Due to its status as the major city in southern Norway, Kristiansand consistently receives a high volume of vacationers. One of the most prominent examples of Kristiansand’s status as a destination catering to families is the existence of Dyreparken, a mammoth combination of an amusement park and a zoological garden that is known as both. In Norway, the county of Vest-Agder is home to the city of Kristiansand as its capital. It is the sixth most populous city in Norway and has a population of approximately 80,000 people. In order to differentiate it from Kristiansund, which is located in western Norway, the city is sometimes referred to as Kristiansand S, where the S stands for south.
Those who are traveling with kids should definitely check out the city’s excellent children’s park and zoo. Among Norwegian children, Dyrepark is almost certainly the most popular vacation spot. The redeveloped zoo now features multiple parks. At the fair, guests can enjoy rides like the pirate ship ride, a trip through Captain Sabretooth’s Treasure Trove, and a visit to the magical houses. Adapted from the works of Norwegian author Thorbjrn Egner, Cardamom Town (Kardamomme By) is a fantastical community for young readers. Red pandas, a crocodile house, lions, tigers, and an African savannah with giraffes, zebras, and other species are just some of the animals that call this place home.
Kvadraturen, in the town’s southwestern quadrant, is still used as a fish market, but the area immediately adjacent to the coastline is also home to a number of eateries specializing in seafood. In the summer, folks come by boat and tie up at Fiskebrygga, a nice site to enjoy fresh seafood or delicious fish cakes and witness a massive open-air concert every week.
Odderoya Island, a rocky outcropping connected to the mainland by a bridge, is one of the city’s finest green spots, located right next to the fish market. There are several beautiful spots ideal for a stroll, a hike, a swim, or a picnic. The island’s art galleries and the Vaktbua cafe and bar both have Sunday openings for the public.
Kristiansand’s historic core was destroyed during World War II, but its remnants, known as Posebyen, remain today. Its presence is still felt in the city’s eastern core, where it takes up several blocks. Posebyen, is home to one of the highest concentrations of 18th- and 19th-century white wooden buildings on low terraces in all of Northern Europe. Surprisingly tranquil for being so close to the city’s main drag.
A small village near Kristiansand called Boen (Tveit) is home to a stunning waterfall. You may cross a little bridge over the waterfall and snap some great photographs from there. The world-famous Norwegian salmon is caught here, making this a popular fishing spot.
