Kristiansand is an underrated city with a lot to offer. Whether you are travelling with children, alone or with a partner, you can always find new things to do in this cosy southern town with its large range of activities.

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Aquarama – fun for all!


aquarama badeland familyPhoto: Aquarama


Aquarama is a combined activity centre, water park, diving facility, SPA, fitness centre, sports centre and more. In other words - as long as you do not have a fear of water, you will find something to do here. The water park and sports centre are centrally located on Kristiansand city beach and boast a total area of approx. 41,000sqm. Here you will find exciting activities such as AquaYoung, the Treasure Hunt and much more.


“We have just put in place a new activity for small children, bumper boats - an amusement ride where children can drive around in the pool. Bumper boats are an incredibly fun experience for children between 2 and 8 years, and it is extra fun to crash into each other for laughs! ”- Linda Torgersen CFO of Aquarama.


  • Type of activity: Water park, SPA, training
  • Suitable for: families, groups
  • Entrance fee: Yes

Gastronomic experience at Fiskebrygga


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At Fiskebrygga in Kristiansand you will find many opportunities to try something new! Brygga's famous fish market is also one of Kristiansand's best attractions. There you will find fresh seafood and fish in all varieties – even live seafood. Try something you've never tried before in a stall or at one of the pier’s many great eateries.


Fiskebrygga is centrally located in Kristiansand, between Kvadraturen (central) and Odderøya. A perfect day in Kristiansand, for example, could be to start the day at the fish market and then to have lunch at the pier, followed by a tour of Odderøya and finally a concert or performance at Kilden. Sink into a comfortable bed in a hotel in the area for the perfect end to the day.


  • Type of activity: market, eateries, sightseeing
  • Suitable for: families, couples, lone travellers, groups

Discover Kilden and Odderøya


Kilden-teater-og-konserthus-knut.arne.gjertsen/Foap/Visitnorway.comPhoto: Knut Arne Gjertsen/Visitnorway.com


At Odderøya you will find both great outdoor areas and cultural areas and Kristiansand's impressive and controversial cultural house, Kilden. Here, exciting performances, shows and exhibitions are constantly arranged for people of all ages. The building is an attraction in itself, with its beautiful, rust-red, undulating facade. If you want something suitable to do for the whole family in Kristiansand, Odderøya and Kilden are great choices.


After spending the whole day doing exciting activities in Kristiansand, whether you are a child or adult, you will definitely want to have just a short distance back to your hotel. The delightful Clarion Hotel® Ernst ten minutes’ walk from the Kilden and is thus perfectly situated for when you are visiting Kristiansand with the family.


  • Type of activity: Everything from workshops and movies, to theatre and concerts
  • Suitable for: Families, couples
  • Entrance fee: Depends on the event

Wear the kids out at the Zoo


Julius chimpanzee Dyreparken Kristiansand Photo: Dyreparken


Do you and your partner really want to go to a spa, but have a couple of energetic kids in tow, which makes it impossible? Then why not do something outdoors with themDyreparken in Kristiansand is legendary throughout the country for its ability to achieve what might otherwise seem like a totally insurmountable project...


Here, the whole family can hunt for Captain Sabertooth's abode in Kjuttavika and enjoy themselves in good old Cardamom town. Dyreparken offers an amazing Sabertooth show - in addition to all the cute, scary, exciting, wild and fascinating animals, of course!


  • Type of activity: Zoo, entertainment, children’s shows
  • Suitable for: Families
  • Entrance fee: Yes

Peace of mind in Ravnedalen


Host-i-Ravnedalen-Kristiansand-VS-00818--Foto Elisabeth HøiboEDIT Photo: Elisabeth Høibo/Visitnorway.com


Ravnedalen is an idyllic open-air area with a pleasant lake with beautiful surroundings. Here you will also find Generalen, a café and cultural scene. Various concerts and film screenings are organised here all year round. Bring your picnic basket and get lost in the Ravnedalen before going to a cool concert at Generalen in the evening!


  • Type of activity: open-air, café, concert
  • Suitable for: families, couples, lone travellers
  • Entrance fee: Only for events

A true southern idyll in the archipelago


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Kristiansand has an incredible number of beautiful nature experiences of which to boast - but perhaps the most beautiful must be the archipelago. Here you will find everything you could ever want from Kristiansand; gently lapping waves, islets with cute southern country cabins and plenty of secret hidden beaches. Rent a boat or use your own if you have the possibility. Alternatively, you can take a scheduled boat out between islets and reefs, it's both easy and cheap. Of course, you can also find many different companies offering sightseeing boats with guides, arrangements and anything you might wish for!


  • Type of activity: open-air, sightseeing, boat
  • Suitable for: families, couples, lone travellers

Accommodation in Kristiansand


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If you are going to Kristiansand there are a few things you should consider before booking a room. The location of the hotel, room type, what type of breakfast and restaurants the hotel offers – these are all factors that can come into play. At Comfort Hotel® Kristiansand and Clarion Hotel® Ernst you will have a good night’s sleep in a central located - and both hotels have lovely breakfast buffets and hotel restaurants. Accommodation and more about Kristiansand can be found here.