The southern coast of Norway is attractive most of the year, with pictoresque towns, nice beaches and a rich boatlife shielded from the ocean by a large number of small islands. A trainline east-west along the coast makes it easy for cyclists to go everywhere you would like.

The present trip follows the National Bike Route 1 from Kristiansand to Lillesand, and returns to Kristiansand along minor regional roads.

Day 1. Kristiansand to Boen (19 km, map link)

Travelling by train to Kristiansand, one may arrive midday and take an afternoon bike trip to Boen.

Going east from Kristiansand, cross the Lund bridge (regional road Fv471) and turn right just before Oddernes Church, where a well marked bike path takes you past a small lake (Vollevannet) and along the main road (E18) over a long bridge (Varoddbroen). The fjord landscape view from the bridge is marvellous (a must for cyclists).

After Varoddbrua, continue on the left side of E18 on the bike path, which turns left over a bridge along Haanesveien. A narrow canal below the bridge (at Rona) gives a nice option for a break.

Then follow Haanesveien uphill and turn right to Hveteveien, which takes you down to Topdalsveien (regional road Fv41). There the bike path on the left side of the road continues over a small bridge to the right side of the road. Continue along Fv41 past a beautiful beach (Hamresanden) and along a river (Topdalselva) to Dönnestadveien, which takes you north towards Boen on the right side of the river.

Day 1 ends on Boen Gard, in a beautiful park landscape along water falls famous for salmon fishing. Boen Gard is recommended for overnight stay.

Day 2. Boen to Lillesand (28 km, map link)

Continue north from Boen Gard and cross over to the left side of Topdalselva, where a minor regional road takes you through a beautiful river landscape north towards Birkeland. Near Birkeland, after crossing over to the right side of the river back to Fv41, the bike path turns left along a small lake (Flaksvann) on a previous railway line where a nice place for a break can be found. Alternatively, a lunch break may be taken in a café at Birkeland.

From Birkeland, the bike path going south-east along Fv41 gives you a nice and easy ride towards Lillesand, where good restaurants are found. Hotel Norge can be recommended for overnight stay. Lillesand is a beautiful place to stay more than one night, for example with a day trip to Brekkestø.

Day 3, Lillesand to Kristiansand (30 km, map link)

Bike south from Lillesand along Sandsmyra and turn right on Borkedalsveien to the bike path along Fv420 (Vestre Kystvei), which is the easiest route back towards Kristiansand. After 4 km (after Kjerlingland), turn south to follow Fv420 towards the sea.

After 4 km (after Kjerlingland), turn south to follow Fv420 towards the sea.

After 2 km, FV 420 turns west towards the main road E18. Along E18, the bike path goes past Dyreparken (Kristiansand’s famous family park and zoo) which is worth a visit. A restaurant for lunch can also be found at Sörlandssenteret.

Further along E18, we get back to the route from Day 1 and the magnificent view from Varoddbroen, before reaching Kristiansand where many good restaurants and hotels are found. Staying more than one night in Kristiansand can be recommended.