Let us show you The Best of Kristiansand!

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Service Company of the Year
Explore Kristiansand • 2023

Foto: Frida Neverdal / Visit Southern Norway

Things to do in Kristiansand

Why Explore Kristiansand with us?

  • Local Guides

  • Top Rated Experiences

  • Small Groups

  • Authentic local knowledge

We are locals who know the coastline, the hidden paths, the quiet bays, and the stories behind the streets. When you explore with us, you experience more than beautiful scenery. You discover the culture, history, and everyday life that make this region special.

Our guides are friendly, knowledgeable, and deeply connected to this region. We combine active experiences with real insight, so you leave with more than photos – you leave with understanding.

If you want to experience Kristiansand the right way – with local knowledge, authentic stories, and genuine care – we would love to welcome you.

The word Sørlandet (pronounced “SUR-lan-eh”) means “the southern land” and is the traditional name for the southern region of Norway. This coastline, known for its small islands, sheltered waters and white wooden houses, has long been associated with Norwegian summer life.

The tall ship you see in the photo is Sørlandet, named after this region. Built in 1927, it is one of the world’s oldest fully rigged tall ships still sailing today. Kristiansand is the ship’s home port, and today it serves as an international sailing school ship, where students from around the world learn seamanship while crossing the oceans under sail.

Discover Kristiansand

Kristiansand is the capital of Southern Norway and home to around 115,000 people. Located at the southern tip of the country, the city is known for its sunny summers, relaxed atmosphere and beautiful coastline.

The city was founded in 1641 by the Danish king Christian IV, who also gave it its name. “Christians sand” referred to the sandy shoreline where the town was built. The historic grid layout from that time still shapes the city centre today.

For many Norwegians, Kristiansand and the Sørlandet region are closely connected with summer holidays. The coastline with its white wooden houses, small islands and calm waters has become a symbol of the Norwegian summer lifestyle.

Today visitors come here to enjoy coastal nature, maritime history and the relaxed rhythm of life by the sea.

About Explore Kristiansand

Service Business of the year 2023

Explore Kristiansand was established by local Norwegian Champion in kayaking, Hakeem Teland, who has gathered a team of guides who genuinely love this region.

We grew up here. We live here. We work here. And we know the city, the hidden viewpoints, the quiet islands, and the stories behind the streets.

When you explore with us, you don’t just see Kristiansand - you understand it. We share local history, culture, traditions and small details you would never discover on your own.

Welcome to our home town, we look forward to showing it to you.

If you have any questions or want a tailored experience for you, your family or group, feel free to contact us by email to hakeem@padlegleden.no or by phone to (+47) 97 65 88 12, any time.

Where to find us

Meet us at Nodeviga 3, 4610 Kristiansand.

You will find us close to the cruise terminal and city centre.

Starting pint: All guided tours start at the meeting point (Nodeviga 3,4610 Kristiansand).

Ending point: All guided tours except Kristiansand River Kayak tour ends at the same location.

The kayak tour ends at a close location (Kjoita 10, 4610 Kristiansand) approximatley 12-15 minutes walk back into the city centre.