Top 29 Things To Do In Kristiansund, Norway

things to do in kristiansund norway
Hannah
Hannah 
Updated
| 11 min read

Kristiansund is a popular tourist destination built on four islands linked together by bridges. It is the largest city in southern Norway and is known to be the opera and children’s city. Many opera performances, an opera festival, and an outdoor opera performance make the city an opera city. Families out on vacation will also find several tourists attractions like the Kristians and Dyrepark, a zoo/water park. You can also spend a day at the City Beach, take part in pirate adventures, or just cool off on the water slides. The adventurous can head to Hoyt & Lavt Climbing Park where they will get to climb and get a view of the area from the treetops. The city also features famous festivals like the Nordic Light International Festival of Photography and the Kristiansund Church Art and Culture Festival Engage in guided tours to get a better knowledge of the area from the experts. Read on to learn more about the things to do in Kristiansund, Norway.

1. Explore The Norwegian Klipfish Museum

Milnbrygga Kristiansund
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Harald Oppedal used under CC BY 3.0

Situated in a well-preserved wharf on the island of Gomalandet, The Norwegian Klipfish Museum explains the traditional klipfish production through both stories and pictures. The museum plays a major role in the development of the Kristiansund. Hop onto the ferry to get to the museum either by yourself or with a guide. Make sure you get to the museum’s cafe so as to sample bacalao, a salted dried codfish.

The Norwegian Klipfish Museum

Address: Milnbrygga, Dikselveien, Kristiansund

Website: The Norwegian Klipfish Museum

Price: From 8 USD

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2. Visit the Kristiansund Opera House

Opera house in Kristiansund

Posted by Karen Nilsen on Wednesday, 14 October 2009

Kristiansund Opera House hosts Norway’s oldest opera which dates back to 1805. It features the Opera Festivals Weeks, Norway’s largest musical theatre and opera presentation. The Opera House also houses a ballet centre, a library, a college centre, conference rooms, a restaurant, a cafe, and a sky bar. You will also find a large room that provides spectacular views, a facade, a large hall, and a red carpet. You can either book a tour or tour the building by yourself. Be sure to have an amazing experience!

Kristiansund Opera House

Address: Fosnagata 13, 6509 Kristiansund Norway

Website: Opera House Kristiansund

Opening hours: Varies depending on performance

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3. See Kristiansund from the top of Varden watch tower

Varden, The Watch Tower - Kristiansund, Norway - panoramio
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sergey Ashmarin used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Situated only 10 minutes from the town centre, Varden watchtower offers incredible views of Kristiansund. It is 78 metres (255 feet) tall, the highest point on Kirkelandet. The tower plays a major role in the history of Kristiansund development. It was used by the ships’ pilots as a watch tower in times of hostility and peace. From the top of the tower, you will get to see the shipping fairway, city of Kristiansund, the fjords, and the mountains.

Varden watch tower

Address: Fjord Norge AS Torggaten 3, 5014 Bergen, Norway

Website: Varden watch tower

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4. Marvel at the beautiful architecture of the old town


Kristiansund is made up of four main islands and a number of smaller ones. The city lay in ruins after it was bombed during the Second World War. It was later rebuilt with distinctive architecture, decorated in shades of red, yellow, and green, giving Kristiansund the nickname “the Polychrome City (the Colourful City)”. The town lost its old character and acquired a new distinctive look. The city is now beautiful, clean and unique.

Kristiansund

Address: Kristiansund, Norway

Website: Kristiansund

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5. Feast on Norwegian bread and cakes at Bestemors Hage

GOD HELG! Husk å still klokka i natt ?⌚⏰?

Posted by Bestemors Hage on Saturday, 30 March 2019

Bestemors Hage, also known as Grandma’s Garden, serves sweet and savoury Norwegian cakes. It offers breakfasts, brunch, and sandwiches. The cafe is good for adult groups and kids as there is a meeting place for adults and good a playground for children. The cafe also offers street parking, takeout, and reservations.

Bestemors Hage

Address: Kristiansund. Hagbart Brinchmann’s road 1C.

Website: Bestemors Hage

Opening Hours:Tue - Fri: 11am - 3pm; Sat - Sun: 11am - 4pm

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6. Learn the history of regional culture at Nordmore Museum

Mellemverftet 3
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Harald Oppedal used under CC BY 3.0

This is a Norwegian regional cultural history museum established in 1894 as an exhibition pavilion from the large-scale fishing exhibition held in 1892. The small open-air museum has branches in all of the municipalities in Nordmøre. Visit any of the branches by yourself or book a guided tour and get to learn about the history of regional culture.

