Things to do & places to visit in Southern Norway, Norway

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.

Southern Norway #6 destination in Norway 2023. The average rating score is 4.42 based on 4.680 traveler reviews, of 61 attractions. Timezone: Europe/Oslo, current date and time: Sunday, May 05, 2024, 7:55.

Top things to do (31)

Top places to visit (30 attractions) view more »

5.0 Hove and Spornes (82 reviews)
- Lovely beach at Spornes outside Arendal, Norway
Hiking Trails

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. See more..
5.0 Furulunden (48 reviews)
- Trail running
Parks

Great area for both a walk and run. Many trails criss-cross the entire area so you can easily just do ha shot or long walk / run. Smaller sandy beaches where you can relax or have some fun as well. See more..
5.0 Mysteriehus (47 reviews)
- Exciting effects
Spent More than 3 hours Escape Games

Mystery House offers a new and unique experience in the center of idyllic Lillesand. Mystery House is suited for families, friends, colleagues and other groups! You check in for an exciting day where you'll have to work together to solve a mystery inspired by real historical events from the Witch Trials of Agder. Uncover the truth of what really happened in 1650 when Vigdis Ravnsdatter was burned as a witch. Mystery House combines elements from Escape Rooms with also possibilities for an overnight stay in a truly immersive house filled with hidden details and intrigue. See more..
5.0 Hike to Skrelia (31 reviews)
- Superb views!
Hiking Trails

Skrelia is the most recommended area for hiking in Lyngdal. The mountain is only 350 meters high but the terrain can easily be associated with the highlands. The wonderful view combined with the view of the waterfall running down the polished mountain, makes a remarkable view. This is an easy terrain for hiking. There are many inviting small lakes for hikers who need to cool down. There are many marked trails in this open terrain, and they are of various lengths. There are trails for most people and most are on polished mountains. Some places you may need to cross brooks and areas of marsh and heather. Heather is Norway’s national flower. The shortest trail starts at the parking lot and goes straight to the waterfall. The hike takes about 10 minutes. You may use this trail as the starting point to the other marked trails in the area. Expect to spend 2-3 hours through Rassveda, around Sandvann and Homso. Here you will find an exceptional viewpoint. At this location you may see the ruins of an old fortress dating back to 500 A.D. It is also possible to walk down the mountain alongside the waterfall all the way to the fjord. On the way you will notice remnants of earlier mills and sawmills. Direction: From the town centre of Lyngdal follow the road to apta. Drive 3 km to you see the sign “Skrelia”. From here it is 9 km on a curvy gravel road to the parking lot. You cannot miss it! From the parking lot walk 50 meters to the gate that marks the beginning of the trails to Skrelia. The trails are marked with red/ yellow paint directly on the mountain. Hiking to Skrelia is reviewed in the book ”Oppdag Lister” from 2009. See more..
5.0 Grimstad's Archipelago (31 reviews)
- Several lovely Islands prepeared for access by small boats
Beaches

What is a smooth rocky shore? Cliffs and sandy beaches are very common, but the polished rocky shores are unique to Norway – almost. They do exist in other places, but not many. Stretches of such rock formations can be found from the Swedish west coast and up to Stockholm’s archipelago, and also in Greenland, Scotland, Alaska and possibly New Zealand. The rest of the world, however, does not have anything resembling these beautiful shores we associate with Southern Norway and the Oslo Fjord. The reason is that not many areas fulfil the two conditions required for such polished, smooth rocks to be formed. High-grade metamorphic rock such as gneiss or granite is required, and this coarse-grained formation must have been scoured and rubbed smooth by a thick layer of ice. As old as time itself! The Norwegian rocky shores originated long before the ice arrived - maybe as much as a billion years. Formation started 1.8 billion years ago and ended 1200 million years later. The time-span is almost incomprehensible! When the ice retreated for the last time, the rocky shores were given a last finish and took their current shape. This is only 10 000 years ago. Since then, the land has risen as much as 200 metres in some areas. Hence, the rocky shorescurrently lining the water’s edge were far below sea level and a thousand metres or more under the ice when they were formed. As the ice moved, masses of sand, gravel and stone were pushed in front and below. These deposits were pressed down and rubbed against the bedrock with immense force. This was how Norway’s rocky shores were formed. Soft elements were scoured away, and the hard rock was left polished, smooth and rounded. In several areas, characteristic scour lines are still evident, and some cracks in the actual bedrock can also be seen. See more..
5.0 Lyseveien to Lysebotn (23 reviews)
- Family reunion
Hiking Trails

