Kristiansand

Kristiansand, holiday in Kristiansand Southern Norway

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, Kristiansand 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

Travel

Flights to Kristiansand 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.

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 Trains to Kristiansand

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.

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.

Norway’s fifth largest town,  Kristiansand is something of a holiday resort, a genial, energetic place which thrives on its ferry connections with Denmark. Its busy marinas and passable sandy beaches. In summer, the seafront and adjoining streets are a frenetic bustle of cocktail bars. Fast-food joints and flirting holiday makers, and even in winter Norwegians come here intent on living it up.

Like so many other Scandinavian towns, it was founded by and named after  Christian IV, who saw an opportunity to strengthen his coastal defences here building started in 1641, and the town has retained the spacious four-quadrant  plan that characterized all all Christian’s projects. There are few specific sights, but  it’s worth a quick look around - especially when everyone else has gone to the b each and left the central pedestrian zed streets relatively empty.

One family attraction in Kristiansand that is well worth the visit is the Dyreparken or zoo, it is a well laid out  combination of funfair and zoo. It is situated 11 kilometres out of the town centre, just follow the E18  towards Olso.