm; Wed - Thu: 12pm - 9pm; Fri: 6am - 9pm; Sat- Sun: 10am - 6pm

7. Get a glimpse of the past at Gimle Farm

Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing

Gimle Farm is a dazzling piece of real estate from the turn of the 19th century. Opening as a museum in 1985, the manor house on the property exudes a stately vibe. This structure was the summer home of a wealthy Norwegian merchant. It boasts a lengthy porch and delicate slender columns that enhance the exterior. The interior is a blend of age-old beauty and modern convenience: a toasty wood-burning stove and captivating ballroom alongside a contemporary TV and refrigerator. If you’re a history buff, the exquisite period furnishings, pretty paintings, and colorful ceramics are a must-see.

Gimle Farm

Address: Gimleveien 23, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway

Website: Gimle Farm

8. Let loose at KICK Nattklubb & Scene

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

If you want to experience some late-night revelry, then head to KICK Nattklubb & Scene. A top nightclub destination in Kristiansand, KICK Nattklubb & Scene possesses an intimate industrial ambiance. This club features an expert lighting and sound system, plus sparkling disco balls that hang from the towering ceiling. The stage is small but the live music performances are larger than life when it comes to putting out heavy beats and entertaining tunes.

KICK Nattklubb & Scene

Address: Dronningens gate 8, 4610 Kristiansand, Norway

Website: KICK Nattklubb & Scene

9. Discover terrific art at Pyramidehuset Art Gallery - Birte Lohne

Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account

The unique exterior of Pyramidehuset Art Gallery - Birte Lohne will grab your attention, while the artwork displayed inside will make you happy as you walk through the door. This one-of-a-kind pyramid-style art gallery is also the home of the talented artist Birte Lohne, and visitors are treated to an eclectic mix of creative artworks housed on no less than three floors. To enjoy an extraordinary gallery experience, a trip to Pyramidehuset Art Gallery - Birte Lohne is an unexpected delight.

Pyramidehuset Art Gallery - Birte Lohne

Address: Grovikveien 127, 4635 Kristiansand, Norway

Website: Pyramidehuset Art Gallery - Birte Lohne

Opening hours: Sun: 1pm - 3pm (closed from Mon - Sat)

10. Explore the amazing Kristiansand Cannon Museum

Kristiansand Cannon Museum was originally constructed by the German authorities in occupied Norway (Reichkommisariat Norwegen). It was called Batterie Vara and was used for defensive purposes. It later became Fort Morvik under the Norwegian Armed Forces until it was closed in 1959. Between the decade of the 80s and the 90s, it was converted into a museum. The Cannon Museum preserves the cannons built by the Nazis during World War II. Especially worth mentioning is a 38 cm (14 inches) caliber cannon, which has a barrel 20 meters (65 feet) long and a range of 55 km (34 miles). For fans of military history, or if you simply like guns and ammunition, then this museum is the place for you!

Kristiansand Cannon Museum

Address: Kroodden, 4624 Kristiansand S, Norway

Website: Kristiansand Cannon Museum

Opening hours: 11am - 6pm (daily)

Price: 23.5 USD (family price)

11. Marvel at the gothic architecture of Kristiansand Cathedral

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The neo-Gothic Kristiansand Cathedral serves as the seat of the Bishop of Agder od Telemark, in the Lutheran Church of Norway. It is the third cathedral in Kristiansand, and when it was built, the builders decided to reuse the existing walls of the previous cathedral. As a cathedral, it highlights the Apostolic Succession that the Church of Norway inherited from the Catholic Church. Lutheran services are held every Friday and Sunday, so feel free to attend. Translations in English are also available. For those who are Christians or even those who simply appreciate religion as a big part of cultural studies, this cathedral is a must-see site!

Kristiansand Cathedral

Address: Gyldenløves gate 9, 4611 Kristiansand, Norway

Website: Kristiansand Cathedral

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm

12. Visit the contemporary open-air Kristiansand Museum

The beautiful Kristiansand Museum is a great place to visit since it is filled with many heritage buildings. There is a part of the museum which is a replica of the old town center of Kristiansand. This shows visitors what the town looked like during the time of King Christian IV, who founded the city. This place is also good for the kids, since there is a toy exhibition present within the premises of the museum, and the museum also organizes many activities for children to enjoy, like traditional Norwegian children’s games and storytelling sessions in the old houses. As a result, the Kristiansand Museum offers many opportunities for tourists to learn about Norwegian history!

Kristiansand Museum

Address: Vigeveien 22B, 4633 Kristiansand, Norway

Website: Kristiansand Museum

Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 4pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 3pm

Price: 9 USD

13. Get your flora fix at Agder Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden

The Agder Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden, located in the old Gimle Gard manor, houses nearly 2000 species of plants in the botanical and monastery gardens. Some of these plants were even used by the Vikings in their everyday lives. The rose collection is really a must-see attraction in the museum. Many visitors troop to the museum just to see how amazing the botanical gardens really are. Cabins, which can fit up to 30 people, are available for rental, in case you need a place to camp. As a result, the Agder Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden is truly a place for everyone to visit.

Agder Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden

Address: Gimleveien 23, 4630 Kristiansand, Norway

Website: The Agder Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden

Opening hours: 11am - 5pm (daily)

Price: 9 USD

14. Hike the beautiful Jegersberg Trail

The Jegersberg hiking trail was once the training grounds for the Norwegian military, but now, it is the perfect place to go hiking or biking. This is because this beautiful trail has many beautiful lakes, where you can swim, as well a fish (be sure to get your fishing license first!). Also, you are free to enjoy a picnic along the trail. The paths are marked to ensure your safety, and the trail is wheelchair friendly, so even people with physical disabilities can participate in this awesome activity. All you have to do is bring your water bottle, your bike, and your helmet and you are ready to start your adventure! If you prefer to go on foot, bring your walking stick, wear comfortable walking shoes, and pack some water and snacks, so you can explore this beautiful area. You can even bring a portable barbecue for grilling your catch!

Jegersberg Hiking Trail

Address: Prestheia, Kristiansand 4633, Norway

15. Swing by St. Ansgar's Church

St. Ansgar’s Church is the only Catholic Church in Vest-Agder, and it was built in 1936. The Church serves as a spiritual home to the growing Catholic community in Vest-Agder, and it was named after St. Ansgar, the founder of the Archdiocese of Hamburg-Bremen, who was the first to spread the Catholic faith in Scandinavia. Their faith remained strong until the Reformation when the Danish kings (who were also the Norwegian kings) imposed Lutheranism. Even though the Catholic Church is second to the Church of Norway with regards to the number of followers, its popularity is growing due to the growth of the Polish community in Denmark, and the influx of overseas Filipino workers. As a result, visiting this Church, irrespective of your faith, is a great experience because you will be exposed to the other cultures present in Kristiansand.

St. Ansgar's Church

Address: Kirkegata 3, Kristiansand, Vest-Agder 4610 Norway

Website: St. Ansgar’s Church

Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 2pm

Price: Free

Visit beautiful Kristiansand

In the end, Kristiansand will always be known as a great city to visit, because of its museums and churches. It is also a great place to go hiking, due to the beautiful fjords of Norway. Here are some of the best things to do in Kristiansand. All you have to do is book your flight and all these wonders will be yours to explore. Remember to get your travel documents ready beforehand to avoid any untoward incidents.