Dotted along the coast of Southern Norway are coastal towns, whose charm has been enhanced by the influence of the fishing industry, arts and crafts and European trading. In the towns of Sørlandet you will find alleys, port facilities, parks, shops, restaurants and cafés, museums, and the characteristically white-painted wooden houses. It is in these towns and villages that you will discover a charming blend of good, old-fashioned idyll and modern, Norwegian urban life.
Sørlandet has everything you associate with a coastal landscape – from weather beaten cliff tops to sheltered bays and beaches. This is the perfect area to spend a summer holiday. enjoying some of the many beautiful beaches.
The coastal waters offer excellent fishing opportunities. The more adventurous visitor can enjoy numerous water sports from kayaking to scuba diving. It is easy to rent a boat for the day; skippers included if needed, and explore the coastline. Alternatively you can stroll along the beautiful beaches. A walk along the Lindesnes shore, Norway’s southernmost point on the mainland, is strongly recommended.
The inland has a lot to offer, year round. The rivers that flow out of the mountains are well stocked with trout and salmon and there are numerous lakes where the fish willingly bites. The conditions for cycling and canoeing are great, and there are a lot of companies that offer action-packed adventure for both the cautious and the more adventurous.
Hiking possibilities are plenty, and the Norwegian Trekking Organization has cabins scattered about the mountains of Sørlandet, tied together in a web of marked hiking trails. Just look for the red “T”s. The organization has a local office in Kristiansand, where you can buy maps and equipment, and get tips and advice about where to stay and where to go.