I hiked around the island of Odderøya on a day where the temperature exceeded 80°F (about 26°C). I don't necessarily recommend doing it in that much heat, but I do recommend Odderøya as a place of interest, it has great view of Kristiansand and the experience of the island is something you won't forget (if you like these kinds of nature walks to begin with). There are some hills (and steps) on the way, including one that's seriously steep so be warned.. this is not an easy, breezy afternoon walk but I'd say pretty much anyone can do it, those who may be a little out of shape will just have to accept that there will be sweating and perhaps some muscle soreness the next day! But the island was worth it, there were many places where we stopped just to look around and take in the beautiful nature. In all, it took us about 2 hours to walk around the island with some breaks. There is a small café on the other side, but I think it's only open on weekends (I was there on a tuesday and it was closed).Oh, and don't be shocked to find locals (skinny) dipping off the rocks and sunbathing on the other side of the island, apparently that's a thing to do!
This is a great place for recreation. Hopefully they will keep it like this. It has great view, bathing possibilities, sights and a lot of history. I believe there are people trying to preseve it: Odderøyas venner.
Its just a Place you have to experience while visiting Kristiansand. You hav an enormous historical background and the beautifull sceeneric Wonders of nature. Perfect for anything from an 1 hour walk or an Whole day picnic. Its a dream
Odderoya is the place to go if you want to go for walks, go swimming or just enjoy a nice day. My childhood haven!!!
Awesome place for a sunny Sunday walk...With a snack/lunch in a top of a roc near the sea... Enjoying the sun for a few minutes hearing the sea against the rocky shore...
One of the redeeming features of this town, along with the old timber houses in the town near to the cathedral - where they charge an entrance fee to a church! It's worth the 20/30 minute walk to escape the town and enjoy the nature and really good views, before continuing your journey around Norway.
This small island/peninsula was meant for naval use and was not open for public till 80's, I heard. This is very nice place for walking, swimming, etc. There are some artist studios around and some of them are open on Sundays (when families with small children come). The view from here is really really amazing. It would only take one hour to walk through the pass, if you are just for walking, but you can easily spend half a day here! It's close from city centre but with full of nature. People here certainly knows how to spend their time.
Wandering around Odderoya on a warm Thursday afternoon was a dream. I almost had the island to myself. Well; me, the birds and a mega-ton of workers errecting the scene for the annual Odderoya festival. The island has lots of mini-inlets that are overlooked by World War 2 German battery positions. These days the seabirds command the "cliffs" and some did appear to be shouting disapproval to this "Tommy" wandering over the old gun emplacements. Not all of the island paths are sign posted so take a photo of the map before you set off at the entrance to the island and then you really are ready to explore off the main roadways.
We arrived Kristiansand late evening and started to look for some place to place our tents. We found Odderoya, but unfortunately there was some kind of student party, so after short talk with drunken guys we've decided to leave the island.
There are some nice trails on this island and some very nice places to chill, i want to advice you to go completely to the south of this island.