The idyllic Blindleia archipelago, a historic hotel, and traditional Southern Norway charm await in Lillesand.
Only 20 minutes east of Kristiansand is where you’ll find Lillesand. Here, you can stroll among white-painted wooden houses in the town centre. One of them is the Historic Hotel Lillesand Hotel Norge, where the world-famous Norwegian author Knut Hamsun was a regular guest in the 1930s.
A short walk from the hotel lies Lillesand harbour, with several restaurants and a lovely view. On a city stroll, you can pop into an art gallery, niche shops, and museums. And you just have to try the food at the restaurant and fish market Hos Oss!
The Blindleia archipelago, with outports like Gamle Hellesund and Brekkestø, is perfect for a day by the sea. Go sailing, join a boat sightseeing trip, or enjoy a refreshing dip in the water.
You can also combine a visit to Lillesand with a family day at Kristiansand Zoo and amusement park, which is only a 20-minute drive away. And if you want an active holiday – bike along the coast to see more of Southern Norway.
Get in-depth travel information on Lillesand’s official website.
Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
Book nowLillesandBoat sightseeing with M/S Øya Lillesand - Kristiansand - Lillesand
M/S Øya is the fifth boat that still runs in the summer between Lillesand and Kristiansand through beautiful Blindleia - in addition to charter trips. It is a well-maintained, pleasant and well-functioning boat with plenty of room for several passengers on open decks and in large saloons. The boat leaves from Langbrygga/RødeKors-kaia in Lillesand every day between June 29th and August 11th at 10AM and arrive in Kristiansand at 1PM at Kai 6 – 300 meters from the bus station. Return from Kristiansand at 2PM with arrival at Langbrygga in Lillesand at 5PM. 1000 meters from the nearest bus stop. After departing from Lillesand, the course is set into Skallefjorden, under the Justøy bridge and through Ostesundet, where several royals have signed their names on the mountain. Brekkestø is the first old harbor the boat passes. The journey continues through Blindleia and past many beautiful harbors, mostly coastal. By request, the boat can call at the harbors Brekkestø, Åkerøya, and Kjøbmannsvik along the way. The captain also acts as a guide during the trip, and there are maps on the boat showing the journey among islets and skerries, through sounds and over fjords. Between Lillesand and Kristiansand, there are good bus connections on route no. 100 that can be combined with the boat trip. All information about this can be found on the website of the public transport company akt.no. The bus station in Kristiansand is easy to find, in Lillesand, the stops Viadukten are best to use eastward or westward, about 1000 meters from the boat's berth. Online booking There is limited capacity on M/S Øya - up to 99 passengers. It is therefore recommended to book the boat trip in advance here. There is a kiosk with a liquor license on board with a simple selection of goods. Good trip! You become an experience richer and never forget it. See video here
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
LillesandLillesand Apartment
Lillesand Apartments is situated in Tingsaker, next to the Lillesand shopping mall, close to the Lillesand town centre. We offer apartments for a day, a week, a month or more, always following the motto: Stay better - stay cheaper. We believe that our guests will feel at home in our nicely furnished apartments.
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
Getting here and around
Plan your trip to Lillesand with Entur, Norway's official travel planner.
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