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.
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1. Explore The Norwegian Klipfish Museum
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
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
3. See Kristiansund from the top of Varden watch tower
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
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
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
6. Learn the history of regional culture at Nordmore Museum
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
7. Visit the Nordlandet Church
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
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)
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
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
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
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
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)
14. Go fishing on Grip Island
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
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)
16. Visit the Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park with your kids
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
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)
18. Take a ride on the ammunition railway train at Kristiansand Kanonmuseum
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
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
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
21. Stay at Abra Havn pirate village
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
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
23. See Norwegian Art at SKMU (Sørlandets Kunstmuseum)
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
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
25. Visit the Christiansholm Fortress
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
26. Visit the Odderøya Island
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
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
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
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
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!
History
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