Kristiansand is a place with stunning nature, interesting museums and atmospheric districts. the city is located in the Vest-Agder region and is an important transport hub for both road and sea traffic. It is located on a peninsula between the North Sea and the Norwegian fjords, which makes the surrounding landscapes truly stunning.
Kristiansand Cannon Museum
The Kristiansand Cannon Museum stands at the site of the Møvik Fort, Norway, a huge defence battery built by the Germans during their occupation of Norway and Denmark during the World War Two. Today, the site operates as a museum and contains one of the largest land-based guns in the world. Construction of this fortified stronghold began in 1941 and it took several years for the entire complex to be completed. It was built in a position of great strategic value, with the intention being to block the Skagerrak strait and the seaways of Eastern Norway and thus close the routes to the Allies.
Kristiansand Dyrepark
Dyrepark is probably the favourite holiday destination for Norwegian kids. The former zoo is several parks rolled into one. There’s a fun fair that includes rides such as the pirate-ship cruise, Captain Sabretooth’s Treasure Trove and enchanted houses. Cardamom Town (Kardamomme By) is a fantasy village based on the children’s stories of Thorbjørn Egner. There’s a water park with heated pools and water slides. The biggest attraction, though, is still the zoo itself. You can see many wild and exotic animals there, such as lions and tigers and the red panda, which is an endangered species.
Otterdalsparken
Otterdalsparken is a park at Østre havn by Strandpromenaden in Kristiansand. The park covers a nine-acre area between Marken and Kirkegata. The park is popularly called “Nupenparken” after the artist Kjell Nupen who had the idea for a fountain sculpture in the park. The park was officially opened by King Harald V in 1991.
Christiansholm Fortress
This historic fortress built in 1672 by Frederick III once guarded and protected the city center from pirates and Swedes. It is located along the Strandpromenade. The construction of the Fortress was very careful, the walls were up to 5 m thick, and the armory was dug into the concentric inner wall. It was connected to the mainland by a bridge over a moat. The fortress of Christiansholm was never captured by the enemy. Today it is open to visitors from May 15 to September 15 from 09.00 to 21.00. Guided tours by prior arrangement.
Odderøya lighthouse
Must be seeing Grønningen Lighthouse is located approximately 8 km southeast of Kristiansand.The lighthouse was put into operation on September 1, 1878 and operated until 1980, when it was automated.At Bragdøya Kystlag, the lighthouse is open to visitors and provides accommodation during the summer school holidays.
Vest-Agder Museum Kristiansand
Vest-Agder Museum is a union of eleven cultural heritage museums in the western part of the county of Agder. Here you can experience Kristiansand open-air museum, Gimle Gård Manor House Museum, Odderøya Museum Harbour and Møvig Fort Cannon Museum in Kristiansand, Setesdalsbanen Museum Railway in Vennesla, Mandal Town Museum, Sjølingstad Uldvarefabrik Working Factory Museum in Lindesnes, Lista Eco-museum in Farsund and Flekkefjord Museum on the western county boundary. Main season: 20. June – 15. August.
Fish Market
This fish market, known as Fiskebrygga, is a convivial meeting place for locals. Pick up fresh shrimp or fishcakes from one of the vendors and eat them at the pier for views of the harbor, or grab a seat at one of the on-site restaurants for just-caught lobster, mackerel and salmon. For the seafood-averse, a pizza restaurant serves whole pies and slices.
Kristiansand Cathedral
Kristiansand Cathedral is located at the city square. It is a late Gothic cathedral from 1884, consecrated in 1885. Kristiansand Cathedral is the seat of the Bishop of Agder and Telemark in the Church of Norway. It is a Neo-Gothic church completed in 1885 . It is the third cathedral built in the town of Kristiansand and one of the largest cathedrals in Norway. It is 70 m (230 ft) long and 39 m (128 ft) wide, and the only tower is 70 m (230 ft) in height.
