If you’re visiting Kristiansand and want to balance coastal indulgence with a dose of wellness, Aquarama Training (Aquarama trening) is your all-weather fitness haven. Set right on the city’s signature beach at The City Beach (Bystranda), the complex blends a modern gym, aquatic center, and spa into one streamlined destination. It’s especially popular with travelers who want an active start to the day before exploring The Fish Market (Fiskebrygga), the cultural quarter around The Cathedral (Kristiansand domkirke), or ferrying out to the islands of The Archipelago (Skjærgården).
Opened in 2013 as part of the broader Aquarama complex, the facility was a milestone in Kristiansand’s push to elevate waterfront life year-round. The vision was simple: combine community sports, elite training, and family fun under one roof, right next to the sea. The result is a place where you can watch winter waves roll in while logging intervals on a treadmill, then slip into warm pools or a sauna—an ideal Southern Norway contrast.
For fitness enthusiasts, the gym area is spacious, bright, and well-equipped with free weights, resistance machines, functional training rigs, and cardio equipment. Travelers appreciate the day-pass system, which allows drop-in workouts without a long-term commitment. Morning and evening group classes—think HIIT, cycling, yoga, and mobility—are frequent, and staff are happy to guide English-speaking visitors. If you prefer water-based exercise, the pools include lanes suitable for steady swims, and there’s often space for freestyle practice outside peak hours.
Beyond exercise, the broader Aquarama complex is a family magnet. The Water Park (Badeland) packs in slides, a lazy river, and splash zones, while the Spa and Wellness (Spa og velvære) area offers saunas, steam rooms, and thermal experiences. It’s an easy way to keep everyone happy on rainy days, or to reward yourself after a hike in The Baneheia Forest (Baneheia) or a cycle to The Oddernes Bridge (Oddernesbrua). In summertime, you can step straight from the facility to the sandy curve of The City Beach for a cold dip and a coffee from nearby kiosks.
Practicalities are straightforward: Aquarama Training sits a short walk from the city center and The Bus Station (Rutebilstasjonen). Day passes and multi-visit options are available; bring a padlock or rent one, and remember a coin or token for lockers as needed. Swimsuits and towels can be rented, and there’s a café on site for smoothies and light bites. Weekdays after school hours can be lively; early mornings or late evenings are calmer for lane swimming or focused workouts.
What makes Aquarama Training compelling for visitors is the blend of location and versatility. Few gyms let you lift, swim, and sauna within sight of the Skagerrak, then wander straight into Kristiansand’s compact core for culture and dining. Whether you’re maintaining a routine on a longer Norway trip, seeking a family-friendly indoor escape, or craving a restorative spa session after coastal adventures, Aquarama delivers a polished, local-feeling experience that’s easy to slot into any itinerary.