Southern Norway is known as the “the smiling south” because of its great weather and vibrant culture. You’ll find plenty of interesting things to see and do, from incredible natural wonders and picturesque villages and towns lining the coast to all sorts of events and festivals to add to your social calendar and exciting activities such as kayaking and exploring the fjords.
Visiting Southern Norway most definitely means you can have a jam-packed trip itinerary. If you’re unsure of what should make it on your trip itinerary, you can consider the following:
Eat at Under
Under is the first underwater restaurant in the north of Europe. Here, you will be dining 5.5 meters below sea level by a gigantic window that gives you a glimpse into underwater life. This truly is an incredible experience that will give you a new-found respect for nature as well as the chef with its delectable seasonal set menu.
Check Out Our Street Art
We have the most beautiful street art here in Southern Norway. Places like Flekkefjord have made the already picturesque town even prettier, with incredible murals dotting the town’s white wooden houses. And in Kristiansand an entire project called Coolart was launched, essentially turning the whole city into an outdoor gallery.
Go Wild at Dyreparken Zoo and Amusement Park
The Dyreparken Zoo and Amusement Park is one of the best things to do in Norway if you have a family. Here, the kids will have their pick between splashing around the water park, going on all sorts of fun rides, or getting up close to some of the Norwegian and African wildlife.
Check Out the Kristiansand Kanonmuseum (Cannon Museum)
If you’re a history buff with a particular interest in the military or war, the Kristiansand Kanonmuseum is a must-visit museum in Southern Norway. This fortress was built by the Germans in World War II and still houses the only 380 mm Krupp gun left in the world. There are also plenty of other interesting things that got left behind, and you’ll even be allowed into the bunker to ride the ammunition railway train.
Visit “America”
It’s the strangest feeling to walk in Southern Norway and feel transported back to vintage US. Lista and Farsund are often referred to as “a little piece of America in Norway”. Here, you will find cars such as Cadillacs, Buicks, and Pontiacs, and there’s even an annual American Festival.
The tie between the US and this area is due to the vast emigration that took place in the 19th century when almost 80 000 people left Southern Norway for the US, and obviously brought the influences back with them whenever they visited or returned.
Go to the Beach
We have incredible white sand beaches along our southern coast, such as the White Beaches of Lista, where you can do everything from tanning on the beach, and having the kids play in the sand, and surfing in the waves.
Check Out the Horizontal Potholes at Brufjell
These gigantic caverns looking out on the ocean were formed during the Ice Age roughly 20 000 years ago. Today, these “potholes” lie 20 meters above sea level, but back then, the sea level was much higher, and the waves and weather elements weathered away (couldn’t resist) at the rocks. Getting to the “potholes” will require a short hike that involves some climbing, so keep it in mind when you have small children or the elderly in your party.
Go Biking on the Railway
That’s right. In Southern Norway, you can go biking on the Flekkefjord Railway Line. Don’t worry; the railway line is no longer active, so you will have the 17-kilometer track all to yourselves. These biking tours are very popular and suitable for both young and old, making them a great family outing.
Visit the Lighthouse at Lindesnes
The Lighthouse at Lindesnes offers visitors the opportunity to soak in hundreds of years’ worth of guiding ships to safety. It also allows visitors to stand at the southernmost tip of Norway and even sleep over, waking up to breathtaking views across the ocean.
Have Some Fun at Aquarama Bad Waterpark
For the ultimate aquatic fun, you’ll need to visit Aquarama Bad Waterpark. Here you can lounge around or have a swim in six different bathing areas, go surfing on the waverider, get some pampering at the Aquarama Spa, visit the Aquarama Fitness Centre, where you can exercise and get personal training, and check out the happenings at the sports arena or stay over at the hotel.
Visit Tingvatn Fornminnepark
Visit Tingvatn Fornminnepark to get a taste of Norwegian Viking life. Here, you will see their place of assembly (Thing), their grave sites, how they lived using various materials, and much, much more. Also, keep an eye out for special Viking events, such as the Viking Thing, held in May each year.
Check Out Fashion Through the Ages at Setesdalsmuseet at Rysstad
See what the dress codes of Aust-Agder’s inner and western villages looked like, especially on special occasions such as weddings and christenings. If you’re a fashion fanatic, this will be a fascinating stop along your trip around Southern Norway.
See a Concert at Kilden Teater
The Kilden Teater is our performing arts center in Kristiansand. Here, you can catch a lineup of superb concerts and cultural events. It is also the headquarters of the Agder Regional Theatre group, the Opera Sor opera company, and the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra.
Go Cruising on the D/S Bjoren
This is one of the best outings during the summer months in Southern Norway. Go on a 2.5-hour long round trip on an old wood-fired steamship from 1866. The D/S Bjoren voyage is a very unique experience that will not only satisfy the history buffs among us, but will also keep entire families with kids entertained.
Take a Hike
Hiking is a much-loved activity in Southern Norway that can be enjoyed all year round. Whether you’re looking for a day hike or a multi-day trek, you will find a hiking trail that suits you. You can choose trails that allow you to walk along the coast, through a forest, or to one of our many viewpoints. It’s the best way to be active, immerse yourself in our breathtaking landscape, and spend quality time with friends and family.
By following this guide, you’ll already have a jam-packed trip itinerary, so it’s hard to imagine that we’ve merely scratched the surface of everything Southern Norway offers visitors. Rent a motorhome in Norway so you can do a thorough road trip around the country, immerse yourself in its natural wonders, and partake in its once-in-a-lifetime experiences that’ll leave you with precious, ever-lasting memories.