Discover Kristiansand: Coastal culture, local food and memorable experiences
Join Arne Hjeltnes, Stig Bareksten and Sigrid Henjum as they explore Kristiansand and the surrounding region in People of the North. From the historic streets of Posebyen and the art and architecture of Kunstsilo to fresh seafood, local wine and a RIB adventure through the archipelago, the journey offers a taste of what makes Southern Norway special.
Along the way, they meet the people behind local food traditions, discover the history of the coastal city and spend time at Boen Gård, a historic estate known for its restaurant and unique setting by the river. It is a journey through the flavours, stories and landscapes of Kristiansand. Concider this an invitation to discover the region for yourself.
Kristiansand Zoo: Nordic wildlife, Kardemommeby and a taste of Norway
A visit to Kristiansand Zoo, in norwegian known as Dyreparken, is more than a day of rides and attractions. Just outside the city centre of Kristiansand, the park brings together animals, nature, Norwegian stories and experiences for the whole family.
In the People of the North TV series, Arne Hjeltnes explores some of the park's highlights. From the colourful streets of Kardemommeby, to the animals of the Nordic Wilderness, with a traditional Norwegian meal along the way.
Photo:
Visit Sørlandet
Step into the world of Kardemommeby
Kardemommeby is one of the most recognisable parts of Kristiansand Zoo. Inspired by the beloved Norwegian children's book When the Robbers Came to Cardamom Town by Thorbjørn Egner, the area brings the fictional town to life with colourful buildings, familiar characters and stories.
Visitors can stroll through the streets, meet the characters and experience the world of the book up close. For Norwegian families, Kardemommeby is often a nostalgic experience, while international visitors get an introduction to one of Norway's best-loved children's stories.
And no visit is complete without a freshly baked cardamom bun. The sweet, spiced pastry is a favourite in Norway, and a fitting treat in a town named after the spice.
Photo:
Visit Sørlandet
Discover Nordic wildlife
In the Nordic Wilderness area, visitors can encounter animals from the Nordic region, such as lynx, wolves and wolverine, and learn more about the wildlife and natural habitats found in northern Europe.
The area offers a different perspective on the zoo experience, with a focus on Nordic species and the landscapes they belong to. It is a chance to discover more about the animals that share our part of the world and how they live.
Photo:
Tellus
A taste of Norwegian food traditions at Setra
Food is also part of the experience. During their visit, the People of the North crew stops at Setra to enjoy lapskaus, a traditional Norwegian stew.
Lapskaus is a hearty, slow-cooked dish usually made with potatoes, root vegetables and meat, all cut into pieces and cooked together until tender. It has long been a familiar meal in Norwegian homes, particularly during the colder months. Made with simple, filling ingredients, it is closely connected to everyday food traditions and the Norwegian idea of making good use of what is available.
There are different regional and family variations, but the result is usually a warm, comforting meal. It's just the kind of food to enjoy after a day exploring the park.
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Dyreparken
Where to stay when visiting Dyreparken
If you want to make more of your visit, staying overnight at the park is a great option. One of the accommodation experiences is Julius' Forest, in norwegian Juliusskogen, where guests can stay in surroundings inspired by the zoo's animal world.
The forest-themed accommodation brings you closer to nature and the atmosphere of the park, making the overnight stay part of the adventure rather than just somewhere to sleep. It is particularly suited to families who want to spend more time exploring Kristiansand Zoo without having to rush through everything in one day.
Staying at Julius' Forest also makes it easier to enjoy the park at a relaxed pace, with time for the animals and attractions.
Kunstsilo, home to the world’s largest collection of Nordic modernism
The next stop on the journey takes Arne Hjeltnes and the People of the North crew to Kunstsilo Nordic Art Museum, one of Kristiansand’s most distinctive cultural attractions. Housed in a former grain silo on the waterfront, the museum has been transformed into a striking space for art, architecture and new experiences.
Photo:
Frida Neverdal // Visit Sørlandet
The Tangen Collection
Kunstsilo is home to the Tangen Collection, the world’s largest collection of Nordic modernist art. With more than 6,000 works spanning the period from 1910 to 1990, the collection includes paintings, sculptures, photography, textiles and more. It offers a broad look at the artists and movements that have shaped modern art across the Nordic countries.
Photo:
Iselinn Andersen / Visit Sørlandet
World’s Most Beautiful Museum
The building itself is also worth a visit. In 2025, Kunstsilo received the prestigious Prix Versailles World Title in the category "World’s Most Beautiful Museums".
