Kristiansand – Norway’s new art capital
Kristiansand is the city that has managed to combine southern coastal charm with a lively urban vibe. Here, the sea meets the city, culture meets family fun, and you quickly notice that the pace is relaxed but never dull. It’s simply a place that suits everyone: families, couples, and business travelers alike.
With a train connection right into the city center from both Oslo and Stavanger, getting here couldn’t be easier. You step straight out of the station and find yourself in the heart of town, just a few minutes’ walk from the harbor, hotels, and the cafés lining Markens Street.
I love trains, but rarely get to do it. But I have taken the train back and forth to Southern France!
Kunstsilo – the new landmark of art
No one talks about Kristiansand these days without mentioning Kunstsilo, the city’s new pride and one of Norway’s most exciting cultural projects. The former grain silo has been transformed into an impressive world-class art museum, housing both the Sørlandet Art Museum and the international Tangen Collection of Nordic modernism.
The building itself is worth a visit, with light, space, and architecture that truly takes your breath away. You can spend hours exploring the exhibitions, enjoying a coffee, and taking in the harbor views. Meetings and events can also be held here, both in the lobby and at the café on the top floor.
The city also has several smaller galleries, concerts, and festivals throughout the year, and in summer the atmosphere spills out into every street and square, like the Norwegians waking up from the winter hibernation. Kunstsilo sits right next to Kilden Performing Arts Centre, another architectural highlight you shouldn’t miss.
A city by the water
The city center may not be as quaint as the smaller southern towns, but take a short walk to Posebyen, and you’ll find charming white wooden houses and cobbled streets. Locals have filled the area with flowers, making it a lovely little pocket of calm just a few blocks from the main shopping street. Here you really feel that Southern Norway warmth and charm.
Kristiansand has always had a close connection to the sea. The city beach lies right next to the center, a rarity in Norway, and comes alive on warm summer days. Just a short stroll away is Fiskebrygga, with its wooden piers, seafood restaurants, and lively marina. This is the perfect place to enjoy fresh seafood or a drink by the water in summer.
Grab an ice cream and walk on toward Odderøya, a green island between the city and the sea. It’s full of art installations, swimming spots, walking trails, and old fortress walls. Many locals come here for coffee with a view of the archipelago..
Culture, food and places to stay
Kristiansand offers a vibrant cultural scene, excellent restaurants, and a touch of southern European atmosphere. Try a wine bar downtown, enjoy a seafood dinner at Fiskebrygga, or have an evening drink at Club21 on the top floor of the Radisson Blu Caledonien Hotel. The view alone is worth it.
Club21 can also be used to host meetings and presentations, though you might find people too distracted by the view to pay full attention! And the drinks were alcohol-free and delicious.
Along Markens Street, you’ll find cozy shops and cafés. Some with Danish-inspired touches, given the close connection to Denmark, others proudly local. At Javel, for instance, the city’s signature word takes center stage. In Kristiansand, “javel” can mean hello, how are you, or even mild surprise. It’s also a live music venue worth checking out.
Most hotels are within walking distance of everything. The train station sits in the middle of the grid-like downtown, and nothing is more than a kilometer away. There are plenty of options for every budget. I stayed at the Radisson Blu Caledonien Hotel, one of the city’s classics and the closest hotel to Kunstsilo.
I was lucky enough to stay in one of the suites with an incredible view over the city. I’m not used to suites, so I found it large and elegant, with a living room, dining area, kitchenette, bedroom, and spacious bathroom. Perfect if you’re traveling with others and want space for informal meetings or gatherings. There’s even a big terrace overlooking the city center.
I’ve stayed at many great hotels across Norway, though suites are a rarity. I’m especially fond of historic hotels like Støtt, Engø and Losby to mention a few.
More Than Just a Family Park
For many Norwegians, Kristiansand is synonymous with Dyreparken, the famous zoo and amusement park. Every family has probably considered a trip there. You’ll find everything from lions and giraffes to pirates and captains, with experiences that suit all ages. Norwegian children are very familiar with Captain Sabertooth and the book about Cardamom Town which is re-created here.
What many don’t know is that Dyreparken is also a popular venue for meetings and conferences. The park offers unique meeting rooms and event options, from professional gatherings in peaceful surroundings to team-building among lemurs or pirate ship battles in Captain Sabertooth’s world. Yes – you can actually have a full-scale sea battle if your group is large enough!
Southern charm all year round
I studied and lived in Kristiansand, so I might be a little biased but this city truly shines year-round. Summer is the highlight, of course, yet thanks to the university students and locals, the city stays lively in every season. There’s a Christmas market in December, concerts and theater in winter, and festivals, food, and boating when the sun comes out.
Kristiansand delivers whether you’re visiting as a family, a couple, or for business. And best of all – it’s just a train ride away.
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