Lyngdal town

Lyngdal town is a place with plenty of room and lots to explore for the little ones. And the grown-ups. Save the screens for a miserable rainy day and let the children loose! Whether it is out into the garden, a bike ride to the park or the playground – or how about a family walk up the Sherpa stairs? For anyone who wants to make real memories, this small town offers plenty of chances for big and small adventures. Often right outside the door.

Mother of two and owner of the specialist shop Stella Shop, Silje Torsøe moved to Lyngdal many years ago. One of the main reasons was the small town’s focus on good family life.

“Knowing that people care about your children, that it’s safe to let them run free and play. It does something to you, that people know you. You feel cared for. And of course everyone knows what’s going on. Lyngdal is definitely a family town, and the team spirit here is something worth highlighting,” says Silje.

Ronny Fredriksen also knows small-town family life well. He and his wife have raised no fewer than four children here.

“There are leisure activities, beautiful nature and a shopping centre. And at the same time it’s small enough for people to know and care about each other. You can hardly walk around this small town without nodding and saying hello to people,” Ronny says.

Lyngdal town is also known as the bathing town. There is no shortage of ways to have fun in the water.

“We swim around the clock here,” Ronny laughs.

For many families the question is not whether to go swimming, but where. On warm days the white sandy beaches, sheltered coves and perhaps a cool bag full of treats are hard to resist.

Put it this way: the small town of Lyngdal is big on shopping. In fact it is one of the largest in the region, and here you will find everything from charming specialist shops to practical shopping centres.

You can treat yourself at the sweet little Smultringbua doughnut stall, eat Thai food at Siam Cafe or do the big shop in the well-known chain stores at Alti just outside the centre. There are, after all, over 150 shops, places to eat and other businesses in this little town! People come from all over the region when the urge to shop strikes.

Lyngdal is the largest shopping centre between Kristiansand and Stavanger, says Janne at Lyngdal By.

“Shopping is essential for the town. We have a wide selection and focus especially on service. Lyngdal is a town built on visitors, and the people who live here take being good hosts seriously,” she says.

And something many people appreciate – no parking fees. No need to download parking apps or find a yellow ticket on the windscreen because you lost track of time. Ah.

Lyngdal town is known for its strong spirit of volunteering. That means engaged adults (and children), meeting places where people get to know each other across ages and interests, and a strong sense of community. That is simply what makes a place feel safe.

“Lyngdal is a town where people cheer each other on and where anything is possible. The willingness to pitch in is huge,” says Janne Fardal Kristoffersen, managing director of Lyngdal By.

“The people who live here are positive and friendly. And Lyngdal town is seeing an influx of new residents, especially families with children. We are very glad about that; it means a lot for how the town develops.”

And then there are times when the town is extra lively. There are concerts, exhibitions and other events – some small, some huge.

It is Saturday in Lyngdal town – what is there to do with the children? Well, plenty. Playing in the garden or a little trip to the playground can be more than enough.

If you are after a striking view, head up the Sherpa stairs for a full overview from the top. More view, you say? Well, if the children are over 12 and love a bit of adrenaline, Lyngdal Via Ferrata awaits. The view from the most town-centre Via Ferrata in the country is lovely; you can see across all of Lyngdal and towards the two fjords, the Rosfjord and the Lyngdalsfjord. A “mad view”, as the youngsters might say.

Lucky Strike bowling centre has more than bowling; you can also play pool, air hockey and much more. If mini golf is what you fancy on a Saturday, Adventure Golf is ready for you. Or head to the park for a round of disc golf. Catch Saturday dinner with a rod in the rivers Lygna or Audna, and round off with an ice cream in town.

Perhaps a trip somewhere completely different appeals. From Lyngdal town it is only half an hour’s drive to Flekkefjord, Mandal or Lindesnes. Southern Norwegian charm, as everyone knows, comes in many forms.

“It only takes a tiny bit under an hour by car and we’re at the zoo in Kristiansand,” says father of four Ronny.

“For us, living here feels very central,” he says.

The family town is a great place to visit. And many thousands of people do every year. But it is also a town with its door open to new neighbours and colleagues, new ideas and the good encounters between young and old.

“People here are friendly, sort of laid-back southerners,” Silje smiles.

“Put it this way: when I had just moved here and took the car in for a service, the man at the garage asked… ‘Shall I drive you home, or shall I drive you to work?’ That just shows how small places like this have big hearts,” Silje concludes.

The family town, the bathing town and the small town of Lyngdal, in other words, has a lot to offer and charm by the bucketload.