Is Kristiansand Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Kristiansand is the capital of Vest-Agder County, Norway.

By population, it is the fifth-largest city of Norway.

Kristiansand is the largest city located between Oslo and Stavanger.

Kristiansand is located on Norway’s southern coast and has long been a favorite summer holiday spot amongst Norwegians.

The sea and surrounding fjords are perfect for recreational activities like fishing and sailing.

Places of interest to tourists will be: Fiskebrygga – a fish market with restaurants around the central waterfront; The boardwalk (Strandpromenaden) that alongside the seafront in the town center leads you through beautiful parks and passes Norway’s second-largest fountain park; Posebyen – is what’s left of Kristiansand’s old town and many others.

Warnings & Dangers in Kristiansand

OVERALL RISK: LOW

Kristiansand is generally a pretty safe city. You should beware only of drunken youth and do not walk the streets of the town late at night. Do not get involved in drunken fights and pass by street beggars.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Public transport is quite safe. Only pickpockets should be wary, but they are rare here. Taxi is secure; it is better to use it if you return late to the hotel. Use only licensed taxi services.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: MEDIUM

Pickpockets sometimes operate in crowded tourist places or public transport during peak hours. However, if you follow the usual safety precautions and keep an eye on your belongings, you are likely to be in no danger.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Possible avalanches and landslides in the snowy months, as well as floods and landslides in the warm months. Examine the situation in the region for these risks before you visit Kristiansand.

MUGGING RISK: MEDIUM

Armed severe robberies are rare in this city. However, drunk youth or people under drug intoxication are capable of such actions. If you find yourself in this situation - give the robbers what they ask and immediately contact the police.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

Usually, there are no terrorist attacks, but in Europe, they are not uncommon. Therefore, the Kristiansand region may also be subject to terrorist attacks. It is worth exploring the political situation in the area before your visit.

SCAMS RISK: MEDIUM

Most often, the fraud here is associated with email and SMS mailings. Tourists rarely fall under these actions. In any case, never give out your data and your card details to third parties.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Women travelers can feel completely free here. Perhaps you should not walk around the city late at night and unaccompanied. Common sense would be enough to avoid trouble.

So... How Safe Is Kristiansand Really?

Kristiansand is generally safe enough, but minor crimes also happen here.

Most often, they are associated with petty thefts, attacks, and vandalism.

Also, in the city, there is a problem with drug traffickers.

Norway is a relatively safe country in general, and Kristiansand is no exception.

At Kristiansand, you need to be careful at night, as drunk young people may not have good intentions on your account.

Pickpockets are also a small problem in the city, especially in crowds and tourist places.

Try not to stop at beggars and street cadger, as they too can empty your pockets.

Take a little bit of care when walking in the streets in the middle of the night, stay away from shouting and boisterous youths.

Usually, the most significant nuisance will come from drug addicts, drunks, and beggars, who can spot a naive tourist a block away.

It’s rare, but watch out for convenience stores that conveniently don’t display prices – it’s a sure sign you’re about to be ripped off.

Always better not to leave valuable items in the car.

Every traveler needs to practice common sense and keep an eye on belongings in crowded places, to make sure that he/she will not encounter any serious trouble.

How Does Kristiansand Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

You need to have a valid passport to travel to Norway. For stays that are 90 days or shorter, visas are not required. For longer stays, you will need to obtain a visa from the Norway Embassy, unless you have Schengen.

Currency

The Norwegian krone is the currency of Norway and its dependent territories. It has a sign: KR, and code: NOK is the currency of Norway and its dependent territories. It is subdivided into 100 øre, which has existed only electronically.

Weather

The best times to visit Kristiansand for ideal weather are June to September. Average temperatures in Kristiansand vary greatly, and the weather feels cold for about half of the year and otherwise excellent with a chance of rain or snow throughout most of the year.

Airports

Kristiansand Airport, Kjevik, is an international airport serving the city of Kristiansand in Vest-Agder county, Norway. The airport is located in the district of Tveit in the Oddernes borough, about 16 kilometers from the city center of Kristiansand.

Travel Insurance

The travel insurance policy is a must when visiting a foreign country. Make sure you got it before starting your journey, the customs officer may ask for it.

Kristiansand Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Norway - Safety by City