Weekend with friends

- a happy reunion in Kristiansand!

Vennegjengen .
Photo: Nico Hagen

Finally we were supposed to meet again! Pål and I hadn't seen our gang for a long time, in a hectic everyday life most contact is on social media. So when we finally found a weekend where we could gather here in Kristiansand, we had to cheer with joy!
Since studying, most have moved away, while Pål and I have stayed here in Kristiansand.

We have so much new things we want to show off in our beautiful city and were looking forward to a weekend where we could just be together, chat and challenge ourselves!

Kristiansand .
Photo: Nico Hagen

Our group of friends has always been exuberant and ready for new challenges. That's why the street art hotel Thon Hotel Norge was perfect for us this weekend. Only a few minutes' walk from the Rutebilstasjon is this gem.

Thon Hotel Norge .
Photo: Ingvild Lyngnes

The rooms are fresh and modern with strong colors and urban views. Here we are in the middle of Smørøyet, close to all activities!

rom

Rom2

Thon Hotel Norge rom .
Photo: Kari Anne Røysland

After changing our outfits and tidying up the room, we were ready for music bingo at Bakgården Bar. This is a perfect weekend activity, and Bakgården has music bingo every other Friday. On the Fridays they don't have music bingo, there is a quiz, so something happens here every Friday!

The atmosphere is fantastic!

Musikkbingo .
Photo: South Coast Creative

jente med hjelm

Camilla's top three tips for experiencing Kristiansand:

1) I love visiting Kristiansand Kunsthall, which always has several exciting exhibitions. I can go for hours here and look and admire the works!

2) When I feel like getting out into nature, Baneheia as a hiking area is absolutely fantastic. Proximity to the center while getting out into nature. In the summer, there are also nice bathing spots here, and several nice viewpoints.

3) I love going to concerts, and Vaktbua on Odderøya is an intimate and cozy concert venue with a very good concert offer all year round.

Pål's top three tips for experiencing Kristiansand:

1) I really enjoy going for walks, and I think Ravnedalen as a hiking area is spectacular. Right on the edge of the city you will find this back park which also hosts concerts and Cafe Generalen in the summer. A must!

2) When I feel like going out, I am very happy to play billiards at Håndverkeren. Here there is always a pleasant atmosphere, good food and activities such as shuffleboard, darts and billiards. You can stay here for hours!

3) I am very fond of food, and if I fancy a unique dining experience, Smag og behag is a favourite. Innovative five-course meal with wine package in fantastic premises makes this a gem!

glad mann

Who doesn't like a hotel breakfast?

After a good night's sleep at the hotel, we met for a delicious morning in the restaurant. The cheerful staff dished up eggs and bacon, a large selection of bread and cold cuts, fruit and vegetables and yoghurt and granola. The best start to the day!

frokost

Thon Hotel Norge hotellfrokost .
Photo: Kari Anne Røysland

And you know what? After breakfast, I surprised the group with a fast-paced activity! I told you earlier that we were happy to challenge ourselves and go a little outside our comfort zone. X3M go-karts recently opened at Sørlandssenteret, where you drive around a large indoor track with electric go-karts. It's been a long time since we've laughed so much!

gokart

Gokart.mp4 .
Photo: Tobias Hole Aasgarden

After a rough session where we really got the adrenaline pumping, we were ready for a long and delicious lunch! Chat about everything and nothing, and reminisce about the old days!

afternoon tea

We had booked a table at Cafe Rasmus for afternoon tea/Topsy tea. Here we got a selection of delicious snacks and cakes, as well as accompanying tea and bubbles. From the restaurant you have a wonderful view of Markens' pedestrian street, and here we sat for hours and just let the chatter go!

Cafe rasmus.mp4 .
Photo: Ingvild Lyngnes

jente som skåler

Amanda's top three tips for experiencing Kristiansand:

1. I love to swim, and Bertesbukta, which is located in Lund just outside the city centre, has a nice bathing ladder, so it can be used all year round. If you dare!

