Baneheia
Woods and lakes on the edge of the city centre
Around 1,000 mål of woods and lakes begin just north-west of the centre. The land was protected and replanted in the 19th century, and today it is crossed by paths, a ski trail and swimming spots.
On this page
What Baneheia is
Baneheia is an area of woods and lakes just north-west of Kristiansand's city centre. From Kvadraturen, the city's grid-plan centre, it is only a few minutes' walk to the edge of the area. It covers around 1,000 mål, which is about 100 hectares. Gravel paths lead through the woods and past several lakes.
The E18 runs underneath in two tunnels, dating from 1974 and 2001, so on the surface the area remains one continuous forest.
History
The land has belonged to the town since its foundation: Christian IV granted it to the citizens of Kristiansand in 1641. The name goes back to a ropewalk, a long straight track where rope was made.
In 1862 Baneheia was protected for 20 years, making it Norway's first nature reserve. Planting then began under Oscar Wergeland, and 40,000 trees went in during the first year alone.
Trails and lakes
The lakes include Bånetjønn, Kristianiafjorden and the three Stampe lakes, 1., 2. and 3. Stampe. For a swim, head to 3. Stampe, where there are swimming spots and toilets.
A lit 2.2 km circular trail runs through the area. Because it is lit, you can walk it at dusk too. When snow falls in winter, it is groomed as a ski trail, so you can go cross-country skiing on the edge of town.
Ravnedalen
Ravnedalen nature park also goes back to General Wergeland. From the 1870s it was planted with around 150,000 trees, put in by schoolchildren and 1,200 soldiers. The paths have been waymarked since 1889, and the Wergeland statue by Gustav Lærum dates from 1917.
Today Ravnedalen has heathland, a lake with swans, a café and places to climb. A covered stage was added in 2012, and concerts are held there in summer. The park is open all year and was named "Green Park of the Year" in 1991.
Visiting and practical tips
You can walk to Baneheia from Kvadraturen, and the paths are gravel. There is disabled parking at Svarttjønn. For a stroll through town afterwards, try Posebyen, the district of wooden houses in the northern part of Kvadraturen.
Baneheia puts woods and lakes right on the city centre's doorstep. For sea swimming, the Beaches page introduces the city beaches, and you will find more places in town under Sights.