Nordmore Museum

Address: Storgata 19 6509 Kristiansund

Website: Nordmore Museum

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7. Visit the Nordlandet Church

Nordlandet church - Kristiansund, Norway
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Sergey Ashmarin used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Nordlndet Chuch is a parish church located on the western end of Nordlandet island. The church was built in a cruciform style in 1914 and accommodates up to 700 people. It is one of the few churches in the area that were not harmed during World War II. It is also one of the highlights of Kristiansund town that you must visit so as to count yourself as a tourist of the town.

Nordlandet Church

Address: Kirkegata 20, 6516 Kristiansund N, Norway

Website: Nordlandet Church

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8. Enjoy klipfish dishes at Sjostjerna


Sjøstjerna is a small family restaurant in Kristiansund that is decorated with Norwegian contemporary coast and old remedies from klipfish production. The klipfish is served along with other fishy dinners. Its location is not in the best place in the town but the food is particularly good. Be sure to taste their scallops and mussels.

Sjøstjerna

Address: Skolegata 8, Kristiansund, 15 6509

Website: Sjøstjerna

Opening hours: Mon - Sat: 5pm - 11pm (closed on Sun)

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9. Take a ride on the Sundbaten boat

Kom Kultur i Kristiansund! :)

Posted by Studio 400 on Monday, 10 October 2016

The Sundbåten boat is the world’s oldest means of public transport that is still in use and is part of Kristiansund’s cultural heritage. These ferries depart from the Piren pier and run between the four islands of Kristiansund. This is a great way to explore Kristiansund as you get to explore parts of the town with churches, galleries, klipfish museum, and the harbour. The trip is affordable and takes about 15 to 20 minutes. You can also book the Sundbaten for your group and you get to enjoy a private tour.

Sundbaten-The Harbour Ferry

Address: Kongens Plass 1, Kristiansund

Website: Sundbaten-The Harbour Ferry

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10. Check out the Klippfiskkjerringa statue


Head to Piren to see the bronze statue of the “Klipfish wife” which commemorates the workers on the klippfish rocks. Sculpted by Tore Bjørn Skjølsvik, the statue has become one of the town’s best-known symbols. It was a gift to the city on its 250-year anniversary. You will also find the “Sildegutten” Sculpture which gives the “Klipfish wife” company. Both sculptures represent an important era in Kristiansund.

Klippfiskkjerringa statue

Address: Piren, Kristiansund

Website: Klippfiskkjerringa

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11. Watch a football match at Kristiansund Stadion


May 16th is the main football date in Norway each year as its the day before the National Day, May 17th. If you are in Kristiansund at this time, make sure you join the locals in their tradition of watching football at Kristiansund Stadion. It is situated north of Kristiansund City, a walking distance from the city centre. The atmosphere at Kristiansund Stadion is always as fantastic as the local derby kicks off. If you are a lover of football, make sure you visit the stadium.

Kristiansund Stadion

Address: Magnar Isaksens Vei 1, 6514 Kristiansund

Website: Kristiansund Stadion

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12. See the Kristiansund Hollywood skilt


Andre Gjorvern, in connection with Toppidrettsveka in Kristiansund, hung up a sign familiar to Hollywood sign. The sign was used to make the city ready for sports. The sign is clear to see from the centre. While in Kristiansund, make sure you see this cool, stylish, and sensational sign.

Kristiansunds Hollywood skilt

Address: Nordsundveien , Kristiansund, Norway

Website: Kristiansunds Hollywood skilt

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13. Have a few drinks at Christian's Bar


Christian’s Bar is a nice bar, highly rated among the top locals places in Kristiansund. It is a lively bar located in the heart of Kristiansund. Get to Christian’s Bar with your friends and get to have an amazing evening full of fun. You will get to enjoy their lively music, karaoke, football on the big screen and generally have a great party.

Christian's Bar

Address: Storgata 17, 6509 Kristiansund, Norway

Website: Christian’s Bar

Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)

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14. Go fishing on Grip Island

Grip-Harbour-Kristiansund-Norway
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Peter John Acklam used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Situated 14km (8.7 miles) north of Kristiansund, Grip Island is currently a recreational area without permanent settlement. It used to be an important fishing village. Today, the buildings are used as summer homes by previous owners and the island is a popular half-day trip for tourists. Even though the island is small, there are points of interest like the Save Church, The Grip Lighthouse, and the colourful houses. When you visit the island, carry your fishing rod so that you can try your luck fishing.

Grip Island

Address: Piren, Kristiansund

Website: Grip Island

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15. Enjoy a day at Atlanterhavsbadet water park


Atlanterhavsbadet is an indoor water park that features amazing facilities for family and friends to spend their day. It is a good place with nice pools and a safe environment with guards. ·You will find a family bath, a sports pool, a health pool, slides, a climbing wall and a cafe with good food and drinks. The place is a little bit expensive during the weekends but the service and the fun you will experience is definitely worth it.

