Kristiansand

Kristiansand is situated on the southern coast of Norway, facing the European continent and surrounded by water on three sides. Although the whole town center fits within one square kilometer, it is Norway's fifth largest town and the capital of southern Norway.

Since its founding in 1641, this renaissance town has boasted one of the world's largest fleets of sailing ships and is truly a town with a maritime history.

At Fisherman's Wharf you find a bustling fish market, lively restaurants and small boat traffic. Kristiansand's old town, Posebyen, has northern Europe's largest collection of low-rise, wall-to-wall wooden houses. Their pristine white surfaces belie the fact that they date back to the 18th and 19th centuries.

Today Kristiansand is known as the Floral Town of Norway. In the summer more than 20,000 flowers create magnificent displays in every imaginable form to greet visitors and residents alike.

From Kristiansand visitors have easy access to unspoiled nature that is known to be child-friendly, clean and safe. The south coast is dotted with mile upon mile of tiny rocky islands and picturesque white-painted houses in sheltered inlets - all set against a backdrop of lush green forests and lakes, and a mountainous and majestic hinterland. See Kristiansand and the surrounding region by foot, bike or coach. Take a vintage railway trip through a narrow inland gorge or enjoy a glorious boat trip along the island-speckled coast.

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