With cameras in hand and a love for the wild, Danish influencers Daniel, Mads, and Marianne set out to capture Southern Norway through four seasons. Here, they share their highlights from spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
Southern Norway uncovered
A year of Insta-worthy spots
“The trip that stayed with me the longest was our spring bikepacking journey.”
Daniel Villadsen
Outdoor photographer
How has the journey from Denmark to Southern Norway been on your trips?
Travelling to Southern Norway from Denmark has been a smooth and enjoyable trip each time. The Fjordline ferry from Hirtshals to Kristiansand takes about 2.5–4 hours depending on which ferry you take.
How did each season change the way you moved through Southern Norway?
The seasons changed both the pace and the focus. Spring was active and exploratory, summer maritime and social, autumn calm and sensory, and winter playful and full of contrasts, with snow and warm spa experiences.
Spring
Spring travel in Southern Norway is perfect for those who love an active holiday without the crowds. Cyclists, hikers and those looking to enjoy skiing with milder temperatures will find spring the ideal time to explore!
On their spring trip in 2024, the group packed their belongings onto their bikes and embarked on a six-day journey. They began in Kristiansand, then took a bus to the foot of the Suleskarvegen road. From there, they cycled through light-green mountain landscapes, where remnants of the last of the winter snow still lined the road.
"You get the feeling of almost having the landscape to yourself, and the slow pace invites spontaneous stops at a roadside stall or for a picnic by a lake," says outdoor photographer and videographer Mads Tolstrup.
We also visited Viltgården Elk Farm at Iveland, where we could feed and observe the animals and learn more about their behaviour," says Mads.
In the Setesdalen Valley, you can connect to nature in many ways. Try river rafting in Evje (1 h drive from Kristiansand), or what about a night in the luxurious nature domes at Brokkestøylen in Rysstad?
More highlights for spring
Southern Norway is full of surprises. Follow in the footsteps of Danish influencers, and discover family-friendly activities perfect for spring.
ÅseralLjosland Skisenter
The Ljosland Ski Centre is a good starting point for both downhill and cross-country skiing. The cross-country trails start by the cafeteria and have a total lenght of 60 kilometres. The longest downhill piste is 1600 meters, and the top station is 793 meters above sea level. There is also a children's area with a ski carpet. In the cafeteria there is a ski rental which also includes snowboards, snowblades and cross-country skis.
TjørhomSirdal Fjellpark - Ski resort
Sirdal Fjellpark is the largest ski resort in the south-west and have parts that are adapted for the whole family to enjoy and have fun. There are 8 lifts, 2 children areas and no less than 21 slopes! You can also find three different restaurants scattered around the ski resort with something for everyone.
Book nowHovden I SetesdalHovden Alpine Centre
The Hovden Alpine Centre is a modern and well-adapted facility for the whole family. The children's area "Tusseland" has become an eldorado for our youngest guests; and the terrain park is more spectacular than ever and is considered one of the best in Norway.
Summer
Summer is the time when Southern Norway truly shines. The coast comes alive with sunny days, boat life, and a sense of lively atmosphere that only the summer season can bring.
“ It was a truly special experience to glide silently through the water between small islands and rocks. It gave a sense of freedom and a close connection with nature.”
Daniel Villadsen
While Kristiansand is a hot spot for families with children seeking a variety of activities, Daniel, Mats, and Marianne were drawn to the tranquility of the charming coastal towns.
"A perfect summer day begins peacefully with morning light over the harbour, followed by a trip on the water (kayaking or sailing), perhaps with a picnic on a small island in the archipelago. In the evening, you enjoy a good meal in a cosy town like Risør, Grimstad, or Lillesand, watching the sun set over the sea," says Daniel.
But there's another side to summer in Southern Norway. For those seeking a deeper connection with nature, Raet Camping offers the ideal escape.
Set in the heart of Raet National Park near Arendal, it's the perfect place to paddle on a SUP board at sunset, unwind in a sauna, and fully disconnect from everyday life.
Check out this perfect summer itinerary for exploring Southern Norway, aka the 'Norwegian Riviera': video below!
Top highlights for summer
Embrace summer in Southern Norway like the Danish influencers and explore even more family-friendly activities perfect for sunny days.
Book nowKristiansand SAquarama Waterpark
Aquarama is Southern Norway's largest and most versatile aquatic center – combining water park, Olympic-size pool, spa, and wellness in one place! Enjoy wave pools, waterslides, climbing pools, a surf wave, and three heated outdoor pools open all year. Perfect for training, fun, and relaxation! You'll also find a SATS gym, café, pharmacy, hotel, and more – all under one roof. Learn more at www.aquarama.no
Autumn
In autumn, Southern Norway takes on a quieter, more introspective character.
“We went on a road trip in an electric overlander, which was both a fun and interesting way to experience Southern Norway.”
Marianne Villadsen
Outdoor enthusiast and intensive care nurse
"The autumn colours painted the landscape in shades of yellow and orange, and the season invited us to go for hikes, sauna experiences, and refreshing dips in lakes. It was also a time when café visits and cosy breaks took centre stage," says Marianne.