Atlanterhavsbadet water park

Address: Dalaveien 16, Kristiansund

Website: Atlanterhavsbadet

Opening hours: Sat - Sun: 10am - 6pm; Mon: 10am - 8pm; Tue: 6:30am - 8am, 10am - 9pm; Wed: 10am - 9pm (closed on Thu & Fri)

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16. Visit the Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park with your kids

Bk lemur, Kristiansand Zoo, Norway
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bjelleklang used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Situated only 11 km (6 miles) east of Kristiansund, Kristiansand Dyrepark consists of a wet park, a zoo, and an entertainment park with different theme areas. It is Norway`s most frequently visited attraction containing exhibitions featuring African animals such as lions and giraffes and Scandinavian animals such as wolves, elk, and many more! The first part of the forest features monkeys and apes while the deeper parts feature crocodiles, alligators, and other reptiles. Visit this park for a thrilling experience.

Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park

Address: 4636 Kristiansand Norway

Website: Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park

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17. Hit the dance floor at Zinatra nightclub


Zinatra, located in Kristiansund, is a modernized nightclub venue that has been in operation since 2007. It features amazing facilities like modern seating area, DJ Box, private lounge, and the largest dance floor in Kristiansund city. If you have a private celebration like a birthday party, you can book the lounge which accommodates around 20 people and allows you to choose your own music, have your own waiter, and a view of an artificial waterfall. Head to Zinatra Club and get to showcase your amazing dance moves.

Zinatra nightclub

Address: Hauggata 9 6509 Kristiansund N Norway

Website: Zinatra nightclub

Opening hours: Sat: 11pm - 2:30am (closed on Sun - Fri)

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18. Take a ride on the ammunition railway train at Kristiansand Kanonmuseum

Kristiansand kanonmuseum - whole cannon view from the right side
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user CHRISL30NPARC used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Kristiansand Kanonmuseum, situated outside Kristiansund was built by the Germans during World War II. It houses the only remaining 380mm Krupp gun in the world. It is a special bunker that forms a greater part of Kristiansund’s history. While at the museum, you will get to take a ride with the ammunition railway train on the 1,800-metre (5,906-ft) long railway track. The museum’s location is a great viewing and hiking area making it a great place to visit even when the museum is closed.

Kristiansand Kanonmuseum

Address: Krooddveien Kristiansand, Norway 4624

Website: Kristiansand Kanonmuseum

Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 11am - 5pm; Mon - Wed: 11am - 3pm

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19. Have a picnic at the Baneheia outdoor area


Baneheia is a popular hiking and recreational area developed in the ‘70s. It was used as a pasture/woodcutting area until General Wergeland and his troops developed the area. It now features winding paths, lighted trails, special trails for the differently abled, forest trails, swimming and fishing spots, lookout points, and a thriving bird and animal life. It is a great area for bonding with the family.

Baneheia outdoor area

Address: Baneheia, Kristiansand, Norway

Website: Baneheia outdoor area

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20. Spend a relaxing day at the Bystranda Beach


Bystranda is a nice sandy public city beach, with a myriad of amenities to accommodate the young and old alike, in its special way. It is a place to relax and take a walk along the harbour. The local culture is lively with the young and old alike interacting especially in the readily available volleyball fields ideal for a good, warm summer afternoon. Bystranda is all-inclusive for it caters even for the disabled by providing them with their separate bathing ramps.

Bystranda Beach

Address: Bystranda, 4608 Kristiansand Norway

Website: Bystranda Beach

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21. Stay at Abra Havn pirate village

Abra Havn 1
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user CarstenR used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Experience a pirate’s life at Abra Havn situated 1 km (0.6 mile) from central Kristiansand. It is a pirate themed hotel that offers self-catering apartments within the Abra Havn pirate village. Activities one can engage in include boarding the pirate ship, exploring the Death Skull, treasure hunts, enjoying the playgrounds, and seeing live entertainment. The apartments come with seating areas, flat-screen TV, kitchenette, and fully equipped bathroom. A restaurant, cafe, and a bar are also available. Abra Havn is perfect for adults and children who enjoy pirate life.

Abra Havn

Address: Kardemomme By 4609, 4636 Kristiansand, Norway

Website: Abra Havn

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22. Visit the Ravnedalen Valley Nature Park


This is a mystical nature park that features a café with good food, a dam, heath, and swans. It is a great place to relax and unwind. The valley was initially marshy but was later changed into a veritable Eden full of trees and flowers. The park hosts concerts, festivals and theatre productions during the summer. Ravnedalen is a great place for family outing, romantic picnic, or any gathering. Ravnedalen is open all-year-round.

