Gimlemoen is one of Kristiansand’s most intriguing districts: a former military garrison turned into a green, riverside university neighborhood. Set on a bend of the Otra River (Otra), just east of the city center, it blends contemporary campus life with cultural venues, walking paths, and remnants of a layered past. For visitors, it’s an easy place to explore on foot or by bike, and a pleasant gateway to nearby attractions.
Historically, Gimlemoen served as a strategic training ground and barracks area for the Norwegian Armed Forces (Forsvaret) from the late 19th century through much of the 20th. When the military withdrew in the 1990s, a bold urban transformation began. Many original buildings were preserved and repurposed, their red-painted wooden facades and drill-ground geometry still visible among new academic blocks and student housing. Today, the area’s heart is the University of Agder (Universitetet i Agder) campus, which opened here in 2001 and has since grown into a lively hub for learning, research, and events.
Gimlemoen’s location is a practical perk for travelers. It’s a short bus ride or a 20–30 minute walk from Kristiansand city center (Kvadraturen), and cycling along the river is both safe and scenic. The nearby neighborhood of Oddernes (Oddernes) features a historic stone church from the 1100s, Oddernes Church (Oddernes kirke), one of the region’s oldest. Across the river, you can reach the city’s beloved recreation areas: The Ravnedalen Park (Ravnedalen) with its romantic landscaping and cliffs, and The Baneheia Hills (Baneheia) with lakes and trails. These make Gimlemoen a smart base for combining culture, nature, and urban pleasures.
For museum lovers, the Sørlandets Art Museum (Sørlandets kunstmuseum) in the center curates modern and contemporary exhibitions, while the The Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden (Naturmuseum og botanisk hage) in nearby Gimle provides a serene plant collection and family-friendly exhibits. Within and around the campus, you may find small displays referencing the site’s barracks era—keep an eye out for preserved drill grounds and plaques that add context to the area’s former life. The campus architecture itself is worth a stroll, fusing airy Scandinavian design with carefully restored historic structures.
If you’re visiting during term time, check the University of Agder events calendar: public lectures, concerts by the Faculty of Fine Arts, and festivals often spill into courtyards and cafés. The riverfront paths are perfect for a morning jog, and in summer you can picnic on lawns that once echoed with military drills. Cafés and bakeries serve students and locals, and a short hop brings you to The Fish Market (Fiskebrygga) for waterfront dining and lively summer evenings.
Practical tips: Local buses connect Gimlemoen with Kristiansand Bus Terminal (Rutebilstasjonen), and there’s ample bike parking on campus. If you’re driving, look for signed visitor parking on the edges of the university area. Bring comfortable shoes—the best way to appreciate Gimlemoen is to wander the river promenade, cross pedestrian bridges for city views, and detour to historic Oddernes Church. Whether you’re intrigued by military heritage, campus culture, or easy access to parks and museums, Gimlemoen offers a rich snapshot of Kristiansand’s past and present.