"Visiting the abandoned mine at Knaben was also a unique experience."
Hot tip: In Southern Norway there are plenty of day trip cabins perfect for combining a nature walk with a peaceful break. Enjoy a hike, warm up by the fire, and relax with a packed lunch while keeping dry.
Ready for a challenge? Climb the Via Ferrata Knaben to the summit of Knabekniben, to breathtaking views at 786 metres above sea level!
Top highlights for autumn
Embrace autumn in Southern Norway like the Danish influencers and discover family-friendly activities perfect for crisp, colourful days.
LyngdalDagsturhytta Sherpahytta i Lyngdal
Welcome to the daytrip cabin. Here you can experience the beautiful natural surroundings, seek shelter, warm yourself up, eat your packed lunch and perhaps meet other people. The cabin is open all year and is free to use. The cabin is intended for day visits, and you cannot stay overnight inside. You are nonetheless welcome to spend the night in the surrounding area. Take good care of the cabin, so that those who come after you can also enjoy the experience. Thank you for cleaning up after yourself!
Winter
During winter, Kristiansand often only see a light dusting of snow, but within a 3 hours drive from Kristiansand you can reach snow-secure mountain destinations such as Hovden in Setesdal, the largest alpine destination in the region.
“It felt like stepping into a true Winter Wonderland – the snow, the light, and the silence were completely different from winter back home in Denmark.”
Daniel Villadsen
On their winter trip, the group mainly explored the areas of Sirdal (2–2.5 hours from Kristiansand) and Hovden (around 3 hours away).
"Tobogganing at sunset and skiing in Hovden, a dog sledding tour in Sirdal, and realxing in the outdoor pool at Hovden Fjellbad with a view of the mountains are probably the highlights – a perfect combination of activities and relaxation," says Mads.
“The pool that stretches over the cross-country ski trail was incredibly unique.”
Daniel Villadsen
Tip: Travel outside the official school holiday to enjoy Southern Norway with fewer crowds.
Top highlights for winter
Discover picture-perfect snowy adventures – alpine skiing, dog sledding, tobogganing, and relaxing spas in which to warm up afterwards.
- Book nowHovden I Setesdal
Hovden Alpine Centre
The Hovden Alpine Centre is a modern and well-adapted facility for the whole family. The children's area "Tusseland" has become an eldorado for our youngest guests; and the terrain park is more spectacular than ever and is considered one of the best in Norway.
Where to stay
Book nowMandalTregde Ferie
LyngdalRosfjord Strandhotell
Book nowKardemomme ByAbra Havn Pirate village
Book nowKristiansand SKristiansand Feriesenter
Kardemomme ByDyreparken Safaricamp
Book nowKardemomme ByDyreparken Safari Hotel
Book nowHovden I SetesdalHovden Fjellstoge
Book nowKristiansand SScandic Sørlandet
Book nowHovden I SetesdalHovdestøylen Hotel
Book nowKristiansand SScandic Kristiansand Bystranda
Book nowLindesnesLindesnes Havhotell
Food and drink
Hovden I SetesdalRestaurant Furumo
Furumo is a meeting place for the whole family. Locals, cabin owners, and visitors gather here to eat, chat, and relax. The menu features well-known and popular dishes such as hamburgers, pizza, meatballs, and salads, as well as other warm meals. In the evening, Furumo is a cozy place to meet, where you can enjoy a glass of wine or another drink and have a pleasant time with good company. Take-away is also available.
Getting here and around
Get in-depth travel information on Southern Norway’s official website.
Plan your trip to Southern Norway with Entur.
By plane
The closest airports to Southern Norway are Kristiansand Airport and Torp Sandefjord Airport, which have regular flights from many domestic and international destinations.
You can also fly to Oslo Airport or Stavanger Airport and continue your journey to Southern Norway by bus or a combination of train and bus.
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By car
If you’re driving to Southern Norway, follow the E18 from Oslo or the E39 from Stavanger. If you have time, you may want to follow the scenic old coastal roads.
To Setesdal, driving is the most convenient option. Rv9 between Bergen and Kristiansand is often called the Setesdal Road and crosses the valley from Evje in the south to Hovden in the north.
Plan your route, check traffic alerts, ferry information and more at the Norwegian Roads Administration website.
By boat
You can travel by ferry to Kristiansand from Hirtshals in Denmark or to Sandefjord from Strömstad in Sweden. Both places have bus connections to the other destinations in Southern Norway.
From April 2022, you can also sail between Kristansand and Eemshaven in the Netherlands with Holland Norway Lines.
By bus
Several daily buses from Stavanger and Oslo stop in Southern Norway. Most of the bus routes follow the coastline.
Setesdal is covered by express buses with connections from Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Kristiansand, and other Norwegian towns.
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By train
The Sørland Line between Oslo and Stavanger stops at several stations in Southern Norway. You can choose between several daily services. From some stations, you need to take a local bus, train, or taxi to get to the coast.