Port of Kristiansand, Norway
ABOUT
Kristiansand, located in southern Norway, has a history that spans millennia. It has evolved from early settlements to a strategically important city founded in 1641 by King Christian IV.
The King put this former Viking military stronghold on the map and named it Christianssand. It flourished until 18th Century exporting timber and salmon. However there was a trade blockade during the Napoleonic War which destroyed its economy.
Trade slowly recovered and by 1872 the city was the country’s largest exporter of salted, dried cod, also known as klippfish. The city was renamed Kristiansand in 1889 to sound more Norwegian.
THINGS TO DO
There are many points of interest in and around Kristiansand, especially with it’s long history.
There is a mix of natural beauty, cultural attractions, and family-friendly activities. Bystranda is the city beach and Strandpromenaden is the waterfront promenade with views of the marina and islands.
Dyreparken is a large zoo and amusement park with various animal exhibits, including Nordic wildlife, and a water park called Badelandet.
If you like culture and history there is the Kristiansand Museum, Christianholm Fortress, the medieval Odderness Church, Kristiansand’s cathedral and its Military Museum.
Add to that the cafe and bar culture then you will find plenty to do in this beautiful, picturesque city.
OUR FAVOURITE THINGS TO DO
Initial Images of Kristiansand
Known as Norway’s sunniest city, Kristiansand lived up to this name when we visited in 2024. Our ship Sky Princess docked in the brand new dock area which is about 0.5km from the town centre.
For those who wish to get an overview of the city, there is a Hop On Hop Off bus point adjacent to the port. At the time of visiting the cost was 495NOK (about £36) and the round trip takes about an hour.
During our walk to the city we first saw the Kilden Theater and Concert Hall. The building itself is quite an attraction and as you can see in the reflection is very close to the ship.
We went from there through Fiskebrygga area (fish market) in Kristiansand. We found this to be a lovely traditional area with wooden buildings. It is all very accessible and attractive.
Otterdalsparken
Taking our lead from others we strolled over the little bridges towards the town. This gives an interesting view of the little fish market area. You can head straight into the town or, as we did, take a turn towards a park area.
It is known as Otterdalsparken and is a very nice place to walk (again accessible). This is the largest sculpture facility in Norway since the Vigeland sculpture park was built in Oslo.
The area covers about 2000 square meters and has a 500 square meter pool. It is where many local families meet to relax.
It took about 5 minutes to reach the centre of Kristiansand. Most prominent is its Neo-Gothic Cathedral which was completed in 1885.
Built on the site of three previous buildings it is one of the largest cathedrals in Norway. Originally built to seat over 2000 people, but this is now reduced to 1000.
The first of its predecessors was a small wooden church built in 1645. When Kristiansand became the seat of the diocese work began on its first cathedral. This was consecrated in 1696 but burnt down in 1734. The second cathedral was consecrated in 1738. However it and much of the city was destroyed in a major fire.
This latest cathedral was hit by an artillery shell in 1940 during the Nazi German attack on the city. The tower was hit but only the upper part was damaged.
Posebyen (old town)
With a little directional advice from helpful staff in the Radhuskvartalet (Information Centre) we headed towards the old town.
The area known as Posebyen is one of northern Europe’s largest collection of old white wooden houses. It is a lovely little community area but the only part that survived the fire in 1892.
There is a concerted effort to revitalise and preserve this area. Indeed we found ongoing works during our visit which left some parts impassable.
Is Kristiansand worth visiting
Well the answer to that is – yes. It is a beautiful little city that is easily accessible and we found very welcoming. There are plenty of places to stop and admire the area. In addition there are shops, cafes and bars to frequent and other attractions if you prefer.
Yes next time we visit we may seek out the Hop on Hop off bus, one of the museums or the fortress. But actually it is just as nice to enjoy the surroundings.
Accompanying video
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