A splash-ready highlight on Norway’s southern coast, Aquarama water park (Aquarama badeland) sits right on the waterfront in central Kristiansand, a short stroll from the beach at City Beach (Bystranda). This modern indoor complex combines a family-friendly water park with training pools, a wellness spa, and a fitness center, making it a versatile stop in any season. With floor-to-ceiling windows and views towards the sea, it feels more like a seaside pavilion than a typical pool hall.
Aquarama opened in 2013 as part of Kristiansand’s broader waterfront transformation, designed to be a year-round hub for sport, health, and recreation. The facility includes a 50-meter competition pool used by local clubs and national events, alongside play zones tailored to younger swimmers. The water park section keeps the fun turned up with slides, a wave pool, a lazy river, and designated toddler areas. For many families exploring Southern Norway (Sørlandet), it’s a reliable rainy-day backup that often becomes a vacation highlight.
One of Aquarama’s standout features is its connection to the beach. On warm days, you can combine a dip in the sea with indoor amenities, moving from saltwater and sun to saunas and warm pools in minutes. The Wellness area (Velvære) offers multiple saunas, steam rooms, cold plunge options, and relaxation zones—ideal after a day of sightseeing in The City Centre (Kvadraturen). Adults can book special sauna sessions or enjoy panoramic lounges that feel a world away from the splash zones.
Practical details help your visit run smoothly. You’ll find lockers, family changing rooms, and on-site dining options ranging from quick bites to healthier choices. Swimsuit and towel rentals are usually available if you didn’t pack gear. Admission is tiered—separate tickets for the water park, the wellness section, and combined options—so check current prices and opening hours on Aquarama’s official site before you go, especially during school holidays. Arriving earlier in the day can help you avoid peak crowds, and online booking is recommended in busy periods.
Aquarama’s location is a major plus for travelers. It’s within walking distance of The Fish Market (Fiskebrygga), the marina, and the main shopping streets, and just a short hop from The Cathedral (Kristiansand domkirke). If you’re island-hopping in The Archipelago (Skjærgården) or visiting The Zoo and Amusement Park (Dyreparken), Aquarama makes an easy add-on or a relaxing counterbalance to outdoor adventures. In winter, it becomes a cozy refuge where kids can burn energy and adults can warm up in therapeutic heat.
Interesting extras include occasional events like family nights, aqua fitness classes, and themed sauna rituals. The facility is also known for accessibility, with thoughtful design for visitors with reduced mobility. Whether you come for big-splash thrills, proper lap swimming, or a spa day with sea views, Aquarama water park embodies Kristiansand’s laid-back coastal lifestyle—active, welcoming, and refreshingly easy to enjoy.