A small section of the Coastal Path in Kristiansand, Norway

After walking part of the North Sea Trail in Denmark, I really feel inspired to do the whole trail following «Kyststien» / Coastal Path in Kristiansand. This trail is right outside my door, since I live so close to the coast. I walked 4/5 kilometers along the part of the trail marked in orange. I just walked down here to check out the route. Now, however, I have decided that I will walk them in their entirety. The plan is therefore to walk the orange one in its entire length and then continue. I think it could be a great way to get some fresh air and get to know the entire coast of my hometown.

The Coastal Path - Kyststien- in Kristiansand can be walked in stages. It is constantly developing with new stages both to the east and west of Kristiansand city center. My map above is not updated. The entire route currently consists of 9 stages totaling 126 kilometers. The route was marked and established during Covid-19. I hink it came to be, because we had dificultuies going anywhere, except for where we lived. That is how the coastal route came about. A suggestion for how to spend your summer vacation.

I startet by walking through the Roligheten Camping to Bertesbukta. The signs showes that you have to take a small circular walk here. First to the the sea and then passing the Kuholmen marina.
Then I follow the path along the Bertesbukta. This bay is a recreational area where there are sandy beaches (small) and rocky cliffs. There have been installed bathing jetties, and diving towers not so many years ago. It is very popular during the summers. From my home, I only have 10 minutes to walk to beach, so this is the beach I go to most often. It's not only during the summer I come here. All year round this is a great place to go for a walk.

In the neighboring bay called Gleodden, there is a similar small beach. Small, but very popular among families with small children. To be able to continue, I had to climp some stairs to get to Gleodden Batteri, which has some remains from the coastal battery that was operational during WWII.

After a short walk through the forest I pass Marvika Naval Station. This used to be a navel base on the east side of the city center. It was established in 1897 and functioned as a depot. I can remember when the area was off limits, but for some years now, the buildings are no longer used by the military. In the background you can see there is a rubble quarry. To complete this first or last stage (depending on which end I start) I would have had a few more kilometers to walk. I would have had to pass the rubble quarry. I will do that next time.