Where to stay
The best places to stay in Kristiansand
In Kvadraturen you stay right in the centre, close to the ferry terminal and the railway station. On Bystranda there is a hotel right on the city beach, and Dyreparken has its own accommodation in and next to the park.
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Which area suits you
For a stay in the city there are three main areas to choose from. Kvadraturen is the city centre with its right-angled street grid, home to the central hotels. Posebyen is the district of old wooden houses in the northern part of the centre. The third is the area around the city beach, Bystranda, with its promenade.
Outside the city are the accommodation options at Dyreparken, Kristiansand's zoo and amusement park, around 12 km east on the E18, plus several campsites. Which area suits you depends on your plans:
| Plans | Best area |
|---|---|
| Early-morning or late-evening ferry | Kvadraturen, close to the ferry terminal |
| Arriving by train or airport bus | Kvadraturen, close to the railway station |
| Beach holiday in the city | Bystranda and the beach promenade |
| Several days at Dyreparken | Dyreparken's own accommodation |
| Motorhome or tent | Campsites in the city and along the coast |
Hotels in Kvadraturen
If you are getting around on foot, stay in Kvadraturen. From the hotels here you can walk to the railway station, the ferry terminal and the beach.
Clarion Hotel Ernst at Rådhusgaten 2 is in the centre, a few minutes' walk from Bystranda. It has 199 rooms in a building dating from 1858. Details are on the Clarion Hotel Ernst page.
Hotel Caledonien at Vestre Strandgate 7 is right in the centre on the waterfront. It was renovated in 2018, and on the 13th floor is the "Club 21" sky bar. More on the Hotel Caledonien website.
Thon runs three hotels in the centre. Thon Hotel Parken is on Kirkegata near Kristiansand Cathedral and Wergelandsparken. Thon Hotel Norge is around 50 metres from Markens gate. The third, Thon Hotel Kristiansand, is covered in the next section. You will find all three on the Thon Hotels page.
A night before or after the ferry
Color Line and Fjord Line ferries dock at the terminal at Havnegata 47. For a night before or after the crossing, what matters most is the route to the terminal, your arrival time and parking. If you are arriving late, check with the hotel how you will get your key.
Comfort Hotel Kristiansand is 150 metres from the centre and close to the ferry terminal. It belongs to Strawberry, which runs four hotels in Kristiansand, including Clarion Hotel Ernst. You will find them on the Strawberry page.
If you are travelling on by train or plane, Thon Hotel Kristiansand on Markens gate is well placed. It is around 300 metres to the railway station and the airport bus. From Thon Hotel Norge it is 500 metres to the station, from Thon Hotel Parken 600 metres. How to arrive by ferry, train or plane is covered under Ferries and Getting there.
On the city beach, Bystranda
Scandic Kristiansand Bystranda at Østre Strandgate 74 stands right on Bystranda, with the Aquarama water park next door. It is 1 km to the railway station and 16 km to Kristiansand Airport, Kjevik. There is a playroom for children. More on the Scandic Kristiansand Bystranda page. For everything else the city beach has to offer, see the Beaches page.
Staying at Dyreparken
Dyreparken lies around 12 km east of the centre on the E18 and has its own accommodation in and next to the park:
- Safarihotell at the entrance
- Sjørøverhotellet Abra Havn with 172 apartments in Kaptein Sabeltanns Verden
- Safaricamp, Juliusskogen, Kardemomme by and Glambeks Hvilested
- Bobilcamp for motorhomes
If you are spending several days at the park, this saves you the trip out from the city. The full range is on Dyreparken's accommodation page.
Camping and motorhomes
Roligheden Camping also belongs to Dyreparken, but the site is in the city by the sea. Right on the sandy beach at Hamresanden is Hamre Familiecamping, which is open all year. There are more sites in Søgne and Lillesand. The Camping page compares locations, cabins and pitches.
Comparing accommodation
Always compare the same number of guests and the same dates. Check parking, breakfast and cancellation terms. If you are travelling by ferry or car, also check where you can leave your vehicle overnight.
The accommodation map below shows options in and around Kristiansand. You book with the provider linked for each property; for special requests and arrival, contact the accommodation directly.
Accommodation in and around Kristiansand
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