Kilden Theater and Concert Hall, Kristiansand

Southern Norway in winter

Most people associates Southern Norway with sun-soaked summers. Those who visit in winter and autumn, discover a completely different kind of atmosphere!

Here, you are never far from either urban experiences or snow-secure mountain areas for skiing and winter activities – entirely depending on what you feel like doing!

Southern Norway is easy to reach and easy to enjoy, especially in the quieter months.

Winter here is generally mild along the coast, where cities like Kristiansand often see only a light dusting of snow – giving you more space to experience the towns and coastline in a calmer, more authentic way.

Add autumn sunsets, and colourful mountain landscapes, and Southern Norway becomes an ideal choice for a relaxed weekend break or a peaceful escape into the highlands.

With convenient ferry connections from Hirtshals in Denmark, Kristiansand makes the perfect starting point for exploring the region.

Friend group at Kunstsilo in Kristiansand, Southern Norway

Kristiansand

Begin at Kunstsiloen, The art silo – Southern Norway’s groundbreaking art museum.

The grain silo from 1935 is located on the small island of Odderøya in Kristiansand.

Their closest neighbour is the striking Kilden Performing Arts Centre, one of the largest cultural institutions in Norway, known for its wave-shaped wooden façade.

Traveling with children? Head to Kristiansand Dyrepark, one of Norway’s most beloved family attractions. Enjoy a calmer atmosphere with fewer crowds this time of the year! See Arctic animals in their natural settings.

For a splash of indoor fun, Aquarama is the perfect escape from the winter blues. The water park features pools, slides, and warm saunas.

AquaSurf must be booked in advance.

Urban saunas are perfect for friends or couples on a weekend getaway. Share a relaxing pause amid city life at Bystranda in Kristiansand.

Top urban experiences

Urban highlights in Kristiansand and nearby towns. From art and amusementsparks to sauna retreats and splashing family fun.

Kardemomme By
Dyreparken - Kristiansand Zoo and amusement park
Kristiansand Zoo and amusement park- Dyreparken - is the most visited attraction for families with children in Norway. Explore Nordic wilderness and animals like wolf, lynx and moose among many other activities.
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Kristiansand S
Kristiansand Cathedral
Kristiansand Cathedral is located at the city square. It is a late Gothic cathedral from 1884, consecrated in 1885.
Kristiansand S
Aquarama 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
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Kristiansand S
Smeigedag Sauna Kristiansand Bystranda
Warm sauna and refreshing ice bathing
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Vennesla
Vennesla library and culture hall
Vennesla library and and culture centre has won prices for it's extraordinary architecture.
Kristiansand S
Posebyen old town in Kristiansand
Have a leisurely walk through "Posebyen", one of Northern Europe's largest collections of charming, old, white wooden houses.
Kristiansand S
Kristiansand museum
Kristiansand museum is southern Norway's largest historical museum.
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Kristiansand S
Kunstsilo Nordic art museum in Kristiansand
An award-winning grain silo in Kristiansand, designed by some of Norway's most renowned architects, is now becoming a landmark for Nordic modernist art.
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Kristiansand S
Fiskebrygga - The Fish Quay in Kristiansand
The lively fish pier, called Fiskebrygga, is an experience in it self!
Kristiansand S
Kilden Theater and Concert Hall
Kilden Performing Arts Center have a unique architectural presence and stand as a landmark building of arts in Kristiansand.
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Lyngdal
Sørlandsbadet indoor water park in Lyngdal
Sørlandsbadet is a water park in Lyngdal that has a small and shallow pool for small children, diving boards and a deep pool for older kids and adults and a wave pool with counter current canal.
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Find more attractions

Inside Vennesla library, 1 of 6 library's you should visit while in Norway.

Guest being served at restaurant Under Lindesnes

A woman and a dog kayaking in Lillesand, Southern Norway, during sunset

There is also a wide range of cultural attractions outside Kristiansand. Discover Vennesla Library, which has been named one of the world’s five most beautiful libraries by the Huffington Post and has received several other awards for its stunning architecture.

Feeling hungry yet? Southern Norway is synonym with seafood, and when the colder months arrive, many ingredients are at their peak!

South of Kristiansand, near Lindesnes, lies Under – the spectacular underwater restaurant with one Michelin star.

Don't forget to visit Lindesnes Lighthouse while you're here, the country’s southernmost point!

