Stretching for three kilometres along the Topdalsfjorden, Hamresanden is a picturesque beachside community on the outskirts of Kristiansand. Archaeological excavations suggest the area has been inhabited since antiquity, with Hamresanden now a popular recreational hub for swimming, windsurfing and scuba diving.
Spend a day relaxing on the shores of Hamresanden, from where you can watch the planes taking off and landing at Kristiansand Airport. The shallow waters make it ideal for families with young children while windsurfers flock here when the conditions are right. In the winter, Hamresanden is an idyllic setting for long walks.
A short drive east of Hamresanden is the Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park, which is home to the largest collection of animals in Norway. In addition to Nordic species such as Arctic foxes and moose, you can get up close to chimpanzees, Siberian tigers and red pandas. Kids will love the rides and attractions of Cardamon Town, based on the book by Thorbjørn Egner.
Getting there
Hamresanden is a 15-minute drive from Kristiansand and five minutes from Kristiansand Airport, which has seasonal flights to destinations across Europe. Renting a car is the most convenient way of getting to Hamresanden and exploring the surrounding region.