Southern Norway

At the harbor in Kristiansand you´ll find a vibrant city life with restaurants, shops and boats.

Where coastal charm meets endless summer days

Along Norway's sun-kissed southern coast, white beaches meet crystal-clear waters and charming towns invite you to slow down. Here, summer days stretch endlessly, lighthouse islands dot the horizon, and the gentle coastal lifestyle reminds you what matters most.

Lindesnes - Norway's southernmost point

At Lindesnes lighthouse, you stand at mainland Norway's southern tip where the North Sea meets the Skagerrak. The lighthouse has guided ships since 1655, and today you can visit its museum to learn about maritime history and lighthouse keeping.The lighthouse cafe serves waffles and coffee with views across the water - a perfect spot to rest and take in the dramatic coastal scenery that makes this location special.

Kristiansand - The vibrant heart of the south

Kristiansand welcomes you with its relaxed coastal atmosphere and lively harbor. Stroll along the boardwalk where locals and visitors gather at outdoor restaurants, or explore Posebyen with its charming white wooden houses from the 1600s.The city balances urban energy with beach life - you can enjoy morning coffee at a harbor cafe and spend your afternoon on Bystranda beach.Kristiansand works as your base for exploring the southern region, with easy connections to archipelago islands, nearby towns, and forest adventures inland.

Beaches that rival the Mediterranean

Southern Norway surprises visitors with its beaches. Hamresanden outside Kristiansand stretches for three kilometers of fine white sand, while smaller beaches like Sjøsanden offer quieter spots surrounded by pine forests.The water stays refreshingly cool even in summer, but on warm days locals and visitors fill the beaches. Beach volleyball nets, ice cream stands, and grassy areas for picnics make these beaches family-friendly and social.Early mornings bring peaceful moments for a beach walk, while summer evenings see families gathering for barbecues and sunset watching - this is how Norwegians spend their summer holidays.

At the Animal Park in Kristiansand you can experience exotic animals such as the elegant giraffe.

Family adventures beyond the beaches

Kristiansand Dyrepark

Kristiansand Dyrepark combines a zoo, amusement park, and water park in Norway's largest family attraction. You can meet Nordic wildlife like wolves and lynx, visit the tropical rainforest house, or cool off in the water park on hot days.

The Setesdalsbanen heritage railway

Takes you on a vintage train journey through forests and farmland, showing you how travel looked a century ago. Kids especially enjoy the old steam engines and conductor uniforms.

Kristiansand Science Center

When weather turns rainy, indoor options include Kristiansand's Science Center Sørlandets Kunstmuseum, or simply exploring cozy cafes in Posebyen while the rain patters on old wooden roofs.

Inspiration

Discover inspiring articles about Norway’s stunning coastline, crystal-clear waters, and beautiful beaches — plus exciting family activities to enjoy together.

Aerial view of a bustling coastal city with cruise ships docked in a lively harbor, colorful buildings, and green hills under a sunny sky.

Norwegian Harbors & Coastal Cities

Although Norway’s interior offers its fair share of beauty, the coast is what a lot of tourists flock to see. The country has no shortage of fantastic harbors and coastal cities that offer tons of wildlife, unique architecture, and other intriguing elements that you will not be able to find anywhere else. If you are interested in traveling to Norway, then here are the harbors and coastal cities that you will want to put at the top of your list.

Fjord kayaking in Jondal on a beautiful summer day in the Hardangerfjord

Norway's Waters

A big part of what makes Norway such a spectacular travel destination is its many majestic fjords. However, there are also many lakes, rivers, as well as the ocean coast, that contribute to Norway being over 6 percent water. If you are interested in visiting Norway and seeing the fjords or any of the other great water features that the country has to offer, then you will need to know where to look and what to do. Here is how you can best explore Norway’s waters.

Two young children climb an indoor bouldering wall with colorful holds, including animal shapes, in a safe, padded play area.

5 great family activities in Norway

With magnificent scenery and exciting experiences for the whole family, Norway is a great holiday country for both young and old. Give the kids an experience they will never forget, with rafting trips, climbing adventures, dog sledding adventures or even meeting some real-life Vikings!

Sunset on a beach in Jæren - Stavanger, Norway

The best beaches in Norway

Norway has an abundance of white sandy beaches, clear water, and magnificent scenery. In this article, we’ll give you our top tips for some of the best beaches in Norway, along with some great resort options for your beach getaway!