Sørlandet, the South Norwegian coastal area

Discover Sørlandet

The coastline of Southern Norway is also known as the Norwegian Riviera. The almost endless coastline is characterised by picturesque villages, beautiful hiking trails and a soothing and idyllic atmosphere. The mild climate and the beautiful nature make it a great holiday destination. The region has been very popular with the Norwegians themselves for a long time. Find out more about Southern Norway below.

Highlights 

• Idyllic atmosphere
• Characteristic villages
• Hiking trails
• Cycling routes
• Endless possibilities to go fishing

Picturesque White House Villages

Few things characterise southern Norway more than the charming, white-painted villages that cover the coast from Risør to Flekkefjord. Enjoy a meal in a restaurant on the pier with stunning views of the boats, and the beach is never far away. Risør is one of the best-preserved wooden towns in Scandinavia and is also known for its many art galleries and active artists. There is a quiet atmosphere in the city. Risør Harbour stretches to the picturesque town square and is a real attraction during the annual Wooden Boat Festival. Tvedestrand also borders the historic harbour of Lyngør. For many, this is the embodiment of the Southern Norwegian idyll and a must to experience for yourself!

Walking along the South coast

Sørlandet is the perfect region for hiking enthusiasts. Between the villages along the South coast, you will find marked hiking trails that are often used by the locals. You can also hike nicely on the islands that lie off the coast. In addition to hiking, it is possible to take boat trips, go kayaking, or go fishing. There are endless possibilities. The distances from the coast to the mountain areas are short, allowing you to experience different types of landscapes in one holiday. The landscapes are also quite gentle, making the southern part of Norway a perfect hiking destination for families. Besides walking, you can also explore the coast by bike; in Southern Norway there are more than 40 available cycling routes!

Fishing

The coastline of Southern Norway is very suitable for fishing. Since the shears are protected from the sea, it is possible to fish all year round. The area also has several salmon rivers and inland lakes to fish for pike and trout. Even though you can fish all year round, the most popular time is from early March to late October.

Dyreparken

Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park – Dyreparken – is located just 11 km East of Kristiansand. The park consists of several parks with a zoo and an amusement park. The zoo is Norway’s most visited attraction and, with an area of 150 hectares, offers enclosures for Scandinavian, exotic, and endangered animals. In the amusement park you will find a water park and a (children’s) farm. Furthermore, there are themed areas such as the pirate area of Captain Sabeltann and Cardamom City, which is based on the fairy tale of Thorbjørn Egner. The many activities and the possibility to spend the night in the park make Dyreparken a very suitable holiday destination for families with children.