8 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.

A huge cube with a vertical drop of 610 meters (2,000 feet), Pulpit Rock is not a good destination if you suffer from vertigo—it has a heart-stopping view. The cliff-like rock sits on the banks of the finger-shaped Lysefjord. You can join a boat tour from Stavanger to see the rock from below, or you can hike for about two hours to the top on a marked trail. The track goes from Preikestolhytta, where there are two parking lots. The trail is open all year, but there are fewer people in the winter season, which makes it a more peaceful and magical time to visit. 

The charm of the city's past is on view in Old Stavanger, northern Europe's largest and best-preserved wooden house settlement. The 173 houses here were built in the late 1700s and early 1800s. Wind down the narrow cobblestone streets past small white houses and craft shops with many-paned windows and terra-cotta roof tiles.  Keep in mind that people still live here. 

Easily reached by ferry from Kragerø, visiting this national park is a great way to see the archipelago and the animals that inhabit the area. Established in 2016, the 117-square-km (45-square-mile) protected area includes the islands of Jomfruland and Stråholmen. About 98% of the park area is ocean.  Watch where you step, as tiny creatures inhabit the sand dunes. No drones allowed, unless you have a permit. 

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.

Norway’s first lighthouse was illuminated in 1656 on this spot near the country's southernmost point. It was closed the same year by the Danish king because its light was not considered strong enough, and it didn’t reopen for 69 years. Many lighting methods have been used since, including coal in the early 1800s. An exhibition in the museum traces the changing methods. 

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. 

A favorite with hikers and strolling nannies, Ravnedalen is a lush park that's filled with flowers in springtime. Wear comfortable shoes to hike the narrow winding paths up the hills and climb the 200 steps up to a 304-foot lookout. There is a café on-site, free parking, and open-air concerts in summer.