2. Panda Panda is a favorite located in the middle of Torvet. Cafe during the day, and wine bar in the evening. Here you can get a great selection of wines, and they actually got a price for it too.

3. The zoo of course! Great fun for adults as well as kids and I love going here and seeing all the animals!

Ole's top three tips for experiencing Kristiansand:

1. I am very fond of nature, and sleeping in the open air gives me lots of energy! Tent trip on top of Baneheia is a favourite. Beautiful views and a hiking area with many possibilities. Has given me many good moments!

2. When I feel like trimming my abs, Improtor's Day at the Theater is something I have to take with me.

3. World's best coffee at Cuba Life!

folk på restaurant

In the afternoon we were ready for the wet element, we have always been happy to swim and do various activities in water. Harald had also heard rumors that the surf wave at Aquarama was really rough, so this just had to be tried out. And what crazy fun it was!

surfing

Afterwards it was lovely to relax in the pool with a view of Bystranda.

basseng

tre som bader

Surfebølge.mp4 .
Photo: Nico Hagen

After hanging out a bit at the hotel, we were ready for a drink mixing course at one of Norway's best bars, Bakgården Bar. We had a great time while we got tips from the bartender and got to taste several favourites. A fantastic activity for the group of friends!

på bar

Bakgården bar was founded in 1993, and has become an institution in the city. They have brought home both 1st and 3rd place in the Bartender NM, and have over 1100 types of spirits! They also offer other tastings such as gin, aquavit, whiskey and cognac.

drinkmiksing

drinker

Bakgården .
Photo: Nico Hagen

After a rough session where we really got the adrenaline pumping, we were ready for a long and delicious lunch! Chat about everything and nothing, and reminisce about the old days!

afternoon tea

We had booked a table at Cafe Rasmus for afternoon tea/Topsy tea. Here we got a selection of delicious snacks and cakes, as well as accompanying tea and bubbles. From the restaurant you have a wonderful view of Markens' pedestrian street, and here we sat for hours and just let the chatter go! kaker

venner som spiser

Middag på Cafe Dronningen .
Photo: Nico Hagen

på bar

Sofie's top three tips for experiencing Kristiansand:

1: I love spending the night in a hammock, and Bervannet in Bymarka is my special place. Here I find peace and just enjoy life!

2: I like puzzles and solving mysteries, and escape rooms are an activity I find fun!

3: Tilstede Mat og Mer is a hidden gem here in the city, with delicious food and a good atmosphere.

Harald's top three to experience Kristiansand:

1. You cannot miss Odderøya once you are in Kristiansand. A gem close to the city centre, close to Fiskebrygga and Kilden. There are nice hiking trails, bathing spots and viewpoints here. Not to mention the exciting galleries and café/concert venues. The city's artists are helping to leave their mark on the island, with art installations and events.

2. Kristiansand is lucky enough to have Norway's second largest theater and concert hall, and Kilden offers concerts, stand-up, theater and other events all year round. There is guaranteed to be something for every taste here!

3. Posebyhaven is another hidden gem in Kristiansand. In the city's old quarter, Posebyen, a cultural center has sprung up in the backyard. Here you will find several shops and the cafe the ODD bakery, which is the city's only pure sourdough bakery. Lunch here is a must!

surfing

On Sunday morning we lay and enjoyed ourselves for a long time in bed before enjoying a delicious hotel breakfast. As an end to a fantastic weekend, we had booked an ocean rafting that Blått Senter offers in collaboration with Marinevent. An hour of speed and excitement, where we also got to see the magical archipelago. The end through the Fishing Jetty made the trip complete.

rafting

båttur

RIB-tur.mp4 .
Photo: Nico Hagen

We had an absolutely fantastic weekend that exceeded all my expectations! We have laughed a lot, talked about old days, got wet and full. Simply had an incredible amount of fun! A friend's weekend in Kristiansand can certainly be recommended!

Helgetur med vennegjengen .
Photo: Nico Hagen

Photo: Nico Hagen