16 Best Sights in Southern Norway, Norway

One of Norway's most popular attractions, Dyreparken Kristiansand is actually five separate parks, including a water park (bring bathing suits and towels), a forested park, an entertainment park, a theme park, and a zoo that contains an enclosure for Scandinavian animals such as wolves, snow foxes, lynxes, and elks. The theme park, Kardemomme By (Cardamom Town), is named for a book by the Norwegian illustrator and writer Thorbjørn Egner. In the zoo, the "My Africa" exhibition allows you to move along a bridge observing native savanna animals such as giraffes and lions. They also have seven different lodging options available, ranging from hotels to campsites.

Established in 1832, this museum displays a fascinating array of artifacts pertaining to coastal life, from toys to farm tools. Find out about the 1767 slave ship Fredensborg and learn more about the region’s folk art traditions.

Outside of Haugesund, Avaldsnes is the seat of Norway's first kings and thus considered the "birthplace of Norway," an important status for the city. For a rich overview—from the Bronze Age to the Middle Ages—of this historically significant region, the Norwegian History Center is a must. In the center, Norway's story is laid out through timelines, life-size costumed figures, and multimedia exhibits. The grounds include a fascinating outdoor Viking farm re-creating life in the 7th and 8th centuries, and 13th-century St. Olav's church, the last vestige of the kings' royal manor. Guided tours are available in season. 

The area's natural history from the Ice Age to the present is on display at this museum, starting with the coast and moving on to the mountains. There's a rainbow of minerals on display, as well as a rose garden with varieties from 1850. There's even the country's largest collection of cacti. The botanical garden is free and always open.

Designed to help children understand the prehistoric past, the Museum of Archaeology has changing exhibits, instructive models, and movies designed to make learning history fun. Children can research their ancestors with computer games, go on treasure hunts, and look through stones in search of fossils and other signs of life. There are also old-fashioned games and toys, which have become popular attractions.

With a perfectly preserved interior, this 19th-century manor house feels as if the owner has only momentarily slipped away. The building is an outstanding example of what the Norwegians call “Swiss-style” architecture and also has some elements of the Norwegian National Romantic style. It was built in 1882 by the Norwegian merchant and shipowner Lars Berentsen.  Your ticket provides entry to several of Museum Stavanger's museums on the same day.

From the 1890s to the 1960s, canning sardines and other fish products was Stavanger’s main industry. This fascinating museum, in a former canning factory located in scenic Old Stavanger, recounts what it was like to live here during that period. Occasionally the public can take part in the production process, sometimes tasting newly smoked brisling. After extensive renovations, they also changed the name and included the Norwegian Printing Museum.

Although it’s a reconstruction of an Iron Age farm, Jernaldergården feels like the real thing because the newly built structures have been positioned on the original foundations. Relics such as a Bronze Age gravestone have been discovered here, and more research is underway. Taste some mead, the Vikings’ favorite drink, or have breakfast or lunch on wooden benches in front of roaring fireplaces. They also have a café.

At the Kristiansand Cannon Museum you can see the cannon that the occupying Germans rigged up during World War II. With a caliber of 15 inches, the cannon was said to be capable of shooting a projectile halfway to Denmark. In the bunkers, related military materials are on display. Kids love running around the grounds, but keep an eye on them, since there aren't railings everywhere.

The region's largest cultural museum has more than 40 old buildings on display. The structures, transported from other locations in the area, include two tun farm buildings traditionally set in clusters around a common area, which were intended for extended families. If you have children with you, check out the old-fashioned toys, which can still be played with. The museum is 4 km (2½ miles) east of Kristiansand on E18. Some parts are free to visit. If you’re planning on visiting several museums, buy an annual pass.

Resembling a shiny offshore oil platform, the dynamic Norsk Oljemuseum is an absolute must-see. In 1969, oil was discovered off the coast of Norway, and the museum explains how oil forms, how it's found and produced, its many uses, and its impact on Norway. Interactive multimedia exhibitions accompany original artifacts, models, and films. A reconstructed offshore platform includes oil workers' living quarters complete with the sound of drilling and the smell of oil. There's also a climate change exhibition. There's even a small oil rig for children to explore. After the visit, stop by the museum restaurant, run by Kjeringholmen brasseri, and shop local products in the museum's great gift shop. 

The only saltwater aquarium in this part of Norway, Risør Akvarium has more than 100 species that you can watch through massive glass windows. Kids love feeding the fish and checking out Norway's largest lobster.

A stone's throw from the fishing trawlers and store warehouses, this market is where fishermen bring their fresh catch every day. Fiskemottak means "fish landing," and the name says it all. You're likely to see types of fish you've never laid eyes on before. You will also find a fish shop here and an outdoor restaurant during the summer.

Housed in the only two shipping merchants' houses that remain completely intact is Stavanger Maritime Museum. Built between 1770 and 1840, the restored buildings trace the past 200 years of trade, sea traffic, and shipbuilding. Visit a turn-of-the-20th-century general store, a merchant's apartment, and a sailmaker's loft. A reconstruction of a shipowner's office and a memorial are also here, as are two 19th-century ships, the sloop Anna af Sand, and the Colin Archer yacht Wyvern, moored at the pier.