Hafen
Kristiansund

OVERVIEW

Kristiansund, a city of ca. 23.000 inhabitants, is traditionally associated with fishing and the fish industry. However, these days the economy is mainly based on the petroleum and gas production in the North Sea. The town was totally destroyed during the WW2, but has been rebuilt and appears today as a modern, attractive town built on three islands, connected by bridges. After a short drive through Kristiansund – continue via the: Krifast Road System Opened in 1992 as the first ferry-free mainland connection from Kristiansund. It is a stretch of 25 kilometres – including the 5 kilometres long undersea Freifjord Tunnel, and 7 Bridges – among them the Bergsøysund Pontoon Bridge and the Gjemnessund Suspension Bridge. Proceed on the mainland to Eide where you will visit the old marble and lime quarries of Bergtatt. Upon arrival to Bergtatt you will be met by local guides and equipped with helmets and an inflatable vest. Depending on how many guests join the tour, one group will be exploring the cave first, while the other group will enjoy a film. Inside, the temperature is always 6 degrees Celsius, regardless of the outside temperatures. We will learn about the quarry drift in past and present before boarding wooden rafts that will take us on crystal clear water further into the mountain through beautifully lit tunnels. Surrounded by crystal clear water and 50 million liters of water beneath you. During the tour you will be able to tap your own water directly from the cave walls. The caves are illuminated in different colors and you will take in the very special atmosphere and silence.

After leaving Bergtatt, we will drive to The Atlantic Ocean Road - a scenic 8,3 kilometre long section of County Road 64 which connects the mainland with Averøy Island – through an Archipelago on the coast facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is built on several small islands and skerries – connected by causeways, viaducts and bridges. It was opened in 1989 – and is classified as one of the scenic Norwegian National Tourist Routes. Continue to the The Atlantic Ocean Tunnel - an undersea tunnel opened in 2009 as an extension of the Atlantic Ocean Road between Averøy Island and Kristiansund Town. It is ca. 5735 metres long, reaches a depth of ca. 250 metres below Sea Level and has a maximum of 10 % gradient.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Admire the island-dotted countryside around Kristiansund by a scenic drive to Hustadvika guesthouse and following the dramatic Atlantic Ocean Road. After departing from the pier, you will settle in for a relaxing drive that will include traveling on the amazingly picturesque Atlantic Ocean Road. This scenic highway links charming villages, zigzags across low bridges and skips nimbly from island to island. The road is so beautiful and memorable it was chosen “Norway’s Construction of the Century” in 2005. First you will start the scenic drive to Krifast tunnel and bridge, you will continue en route for coffeebreak at Hustadvika guesthouse and along the way see Kvernesfjorden and villages. One of the bridges that you will cross is a suspension bridge south of Kristiansund. Its sleek, beautifully modern design makes a stunning architectural statement against the pristine backdrop of mountains and sea. Amazingly, awe-inspiring sights are common along this route, so you can expect to see the Norwegian countryside in all its glory. Lastly you will do a picturesque drive then continues north with the highlight being the ride through the 3.5-mile Atlantic Ocean Road Tunnel. At its lowest point, the tunnel is about an eighth of a mile below sea level, after which you will begin ascending and then proceed to the pier.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

A scenic tour into some of the surrounding area of Kristiansund, giving an insight into the complicated road systems connecting the settlements, islands, mainland, fjords – and bordered by the Atlantic Ocean on the coast. After a short drive through Kristiansund – continue via the: Krifast Road System Opened in 1992 as the first ferry-free mainland connection from Kristiansund. It is a stretch of 25 Kilometres Road – including the 5 Kilometres long undersea Freifjord Tunnel, and 7 Bridges – among them the Bergsøysund Pontoon Bridge and the Gjemnessund Suspension Bridge. The Atlantic Ocean Road - a scenic 8,3 Kilometres long section of County Road 64 which connects the mainland with Averøy Island – through an Archipelago on the coast facing the Atlantic Ocean. It is built on several small islands and skerries – connected by causeways, viaducts and bridges. It was opened in 1989 – and is classified as one of the scenic Norwegian National Tourist Routes. On Averøy Island a visit is scheduled to Kvernes Stavechurch The Stave churches like most Norwegian Churches were built from wood – but their name derives from the construction method. During the middle Ages there were more than 1000 Stave churches in Norway – but today only 28 remain. Kvernes Stave Church was built around year 1300 as one of the youngest and largest of the remaining stave churches. It is situated in a scenic location – once an ancient holy site where the heathen Norsemen came by boat from the surrounding islands to worship. Several repairs and reconstructions have been carried out through the centuries – and the church does not have ornamental carvings on the exterior – but the interior is decorated with paintings and carvings. The church has been owned by The Society for the Preservation of Ancient Monuments since 1896. Continue on the last leg back to the pier in Kristiansund through: The Atlantic Ocean Tunnel - an Undersea Tunnel opened in 2009 as an extension of the Atlantic Ocean Road between Averøy Island and Kristiansund Town. It is ca. 5735 Metres long, reaches a depth of ca. 250 Metres below Sea Level and has a maximum of 10 % gradient.