Ravnedalen Valley Nature Park

Address: Ravnedalen 4616 Kristiansand Norway

Website: Ravnedalen Valley Nature Park

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23. See Norwegian Art at SKMU (Sørlandets Kunstmuseum)

Sorlandets kunstmuseum
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bjoertvedt used under CC BY-SA 3.0

SKMU-Sørlandets Kunstmuseum is a regional resource centre situated in the city centre. It displays art collections from the 19th century and temporary exhibitions of Norwegian and international art. The museum features a summer school for the creative, as well as events and exhibitions, and educational programs. You will also find a cafe on the outdoor terrace which offers great coffee along with small dishes, salads and cakes. Plan your visit to SKMU as you wait to be thrilled by the art collections.

Sørlandets Kunstmuseum

Address: Skippergt. 24 b, Kristiansand

Website: Sørlandets Kunstmuseum

Opening hours: Thu - Tue: 11am - 5pm; Wed: 11am - 10pm

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24. Have tea or coffee at the stylish TAJ Kaffe & Chai Hus


TAJ Kaffe & Chai Hus has since the beginning had a strong focus on high-quality coffees and teas. It offers a variety of hot and cold beverages. They also have a myriad of sweet snacks like cakes, buns, and sandwiches. It is situated in the heart of the beautiful town of Kristiansand. Tag along your friend to enjoy the delicacies of this place.

TAJ Kaffe & Chai Hus

Address: Markens gate 44 4612 Kristiansand S Norway

Website: TAJ Kaffe & Chai Hus

Opening Hours: Mon - Fri: 8am - 6:30pm; Sat: 9am - 6pm; Sun: 11am - 4:30pm

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25. Visit the Christiansholm Fortress

Christiansholm Fortress
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Carsten R D used under CC BY-SA 4.0

Christiansholm Fortress is a distinctive centrepiece built in the ‘60s to keep watch over the Skagerrak Straits and protect the city from pirates. The fortress features 5 m (16.4 ft) thick walls and an armoury buried within an inner wall. The fortress is connected to the mainland by a bridge over a moat which can accommodate tall ships. Visit this place and get to learn more about Kristiansund’s history.

Christiansholm Fortress

Address: Østre Strandgate 52B, Kristiansand, 10 4610

Website: Christiansholm Fortress

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26. Visit the Odderøya Island

Odderøya IMG 3181 kjos augland
Source: Photo by Wikimedia Commons user Bjoertvedt used under CC BY-SA 3.0

Odderøya Island, former military land, is now a recreation area in Kristiansand. It has interesting military remnants such as ramparts, gunpowder store, isolation hospital, and many more! Take a walk on the signposted paths as you have majestic views of the eastern harbour and the Christiansholm Fortress. Do not forget to visit the cafeteria which serves light refreshments and offers amazing views of the fjord and the lighthouses. You can also swim on the eastern side of the island.

Odderøya Island

Address: Odderoya, Kristiansand

Website: Odderøya Island

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27. Take a Segway tour of the city


Guests from the age of 10 can get a private guided tour of Kristiansund on a Segway. Visitors get to drive their own Segway and pass through various areas of interest in the city. Some of the places include Kilden Performing Arts Centre, Fiskebrygga, Sjøhuset, Kristiansand Fortress, Bystranda, Tangen, along the bank of the river Otra, Posebyen, and the Cathedral. The ride will definitely be informative and you will get to cover a number of sites without getting tired.

Segway Tour

Address: Markensgate, Kristiansand

Website: Segway Tour Kristiansund

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28. Go around Kristiansund on the City Train


Take part in a guided tour of Kristiansund on the City Train. It is an enjoyable and informative experience for everyone. The train makes several stops in the city where you get to be informed about the place and get yourself something from the shops. Among the places you will pass by include; the Fish Quay, Nupen Park, the Visitors’ Harbour, Bystranda beach, and Posebyen. Use the train if you are in Kristiansund for a short period as you will get to learn a lot in one day.

City Train Sightseeing

Address: Markensgate, Kristiansand

Website: City Train Sightseeing

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29. Shop at AMFI Futura


Situated at the Kristiansund entrance, AMFI Futura has been in operation since 1989. It is a 23,000 sq. m. (247,569.94 sq. ft.) area featuring pharmacies, real estate firms, studios, bowling, billiards, and a playground in the centre. The AMFI Futura has a lot of things for everyone. Come with your friends or family and get yourselves something new from the shopping centre.

AMFI Futura

Address: Industriveien 17 6502 Kristiansund Norway

Website: AMFI Futura

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Historic Kristiansund

As you can see, there is a lot to learn and see in Kristiansund. Whether art lovers, history lovers, or nature lovers, there is something for everyone to enjoy. As you plan your trip, make sure you use our list of the things to do while in the city. Be sure to have fun!

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Any must-sees we missed? Tell us about them in the comments section or write a post here to help out fellow travelers!
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In addition to her love for writing and adventurous spirit, Hannah is a dedicated learner, always striving to acquire new knowledge with each passing day.

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