Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park
Agder
Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park, located in Agder, Norway, is the country's most visited attraction, spanning 60 hectares. Established in 1966, it combines a zoological garden with an amusement park, featuring Norway's largest collection of animals across over a hundred species from various climates. The zoo's spacious enclosures allow animals such as Nordic wolves, Siberian tigers, and African cheetahs to thrive. The park also includes themed areas like Cardamom Town, inspired by Thorbjørn Egner's beloved book, and Captain Sabertooth World, a pirate-themed section with theatrical performances and interactive attractions. Visitors can enjoy water slides at Badelandet, explore the tropical and Nordic animal sections, and stay overnight in unique accommodations like the pirate village Abra Havn. The park integrates entertainment, education, and conservation, making it a unique destination for families and nature enthusiasts alike.
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Tip: Visit during the high season to experience live theatrical performances, including Captain Sabertooth shows. Booking tickets and accommodations online in advance is recommended to secure entry and lodging. Families with children will enjoy themed areas like Cardamom Town and KuToppen farm. Seasonal events like Easter egg hunts add extra fun. Discounts are often available for season passes and group bookings.
Interesting facts
- •Kristiansand Zoo is Norway's most visited attraction, covering 60 hectares.
- •The chimpanzee Julius became a TV celebrity and a symbol of the park.
- •Cardamom Town is an exact replica of the town from Thorbjørn Egner's famous book.
- •Captain Sabertooth, created by Terje Formoe, is a central entertainment figure with a dedicated pirate village.
- •The park was once the world's largest exporter of camels in the 1970s.
History
The park was founded in 1964 and officially opened in 1966, initiated by Willy Tjomsaas and developed under Edvard Moseid.
In the 1970s, it gained fame as a major exporter of camels.
The chimpanzee Julius, born in 1979, became a notable attraction and TV personality.
The park expanded in 1983 to include entertainment, with Terje Formoe creating the Captain Sabertooth character in 1989, which became the park's signature attraction.
Cardamom Town was added in 1991, faithfully recreating the setting from Thorbjørn Egner’s stories.
Subsequent expansions include the pirate village Abra Havn (2012) and the water park Badelandet (2010).
Place Guide
Nordic Wilderness Area
Features native Nordic animals such as wolves, wolverines, Arctic foxes, lynxes, and moose in spacious, naturalistic enclosures.
Tropical Department
Houses tropical species including snakes, crocodiles, tortoises, frogs, and the famous chimpanzee Julius, alongside other primates in treetop enclosures.
Africa Section
Showcases African wildlife like zebras, cheetahs, ostriches, and African wild dogs in savanna-inspired habitats.
Asia Section
Home to Siberian tigers, leaf monkeys, orangutans, gibbons, and red pandas, offering a glimpse of Asian fauna.
Cardamom Town (Kardemomme by)1991
A full-scale thematic replica of the town from Thorbjørn Egner's children's book, complete with a tram, bakery, police station, and theatrical performances during peak season.
Captain Sabertooth World1995
A pirate-themed area opened in 1995 featuring attractions like haunted houses, pirate ship rides, daily sea battles, themed restaurants, and shops, centered around the character created by Terje Formoe.
Badelandet Water Park2010
Opened in 2010, this water park offers 12 slides and multiple pools, expanding the park's family entertainment options.
Contact
Phone: 97 05 97 00