Starting Point:The walk starts on Lyseveien between Sirdal and Lysebotn, about 1 km west of Grydalen. You can park on Borsteinshyttens carpark, located on the opposite side of the road in relation to the trail. Description: Start walking in a north-west direction. After approx 5 minutes cross the stream descending from Matupstjodne tarn and follow the left side of the stream gently upwards. The path here runs along a small hillock on the south side of the tarn. Gradually climb up towards the paths highest point. At 970 meters there is a magnificent view across the Lyseheiane. From here start the descent towards Andersvatnet lake. You must first zig-zag your way down ¾ of a steep ravine and then follow the rock face of Vardekleivane on the right. After approx 100 metres cross the stream that runs from Andersvatnet lake. (Carefully follow the markings and your GPS if you have one).The path continues to the west and the terrain becomes gradually hillier and it may be difficult to find your bearings. You will pass several lakes before coming to a ravine that takes you down to Pollen (tarn). The path zig-zags down this ravine but you get a great view of the waterfall cascading down from Mount Toknuten. At the bottom of the ravine you cross the stream running from Andersvatnet lake. From here, the path gradually ascends on bare rock before you come to a valley to follow. Towards the top of the valley you can see the high mountains of the Lysedalen valley on your right and you get an idea of what awaits you later on on the walk. Lysedalen valley is one of the region's wildest valleys, with their 800/900 metre steep mountainsides that plunge into almost impassable terrain. At the end of the valley you climb over a boulderfield before continuing down the ravine to a green sheltered spot with fresh mountain water. This is a perfect spot for a break! Follow the stream down to where it winds 90 degrees around the mountains down towards Lysedalen valley. You can't fail to be... See more..
5.0 Homborsund Lighthouse (20 reviews)
- Homborsund lighthouse
Lighthouses

Homborsund Lighthouse is located on a small island by the Homborsund inlet off the coast of Grimstad. During the summer season, lighthouse hosts are on hand to welcome visitors. Please visit homepage for more information. See more..
5.0 Nasjonalt Villakssenter Kvåsfossen (18 reviews)
- Great place to learn about salmon
Spent 1-2 hours Points of Interest & Landmarks

Visit the place which was little bit more than an hour from Kristiansand. Glad that we made the decision to visit. Great food.... fish burger and awesome scenery.. Went to visit the salmon fish stairs....exciting to learn more about salmon life. Very educative..great place for adults and kids. In this time, not much salmon you could see, but manage to see medium and small size salmons, trouts and eel. Ask friend staff member and being informed that autumn is the best time to visit. You could see the waterfall outside... and also many trails nearby. See more..
5.0 Grimstad Taxiboat (16 reviews)
- Skjærgårdstur
Sunday: 12:00 AM - 11:59 PM Spent 1-2 hours Ferries

Grimstad Taxibåt welcome you onboard for sightseeing, ordinary trips and fishingtrips. Please visit HomePage for prices and more information See more..
4.5 Dyreparken (1.467 reviews)
- The most amazing theme park in Europe.
Spent More than 3 hours Amusement & Theme Parks • Water Parks • Zoos

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. See more..
4.5 Lindesnes Fyr (346 reviews)
- Norway's sothernmost point in mainland
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Lighthouses

This is a truly unique and popular location as the Lighthouse sits on the southernmost point in Norway. In addition to the lighthouse the site also includes a restaurant, museums, exhibitions, shops, cinema and an appartment for rent to guests. It`s the third largest tourist attraction in Southern Norway. See more..
4.5 Ravnedalen Naturpark (257 reviews)
- No need to do excursions
Nature & Wildlife Areas

