Top Things to do in Southern Norway
Top Hotels in Southern Norway
10 Things to do in Southern Norway That You Shouldn't Miss
Called Sørlandet, Norway's South Coast is known for its rocky coastline, its whitewashed houses and its idyllic archipelago. This warmest area in the country draws many resdents for a summer holiday. Kristiansand, the biggest city here and fifth-largest in all of Norway, has many lovely beaches, a very good zoo (Norway's most visited attraction) and a number of historic buildings. These date from the period of the city's 17th-century founding and are located in Posebyen, the old town area.
Restaurants in Southern Norway
1. Hove and Spornes
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 80 reviews
On the southern part of the island of Tromoy, only 10 minutes from Arendal town by car, bus or boat, there is a beautiful area called Hove. This recreation area is part of a protected moraine that lies along the southern coast. The whole area has been adapted for walks with resting places along the shore. There is a beach and kiosk at Hove camping during the summer season, and several kilometres of smooth rocks. Sundays between September and May, there is a lunch buffet at Hovestua in Hove camp from 12 to 18. The paths are many and stretches from Hove to Alve, along Spornes beach, consisting of boulders and rocks, and sand when the sea permits. The area is used for hiking both summer and winter, and is suitable for everyone, children and adults. The trip from Hove camping to Alve and back is about 12 kms, and the network of paths allows both short and long trails. Maps for sale at Arendal tourist office, Hove camp, and Bjellandstrand Gard. Parking for instance at Hove camping and Hove camp. Bus no 3 to Tromoy ost leaves Arendal every hour during the day, Monday-Saturday.
Reviewed By Samadhi33 - Arendal, Norway
Hove and Spornes has it all... The beautiful forest to hike in with sunlight pouring in between the trees; the sandy beach for sunning, swimming and picnics on warm summer days; and the "rullesteinstrand" (rolling stones beach) for communing with nature, with the wide ocean horizon spread out in front of you and the sound of the waves crashing over the stones. Here you can find real relaxation any time of the year, a break from an otherwise busy life. Plenty of activities also for families with children. They'll love it as much as you will. If you're in the Arendal area you definitely don't want to miss the old Viking ground Hove and the beaches of Spornes.
2. Dyreparken
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,355 reviews
Kristiansand Dyrepark is the number one tourist attraction in Norway, attracting close to 1 million visitors each year. It consists of more than 150 different animal species, entertainment, shows, amusement park as well as a seperate water park called Badelandet.
Reviewed By phillipka - Kristiansand, Norway
Kristiansand Zoo is more than a regular zoo: There's an amusement park and a water fun park, as well. Great care is taken to make sure that the animals have plenty of space, and that's good for the animals. Sometimes it´s not so good for the visitors, as the animals tend to find shelter away from sight of the visitors. My son found the tigers and the cheetahs to be the most exciting, but the rain forest is also always interesting. I would recommend spending two days here, if you have the time.
3. Kristiansand Kanonmuseum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 122 reviews
Welcome to Kristiansand Kannmuseum where the worlds second largest land based canon can be seen. The area around the canon is good for hiking. Please see website for opening hours. We are now closed for the season.
Reviewed By 920leift - Kristiansand, Norway
It has now been overhauld and painted innthe colors it had during ww2. It looks fantastic. Absolutely worth the visit
4. Odderoya
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 182 reviews
Reviewed By Gerd-Hanne_Norway
Really enjoyed my morning walk around Odderoya. Particularly, I liked the light house, the paths, the views from various spots around the island, and learning a little military history. Also, there is a small, charming garden which looked like it might be a community garden(?). There are some fairly steep hills if heading for the light house, so good to have proper footwear.
5. Ravnedalen Naturpark
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 251 reviews
Reviewed By 695razvanp
For sure one of the most beautiful parks in Kristiansand and for those that like to spend time outside reading or relaxing this is the perfect spot.
6. Movik Fort
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 63 reviews
Movik Fort was established by the German occupation forces during the Second World War and is part of the Atlantic Wall the German occupation forces line of defence along the coast of France, Belgium, the Netherlands, Germany, Denmark and Norway. Movik Fort is a former German fort in a class of its own. It is of great national and European significance and is one of our National Fortifications.
7. Kristiansand Museum
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 73 reviews
Open-air museum with approx. 40 Antiquated buildings. Bygaden (old town street), Vest-Agder tunet (old yard) and Setesdalstunet. Miniature model town based on old buildings in Kristiansand. Walk down the old town street, allow the children to play with old-fashioned toys or run around in peaceful surroundings. Eat your sandwiches on a bench or enjoy a cup of coffee and a waffle at Consul Morch's Pavilion. Opening hours: Please check our web site.
8. Kristiansand Tourist Information
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 33 reviews
Kristiansand Tourist Information. Our mission is to be a host for our visitors, apply good information and handle the cruise ships visiting Kristiansand.
9. Baneheia
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 185 reviews
Reviewed By lesleyw299 - Hastings, United Kingdom
After walking around the town of Kristiansand we headed to the highest point we could find for a view over the town. Behind the viewpoint are walking trails around several lakes. We wandered around admiring the views and how beautiful it all was. The lakes were starting to freeze over and a father and his sons were having fun throwing pieces of ice on to the frozen lakes and watching them shatter. I would imagine this is also a great place to walk round during the summer months, the wildlife would be amazing.
