What to do in the Kristiansand Region

Enjoy a boat trip through Blindleia

Take a boat trip from Kristiansand through the inland waterway Blindleia to Lillesand. In the pretty little village of Lillesand you can stroll through narrow streets, giving you a feeling of days gone by and of the coastal culture.

Odderøya - culture and natural history within the city itself

Go for a walk (approximately three kilometres) around the former naval base on the island of Odderøya, now a recreation area. Walk on idyllic signposted paths with excellent views of the eastern harbour, Christiansholm Fortress (built in 1672) and the leisure boat marinas.

Odderøya Island has a very interesting military history with remnants of old ramparts, a gunpowder store, an old isolation hospital and other buildings from the eighteenth century and onwards. Odderøya was also used as a quarantine harbour in the 1830s and was the largest quarantine station in Northern Europe.

The cafeteria, a former residence of the garrison engineer on the southern tip of the island, serves light refreshments during weekends. It offers a fantastic view of the fjord and the two lighthouses, Oksøy and Grønningen. There are good places for swimming on the eastern side of the island. Track suitable for wheelchairs.

A stroll through Posebyen – the old town of Kristiansand

Northern Europe's largest collection of low-rise, wall-to-wall wooden houses. This district was unaffected by the 1892 town fire, and originally inhabited by working class folk and artisans.

Today it is the most characteristic residential area in Kristiansand and the cosy white painted wooden houses are synonymous with towns on the south coast of Norway.

City train - guided tour of Kristiansand 

An enjoyable, informative experience for both adults and children. The train stops at the Fish Quay, Nupen Park, the Visitors’ Harbour, the town beach (Bystranda) and Posebyen (the old town). Guides speaking several languages. Departure from Markensgate in the summer season.

Mineral hunting at Slobrekka Quarry

At Slobrekka, the many different minerals found include some very good quality specimens of the least common ones. Mining permits are available at the opencast mine (ticket machine). Open every day from May – September. Tickets cost from NOK 50. Slobrekka lies 60 kilometres from Kristiansand. If you travel by car, follow rv. 9 to Iveland/Frigstad, then turn left and drive approximately two kilometres.