A view of the city
After exploring the museum, Arne and the team round off their visit at Panorama Skybar, located at the top of Kunstsilo. With views across Kristiansand, the harbour and the surrounding coastline, it is a fitting place to take in the city from above and end the day.
A taste of Southern Norway with local food, wine and coastal experiences
Southern Norway is a region best experienced through its local flavours, people and landscapes. During their journey, Arne Hjeltnes and Stig Bareksten explore Kristiansand and its surroundings through fresh seafood, a restaurant visit, a trip out on the water and a taste of locally produced wine. Here are some of the stops along the way.
Photo:
Iselinn Andersen // Visit Sørlandet
Fresh seafood and local flavours at Reinhartsen
The first stop is Reinhartsen at Fiskebrygga in Kristiansand, a family-owned seafood business with roots dating back to 1931. For generations, Reinhartsen has worked with fresh fish and seafood from the Norwegian coast, combining traditional knowledge with its own production kitchen and smokehouse.
At Reinhartsen, the focus is on good ingredients and local food traditions. The selection includes fresh fish, shellfish, smoked seafood and homemade specialities. During the visit, chef Sigrid Henjum get a taste of the local seafood, including a fishcake burger topped with smoked salmon, a casual way to enjoy some of the flavours Southern Norway is known for.
Photo:
Visit Sørlandet
Food and wine by the waterfront at Hos Moi
Next, the journey continues to Hos Moi, located right by the water at Fiskebrygga. Owned by chef Trond Moi, the restaurant combines international brasserie-style cooking with high-quality ingredients, often sourced locally.
The atmosphere is part of the experience. With boats passing by and the waterfront just outside, Hos Moi offers a relaxed setting for a long lunch or dinner. Arne, Stig and Sigrid sit down with Trond Moi to enjoy a meal accompanied by wine, discovering a restaurant where good food, wine and hospitality come together.
Photo:
Foto Adele Grosås
Norwegian wine at Voie Vin
Voie Vin, a small vineyard near Kristiansand where locally grown grapes are turned into wine. Situated on a family farm with a long agricultural history, the vineyard offers a surprising insight into wine production in the Norwegian coastal climate.
With around 2,000 vines and several grape varieties, Voie Vin produces its own red, white and sparkling wines. The work is carried out by hand, with careful attention to the growing conditions and the winemaking process.
Arne and Stig get to explore the vineyard on a guided walk among the grapevines, learning about how the grapes are grown and how the wines are made. The visit continues with a wine tasting, where they get to sample wines produced right there on the farm.
Photo:
GoNorway
Explore the Kristiansand archipelago
To experience the Southern Norwegian coastline from a different perspective, Arne, Sigrid and Stig head out on the water with Nature Norway. The local activity company offers guided RIB tours in the archipelago around Kristiansand, combining speed, coastal scenery and stories about the area.
During the trip, they speed across the open water and pass small islands, sheltered coves and traditional coastal landscapes. When the boat slows down, the guide shares local history and points out interesting places along the route.
A RIB tour is an exciting way to explore the archipelago and get a closer look at the coastline that has shaped life in Southern Norway for generations.
Photo:
Visit Sørlandet
A Dry Martini above Kristiansand
For a different perspective on Kristiansand, Arne, Stig and Sigrid head to Club 21, the rooftop bar at Caledonien Hotel. Located on the 13th floor, the bar offers panoramic views across the city, the harbour and the coastline.
The episode features a Dry Martini scene filmed high above the city. With its location overlooking Kristiansand, Club 21 provides a striking setting for a cocktail moment and a chance to see the coastal city from above.
A historic farm stay and a taste of local food at Boen Gård
Just outside Kristiansand, beside the Tovdalselva river, lies Boen Gård, wich is a historic estate where local food, Norwegian heritage and peaceful surroundings come together. During their journey through Southern Norway, Arne Hjeltnes, Stig Bareksten and Sigrid Henjum visit the estate, enjoy a meal prepared with the chef and stay overnight in one of its historic buildings.
Photo:
Visit Sørlandet
From river to table: A wild salmon dinner
One of the highlights of the visit begins out on the river. Arne catches a wild salmon in the Tovdalselva, which later becomes the centrepiece of a meal prepared together with the chef at Boen Gård.
Boen Gård places great emphasis on seasonal cooking and local sourcing. Vegetables, fruit, berries, herbs and honey are harvested from the estate’s own gardens, while wild salmon from the Tovdalselva is among its specialities. The kitchen combines these ingredients with a modern approach to classic cuisine.
