Kristiansand Dyrepark

Dyreparken opened as a small zoo in 1966 and grew into the most visited attraction in Norway, drawing around a million people a year. It combines several things: a zoo with Nordic and African species including wolves, lynx, elk, giraffes and a large ape section; a water park; a pirate-themed area with accommodation; and Kardemomme By, a full-size version of the town from Thorbjorn Egner's 1955 children's book Folk og rovere i Kardemomme by, with the tower, the tram and the three robbers, staged with actors through the day. That book is close to universal in Norway, which is why the park has an emotional pull for Norwegian families that visitors from elsewhere do not share.

What you actually see

• Kardemomme By - a built version of the town from Egner's children's book.
• The zoo - Nordic species alongside African animals and a large ape house.
• The water park - pools and slides included in the ticket.
• The pirate village - themed accommodation and daily performances.

When to go

June to August, when everything including the water park is open and the shows run daily; parts of the park operate in spring and autumn with a reduced programme, and winter opening is limited to special periods.

Honest expectations

The park is expensive, particularly for families, and busy through July. Kardemomme By means little without knowing the book, and performances are in Norwegian. Zoo standards divide opinion, and queues for popular areas are long in season.

Nearby

Kristiansand and its beaches are ten minutes west; the Setesdal valley runs north.