Kristiansand is a fast growing, modern town and is the largest urban area in Southern Norway. It is the regional capital of business, administration and culture, and has close to 110,000 inhabitants. With an innovative industry, good infrastructure, top-notch sports venues and an active festival and fine arts community, few places in Norway can compare to Kristiansand.
5 facts about Kristiansand
- Approximately 11,000 UiA students.
- Southern Norway's biggest town with approximately 110,000 inhabitants.
- Named after King Christian IV of Denmark and Norway.
- Founded in 1641.
- The town centre is known as 'Kvadraturen' (the Quarters) because the streets are laid out on a grid plan.
Bragdøya Kristiansand
Photo: Visit Sørlandet
There are many cozy cafés in town where one can study.
Photo: UiA
Volleyball in Bystranda, the city beach.
Photo: UiA
Summer in Bystranda, the city beach.
Photo: UiA
Markensgate, the main walking street in Kristiansand centre.
Photo: UiA
Kilden Performing Arts Centre
Photo: UiA
Visit the fish market, grab an ice cream and sit by the water. Fiskebrygge is a particularly popular place to be in the summer months.
Photo: UiA
Kristiansand is not just a summer town. There are many fun activities to take part in during the winter months, such as ice skating in the ice skating rink in the city centre.
Photo: UiA
There are many beautiful and safe trails and hiking opportunities around campus and Kristiansand in general.
Photo: UiA
Viewpoint in Baneheia, Kristiansand.
Photo: UiA
Grilling in Baneheia, Kristiansand.
Photo: UiA
Baneheia, Kristiansand.
Photo: UiA
There are several places you can go skiing in the winter, both downhill and cross-country.
Fiskebrygga, Kristiansand.
Photo: UiA
BARE student house, Kristiansand.
Photo: SiA
Kristiansand from above.
Photo: UiA
Kristiansand from above.
Photo: UiA
BARE student house
A meeting place for all students in Agder - just drop by!
Transportation
Bus
With Agder kollektivtrafikk (AKT), you can travel by bus in all of Agder for a reasonable price! If you're going even further, you can travel with both VY and Konkurrenten.
Train
With Sørlandsbanen you can travel westwards towards Stavanger, or eastwards towards Oslo.
Bicycle
Kristiansand is one of Norway's most bicycle-friendly towns!
Electric scooter
Several companies have e-scooters available in many parts of Kristiansand.
Boat/ferry
The ferries Fjordline and Color Line both go to Denmark, and other smaller boats take passengers to the islands surrounding Kristiansand. Many cruise ships also stop in Kristiansand throughout the year.
Air travel
Kristiansand Airport is located just a short drive from the town centre. From there, both domestic and international flights are available.
Hidden gems
Beautiful beaches
Kristiansand is full of beautiful beaches! Check out Bystranda, Bertesbukta, Bendiksbukta or Hamresanden, to mention a few.
Odderøya
Odderøya was formerly a naval base and is now a recreational area. Take a leisurely walk along the beautiful trails, grab a waffle, visit the lighthouse, and enjoy this historic area with stunning views of both the town and the ocean.
Dueknipen
Dueknipen - a great viewpoint overlooking Kristiansand.
Ravnedalen
Ravnedalen - located at the entrance to the recreational area Baneheia, this beautiful park features a restaurant and an outdoor stage.
Gimle Gård Manor House
Gimle Gård Manor House - located right next to UiA, adjacent to the Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden, you will find this 18th-century manor house.
Myren Mansion
Myren Mansion - an old Swiss-style villa and park grounds with beautiful plants that are typically found in more southern latitudes.
Posebyhaven
Posebyhaven - an urban and attractive cultural industry destination in Posebyen, the old town in Kristiansand.
Lots to do and much to explore
The municipality's student offers
Discover events and activities on Kristiansand municipality's dedicated student page.
Explore the region
Visit Southern Norway provides an overview of even more experiences and exciting places you can visit in Southern Norway.
Borrow for free
BUA Kristiansand offers free loan of sports and outdoor equipment. See what is available for borrowing.