A family vacation in Southern Norway can suit most budgets. Many activities are free, such as beaches, hiking trails and playgrounds. Accommodation ranges from affordable campsites and cabins to family hotels and holiday homes. Food and transport are additional costs, but it is still possible to enjoy a varied and memorable vacation without spending too much money.

Southern Norway has many family-friendly beaches with shallow water and great facilities. Popular choices include Bystranda in Kristiansand, Sjøsanden in Mandal, Groos in Grimstad and Hamresanden. Here you will find toilets, kiosks and often playgrounds nearby.

Yes! Southern Norway is a dog-friendly destination. Many cabins, campsites and hotels allow pets, and there are several dog-friendly beaches and hiking trails where your dog is welcome. Remember to check with your accommodation in advance and bring a leash and waste bags.

Yes, it is generally safe for children to swim in the sea in Southern Norway. Many beaches have shallow and calm waters, especially in the archipelago and at popular family-friendly beaches such as Hamresanden, Fevik Beach and Bystranda. Remember sunscreen, life jackets for young children, and be aware of currents in more exposed coastal areas.

Yes, Southern Norway is well suited for motorhome travel. You will find many motorhome sites and campsites with facilities such as waste disposal and electricity. Many are beautifully located along the coast, in places like Lillesand, Mandal, Farsund and Risør. It is also possible to stay overnight at some rest areas and marinas with designated motorhome parking.

Yes, it is relatively easy to find public transport in Southern Norway, especially in and around Kristiansand. The bus network is well developed, and AKT (Agder Public Transport) operates routes between towns and attractions such as Dyreparken. During the summer months, there are also extra buses to popular destinations. For longer distances, the train (Sørlandsbanen) is a good option. Taxis and rental cars are available, but it is recommended to book in advance during the high season.

By car
Most travelers driving to Southern Norway arrive via one of the three main routes: Route 9 from the north, the E18 from the east or the E39 from the west.

If you want to make more of your journey, there are scenic routes filled with experiences, activities and attractions. Drive along the coast and visit the charming white towns of Southern Norway, known for their beautiful harbours, local food and welcoming atmosphere. The distance from Risør in the east to Flekkefjord in the west is just over 200 kilometres, making Southern Norway perfect for a road trip with many stops along the way.

By ferry
Color Line offers two daily arrivals to Kristiansand from Hirtshals in Denmark. The crossing with the ship “Superspeed” takes 3 hours and 15 minutes.

Fjord Line also operates a high-speed ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand. The catamaran “Fjord Cat” completes the journey in just 2 hours and 15 minutes.

By bus and train

Modern and comfortable express buses make it easy to travel to and from Southern Norway. Konkurrenten and Vy operate routes between Oslo and Kristiansand.

From Kristiansand, express buses run to Setesdal, Hovden and Haukeligrend, with further connections to Oslo, Bergen and Haugesund via the Haukeliekspressen.

GoAhead operates several daily train departures from both Oslo and Stavanger year-round. Travel comfortably through beautiful landscapes on your way to Southern Norway. On board, you will find a café carriage and a play area for children. Three pieces of luggage are included in all ticket categories.

By air
Kristiansand Airport Kjevik is located about 10 kilometres from the city centre. From here, you have easy access to both coastal towns and inland destinations. Airlines such as Widerøe, Norwegian and SAS operate several daily flights to major Norwegian cities. KLM flies directly to Amsterdam, Wizz Air to Gdansk and SAS to Copenhagen.

There are bus connections from the airport to the main cities in the region, including Arendal, Grimstad, Lillesand and Kristiansand city centre.