We were on a cruise and this port of call was the only one for which we did not schedule excursions. And we are very glad for that. Instead, we walked around the town and stopped at a few of their cafes for coffee and food. Then we found our way to the park. This park has miles of trails and many lakes to enjoy looking at or swimming in. There are many points along the various trails that offer beautiful views of the park and the surrounding town. We spent about three hours walking around, and could have done more if we didn’t have to get back to the boat. Stop at a restaurant or cafe and grab some lunch to go and enjoy a picnic at one of the many tables throughout. There is even a small island that has a tree swing - perfect for relaxing with a good book! See more..
4.5 Baneheia (196 reviews)
- A magical woodland
Biking Trails • Parks • Hiking Trails

What a gorgeous forest on the edge of the city! We've been there several times and have found it more beautiful every visit. Last week we walked it again, marveling at the lakes around every corner, the ripe lingonberries and blueberries, the mushrooms, ferns and mosses. It is the best, most magical, absolutely unforgettable thing to do if you find yourself in Kristiansand. See more..
4.5 Odderoya (185 reviews)
- Beautiful and perfect for putting up tents or hammocks
Islands

Extremely beautiful «island» in Kristiansand. Perfect for going on walks with family or friends, and has nice places for going swimming. The island is perfect for sleeping in tents or hammocks, or even in your car. However, there were only two places for parking which were not free. We could not find any public bathrooms. See more..
4.5 Fiskebrygga (131 reviews)
- The best fish I have ever tasted
Spent < 1 hour Points of Interest & Landmarks

We planned to buy lunch at Reinhartsen's takeaway, until we visited the inside of the fish market and tasted a sample of Reinhartsen's smoked salmon. We then ordered crab claws, langostine' s and prawns all eaten from the paper bag beside the harbour on the wooden steps / seats. Probably the best meal I've eaten in my life. My mouth exploded with the sweet delicate flavours. Heaven. The staff were lovely and helpful too. See more..
4.5 Kristiansand Kanonmuseum (128 reviews)
- Wonderful Preservation of History
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 6:00 PM Military Museums • History Museums

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. See more..
4.5 Otterdalsparken (78 reviews)
- The perfect place for a picnic!
Fountains

Granite fountains made by Kjell Nupen. Guest harbour with services. See more..
4.5 Kristiansand Museum (74 reviews)
- Fascinating
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums

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. See more..
4.5 Lista Fyr (73 reviews)
- Beautiful lighthous
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Lighthouses

The lighthouse, museum and all buildings was closed due to COVID-19, but the area was open for us to walk around. See more..
4.5 Movik Fort (67 reviews)
- A look back to WW2
Historic Sites • Points of Interest & Landmarks • Architectural Buildings

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. See more..
4.5 Sjøsanden (65 reviews)
- Best beach in south norwY
Beaches

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4.5 Vitensenteret Sorlandet Arendal (59 reviews)
- Very interesting place
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM Spent 2-3 hours Speciality Museums • Educational sites • Children's Museums

A fun and educational experience for the whole family! In addition to our exhibition area, we also have fun science-activities. Se our website for the daily program. You find the Science Center at the quay in the center of Arendal, and our mini-Science Center in Kristiansand, in the main street. Welcome! See more..
4.5 Kristiansand Tourist Information (34 reviews)
- View of port.
Sunday: Visitor Centers

Kristiansand Tourist Information. Our mission is to be a host for our visitors, apply good information and handle the cruise ships visiting Kristiansand. See more..
4.5 Nøgne Ø (32 reviews)
- Norway's finest beer. Informative tour!
Temporarily closed - Closed until further notice Spent 1-2 hours Breweries

Nøgne Ø is Norway's leading supplier of craft beer and the first producer of Japanese sake in Europe. Our never ending search for new flavours and ingredients constantly results in new seasonal and experimental brews. We do not have regular opening hours, but please visit our website for availability of brewery tours and events. See more..
4.5 ARKIVET Peace and Human Rights Centre (28 reviews)
- Absolutely intriguing.
Sunday: 12:00 PM - 3:00 PM Speciality Museums

ARKIVET Peace and Human Rights Centre is an education and documentation centre based in Kristiansand in the southern part of Norway. During the Second World War the building was the headquarters of Gestapo in southern Norway. Today ARKIVET studies how the retelling of our local history from World War II can help create attitudes, knowledge, and understanding in order to secure the basis for peace and democracy. The history from ARKIVET is conveyed through our permanent exhibition, temporary and virtual exhibitions. See more..
4.5 Gimle Gård (28 reviews)
- Stroll in the park, feels like you're in a fairytale when standing under the trees.
Spent 1-2 hours History Museums

