Norway

Hirtshals

Kristiansand

It's not without reason that the elk is called the "king of the forest" – with a shoulder height of up to 2.3 metres and a length of up to 3.2 metres, the impressive animal is always a stunning sight.

Normally you can visit elk in Nature Norway's large activity centre Elgtun in Setesdal, but as the centre currently is closed due to the Covid pandemic, their four tame elk have been moved to Viltgården.

Fortunately, you still have the option to book a visit where you can get up close to the impressive animals and learn about their lives and role in Norwegian nature.

A visit here is a fun day out for all the family, and children and adults love the chance to see the beautiful animals up close.

Read more and book your visit on the Viltgården's website.

Boy standing with two moose and petting one of them

Sørlandet

At Viltgården you can get up close to the king of the forest. Elgtun's four tame elks live here and you can get up close and even feed them during your visit. 

Meet the king of the forest up close

Kristiansand - Elgtun (Viltgården)

Just over two hours by boat from Denmark lies the southern Norwegian gem of Kristiansand. Whether you're a family with children craving action and entertainment or travelling as a couple or group of friends, the city has something for everyone. We bring you a selection of the city's many offers.

Go on a journey through time and visit one of Kristiansand's exciting museums. Just outside Kristiansand, you can ride the Setesdals Railway, more than 100 years old and powered by steam locomotives, and at the nearby open–air museum you can experience life in Norway as far back as 1580.

The area's more recent – and dramatic – history can be experienced at the former naval base on Odderøya or at the Kristiansand Cannon Museum from World War Two, home to one of the world's largest cannons.

Immerse yourself in Kristiansand's cultural life

Kristiansand is home to a number of cultural centres and art exhibitions. Kilden Theatre and Concert Hall is one of Norway's most exciting environments for professional performing arts and music and houses the Kristiansand Symphony Orchestra and Kilden Theatre as well as Kilden Opera and Kilden Culture.

In summer, Ravnedalen Nature Park hosts outdoor concerts, and the city is also home to plenty of art, both outdoors in the form of a string of impressive street art pieces and indoors at Kristiansand Kunsthall, which has regular exhibitions of local, national and international artists.

If you want a real Norwegian nature experience on your holiday in Kristiansand, a boat trip through the archipelago is a must. One of the area's tourist favourites is the sightseeing tour through the archipelago between Kristiansand and the pretty little village of Lillesand, where you can wander through the narrow, historic streets and feel Norwegian coastal culture up close.

By land, the area offers a wealth of beautiful natural areas such as Odderøya, Baneheia, Jegersberg and Ravnedalen Nature Park, and if you fancy a dip, visit the city beach in Kristiansand or one of the many other local beaches, many of which have blue flags.

If you have children on holiday, Dyrehaven Kristiansand and Hakkebakkeskoven are often high on their wish list, but the area also offers Sørland's largest climbing park Høyt & Lavt Kristiansand, excellent areas for diving and action–packed sea or river rafting.

If you also want to treat your parents to some culinary delights, end the day at the Fiskebrygga fish market or one of the many first–class restaurants and cafés in Kristiansand city centre.

Stayingat one of the beautiful Thon hotels

In Kristiansand, you can look forward to staying at one of the Thon chain's lovely hotels, Thon Hotel Parken or Thon Hotel Norge, both centrally located in the city. This means you have many of Kristiansand's sights, experiences and eateries within a short walk.

The hotels are also within easy walking distance of the ferry terminal, so you can easily get there on foot if you choose to travel to Norway without a car.

Your guide to a great holiday in Kristiansand

Below you can read more about things to do, see and do in Kristiansand and find inspiration for your holiday in our travel articles about the area.

Kristiansand offers a wealth of experiences for holidaymakers of all ages, whether it's nature, art, rides, museums, gourmet experiences or shopping.

Kristiansand – the exciting capital of southern Norway 

Both hotels are centrally located in Kristiansand and are perfect for a holiday focused on enjoying Kristiansand's many sights and experiences.

At Thon Hotel Norge you can choose between a double room and a family room, and at Thon Hotel Parken you can choose between a single room, a double room and a family room, so you can always get a number of rooms that suits you, no matter how many of you are travelling together.
 

If you are holidaying in Kristiansand, you can stay at one of the lovely Thon hotels, Thon Hotel Norge or Thon Hotel Parken. 

Staying in Kristiansand

The capital of southern Norway offers a wealth of fantastic experiences for the whole family – from Kristiansand Zoo and the Høyt & Lavt climbing park to cosy experiences at Viltgården and Setesdalsbanen and relaxation in Ravnedalen Nature Park or Posebyen.

Here are some tips for your holiday in Kristiansand, whether you're into theme parks, history, nature, shopping or relaxing boat trips.

What to do in Kristiansand

We've teamed up with a number of Danish experts on Norway and locally renowned guides to share advice, recommendations and tips on "hidden treasures" that can help you and your family and friends have a fantastic holiday in Kristiansand.


Kristiansand offers plenty of exciting and enjoyable experiences for children and adults. Find inspiration for this year's holiday in our travel articles.

Meet the king of the forest up close

Look around on Meet the king of the forest up close

Placement