Road Trip from Kristiansand
The colourful city of Stavanger in western Norway is particularly known for its street art, the historic district "Gamle Stavanger," and Norway's impressive Petroleum Museum. But Stavanger is also a perfect starting point for excursions and adventures. We have found seven perhaps lesser-known excursion tips for your road trip.
Foto: Fjord Line
Our suggestion for an amazing road trip from Kristiansand:
1. Kristiansand
We start our road trip in Sørlandet, in the very city where the ferry also docks – Kristiansand. Sørlandet in southern Norway is incredibly popular among Norwegians themselves and is often referred to as "The Norwegian Riviera." Here, you can explore the characteristic white wooden houses perched on the rocky cliffs along the coast, where small sailboats glide quietly on the blue waters. Take a stroll through Kristiansand's historic old town Posebyen, enjoy a cup of coffee, and explore the large, beautiful park, Ravnedalen.
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2. Kragerø
The charming coastal town of Kragerø is also known as the pearl among coastal towns. The centre of Kragerø is cosy, lively, and colourful, with a beautiful view of the Norwegian archipelago. Here, you can simply enjoy the town's vibrant life among tourists and locals. You can also take a short hike to the top of Storkollen and Sjåen, where you have a magnificent view of the town and the archipelago.
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3. Seljordsvannet and Selma
Now it gets "spooky"! Everyone knows the Loch Ness Monster – but have you ever heard of the sea serpent Selma? Make a stop at the – "on the surface" – idyllic lake, Seljordsvatnet. For generations, locals have spoken of a giant sea serpent said to live deep in the dark waters. Time and again, people report seeing the mysterious creature in the water's surface; a distinctive long snake-like body of 8-15 metres with spikes on its back and a horse's head, some claim. We cannot guarantee a meeting with the legendary sea serpent – but a visit to the observation tower built in 2011 on the lake's shore is guaranteed to be an experience for both young and old – and will surely spark your imagination.
4. Vrådal and Nisser
In Vrådal, you will find a wealth of excellent hiking and cycling routes of varying lengths and difficulty levels – there are even special routes for Nordic walking. Let the calm settle over you as you hike through the spruce forest or cycle along the idyllic small roads by the shore of Lake Nisser. Enjoy a day by the lake Nisser – you can take a dip from one of the lovely sandy beaches, explore the lake's calm waters by canoe, or embark on a delightful lock cruise with the vintage boat M/S Fram.
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5. Moose Safari
Visit the "King of the Forest" at your next stop, the Wildlife Park in Iveland, Agder. It is an amazing experience to stand up close to these large animals, and it is not without reason that the moose is called just that. With a shoulder height of up to 2.3 metres and a length of up to 3.2 metres, this impressive animal is always a fantastic sight.
At the Wildlife Park, you have the chance to get up close to these large animals. In the summer, you can go on a moose safari in the beautiful nature around the park and meet the tame moose up close. Along the way, the guides will tell you about moose and other wild animals in the area.
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6. Tømmerrenna
Our next stop is a somewhat different nature experience. Here, you can explore a hiking trail that is not only suitable for the whole family but is also sure to be remembered long after your holiday. Take an exciting hike along a roaring river, through tunnels, over bridges, and past beautiful viewpoints – all in a four-kilometre-long "log flume." Such a "log flume" was originally used to transport timber from the forests to the river and is considered to be the only one of its kind preserved in Norway.
7. Lindesnes
The final stop on our tour is Norway's southernmost point – the peninsula Lindesnes, where you can see Norway's oldest lighthouse. It has been over 350 years since the first light was lit in the lighthouse on the island's rocky cliffs. Today, the beautiful red and white lighthouse is a popular excursion destination. If you choose to climb the many steps up the tower, you will be rewarded with a stunning view of the beautiful coastline and the endless blue sea. The lighthouse also includes an interesting museum, beautifully built into the rock under the lighthouse.