Kristiansand is nestled in the heart of Sørlandet, built on a sandy plain shaped like a palm of a hand. Around it lies a gorgeous archipelago like a wrist, and behind it, a series of scattered hills rise here and there, offering views that please the eye and let the mind wander toward the horizon.
The city of Kristiansand is where everything meets — the field, the sea, the river, and the mountain. Unlike other Norwegian cities, Kristiansand has gentle predawn moments. I hear the birds singing in the tree in my backyard, smell the sea breeze from my window, and hear the horn from the pier while watching a clear sky that fills me with tranquillity.
“The past resembles the future more than one drop of water resembles another. ” King Christian IV founded Kristiansand in 1641, envisioning it as a new city that would attract settlers and generate prosperity. A city with such privileges quickly became a strategic centre.
Last year, just before Christmas, I moved to Kristiansand. Since then, I often think about its remarkable location — a meeting point that connects the west with the east and the south with the north. Denmark is only a stone’s throw away. Kristiansand is truly a transportation hub: it has a train station, coach station, airport, and pier.
The city is also home to an outstanding university that offers many opportunities for both locals and EU students, not to mention some of the region’s leading factories which I hope the city will have more. I’m personally proud that the Pearl of Sørlandet hosts one of Norway’s most impressive cultural buildings — Kilden — which offers visitors endless joy and inspiration. I was delighted to join a guided tour there and learn about its architecture from local experts and a manager at Kilden who were both passionate about the building; trying to convey all the beautiful memories it holds to us. I left the place with heartfelt feelings and a warm invitation to come always to enjoy it.
I was surprised to learn that Kristiansand hosts more than 800 organisations and clubs offering various kinds of help and support to the community. Whether you have a business idea and need advice, are a newcomer looking to socialise and build a network, or are simply a student, there is something for everyone. Personally, I have noticed a wealth of opportunities to get involved, engage with the community, and receive support. I have truly felt the compassion extended to both locals and expats alike. I can’t say enough about how some of these organisations have broadened my perspective and better prepared me for my career. I would like to especially mention a few of them: Relocation Agder, Driv Agder, Welcome Hub Agder, and Razem Norge—the latter giving me the chance to write these very lines. Language is a tool of expression can’t tell enough how thankful and grateful I’m for their dedicated efforts.
As I walk through the streets of Kristiansand every day, I notice many pieces of art spread across the city—from Markens gate all the way to the beach. These sights often make me think about the city’s literary figures, artists, and sculptors, and how much they have contributed to its identity. I can’t hide my admiration for Camilla Collett, a female advocate who dedicated her voice to the rights of women in Norway. Another name that inspires me is Kjell Nupen, who created a beautiful and symbolic water fountain that has become one of Kristiansand’s landmarks. Even Hennig Olsen, the ice cream factory, has enriched the city by gifting several sculptures that decorate the marina—each one with its own story to tell. Although there are only a few examples of street art in Kristiansand, they are wonderfully painted, especially those created by Arne Vilhelm Tellefsen. They always spread joy and happiness.
Last but not least, Norwegians often call the south of Norway “det blide Sørlandet,” which means “the happy land of Norway.” Kristiansand has indeed become a favourite summer destination for both locals and international travellers. Fortunately, the number of cruise tourists arriving from the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and across Europe continues to increase year after year. Visitors are drawn to the city’s unique attractions — from Kunstsilo, Norway’s newest museum and home to the largest collection of Nordic modern art (featured by The New York Times among its “52 Places to Visit”), to Posebyen, the old town filled with charming wooden houses. Walking through its narrow streets feels like stepping back into the 18th and 19th centuries, surrounded by true Scandinavian charm. There are also many museums worth visiting, offering glimpses into life in earlier centuries, as well as numerous beautiful neighbouring places to explore and enjoy.
All in all, Kristiansand has a special touch of beauty. I’m pleased to conclude this blog with the words of Al-Imad al-Asfahani: “There is no one who ever wrote a book who would not one day say, ‘If I changed that, it would be better; if I added this, it would be more beautiful; if I put this before that, it would be greater; and if I left that out, it would be finer.’ This is one of the greatest lessons and proofs of human weakness.”
Kristiansand is truly the pearl of Sørlandet. It makes me glad to see the city growing, welcoming, and leading with an open spirit.
Nour al-Khalaf is from Aleppo, Syria. He studied English Literature and received CELTA certification from the University of Cambridge. He lives in Kristiansand, Norway. Nour is a tour guide and blogger. He was also a literary editor on the board of Global Literature in Libraries Initiative.