Kristiansand - Norway

Cruise ships dock at the Kristiansand cruise dock close to the city center. Read the full Kristiansand cruise port guide here.

The city was founded in 1641. Christiansholm fortress was build to protect the town from any invasions. Today it still stands on the shore lines of the city centre of Kristiansand as if it is still guarding it like it has been doing for the last 4 centuries. You can visit the inside to get a better feel for wartime of the 17th and 18th century and life during these times.

This neogothic church is the 4th build on the spot as 3 previously build church burned down as many thing do in Norway. The present church was built in 1885. It is one of the largest cathedrals in Norway. The tower is even 70 meter high. Inside you’ll find a beautifull interior and sometimes during summertime there is a music performance that takes place inside. Find this church in the middle of the city centre.

The island where your ship is docked is called Odderøya. Looking from the outside deck it doesn’t seem like much, but when you take the opportunity to hike around it you will get a whole new perspective on the place. There has been a lot of military activity on the island of Odderøya from the 17th to 20th century and there are many interesting traces to various periods. Did you know this was a quarantine station in the beginning 1800’s or that the batteries used during the great northern war still stand here? There are information signs on the island that tell you the history behind it, the tourist information also has hiking maps for you, but you might want to consider to even go with a guide.

Right in the centre of Kristiansand you will find Northern Europe’s largest collection of low-rise, wall-to-wall wooden houses. These “kvadraturen” or grid line streets have been unchanged since the 17th century. Please find its location on the map above and add this one on the list of things to see and do.

The mineral parken is quite a ways out, but well worth to visit. The drive to it takes you through beautiful green landscapes. At the park you will find an unusual museum built into the rock displaying the largest collection of minerals in Northern Europe. The stones and minerals come from all over the world. From the port it is a 60 km or 1 hour drive to the Mineral Park. You can reach it by taxi or shore excursion.

The open air museum in Kristiansand is where you can learn about the history of the area. Visit one of the many houses from different era’s to learn how the Norwegians have lived through the ages. Take the hop on hop off bus to the park or public bus route 01, M1, M2, M3 eastboun to Bjorndalssletta. Find the details in de description above.

This is the heart of the town. The main shopping street, the tourist information and the cathedral are all located on it. In summertime there is always something nice to do here, whether it is festival or market it is the social centre of town.