The coastal archipelago of Southern Norway can be enjoyed all year round. Chase the sunset by kayak or RIB between islands and skerries.

Experience Sørlandet’s wooden towns, from Kragerø (furthest north) to Egersund (in the southwest), in a calmer and more atmospheric way that summer crowds can’t offer.

Food and drink

Taste delicious local food and book a table at a fine restaurant.

Lindesnes
Under
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Arendal
Blom Restaurant
Arendal
Tyholmen Restaurant
Kristiansand S
Bakgården Bar and Restaurant
Grimstad
Apotekergaarden
Mandal
Kastellet
Kristiansand S
Tilstede mat og mer
Arendal
Madam Reiersen Gastropub
Fevik
Strand Hotel Fevik Restaurant
Kristiansand S
Bønder i Byen
Risør
Stangholmen Lighthouse Restaurant
Færvik
Bjellandstrand Farm banquet rooms
Kristiansand S
Sjøhuset Restaurant

Find more restaurants

A couple cross-country skiing in Bykle in Setesdal, Southern Norway

Hovden Fjellbad Spa’s outdoor infinity pool — floating above the cross-country trails.

A person outside the Day Trip Cabin at Hovdenuten in Hovden

Are you more of the adventurous type?

Only a short drive inland, to the mountainous areas of Agder and Setesdal, you find several winter sports resorts with reliable snowfall.

Hovden in Setesdal is the largest alpine destination in Southern Norway, with thrilling alpine slopes and extensive cross-country trails that wind through forest and mountain terrain.

In Sirdal and Ljosland, you’ll find family-friendly ski resorts and groomed slopes for both downhill skiing and cross-country.

Or what about joining a dog sledding adventure at Sirdal Huskyfarm?

In Evje, TrollAktiv offers ice fishing and snowshoeing trips. Try your luck through the frozen lake, then warm up by the fire with your trophy!

Evje is regarded the most urban area with a variety of services.

Ski in, swim out – Hovden Fjellbad lets you glide straight from the trails into the spa... ahhh!

Autumn is the perfect time for hiking, and the whole of Setesdal offers a wealth of excellent trails.

The Day Trip Cabin at Hovdenuten is a popular hike at Hovden. It’s easy to access, doesn’t take too long, and the reward at the top is worth the effort

Mountain lifestyle

Alpine, autumn hikes and authentic mountain life.

Hovden I Setesdal
Hovden Fjellbad
Hovden Fjellbad – play, training and wellbeing
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Tjørhom
Cross-country skiing in Sirdal
Sirdal is a paradise for cross-country skiing enthusiasts with its 200 km groomed and marked winter trails.
Tonstad
Sirdal Huskyfarm
Try dog-sledding in Sirdal at Sirdal Huskyfarm!
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Hovden I Setesdal
Cross-country skiing at Hovden
From a flood-lit stadium to the wide mountain expanses. The 160-km cross-country trail network in Hovden and Bykle ranges from sheltered forest terrain to the wide expanses above the treeline. There are trails suitable for the youngest children and beginners, for those who want to explore the mountains, and for those who have athletic ambitions. The trails are groomed daily for classic and skate.
Evje
Family Rafting at TrollAktiv in Evje
Family rafting at TrollAktiv in Evje.
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Evje
TrollAktiv Evje Adventure Pass
Welcome to adventure pass Evje A.P.E with 6 different activities.
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Åseral
Ljosland 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.
Tjørhom
Sirdal Fjellpark
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.
Rysstad
Brokkestøylen Glamping & Glass Café
Brokkestøylen is located next to the scenic Suleskar road.
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Hovden 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.
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In Setesdal, nature and living culture come together.

Norway's rich folk heritage is well alive here, with opportunities to experience UNESCO recognized folk music performed live.

Uncover the bunad craft and silver artistry and meet the passionate locals crafting a stave church the old way!

Tour the Setesdal Valley

Where to stay

Book comfy hotels or cosy cabins. Find your home away from home.

