Cities
Kristiansund
A city with four districts
Kristiansund is a colorful city that appears to float in the Atlantic Ocean only 30 minutes by car from the famous Atlantic Road. The city consists of four islands that together form a unique port area and the four districts Innlandet, Kirkelandet, Nordlandet and Gomalandet. Kristiansund is a city and municipality on Nordmøre in Møre og Romsdal, with around 24,000 inhabitants. The municipality consists of a group of islands, with five larger and several smaller islands, islets and reefs.
Postwar renewal
Kristiansund was almost destroyed in 1940, close to 900 houses burned down after the city was bombed. The city that meets the visitor today has been built up over the last 50 years. Much of the city lost its old character, but you can still experience history when you visit the old town in the lower part of Innlandet.
Colors by the sea
The new Kristiansund has acquired a distinctive character; notice the houses painted in cheerful colors and see how the gabled houses in the center of Kirkelandet are oriented towards the street and quay with its clipfish piers. Kristiansund is a clean, attractive city surrounding the harbor.
Clipfish and classic tones
Kristiansund is a city filled with culture. Opera, clipfish and Sundbåt are three things not to be missed when you travel here. Throughout the year you can experience around 100 different events, and attend for example, the Opera Festival Weeks, the Nordic Light Festival of Photography, the Clipfish Festival, the Tahiti Festival and the Kristiansund Festival - just to name a few.
Discover «fishan»
From ancient times Kristiansund's economy was based on clipfish. If you look at a menu at the city's restaurants and cafes, you will see that culinary traditions are alive and well today. We recommend stopping by one of the many popular places serving Kristiansund specialties like bacalao or "fishan", real fish and chips in traditional Kristiansund style.
The heart of the city - Sundbåten
Many locals consider Sundbåten as the very heart of the city. The boat is one of the world's oldest means of public transport and has been in continuous operation under the same logo since 1876. Sundbåten is almost as old as the famous tram in San Francisco which was built in 1873. The round trip between the four districts takes around 20 minutes.
The fishing village of Grip
14 kilometers north of Kristiansund you will find one of the city's most popular attractions in the summer, the colorful island of Grip. Until 1964, Grip was its own municipality and the country's smallest. Already in the Middle Ages Grip was a well-known and important fishing village. Today, the island has no permanent settlement, but the old buildings are original and mainly used as holiday homes.
Tour, photo exhibition and stave curch
During the summer months, a boat goes to Grip where you can join a guided tour to one of the colorful boathouses for a photo exhibition and hear the story of the island's small red stave church. The foundations of the church are from around the year 1300; it stands on the highest point of the island. You can visit the café during opening hours or just enjoy the picturesque scenery, fresh air and charming atmosphere.
Travel inspiration
What to see and do
Culture
Grip - fishingvillage near Kristiansund
Kristiansund
The idyllic fishing village Grip, is located in the Atlantic ocean, 12 km northwest of Kristiansund. In the summer season, there are daily tourist tours including guiding to the fishing village of Grip.
Culture
Norwegian Clipfish Museum
Kristiansund
The Norwegian Clipfish Museum is situated on the island of Gomalandet in Kristiansund in a large and well preserved wharf dating back to 1749.
Sightseeing
Sundbåten - The harbour ferry
Kristiansund
Sundbåten - The world's oldest public transport service in continuous use. Part of Kristiansund's cultural heritage and a great way to experience Kristiansund.
Culture
Nordlandet Church
Kristiansund
Nordlandet church is situated straight up from the harbour area of the Nordlandet district of Kristiansund and was the town's main church from 1940 until the new Kirkelandet church was taken into use in 1964.
Culture
Grip stave church
Kristiansund
Grip Stave Church is located on Grip, a small island 14 km out to sea from Kristiansund on Nordmøre. There is a boat to Grip in the summer season from Kristiansund, and the trip out takes 1 hour each way.
Outdoor activities and nature
Freikollen - Mountain hiking with panoramic views
Kristiansund
Freikollen is a popular summit both for locals and visitors. It is an amazing view from the summit, and you can see the city, the islands and ocean surronding it all.
Culture
Rastarkalv - a viking battlefield
Kristiansund
Rasterkalv, an ancient battlefield, is located close to Frei Church. This was the site of a battle in 955 AD between the Viking king Håkon the Good and Eiriksønnene, the sons of Eirik.
Shopping
Norsk Flid Kristiansund - Norwegian arts and crafts
Kristiansund
Norsk Flid or better known as Husfliden, is a well-known store and is specialist in folk costume, yarn, garments, wooden items and gifts.
Sightseeing
Kringsjå/Vanndammene - hiking
Kristiansund
Idyllic park area with beautiful surroundings. It is a unique botanic coastal garden, with an exceptionally rich and varied vegetation.
Culture
Grip - fishingvillage near Kristiansund
Kristiansund
The idyllic fishing village Grip, is located in the Atlantic ocean, 12 km northwest of Kristiansund. In the summer season, there are daily tourist tours including guiding to the fishing village of Grip.
Sightseeing
Roundtour with Bus from Kristiansund to Kvernes stave church
Kristiansund
Travel like the locals with bus from Kristiansund to the youngest of Norway`s stavechurches - Kvernes stave church. Buy your tickets here.
Shopping
Alti Futura shopping centre
Kristiansund
At the entrance to Kristiansund you will find Løkkemyra and popular shopping centre Alti Futura, with 55 shops and 450 free parking spaces (130 under roof), as well as a separate motorhome parking. Wide selection of shops, including pharmacy, grocery store and several restaurants/cafeterias:
How to get here
Travel to and around Nordmøre and Romsdal by car, bus, train, boat and plane. Visit amazing attractions such as the Atlantic Road, Trollstigen and Romsdalseggen ridge. Here you will find information about transport in Northwest.
Getting to and around NorthwestWhere to eat and sleep
Food and drink
Bryggekanten brasserie, restaurant & bar
Kristiansund
The restaurant Bryggekanten is located by the sea in the center of Kristiansund. In the Brasserie you will find a tempting selection of lunch dishes during the day and a good selection of hot dishes as well as tapas in the evenings.
Accommodation
Thon Hotel Kristiansund
Kristiansund
Hotel Kristiansund offers modern rooms with sea views and a restaurant overlooking the harbor. Explore opera, clipfish, Sundbåten, and the Atlantic Road nearby.
Food and drink
Smia Fish restaurant
Kristiansund
Cosy and rustic restaurant in Kristiansund. Smia Fish restaurant serves local food with the salted and dried cod; Klippfish in various dishes.
Events
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