Location
Norway
Status
Officially Designated
Suitable for
Families and adults
Terrain
Sand
Best season
June to August
About Sømstranda Naturist
Søm is a public recreation area on the eastern side of Kristiansand, just across the Varodd bridge from the city centre, on the Skagerrak coast of southern Norway. It has two beaches side by side. Facing the sea from the car park, the clothed beach is to the left and the naturist beach is straight ahead. The Norwegian Naturist Federation lists Søm as one of the country's official naturist beaches. The local naturist association, Sørlandets Naturistforening, leases the naturist section from Kristiansand municipality, and the lease has been renewed to 2027. Nude use is publicly approved from 1 May to 1 October. Outside that period the same rules apply as on any other beach. It is a sandy beach and is described as child-friendly. There is a toilet and a rubbish bin, and the association empties the bins, but visitors are asked to take their own rubbish home where they can.
Getting there
From Kristiansand, drive east on the E18 over the Varodd bridge (Varoddbrua). Turn south immediately after the bridge, then after about 1 km turn right at the sign for 'Friområde'. There is parking at the recreation area. From the car park the naturist beach is straight ahead, with the clothed beach to the left.
Amenities
Legal context
The naturist beach at Søm is leased by Sørlandets Naturistforening from Kristiansand municipality, with the lease renewed until 2027. It is publicly approved for nude use from 1 May to 1 October. Outside that season ordinary beach rules apply.
Naturism at Sømstranda Naturist sits under Norway's rules for officially designated nude beaches — explicit protection inside the marked area.
Full country law: Norway public nudity guide.
Naturist status confirmed against an official source on 24 October 2026.
Location
View on interactive map
Approx. 58.1535, 8.0519
Visitor tips
- 1 Official designation: nudity is protected inside the marked area.
- 2 Towel, water, sunscreen. Sit on your own towel.
- 3 No photos without clear consent.
- 4 Check access, tides, and parking before you go.
- 5 House rules and local custom can be stricter than the law.
More in Norway
Frequently asked questions
Is Søm an official naturist beach?
Yes. The local naturist association leases it from Kristiansand municipality, and it is approved for nude use from 1 May to 1 October.
Which part is the naturist beach?
From the car park, the naturist beach is straight ahead and the clothed beach is to the left.
Is it suitable for children?
Yes. It is a sandy beach, and the federation describes it as child-friendly.
Are there toilets?
Yes. There is a toilet and a rubbish bin at the beach.
Sources
- Norsk Naturistforbund: Søm, Kristiansand Official
- Norsk Naturistforbund: Strender Official
Important
Beach status changes. Verify current conditions before you go. This is guidance, not legal advice.
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