Charming white wooden houses in idyllic towns that lie like pearls on a string, an archipelago with thousands of islands, inland adventures, and urban life. Can you resist Southern Norway?
Southern Norway is the somewhat hidden secret of Norway. The mild climate and summery vibes call for activities like kayaking, island hopping, lighthouse stays, and beach life as well as charming small town experiences.
But Southern Norway is also about big city vibes in Kristiansand, the world’s largest underwater restaurant Under at Lindesnes, and hundreds of festivals throughout the year.
Add comfy treetop cabins, activity parks, Norway’s most frequently visited attraction Kristiansand zoo and amusement park, and fascinating museums. It’s just a matter of time before this vibrant part of Norway is a “secret” that soon will be out.
Get in-depth travel information on Southern Norway’s official website.
Explore all the options below, or go directly to:
Top things to do
Don't miss these highlights.
Book nowKristiansand SKristiansand kanonmuseum Cannon Museum
HornnesMineralparken - Mineral park
Book nowKristiansand SAquarama Waterpark
RysstadSetesdalsmuseet at Rysstad
Nes VerkNæs Ironworks Museum
Kristiansand SKristiansand Kunsthall - Art Gallery
TingvatnTingvatn fornminnepark
ByglandsfjordD/S Bjoren
Book nowKristiansand SKristiansand museum
Book nowKristiansand SKilden Theater and Concert Hall
Book nowLindesnesLindesnes Lighthouse
Where to stay
Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.
Book nowMandalTregde Ferie
LyngdalRosfjord Strandhotell
Book nowKardemomme ByAbra Havn Pirate village
Book nowKristiansand SKristiansand Feriesenter
Kardemomme ByDyreparken Safaricamp
Book nowKardemomme ByDyreparken Safari Hotel
Book nowKristiansand SScandic Sørlandet
Book nowKristiansand SScandic Kristiansand Bystranda
Book nowLindesnesLindesnes Havhotell
Food and drink
Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.
ArendalBlom Restaurant
ArendalTyholmen Restaurant
Kristiansand SBakgården Bar and Restaurant
GrimstadApotekergaarden
MandalKastellet
Kristiansand STilstede mat og mer
ArendalMadam Reiersen Gastropub
Kristiansand SBønder i Byen
Kristiansand SSjøhuset Restaurant
Events in Southern Norway
From festivals and concerts to shows and exhibitions. See what’s on!
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.
Ad: Norwegian – cheap and direct flights in Norway and over 70 European destinations
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.
Ad: Vy ekspress - travel comfortably by bus throughout Norway
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.
Destinations in Southern Norway
More travel ideas
Take advantage of top offers
See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
De HistoriskeHave an unforgettable stay at one of Norway's unique, authentic historic hotels. Enjoy first-class dining experiences and a broad range of activities.
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Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
NorwegianNorwegian offers cheap flights in Norway and direct flights from more than 70 European destinations. Book flights through our low fare calendar to your destinations.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
