Odderøya sits just south of Kristiansand city centre, connected by bridges. The island served military purposes from 1667 all the way to 1999: a fortress, Northern Europe's largest quarantine station (1804 to 1914), and a naval base. On 9 April 1940, the guns at Odderøya fired on the German invasion fleet, one of the first engagements of the war in Norway.
Since the city took over, the island has become Kristiansand's favourite recreation area. Walking paths circle the shoreline and climb through pine forest, past old bunkers and gun emplacements. Kunstsilo and Kilden are at the island's northern edge. It is an easy walk from town and a good way to combine history, nature, and the new cultural quarter.
Since the city took over, the island has become Kristiansand's favourite recreation area. Walking paths circle the shoreline and climb through pine forest, past old bunkers and gun emplacements. Kunstsilo and Kilden are at the island's northern edge. It is an easy walk from town and a good way to combine history, nature, and the new cultural quarter.