Mandal
Tregde Ferie
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Lyngdal
Rosfjord Strandhotell
Fevik
Strand Hotel Fevik by Classic Norway Hotels
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Kardemomme By
Abra Havn Pirate village
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Kristiansand S
Kristiansand Feriesenter
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Rysstad
Sølvgarden Hotell & Feriesenter
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Kardemomme By
Dyreparken Safaricamp
Kardemomme By
Dyreparken Safari Hotel
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Søgne
Åros Feriesenter
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Kristiansand S
Scandic Sørlandet
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Kristiansand S
Scandic Kristiansand Bystranda
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Lindesnes
Lindesnes Havhotell
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More accommodation alternatives

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.
Ad: Auto Europe – always a smooth rental experience
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.
Ad: Visit Vy's website for tickets and timetables

Get the best offers from our partners Radisson Hotels, Scandic Hotels, Strawberry, Thon Hotels and Citybox.

Explore top destinations in the region

Kristiansand

Arendal
Farsund and Lista
Flekkefjord
Grimstad
Kristiansand
Kvinesdal
Lillesand
Lindesnes and Mandal
Lyngdal
Risør
Setesdal
Sirdal
Tvedestrand

Take advantage of top offers

See our selection of trusted companies that work hard to make you happy all through your trip.

Brim ExplorerQuiet fjord tours on award-winning electric catamarans in Oslo, Tromsø, Lofoten, and Svalbard.
Classic Norway HotelsWhen the hotel is the destination. Book a night to remember in one of Norway's most unique and distinctive hotels.
Auto EuropeAlways a smooth car rental experience. Search and compare rental rates. Free cancellation up to 24 hours prior to pick-up.
StrawberryA different hotel company! Look out for great weekend deals at more than 100 hotels in Norway.
Booknordics.comUnique holiday packages, adventure hotels, tours, and activities.
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.
50 Degrees North NordicChoose between unforgettable tailormade individual trips and small, exclusive group tours of Norway.
Vy TrainGlide through scenery on a train between Oslo and Bergen on the Bergen Railway and explore the greater Oslo region.
Scandic HotelsExperience Nordic hotel hospitality at its finest at more than 90 hotels across Norway. Special offers are available.
HurtigrutenExperience the world's most beautiful sea voyage on an unforgettable cruise along the stunning Norwegian coast.
NOR-WAY BussekspressEnjoy scenic views on comfortable bus trips to the fjords and from city to city with our express buses.
Radisson HotelsGreat value offers and comfortable quality stays in Norway´s major cities, airports, and ski resorts.
Norwegian HolidaysLow-price package holidays with Norwegian. Book your flight, hotel, and rental car all in one place.
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.
CityboxModern and affordable hotels in central locations in Oslo, Bergen, and Kristiansand.
Vy expressDiscover Norway on comfortable express buses that take you between major cities, mountains, and fjords.
Thon Hotels ASFantastic breakfast included! Experience true comfort and reasonable rates at our 80 hotels in Norway.
Rent-A-Wreck of Scandinavia ASThe smart and affordable car rental alternative.
CampcationBook a camping stay in stunning and unique locations all across Norway with Campcation.
Arctic Campers ASDo you want to try van life? Explore Norway in comfort and style with our smart and cosy campervans.
Authentic ScandinaviaTravel curated by locals. Our tailormade tours suit every type of traveller and budget.
Fjord Travel NorwaySleep in an ice hotel, hunt the northern lights, and discover the magical fjords. Book your tour now!
Discover NorwayOffers a range of exciting self-guided hiking, biking, and skiing holidays in Norway. Luggage transfer included.
SJ NordSJ NORD - the adventure starts on the train
Norrøna AdventureGet ready for expeditions and adventure holidays with Norrøna Adventure. Hiking, skiing, and biking trips.
NorgesbookingBook your perfect cabin stay in the fjords, mountains, and valleys of Norway.
CampioNorway's biggest camping booking site. Find the best camping and motorhome pitches throughout Norway.
My Nordic TravelChoose between DIY itineraries and pre-packaged holidays to the very best destinations in Norway.
Fjord ToursHome of Norway in a Nutshell, Norway's most popular tour. Fjords, mountains, and stunning destinations — all in one trip!
Up NorwayBespoke luxury hand-picked by local experts. We combine your preferences and our knowledge to make an unforgettable journey.
Benzini CampersThe adventure of your life starts here. Book a campervan with Benzini Campers now.
Go FjordsBook fantastic tours and experiences! We offer tours in Oslo, Bergen, Stavanger, Lofoten, the North Cape, and more.
StrömmaSightseeing by bus and boat in several major tourist spots and cities in Norway.
CampanyonUnique camping in nature. Book a stay in a treehouse or glamping tent or rent a motorhome pitch.