You can even spend the night here. You will never forget the lullaby of the elements.
Here you can sleep well, as Lindesnes has achieved the certification Sustainable Destination. Although this does not mean that the destination is sustainable, it does mean that it has made a commitment to work systematically to reduce the negative effects of tourism, while strengthening its positive ripple effects.
Unforgettable is also a word frequently used to describe Lindesnes’ new superstar attraction: Europe’s first underwater restaurant, Under (the word means both “wonder” and “under” in Norwegian).
The building, designed by Snøhetta, looks like an art installation but is not afraid of the elements, as it also functions as an artificial reef.
But the real “wonder” is the 18-course menu that introduces you to rare ocean delights like stone crab and rugose squat lobster.
Under restaurant in Lindesnes, Southern Norway
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Photo:
Karl Erik Brøndbo / Drone: Vi Duc Trong
Under restaurant in Lindesnes, Southern Norway
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Photo:
Karl Erik Brøndbo / Drone: Vi Duc Trong
“Fresh ingredients and pure, naked flavours are of utmost importance to us. At the same time, we want to provide a unique dining experience that ushers our guests beyond their comfort zone.”
– Chef Nicolai Ellitsgaard
A more low-key taste of the sea can also be experienced a 35-minute drive away, at the annual shellfish festival in Mandal.
This popular four-day celebration of the tastiest seafood and groovy music takes place every August.
The underwater restaurant Under in Lindesnes
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Photo:
Hildegunn Skage Teinum
The underwater restaurant Under in Lindesnes
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Photo:
Hildegunn Skage Teinum
But the music is always playing in this charming town, where a lot of music festivals take place throughout the year.
Stroll passed old white-painted wooden houses in cosy, narrow streets.
Mandal
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Photo:
Turistkontoret for Lindesnesregionen
Mandal
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Photo:
Turistkontoret for Lindesnesregionen
The view from the Uranienborg viewpoint will take your breath away. You won't get a more beautiful vista of the coast and the sea.
Uranienborg in Mandal
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Photo:
Christine Baglo
Uranienborg in Mandal
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Photo:
Christine Baglo
Back in town, make sure to visit some of the interesting museums, like the Vigeland house where Emanuel and Gustav Vigeland, two of Norway’s greatest artists, grew up.
Gustav is the one who created the famous sculpture park Vigelandsparken in Oslo (yes, the one with all the naked people).
Vigelands hus in Mandal
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Photo:
Birgitte Sørensen
Vigelands hus in Mandal
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Photo:
Birgitte Sørensen
At the old museum factory Sjølingstad Uldvarefabrik a bit out of the town, you can follow the wool’s sustainable life cycle from sheep to your new favourite sweater.
Sjølingstad Uldvarefabrikk in Mandal
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Photo:
Ingvild Kolnes / Turistkontoret for Lindesnesregionen
Sjølingstad Uldvarefabrik in Mandal
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Photo:
H. Sørvig / Visit Sørlandet AS
Although Mandal is one of the prettiest towns of the south, the main reason for many holiday seekers to come here is the beautiful beaches.
The 800 metres long Sjøsanden is a regular on every Best beach of Norway-list.
Sjøsanden beach in Mandal
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Photo:
Terje Rakke / Nordic Life / Visit Sørlandet AS
Sjøsanden beach in Mandal
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Photo:
Terje Rakke / Nordic Life / Visit Sørlandet AS
Also, remember to bring (or rent) a fishing rod. There is plenty of fish in the sea and in the river that runs through the city.
The Mandalselva river has been a Mecca for salmon anglers since the 19th century.
Fishing in Mandal
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Photo:
Ryan Marchese
Fishing in Mandal
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Photo:
Ryan Marchese
If that doesn’t get your adrenaline pumping, this sure will! Do you dare to raft through the rapids of the Mandalselva river?
Rafting in Mandal
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Photo:
Ewen Martin
Rafting in Mandal
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Photo:
Ewen Martin
The kids will love Lindland farm, a family park near Mandal. Get up close with the cutest sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits, horses, and alpacas. Maybe you’ll even get to witness the peacocks put on a majestic show?