One day in Kristiansand

Only a short visit to Kristiansand?

Suggested 1-Day in Kristiansand itinerary and self-guided tours. Arriving to Kristiansand with cruise ship or just driving through? If you're only in town for a brief trip, there's still time to visit many of Kristiansand's attractions. Here's what to see and do.

Top things to see in Kristiansand city centre

See Kilden Performance Hall

Kilden, the performing arts centre for Southern Norway, is filled with concerts, theatre, opera, dance and entertainment. In summer season, there are free concerts almost every day. The building itself is worth a visit.

See exhibitions at art museums and galleries

Check out the art scene in Kristiansand at for instance Sørlandets Kunstmuseum, Kristiansand Kunsthall and Galleri Bi-Z.

Take a stroll through Posebyen (The old town)

Posebyen is the old part of town in Kristiansand with a charming, large connected collection of wooden buildings. On your way back to the city center visit Kristiansand Cathedral. The cathedral is open all year. Guided tours and free organ concerts in summer season when cruise ships arrive to Kristiansand.

Relax and unwind at Bystranda, the city beach

Bystranda is a Blue Flag beach which basically means clean beach and clean water. Here you will also find Aquarama waterpark and the Palmesus beach festival.

Chill at Fiskebrygga (The Fish Quay)

'Fiskebrygga' is the fish bazaar in Kristiansand. Visit Reinhartsen for local products and fresh shrimps, and enjoy fine restaurants. During summer the area is buzzing with life and every week there is a large open air concert.

Odderøya museum harbour

At Odderøya Museumshavn your kids can borrow a rowboat and learn about the maritim history of Kristiansand. You will also find a plastic boat exhibition and other fun activities for families.

More to do

Hiking areas close to Kristiansand city

Experience nature, art and culture at Odderøya

Walking paths, fantastic view, galleries, cafés, a lighthouse and beaches. Kilden Performance Hall is located at Odderøya and it's only a 5 minutes walk from the city centre. In summer, the island Odderøya is home to several festivals. Check out what's on in Kristiansand.

Visit Ravnedalen Valley Nature Park for burgers and music

Ravnedalen is a nature park with scenic surroundings. In the park there is a grand outdoor stage for summer concerts. Stop at Café Generalen for great food and concerts/entertainment during the summer season.

Go for a hike or a swim in Baneheia

This large nature area at the north of the city centre is filled with marked walking paths, lakes with bathing and fishing possibilities, lookout points and a lively bird and animal life. In winter, the flood lit trail is prepped for skiing.

Kristiansand city walk

Main Kristiansand city centre fits within one square kilometer, so it's easy to get around. We recommend a city walk via the fish market, further via the eastern harbour with the Fountain Park, to the city beach and further on to Posebyen Old Town.

Top things to do outside of Kristiansand city

These attractions are easily available by bus. It's 4-6 hourly departures and you can pay with credit card on the bus. See bus schedules at akt.no.

Kristiansand Cannon museum

A historical defence museum that features a heavy German coastal defence battery from 1940-45, with the world's second largest land-based cannon (337 tonnes). The cannon is one of the largest in the world and the gun barrel alone weighs 110 tonnes, and is almost 20 metres long.

Visit Dyreparken - Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park

At "Dyreparken" you will meet Nordic animals such as wolf, lynx, moose and snow fox, but also exotic animals such as lions, siberian tigers, cheetahs and monkeys. The zoo is also home to different themed attractions and rides throughout the park.

Kristiansand museum

The museum is southern Norway's largest historical museum and is located at Kongsgård. The open-air museum consists of 34 old houses in three areas: Bygade (old city street), Setesdal yard (the oldest building is from 1580) and Vest-Agder yard (with farm animals).

Natural history museum, botanical garden and Gimle Manor

At the Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden you can see natural history from the ice age to the present. The Botanical garden has a historical rose garden dating from 1850. Located at the same place you gave Gimle Gård, a historical museum (open in summer season).

Explore the coastline

In summer there are several sightseeing boat trips in and around Kristiansand. Visit one of the coastal outports or go island hopping. See more info on the different boat trips listings.