kristiansand is a small and charming town but i don’t think it is worth a seperate trip – unless you have ample time to explore the archipelago near kristiansand – home to thousands of charming summerhouses, many of them perched on the edge of fjords or small islands. but you definitely can’t do that in one day.

my family has a summerhouse in this area, off of the inland passage called blindleia – and i love it.

that said, given your options, i would take an extra day in stavanger and save yourself the energy and expense of traveling south.

i would say stavanger too. This town has a lot to offer, it’s very cosy and you have awesome landscape just a bit outside of the town.

I think you should spend more time in Stavanger….

depends.. but in general: spen more time outside big cities there.
Think about like travelling P.E.I. ...
Have fun!

PS: pic is Geiranger Fjord

Stavanger, definitely! It offers many diverse possibilities. Right down town there’s the shrimp market, the old fisherman’s houses, the natural lake (almost deeper than it is wide!). A bit outside (you can easily go by bus) there is the Iron Age farm with a breathtaking 360° view from the radio tower (see two or three fjords all in one go!). There are beaches, lots of beaches, big ones (Sola), small ones (Sande), cute ones (Vauland). There is an outdoor heated swimming pool (Gammelingen). There are bike paths and pedestrian paths all around the area! The mountains are not far away (30-40 minute drive) and are easily accessible by bus, too. You can also take boat tours around the different islands and in the fjords! Ah, what a place!

Definitely spend the extra time in Stavanger – there is a lot to do and see there, we loved the old part of the town, and the markets and just generally soaking up the atmosphere

wow, thanks to everyone who answered my question! clearly, the concensus is to stay the extra day in stavanger, which i think we will do. it will be a long route back to oslo from there, but i know there is a stop in kristiansand, so i am hopeful we can at least get out, stretch our legs, get a bite to eat, and then carry on back to oslo.

thanks again to all!

Kristiansand has a very charming Zoo, witch is great to visit. It’s open all year round. So if you like animals, it’s worth a visit!

I would visit Lindesnes too (that is as far south you can go in Norway) if you are not tired of the coast ;P

Stavanger! No doubt about it. It’s really great.