The New York Times has just released its list of 52 places to visit in 2025. Some are cities (like Benin City, Nigeria), others entire countries (England takes the top spot), or even rivers (such as the Magdalena River in Colombia). Interestingly, the New York Times recommends visiting not one but two Norwegian destinations in 2025—and one of them is quite unexpected.

One of the destinations (#34, the Lofoten Islands) is an obvious choice. Over the past decade, the Lofoten Islands have become increasingly popular among international tourists. With their breathtaking light, dramatic landscapes where mountains rise straight out of the sea, iconic red wooden fisherman’s cabins, opportunities to see the Northern Lights, white sandy beaches, and whale-watching excursions, the archipelago is a perennial favourite for influencers, surfers, photographers, and tourists alike.

However, the second Norwegian destination on the list, ranked at #21, is far more surprising: Kristiansand. I’m baffled. Of all the places in Norway they could have chosen, Kristiansand seems like an odd pick. Bodø, for instance, was recently a European Capital of Culture; Fredrikstad boasts a charming old town; Stavanger is famous for its delightful, colourful houses; and Trondheim has an exciting emerging foodie scene. So why Kristiansand?

The New York Times describes Kristiansand as “a waterfront city that embodies southern Norway: An old town of whitewashed wooden houses gives way to a harbour, a fiskebrygga (fish market), and beaches.” There is indeed something very charming about Sørlandet (the Southern part of Norway).

The New York Times writes about the town’s interesting functionalist architecture, the Kunstsilo museum—housed in a repurposed grain silo and containing one of the world’s largest collections of Nordic modernist art—and stunning views of the fjords. Kristiansand also has a deep connection to the sea. While all of this is true, I would strongly recommend visiting Kristiansand in the summer. Winters there aren’t particularly thrilling, with weather that’s more Danish than Norwegian—think rain, wind, and wet snow. If you read my book A Frog in the Fjord-One Year in Norway, you’ll know about my endless love for Northern Norway, from Helgelands coast to Finnmark, so I am quite biased in this case.

It will be interesting to see what makes the list next year. Perhaps Røros? Senja? What about you—where would you like to travel in Norway in 2025?