Gravane, Kristiansand - Photo: Anders Martinsen©Inspirasjon Sørlandet AS
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Gravane, Kristiansand

Key facts about the Kristiansand Region

Kristiansand is the fifth largest city in Norway. Its surrounding villages are Birkeland, Iveland, Lillesand, Songdalen, Søgne og Vennesla.
The official website for the Kristiansand Region

Kristiansand

Since its founding in 1641, Kristiansand has grown to become the capital of Southern Norway; a modern trade, cultural and communications centre.

Kristiansand is situated on the very south coast of Norway, facing the European continent and surrounded by water on three sides. Although the whole town centre fits within one square kilometre, it is Norway’s fifth largest city. 

Birkenes

Birkenes has approximately 4,500 inhabitants, half of whom live in the Birkeland area, which is the municipal centre. Birkeland lies 30 kilometres north of the centre of Kristiansand and a good 10 kilometres northwest of the centre of Lillesand.

The region is famous for its untouched forests and moores, spectacular waterways and abundant wildlife. There is salmon fishing in the Tovdal River. Lake Ogge (Birkenes/Iveland), with its 365 islands and islets, is considered to be one of Norway’s canoeing Eldorados.

Iveland

Iveland, with its 1,200 inhabitants, is a typical agriculture and forestry municipality. Lake Ogge (Birkenes/Iveland), with its 365 islands and islets, is considered to be one of Norway’s canoeing Eldorados. Iveland and the Evje area have special geological features and a unique wealth of minerals.

Lillesand

The little town of the sailing ships, Lillesand, with approximately 9,000 inhabitants, is an inviting, immaculate, whitewashed gem of wooden houses. At the town’s seafront you will discover one of Norway's best guest marinas. A sightseeing boat takes you for a trip around Blindleia - an inland waterway and one of Norway's finest idylls.

Songdalen

Songdalen has just over 5,700 inhabitants. The municipality has large recreational areas, with woods and quiet lakes offering peaceful spots. In the 1990s Songdalen was one of the areas in Norway with the greatest density of elks, but now the number of elks has been officially reduced. Join an elk safari to see the King of the Forest.

Søgne

Søgne has more than 10,000 inhabitants. With its splendid archipelago, varied range of activities and special cultural events, Søgne welcomes young and old for an exciting holiday. You may try your luck at fishing, or take the sightseeing boat to the picturesque village of Ny-Hellesund

Vennesla

Vennesla, which is located approximately 15 kilometres north of Kristiansand, has more than 12,000 inhabitants. At Grovane you will find the Setesdalsbanen Railway which is a living museum with a steam locomotive from 1901. The Otra River offers excellent salmon fishing with six tons salmon caught in 2007. (fishing permit necessary).

Last updated: 26 June 2008
Inland fishing near Kristiansand, Norway - Photo: Inspirasjon Sørlandet AS
Inland fishing near Kristiansand, Norway
Enjoy a boat trip in the Kristiansand Region, Norway - Photo: Anders Martinsen©Inspirasjon Sørlandet AS
Enjoy a boat trip in the Kristiansand Region, Norway
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The Kristiansand Region

Key facts about the Kristiansand Region Key facts about the Kristiansand Region
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