First time I visited was in 1987. What I remember from back then are cobblestoned streets and white houses, which are characteristic for the small towns dotting the southern coast of Norway. I reckon a few things have changed in 33 years, but it is still the charming place I recall. It is definitely worth a visit, and it won’t take too much of your time, because the town centre is quite small. Stroll the winding, narrow streets lined with two-story buildings housing shops, restaurants, and cafes. Wander down to Mandalselva, a.k.a. Marna, where you’ll find a riverfront walkway, and the oh-so cool footbridge, Adolph Tidemand’s Bridge. I fell head of heels in love with it 🙂 Also see if you can spot the magnified fish egg, outside Buen Culture House, on the other side of the river. The orange ball I thought was an enlarged buoy 😀 For a superb bird’s eye view, climb up to Uranienborg, and for a dip in the sea head over to the 800 meter long sandy beach, Sjøsanden, which I apparently have visited several times, according to my childhood friend, I just can’t recollect it 😀
PS! Mandal is also a perfect base for a day trip to Lindesnes Lighthouse, Norway’s southernmost point. I have visited Norway’s northernmost point as well 🙂
More on Mandal.
Website: visitmandal.no
Riverfront 
Water level meter 
Uranienborg 
Riverfront
