Southern Norway Photo Gallery
Kristiansand - Odderøya

Kristiansand was founded in 1641 by King Christian IV, who ruled both Norway and Denmark. It quickly became a major seaport and was my base to explore the southern coast. The city centre is small and the attractions are easily reachable on foot. There aren't that many things to do here but it's a good base to continue exploring the various towns nearby. Odderøya was previously a naval base but now turned into a huge park just a short walk from the city centre. You can still find old defensive structures alongside beautiful views of the city, the islands, and the sea. In addition to its military past, the island was also a quarantine centre in the 19th century. I started my walk from Fiskebrygga uphill, hugging the western coast towards the lighthouse. Just behind the parking lot are remnants of a bunker with beautiful sea views. From here, it's a long downhill slope towards the water where the lighthouse is located. I then returned back uphill the way I came to head back into the city. I noticed a small path heading uphill on my way back, and took a detour to see if there is a view. It's also an old fortification, and this spot offers the best view of the city. This is a really nice place for a walk in the forest despite being a stone's throw from the city.