Latest news with #Kristiansand
Forbes
06-08-2025
- Forbes
Why Norway's Kristiansand Is The Ideal Summer Cruise Stop
Fiskebrygga in Kristiansand is an ideal place to grab a bite to eat and people-watch on a summer day. David Nikel Norwegian cruise ports typically conjure up images of steep mountains, deep fjords and waterfalls tumbling into icy water. Kristiansand is something else entirely. Located on Norway's southern tip, this midsize city is known for sunshine, swimming spots, and a relaxed summer atmosphere that feels more Mediterranean than Nordic, at least when the weather cooperates. Kristiansand has long been a popular stop on coastal Norway itineraries, but it's now increasingly featured on broader Scandinavian and Baltic cruises too. With Saint Petersburg largely dropped from the Baltic circuit in recent years, Norwegian cities like Oslo and Kristiansand have helped fill the gap, offering culture and charm that complement Baltic destinations. While you'll find sightseeing buses and guided tours waiting at the dock, Kristiansand is easy to explore independently. The cruise terminal is in the city center, so you can simply walk off the ship and start your day. The Emerging Art Scene In Kristiansand One of the newest and most striking additions to the Kristiansand waterfront is Kunstsilo, a former grain silo turned contemporary art museum. This former grain silo has been transformed into the 'Kunstsilo' art museum, a new landmark for Southern Norway. David Nikel Even if you're not usually drawn to galleries, the architecture alone is worth a look. Inside, rotating exhibitions draw on the world's largest private collection of Nordic modernist art. The rooftop bar offers panoramic views over the harbor, while the ground floor bistro is a relaxing place for lunch or a coffee. Next door, you'll find Kilden Performing Arts Centre, a bold, wave-like structure housing the city's theater, opera and symphony orchestra. Kristiansand Is Norway's Summer City Kristiansand has earned its nickname as Norway's 'summer city' and it won't take you long to see why. Stroll along the palm-lined promenade, join locals at the city beach (considered one of Norway's best urban swimming spots) or grab an ice cream near the lively fountain square in front of the old fortress grounds and simply soak in the atmosphere that's more Mediterranean resort than Scandinavian coastline. The promenade is a popular place to spend some time on a summer's day in Kristiansand, Norway. David Nikel For food and people-watching, head to Fiskebrygga, the old fishing wharf now packed with waterfront restaurants and the indoor fish market. It's a vibrant social hub on warm days, and a great place to watch little boats coming and going while enjoying some fresh shrimp. The city offers more than just relaxation, though. If you're in the mood to stretch your legs, Baneheia is just a short walk from the city centre. This forested parkland features well-marked trails, small lakes and scenic viewpoints. For something a little more rugged, head to Odderøya, a former naval base turned recreational island. Here you'll find coastal paths and old fortifications dotted through the landscape. It's the ideal place for a quiet moment away from the bustle of the waterfront but still within easy reach of your ship. Norway's Biggest Family Attraction Families may want to venture a little farther. Just a short ride from the city centre lies Dyreparken, Kristiansand's zoo and amusement park. It's Norway's most visited tourist attraction. This sprawling complex combines a zoo with themed areas based on beloved Norwegian children's characters. While the cultural references may go over some visitors' heads, the animal park is universally appealing, with highlights including tigers, red pandas, and free-roaming lemurs. Getting there takes a bit of planning. A local bus is the cheapest option, but a pre-booked taxi can be more efficient, especially for a small group. Check the map and event schedule online before visiting to make the most of your time. MORE FROM FORBES Forbes How To Plan A Norwegian Fjords Cruise In 2025 By David Nikel Forbes This Style Of Cruise Cabin Offers The Best Value At Sea By David Nikel Forbes See Norway In A New Light On A Midnight Sun Cruise By David Nikel
Forbes
17-06-2025
- Forbes
The Coolcation Trend Is Heating Up, And The Numbers Prove It
The Norwegian fjords are an attractive coolcation option for travel in Norway. getty Once considered a niche escape for adventurers and cruise lovers, Norway is now a summer destination in demand. The rise of so-called coolcations is no longer just a talking point among media and travel influencers. The latest data shows the trend is real, measurable, and only gaining momentum. Coolcations are vacations to cooler climates, as opposed to a typical sun-soaked summer break. In Europe, it signals the move away from traditional Mediterranean resorts and towards Scandinavia. According to Scandinavian airline SAS, bookings from southern Europe to Norway have surged dramatically for the summer 2025 season. Compared with last year, flight bookings from France are up 22%, while Stavanger has seen a 38% increase in arrivals from Spain, Italy, and France. The southern city of Kristiansand is experiencing a 52% jump, pointing to a broader shift in how Europeans are planning their summer holidays. 'For many, Scandinavia's cool climate is no longer a disadvantage,' said Thomas Thessen, chief analyst at SAS, in an interview with Norwegian newspaper VG. 'In fact, it's become a key reason to book a trip.' It's not just airlines seeing the shift. A recent report from the European Travel Commission (ETC) found that 28% of European travelers now actively seek cooler-climate destinations in order to avoid extreme heat during the summer months. The change is especially pronounced among visitors from countries that were heavily affected by heatwaves in 2023 and 2024, including Spain, Italy, and Greece. Data shows 2024 was Europe's warmest ever year on record, with record temperatures in central, eastern and southeastern regions. Severe storms and flooding were widespread, claiming at least 335 lives. The term coolcation is a portmanteau of "cool" and "vacation", and it first entered use in mainstream travel media around 2023. But it was 2024 that saw the idea explode. Search interest in related terms has grown 300% year-on-year, and global travel network Virtuoso reported a 44% increase in bookings to cool-climate destinations like Norway, Iceland, and Canada. The appeal of Norway lies not just in the temperature, but in what it offers in contrast to the south. Think: glacier hikes instead of beach clubs, mountain cabins instead of mega-resorts and clean, quiet fjords instead of overcrowded coastlines. With long daylight hours and a growing number of sustainable tourism options, the country checks multiple boxes for climate-conscious travelers. Tour operators and airlines are responding accordingly. Norwegian Air is among several airlines to add new routes to Tromsø, while smaller cities like Ålesund, Bodø and Kristiansand are seeing a spike in both land-based and cruise arrivals. The implications go beyond summer 2025. 'We expect this trend to continue. Climate is becoming a primary factor in destination choice,' said Thessen. However, not everyone in Norway is happy about the developments. Mass tourism complaints are on the rise and have led to the upcoming introduction of a 3% tourism tax. However, Norway's issues are different from the ones facing major European vacation destinations such as Amsterdam or Barcelona. The biggest problem is pressure on nature. Popular hiking trails and remote fjord villages are seeing visitor numbers that far exceed their capacity to manage them sustainably. In places like Lofoten and Geiranger, locals have expressed concerns about traffic congestion, waste management, emergency vehicle access and the environmental impact of cruise tourism. That's not to say urban areas escape the issues completely. The influx of new flights to Tromsø led to a 15% increase in tourist arrivals between 2023 and 2024, with yet more expected in 2025.
