Getting to Southern Norway and around
Southern Norway (Sørlandet) is easy to reach, located at the southernmost tip of the Norwegian mainland. Kristiansand is the communications centre in Southern Norway. It has extensive train, bus, ferry and plane links with the rest of Norway and abroad.
By air
Kristiansand Airport Kjevik is located 10 kilometers from Kristiansand city centre. You can arrive at Kjevik Airport by plane from major Norway cities. SAS, Widerøe and Norwegian have arrivals from Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger and Trondheim.
There are direct international arrivals from Copenhagen, Amsterdam, London and Gdansk. You will find four car rental firms based at Kristiansand Airport Kjevik.
To and from Kristiansand Airport Kjevik
Between Kristiansand and Kjevik the airport bus service consists of the regular bus service on line 35. The bus stop is just outside of the terminal. You will also find bussed to Lillesand, Grimstad, Arendal. Two taxi companies operates at Kristiansand airport, Kjevik. See more information about bus and taxi to and from Kristiansand Kjevik Airport.
The other two big airports in Southern Norway are Torp outside Sandefjord and Stavanger Airport Sola. Both have an extensive schedule of flights from several destinations in Europe. The biggest car rental companies also have offices at both airports.
By ferry
The coastal ferry routes to Southern Norway starts at Hirtshals in Denmark and ends in Kristiansand. The Color Line "Superspeed" ferry only takes three hours and 30 minutes. This route has two departures daily. In summer the Fjord Line ferry "Master Cat" takes 2 hours and 30 minutes. There are also several departures from Denmark to Langesund and Larvik.
Holland Norway Lines
Holland Norway Lines is the first cruise-ferry company to sail across the North Sea between Eemshaven in the Netherlands and Kristiansand in southernmost Norway.
Experience the overnight cruise-ferry between Eemshaven (Groningen) and Kristiansand on board of the MS Romantika. On board of the ship there is a wide variety of restaurants and bars, stunning cabins and suits, a spa, duty free shopping and much more!
By car
If you want to arrive to Southern Norway by car, the best option is to follow the E18 from Oslo, or E39 from Stavanger. You may also choose to follow the scenic old coastal roads if you have more time.
The table shows distances between destinations, whether you are coming from Oslo or Stavanger. You can see that it is not far between cities or towns in Southern Norway: from Flekkefjord to Risør is just a little over 200 kilometres.
By rail
Take the train following the coast, with numerous train stations to stop at along the way. For booking and timetables, please contact the the railway company.
By bus
There are daily buses departing from Stavanger and Oslo heading for Southern Norway. The bus routes follow the coastline, where coastal towns are natural places to stop. There are also express buses heading towards Setesdal. Local buses between towns is available on akt.no and make it possible to use public transportation throughout your holiday.
From Oslo to: | Distance: | From Stavanger to: | Distance: |
Risør | 234 km | Risør | 363 km |
Tvedestrand | 238 km | Tvedestrand | 340 km |
Arendal | 259 km | Arendal | 319 km |
Grimstad | 276 km | Grimstad | 300 km |
Kristiansand | 325 km | Kristiansand | 250 km |
Mandal | 367 km | Mandal | 208 km |
Lyngdal | 399 km | Lyngdal | 179 km |
Farsund | 415 km | Farsund | 190 km |
Flekkefjord | 446 km | Flekkefjord | 128 km |
Sirdal | 372 km | Sirdal | 122 km |
Bortelid | 368 km | Bortelid | 228 km |
Hovden | 286 km | Hovden | 225 km |
Explore Southern Norway
Scenic routes in Southern Norway
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Southern Norway in a Week
The itinerary of this round trip takes you to Oslo, the Southern coast of Norway, Stavanger, a hike to Preikestolen and a glimpse of mountainous Telemark.
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Round trips in Southern Norway
Take a drive along the North Sea Road, explore the Lysefjord and Pulpit Rock, and enjoy southern culture in the many villages along the coast.
More about Southern Norway
The towns of Southern Norway - like pearls on a string
Few things characterise Southern Norway more than the charming white-painted towns that decorate the coastline from Risør to Flekkefjord like pearls on a string.
Adventure Guide to Southern Norway
Southernmost Norway offer action-packed river rafting, climbing and skiing in the Setesdal mountains, experiences in Raet national park, fishing, diving and surfing at Lista beaches.
Christmas in Southern Norway
The southernmost cities and villages of Norway oozes of atmosphere during Christmas. November and December are packed with Christmas events and festive activities.
Climbing in Southern Norway
As well as exciting and accessible mountains and crags, the southernmost Norway also has an excellent climate for climbing. Kristiansand in particular have many crags close to the city centre.
Golf courses in Southern Norway
You will find many golf courses in Southern Norway, both along the coast and inland. Be active on your holiday with your family or friends.
Experience Henrik Ibsen in Southern Norway
As a young man, world-famous author Henrik Ibsen worked as an apprentice pharmacist in Grimstad. Don’t miss out on the chance to experience Norway’s most important author in Grimstad, Southern Norway.
Raet National Park
Raet is Southern Norway’s national park. Raet National Park extends from Grimstad, through Arendal and on to Lyngør in Tvedestrand. The park was created in 2016 to protect this special natural area.
Highlights of Southern Norway
Special recommendations and highlights for your visit to Southern Norway.
Dining in Southern Norway
Find out where to eat in Southern Norway, from the top-rated restaurants on Trip Advisor to coffee bars and cafés.
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