Kilden Theater and Concert Hall, Kristiansand

A person alpine skiing in Hovden in Setesdal, Southern Norway

Southern Norway in winter

Most people associate Southern Norway with sun-soaked summers. Those who visit in winter discover a cool atmosphere of a different kind.

Here, you are never far from both urban experiences and snow-sure mountains offering skiing and other fun winter activities. There is something fun no matter what you feel like doing!

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

Winter is generally mild along the coast, where cities like Kristiansand often see only a light dusting of snow. The low season lets you experience the towns and coastline in a calmer, more authentic way.

Yet snowy winter landscapes are never far away. Within just a couple of hours’ drive from Kristiansand you can reach snow-sure mountain destinations such as Hovden (around 3 hours), Sirdal (2–2.5 hours), Ljosland (1.5–2 hours) and Brokke (2–2.5 hours). Head into the mountains for family friendly downhill slopes, cross-country trails, and fun winter activities that give you an authentic taste of mountain life.

Kristiansand is the perfect starting point for exploring the region, with convenient ferry connections from Hirtshals in Denmark and easy access via two nearby airports – Kristiansand Airport and Torp Sandefjord Airport, both offering regular domestic and international connections.

Explore all the options below, or go directly to:

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

Hovden in Setesdal is the largest ski destination in Southern Norway, where you're guaranteed snow, thrilling downhill slopes, and extensive cross-country trails that wind through forests and mountain terrain.

Ski in, swim out – Hovden Fjellbad lets you glide almost straight from the trails and into the spa… Ahhh!

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

How about joining a dog sledding adventure at Sirdal Husky Farm?

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

Evje is a charming small town about 50 km from Kristiansand.

Mountain lifestyle

Downhill and cross-country skiing, dog sledding, hot spas, river rafting and authentic mountain life.

Friend group at Kunstsilo in Kristiansand, Southern Norway

Kristiansand

In recent years, Kristiansand has become a vibrant, year-round cultural city.

Begin at Kunstsilo, 'The Art Silo' – Southern Norway’s groundbreaking contemporary art museum, awarded the prestigious Prix Versailles World Title for the "World's Most Beautiful Museum" in 2025.

The former grain silo from 1935 is located on the small island of Odderøya and houses the world’s largest collection of Nordic modernism.

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

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

Urban saunas are perfect for friends or couples on a weekend getaway. Share a relaxing break amid city life at Bystranda, the urban beach, in Kristiansand.

Head to the indoor water park Aquarama and make a fun splash!

Top urban experiences

Urban highlights in Kristiansand and nearby towns. From art and amusement parks to sauna retreats and family fun with a splash.

Find more attractions

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

Interior, food and exterior of Under restaurant

Kayaking in the archipelago in Lillesand with Padlegleden AS.

There are also a wide range of cultural attractions near Kristiansand. After a 20-minute drive, you can explore the Vennesla Library in Vennesla. It was named one of the world’s five most beautiful libraries by the Huffington Post and has garnered multiple awards for its stunning architecture.

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

About a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Kristiansand, near Lindesnes, lies Under – the world's biggest underwater restaurant and holder of a Michelin star.

Don't forget to visit Lindesnes Lighthouse while you're there (at the country’s southernmost point!).

The coastal archipelago of Southern Norway can be enjoyed all year.

Experience Sørlandet’s (Southern Norway's) traditional wooden towns like Lillesand, Risør, Arendal, Tvedestrand, and Mandal in a tranquil winter atmosphere without the crowds.

Food and drink

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

Find more restaurants

In Setesdal, nature and living culture come together.

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

Discover the craft of bunads (national folk costumes) and silver artistry, and meet the passionate locals who are building a stave church the old-fashioned 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.
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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.
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

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