If you’re using Kristiansand as a base in Southern Norway, the National Tourist Routes (Nasjonale turistveger) concept offers a brilliant lens for exploring the region’s coastline, mountains, and cultural heritage within easy day-trip range. While Kristiansand itself is not the starting point of an official National Tourist Route, it sits at a natural crossroads: from here, you can venture west toward dramatic lighthouses and skerries, north into mountain valleys, or east along the Skagerrak coast. The program, curated by the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, combines scenic driving with architecture, art, and thoughtfully placed viewpoints that make pulling over part of the experience.
A standout nearby is the Lindesnes region, home to Norway’s southernmost lighthouse, the Lindesnes Lighthouse (Lindesnes fyr). The journey west from Kristiansand traces a ragged shoreline where smooth granite meets surf, punctuated by tiny harbors and white wooden houses. Although the Lindesnes area isn’t an official National Tourist Route in itself, its rugged drama and pioneering coastal design projects echo the spirit of the program: architecture integrated with nature, and short walks to big views. Pair a lighthouse visit with a detour to the Underwater Restaurant (Under), a striking piece of contemporary architecture partially submerged beneath the waves in nearby Båly.
Head north from the coast and you’ll meet the inland character of Southern Norway along the Setesdal Valley (Setesdal). While Setesdal is not on the official national route list, the drive introduces many of the values celebrated by the program: cultural depth, waterfalls, and photogenic stops. In Evje, families can try gemstone hunting and river activities, while further up-valley traditional farm buildings and local crafts preserve the region’s identity. For a wilder mountain feel, continue toward the Sirdal Mountains (Sirdal), where high moors, reservoirs, and sweeping passes offer a classic Norwegian palette of rock, water, and weather.
Eastward lies another dimension of coastal life, with white-painted towns, sheltered islands, and summer markets giving a softer counterpoint to the Atlantic-facing west. The Old Town (Gamlebyen) atmosphere in pockets of the region, and the lively Fish Market (Fiskebrygga) in Kristiansand itself, make great bookends to a day on the road. These stops mirror the National Tourist Routes’ emphasis on combining short strolls, local food, and artistically designed viewpoints—think sculptural benches, minimalistic shelters, and platforms that frame the horizon. Even when you’re not on an official route, you’ll find the same design-forward approach in many rest areas and viewpoints around Southern Norway.
Practical tips: plan drives in loops of 2–5 hours, leaving time for detours and photo stops. Roads are generally well maintained, but coastal routes can be narrow; drive defensively and use pull-outs for passing. In summer, bring layers—sea breezes can be cool even on sunny days. In winter and early spring, inland routes toward Sirdal may see snow and require winter tires or chains. Fuel up before leaving the city, and download offline maps—mobile coverage can be spotty in fjord cuts and along outer skerries. Many viewpoints and short trails are free, with parking fees via apps or card.
Why it matters for visitors: the National Tourist Routes idea is more than a list of scenic drives—it’s a cultural project making nature easy to experience without long hikes or specialized gear. Using Kristiansand as your hub, you can sample the essence of Norway’s design-in-nature ethos in a single day: a coastal lighthouse at sunrise, a roadside artful viewpoint by midday, and a mountain overlook before dinner back in town. Whether you’re a photographer, family road-tripper, or architecture fan, the region surrounding Kristiansand offers an accessible gateway to the spirit of Norway’s famous scenic highways.