About Kristiansand

Kristiansand is strategically located on the Skagerrak, and until the opening of the Kiel Canal between the North Sea and the Baltic was very important militarily and geopolitically. This meant that for centuries it served as a military stronghold, first as Harald Fairhair's royal residence, then as a Danish-Norwegian fortress, and later as a garrison town. Kristiansand is a gateway to and from the continent, with ferry service to Denmark and a terminus of the railway line along the southern edge of South Norway. Two major rivers, the Otra and the Tovdalselva, flow into the Skagerrak at Kristiansand. (Source: Wikipedia)

The coastal parts of the Skagerrak coast, which includes Kristiansand, is the sunniest part of Norway. Snow generally occurs in late December and in January and February. In the summer, most locals go to the Fiskebrygga, the archipelago opposite the city, and Hamresanden Beach, which is located about 10 minutes from the city centre near Kjevik airport. The temperature mid-June and onwards often passes 20°C. (Source: Wikipedia)

Historically, the shipping industry was the backbone of the local economy. The city has now developed and strengthened the environment within drilling technology and the supplier industry to the petroleum sector. (Source: snl.no)

Kristiansand is a popular summer tourist destination, attracting many visitors — in particular to its zoo. Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park, just east of the city, is the second most visited attraction in Norway, only surpassed by Holmenkollen in Oslo. (Source: Wikipedia)