The Gimle estate was built around 1800. Collections of paintings, period furniture, china etc. reflect a family home through five generations. Now a cultural museum of historic interest, surrounded by an Englishstyle landscape manor house park. Combined tickets for the museum facilities at Gimle. Opening hours: Please check our web site. See more..
4.5 The Ibsen Museum in Grimstad (27 reviews)
- Unexpected treat
Spent 1-2 hours Speciality Museums • History Museums

Henrik Ibsen came to Grimstad in 1843/44 to start his apprenticeship with apothecary Reimann. He stayed for 6 years, and when he left in spring 1850 it was as the author of the play "Catilina". The museum focus on the period before he achieved success and world fame. Topics such as how Ibsen made a living when his apprenticeship ended, his dire financial situation, the people who inspired him, the love stories and the son born out of wedlock all form part of the exhibition. The very pharmacy in which Ibsen worked is still intact. A museum shop is available. See more..
4.5 Nordberg Fort (24 reviews)
- Great family visit
Sunday: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM Military Bases & Facilities

Nordberg Fort is a German costal fort from the Second World War. The fort has 17 authentic buildings. It is also a new museum there where you can find a café, museum shop and exhibitions. The forts location is fantastic with the beautiful view of Listas coastline. See more..
4.5 Brufjell (24 reviews)
- Brufjell, Sandvik og Roligheten
Mountains

Brufjell mountain's highest point is 184 meters above sea level and offers a fantastic view over the Lista landscape. On a clear day you will see the lighthouse at Lista, an area know for its abundance of rare birds. From the top of Brufjell, there is a marked trail that leads to the potholes that lies horizontally at 20 m above sea level. The horizontal potholes were created during the Ice Age some 20.000 years ago. The sea level was higher back then. Did you know that millions of years ago the mountains here in the Southwest were taller than the Mt. Everest is today? Brufjell is part of Magma Geopark and UNESCO. The trip to the potholes takes about 20 min from Mt. Brufjell. There is some climbing involved in the descend, but handles have been put up to facilitate the climbing. However, dogs will not be able to accompany the owner. Keep in mind that the mountain may be slippery when wet. The round trip, that may be combined with the stony beach at Sandviga, takes 2-3 hours. Description: Drive road 44 (the North Sea road) to ana- Sira. Driving down the mountain from Flekkefjord, notice the sign Roligheten on the left side. Drive down this small road towards the small community. On the left hand side you will notice a sign with Brufjell on the stone wall of a torn-down barn. This is where the trail starts. Please park the car by the school you passed driving in some hundred meters back (a new parking lot is under planning). There is a relatively steep ascend in the beginning. Follow the marked trail. At the top of Brufjell you will see a mail box. Please write your name and nationality for statistical purposes. From here you walk in the direction of the sea, following the read markings down the mountain. It gets quite steep and people who are afraid of hights might find it a bit scary. Some safe handles have been put up to facilitate the short climbing. Return from top of Brufjell: It is possible to make this hike a round trip by walking west from the mailbox at ... See more..
4.5 Brufjell Hulene (22 reviews)
- The most exciting hike in this area!
Points of Interest & Landmarks

Brufjell mountain's highest point is 184 meters above sea level and offers a fantastic view over the Lista landscape. On a clear day you will see the lighthouse at Lista. From the top of Brufjell, there is a marked trail (on the west side of the top) that leads to the potholes (caves) that lies horizontally at 20 m above sea level. The horizontal potholes were created during the Ice Age some 20.000 years ago when the sea level was higher. The trip to the potholes takes about 1 h 30 min from the parking area. The path down to the coast from Brufjell is very steep in places (see attached photo), but it is worth the effort to see the coastal features. The path comes out onto a platform about 10 meters above sea level. This platform and a series of caves have clearly been worn out of solid rock by the sea. Sea level rose quite fast when the ice melted at the end of the last ice age. Regards Svein-Magne Tunli from Bergen, Norway. See more..