Kristiansand

Vest-Agder A county full of rich industrial background but with no lack of connection with nature. Located in the southern part of Norway, this popular county is surrounded by the Setesdalsheiene Mountains, making Vest-Agder a place where you can enjoy dense forests and long hikes through the meadows. This mountain chain is split in half by the river Otra which animates the in between valley and transforms it into an idyllic landscape.

The indigenous wildlife of this area can be observed very closely in one of Norway’s finest attraction: Kristiansand Zoo. With over 30 years of experience and over 150 acres of territory, this unique Zoo mimics the natural environment of the infamous Nordic Wolf or Wolverine. Experience this ingeniously created facility and your little ones will be amazed.

Vest-Agder consists of a total of 15 municipalities, the most tourist friendly being Kristiansand – the capital of Vest-Agder, Mandal, Vennesla and Søgne. Over half of the county’s population is condensed in these 4 regions, making them the perfect solution for a holiday in a cheerful city. Kristiansand is the capital city of Vest-Agder and the host to one of the most impressive Zoo in Norway: Kristiansand Zoo providing tourists with natural setting of indigenous wildlife habbitats and an experience that you will never forget.

Mandal is a place of music, concerts and diverse cultural and gastronomical festivals. The most known is The Seafood Festival. It brings a mix of pleasant classical music and delicious seafood dishes to the area making you wish it would never end. Vennesla is famous Vikeland hovedgård, a city mansion that is presumed to be haunted by the ghost of “The Blue Lady” (den Blå Dama in Norwegian). The story is based on real facts as the ghost’s real name was Mari, a local worker on the farm that loved the owner’s son. Since they could not get married, Mari hung herself in a room of the mansion called „The Blue room” later this being at the roots of the ghosts name – The Blue Lady. Tourists can visit this ghostly manor and feel shivers down their spines walking through the darkened corridors.

Søgne is the smallest of the four, but does not disappoint when it comes to attractions. The Søgne Old Church is the most known landmark of the area and was constructed in 1640. With Renaissance specific paintings and decorations, the Altar here is a true work of art. During summertime you can experience a religious service.

We are confident that these locations have you convinced that Vest-Agder should be the starting point of your next holiday so here are some of the top rated hotels in the vicinity of these areas: Comfort Hotel Kristiansand, Scandic Dyreparken and Kjobmandsgaarden Hotel. Top quality accommodations, impeccable staff and service.

Dinner or lunch can be transformed into romance in this county as the restaurants here will treat you and your loved one like king and queen. The best restaurants feature names like Maltid, Zarinas, Grand Gastro or Marna Cafe.

Entrust this amazing region with your holiday itinerary and you will not be disappointed by its traditional charm and modern way of life.