Family holidays
Dyreparken hotels: where to stay for Kristiansand Zoo
By lunchtime the children have been to Cardamom Town, through the Hakkebakke Forest and aboard the pirate ship in Abra Harbour. These are the hotels by Dyreparken and in central Kristiansand, and who each one suits.
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Dyreparken, Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park, lies about ten kilometres east of the city centre on the E18. It is a zoo and a theme park in one, and with children under ten you will usually want more than a day.
So the choice of hotel comes down to one question. Do you stay by the park and walk in first thing, or in town, with a beach, a water park and restaurants on foot?
In short
Dyreparken Safarihotell is our first choice for families who want to stay by the park: it is a few minutes from the entrance and parking is free. If you would rather be in town, Scandic Kristiansand Bystranda is best for children, with the beach and Aquarama right outside. The centre is about ten kilometres from Dyreparken.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Dyreparken Safarihotell
By Dyreparken
Staying by the park, you are in when the gates open and back in your room for an afternoon nap. With small children it is the simplest option.
The fire after a park day
The lounge with its fireplace is the grown-ups’ room once the children are asleep. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Dyreparken Safarihotell
The hotel has forest and water outside the windows and a short drive to Dyreparken. The lounge has a big open fire and sofas facing the view, a good spot for parents once the children are asleep.
It suits families who want an early start at the park and have a car. Wifi and parking are free, and there is a restaurant on site. Town and the beach are a drive away, so without a car the evenings are quiet.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Dyreparken Safarihotell
In central Kristiansand
From the centre it takes about a quarter of an hour by car to Dyreparken, and there is a bus too. In return, you have the town around you when the park closes.
The beach on the doorstep
Scandic Kristiansand Bystranda faces the sea by the city beach. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Scandic Kristiansand Bystranda
The hotel stands by Bystranda, the city beach in Kristiansand, with the Aquarama pool complex next door. The building faces the sea and the guest harbour.
It suits families who want to pair a day at Dyreparken with beach days, and an indoor swim when it rains. The restaurants of the old grid-plan centre, Kvadraturen, are a short walk away.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Scandic Kristiansand Bystranda
The sea from the lounge
The lounge at Hotel Caledonien looks out to sea. Photo: Hotels.com (Expedia Group)
Hotel Caledonien
Hotel Caledonien is in the middle of Kvadraturen, a few minutes from the cathedral and the harbour. The lounge has big windows onto the sea, and Fiskebrygga, the fish quay, is close by.
A good pick for families with older children who want the town around them after dark. With two bars and a restaurant, the grown-ups get something out of the trip too.
Book your stay: Check availability and prices at Hotel Caledonien
Getting there
Kristiansand Airport, Kjevik, is about 20 minutes from the centre, with connections via Oslo. Ferries from Hirtshals in Denmark dock in the middle of town. From Oslo, the drive along the E18 takes about four hours.
Good to know before you book
Book early for July. Hotels near the park often fill first during the Norwegian summer holidays.
Check multi-day tickets. If you plan two days at the park, a multi-day ticket may work out cheaper.
Pack swimming kit. Aquarama in the centre makes a good break on hot days and wet ones.
Frequently asked questions
Which hotel is closest to Dyreparken?
Dyreparken Safarihotell is a few minutes from the entrance and the closest of the hotels we recommend. Parking is free and there is a restaurant on site, so you need not move the car in the evening. If you would rather have the town and the beach around you, the central hotels are a quarter of an hour’s drive away.
Is it better to stay by Dyreparken or in Kristiansand?
With small children it is best to stay by Dyreparken, as you get in quickly in the morning and back for an afternoon nap. With older children the centre offers more in the evening, with Bystranda, Aquarama, the fish quay and restaurants on foot. From the centre it is about a quarter of an hour by car to the park.
How many days do you need at Dyreparken?
Two days is enough for most families, especially with children under ten. That gives you time for the animals, Cardamom Town, the Hakkebakke Forest and the shows without rushing. Plan a beach day or a swim at Aquarama between the park days and everyone will last longer.
When is Dyreparken open?
Dyreparken is open all year, but only in summer are all parts of the park and the big shows running. Outside the season opening hours are shorter and some areas close. Check the park calendar before you book a hotel, especially for May, June and September.