It is a good example of how food in Southern Norway is closely connected to the landscape and the people who produce it. Boen Gård has also received international recognition from the Michelin Guide. Its restaurant has been recommended in the Guide Michelin since 2022, recognising its seasonal cuisine and focus on quality ingredients.
Photo:
Boarder free travel Fredrik Bye
Stay overnight at the historic Boen Gård
The main house, completed in 1813, is surrounded by a landscaped park and has been carefully restored, retaining much of its historic character. Today, the boutique hotel has 18 double rooms, combining traditional architecture with modern comfort.
The history of Boen Gård stretches back to the early 16th century. Its location beside the Tovdalselva made it an important place for salmon fishing and the timber trade. The estate attracted prominent visitors over the centuries, including King Oscar II, who stayed there in 1891 during the celebrations of Kristiansand’s 250th anniversary.
In 2025, the hotel was awarded One Michelin Key. Michelin Keys are awarded to hotels for outstanding stays, based on factors such as architecture, service, character and the overall guest experience. One Key recognises a particularly special stay.
Kristiansand offers a mix of coastal experiences, culture, history and local food. Visit Kunstsilo, explore the historic wooden houses of Posebyen, spend a day at Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park, or take a boat trip through the archipelago. You can also enjoy fresh seafood, visit a local vineyard or stay at a historic estate such as Boen Gård.
Kristiansand is known as the largest city in Southern Norway and is often called the capital of the south. The city is famous for its coastline, archipelago, beaches, white wooden houses, cultural attractions and relaxed coastal atmosphere. It is also a popular destination for families, food lovers and visitors interested in Norwegian coastal culture.
Posebyen is Kristiansand's historic wooden town, known for its traditional white wooden houses and charming streets. It is one of Northern Europe's largest collections of historic wooden buildings. A guided walk is a great way to learn more about the city's history, architecture and maritime heritage.
Kunstsilo is an art museum housed in a former grain silo on Kristiansand's waterfront. It is home to the Tangen Collection, the world's largest collection of Nordic modernist art. In 2025, Kunstsilo received the Prix Versailles World Title in the category World's Most Beautiful Museums. Visitors can also enjoy panoramic views of the city from Panorama Skybar at the top of the building.
Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park (Dyreparken in norwegian) is one of Norway's most popular family attractions. Visitors can explore the Nordic Wilderness, meet animals, enjoy family attractions and step into Kardemommeby, the colourful town inspired by the classic Norwegian children's book by Thorbjørn Egner. You can also enjoy traditional Norwegian food, including lapskaus and freshly baked cardamom buns.
Julius' Forest offers themed accommodation at Kristiansand Zoo, giving families the opportunity to extend their visit and enjoy more time at the park. There are also several other accommodation options in and around Kristiansand.
Fiskebrygga is one of the best-known places to enjoy seafood in Kristiansand. Here you will find Reinhartsen, a family-owned seafood business with a long history of working with fresh fish and shellfish from the Norwegian coast. Its selection includes fresh seafood, smoked products and homemade specialities.
Kristiansand has several restaurants offering good food and wine. Hos Moi, located at Fiskebrygga, serves brasserie-style food in a waterfront setting. For a different experience, Voie Vin offers guided vineyard visits and wine tastings just outside the city.
Yes. Voie Vin, near Kristiansand, is a small Norwegian vineyard where visitors can learn about grape growing and local wine production. Guided tours take you among the vines, followed by a tasting of wines produced on the farm. You can also visit Skudeneset Gård in Søgne, 20 minutes away from Kristiansand
Yes. Nature Norway offers guided RIB tours through the archipelago around Kristiansand. The trips combine high-speed sections with opportunities to enjoy the islands, coastline and local stories shared by the guide.
Boen Gård is a historic estate and boutique hotel located beside the Tovdalselva river, just outside Kristiansand. It is known for its restaurant, seasonal cuisine and focus on local ingredients, including produce from its own gardens and wild salmon from the river.
Does Boen Gård have a Michelin star?
Boen Gård's restaurant has been recommended in the Michelin Guide since 2022, but does not hold a Michelin star. In 2025, the hotel received One Michelin Key, an international recognition of outstanding hotel experiences.
Can you stay overnight at Boen Gård?
Yes. Boen Gård is a boutique hotel with 18 double rooms in historic surroundings. Guests can enjoy the restaurant, gardens and peaceful location beside the river.
Yes. Although Kristiansand is a popular summer destination amongst norwegians, the city has cultural attractions, restaurants, museums and experiences throughout the year. Kunstsilo, Posebyen and the city's food scene are good reasons to visit beyond the summer months.
