Hidden Gem

Vegetarian Cafe
Intriguing yet delicious vegetarian cuisine can be found in a charming restaurant/cafe situated on the Odderoya peninsula.

The cafe serves refreshing smoothies and fresh nut milks, with raw cakes, salads, wraps, soups and snacks all available to healthily boost your energy levels. This cafe maintains a laid-back atmosphere and encourages people to meet, greet and eat! Meanwhile, Kristiansand's fast food outlets, unsurprisingly serve a busy trade to tourists and on-the-go businessmen.

Welcome to Kristiansand

The south coastal region of Kristiansand is the eighth largest urban area in Norway. With a population of around 80,000 Kristiansand is a city in which major shipbuilding and repair complexes work to maintain Norway's thriving North Sea oil industry. The City thrived during World War I, providing flexibility as a neutral ground for trading within its port. Named after the city's founder King Christian IV, Kristiansund is a somewhat surprising beach resort for both Norwegian and foreign holidaymakers during the summer months. With relatively high temperatures of above 20 degrees Celsius in July and August, the sparkling weather contributes to its historical surroundings.

Travel

Norwegian Air
Kristiansand is approachable via a number of transport methods. The city's nearby Kjevik airport provides efficient links to other Norwegian cities such as Oslo, Stavanger, Bergen and Bodo. Meanwhile, major European destinations to London Gatwick, Amsterdam, Berlin, Prague, Warsaw and Hamburg are all served. Links further afield to Alicante, Larnaca and Ibiza provide a Mediterranean escape route. Low-cost airline, Norwegian is the second largest airline in Scandinavia, flying to over 87 destinations. Fares vary dependant on the seasons, with some bargains to be found in between the summer and autumn months.

Flights to Kristiansand

Colorline Ferry
The bustling ferry harbour operates connections with Color Line between Kristiansand and minor Danish ports, Hirtshals and Hanstholm three times a day, with a journey time of around three hours. Connections can be made in Denmark if travelling further west across Europe, with Esbjerg servicing the UK (Harwich) three times a week.

By Rail
A more physical method of travel would be via the city centre train station. Situated on the Sorland line, Kristiansand is in reach of Stavanger in the west and capital city, Oslo in the east. The train provides flexible methods of rail travel, with tickets tailored for adults, families, students and groups.

Trains to Kristiansand

Road - E18
Kristiansand is also well serviced by motorways, with E18 and E39 beginning and ending at this point, while the high-speed Highway 9 through Setesdalen connects the city with the north.

Attractions

Quart Festival
This vibrant popular music festival has a long-standing history in the Norwegian music scene. The creation of this event in 1991 sparked headline acts such as the Boo Radleys and Spritualized. The organisers changed the initial name of the festival, Qvadradurmusivalen to its current catchier name-tag of Quart. Some of the world's finest acts have graced the stages of Kristiansand over the last 17 years. Elvis Costello, David Bowie, Oasis, Blur, Rage Against the Machine, Alicia Keys, Depeche Mode and The Who are just some of the masterful performers witnessed at Quart. Despite the cancellation of the 2008 festival due to financial difficulties, Quart emerged in 2009 revived by its original organisers and again attracted such modern day rock and pop-stars as Marilyn Manson, Placebo and the Black Eyed Peas.

More information about Quart Festival

Eating Out
As expected for an ample-sized city, Kristiansand contains an eclectic mix of foods and restaurants. With cuisines ranging from Italian, Indian to Traditional Norwegian, there is plenty of selection at a modest value. Many restaurants provide welcoming facilities for business meetings, couples, holidaymakers and families. Steakhouses and public houses ensure there is plenty of food to go around for the hungry red-meat lovers!

Accommodation
Kristiansand is fortunate to boast competent budget accommodation to suit the needs of the busy traveller. The Centrum Budget Hotel is handily positioned in the city centre, just 150 yards away from transport links for rail/bus stations and the ferry port. The organisation guarantee that their 44 en-suite bedrooms are the cheapest in the area, affording single and double rooms as well as extra large family rooms for your comfort. This clean environment also accommodates free wireless internet which is a nice added bonus from a hotel that already proves value for money. With room rates ranging from 495-550 Kr including breakfast, this resort comes easily recommended. A number of other hotels are situated around Vestre Strandgate, leading to the harbour and the livelier areas of the city.

The Radisson SAS Caledonien Hotel Kristiansand is a 4* hotel situated in an envious position overlooking the coast-line, meanwhile the gracious Clarion Hotel Ernst is another grand 4* offering, with modern facilities and a central location.

Find a Hotel in Kristiansand

Kristiansand Zoo - Dyreparken
A little taste of the wild can be found just a matter of kilometres outside of the city at Kristiansand's Dyreparken. The complex contains a stunning zoo area, housing over 102 different species of animals and birds from across the planet. This area is perfect for families and young children, with excellent viewing areas creating an intimate experience. Dyreparken is incredibly versatile in that it also houses a number of other attractions. Norway's oldest theme and leisure park is situated here, with plenty of activities and rides to keep you entertained. If the sun is suitably radiant a visit to the park's outdoor wave pool is a must. Complete with a children's pool and play area, there is ample room to splash around as well as relax and soak up the charming atmosphere. In a suitably maritime environment, a pirate village and night show supplies seasonal evening entertainment from an amphitheatre across the bay. The park's restaurants and facilities allow you the opportunity to spend an entire day on site, with so much to see and do for all the family. Ticket rates are naturally dependant on the season. Children up to 13 years can enter during high season for 270 Kr; meanwhile adults aged 14 and above are charged 340 Kr in the summer months. Two day passes can also be purchased at an extended cost.