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

OVERVIEW

Kristiansund is a charming small town on the Atlantic Ocean Coast - built on 3 main islands surrounding a natural harbour. Join for a guided walk through the traditional harbour called Vågen, passing the Statue of the Clipfish Woman and passing the old Tradinghouse P.Volckmar which these days houses a café and its own coffee roasting plant, The Mellemverftet Wharf Museum with veteran boats and wooden craft undergoing repairs. Continue for a visit to The Norwegian Clipfish Museum - situated in the Old Miln Warehouse – the oldest part of the building was raised by the Scotsman William Gordon in 1749. The Salting & Drying of Cod was introduced to Norway and Kristiansund in 1690, foreign merchants settled here, and the Clipfish industry became very important for the town – so much so that the saying go that the town is founded on Clipfish. The reason was mainly that it was close to rich fishing grounds & the climate was favourable for the air-drying of the fish. The museum aim to tell the story of the trade & importance of the Clipfish via oral Information, Photos, Exhibits – Smell & Taste. Clipfish is mostly exported from Norway, but we have one traditional dish that is popular throughout – simply called Bacalao, which is the Spanish word for cod – and when you are offered a taste sample you can easily taste the Spanish influence. Return to the pier with the traditional Sundbåten – Harbour Ferry. The Sund-Boat is a pedestrian ferry with a long history. The first ferry was built in 1876 to transport people between the islands, and the service has been operating ever since, for more than 130 years. It has become an icon for the town, and is loved by the citizens as it is a practical, enjoyable and environmental friendly mode of transportation within the inner town

HELPFUL HINTS

• Dress in weather-appropriate clothing.
• Wear flat comfortable walking shoes.

There’s nothing everyday about this half-day outing; even the coach drive from the pier is…unusual. Kristiansund, a city spread across four islands, was reachable only by ferry until 1992 when the Krifast road system, a network of deep subsea tunnels and high suspension bridges, opened to vehicular traffic. This makes the ride through and out of town extra impressive – yet far more impressive passages await.

Aglide in Bergtatt Marble Cave

Marble has been quarried at Bergtatt since 1938. The watery chambers you’ll visit today, however, now function as an underground concert venue. Fitted up by your local guide with a helmet and inflatable vest, you’ll enter a cave complex where the temperature remains a constant 43°F/6°C regardless of the weather outdoors. After a short intro video, board a wooden raft and glide out over crystal-clear waters, deep into the mountain through stunningly lit tunnels. The brilliant reflective color and profound silence create a truly magical atmosphere. A coffee & pancake break at the onsite café follows.

Astride the Atlantic Coast

Your next destination isn’t quite a place at all. It’s a breathtaking five-mile stretch of causeways, viaducts, and bridges connecting the mainland to Averøy Island via a series of small islets and skerries. Known as Atlanterhavsveien in Norwegian, the Atlantic Ocean Road opened in 1989 after six grueling years of construction. Ever since, noted travel opinionators have declared this one of the world’s most fantastic road trips – and for good reason. You might declare something yourself on crossing the curving 850-foot Storseisundet Bridge, an engineering marvel that on approach seems to plunge straight into the sea. All just an optical illusion, luckily. With photo stops, the drive runs about 90 minutes – of utter delight.

Discover the Old World charm, landmarks, and flavours of Kristiansand on-foot during this fun-filled, half-day sightseeing and tasting excursion.

Kristiansand, Old Town, Right-Angled Streets, Traditional Wooden Houses

Depart the pier for a scenic, approximately three-hour, guided walking tour of Kristiansand. Along the way, discover the many charms of Posebyen, the city’s unique Old Town area. This historic part of Kristiansand is very characteristic, with its strict, right-angled streets that have led to it being known as the ‘Quadrature’. Here, in the centre of town, which is also a popular residential area, discover the largest collection of traditional low, wooden houses in northern Europe. Due to its historical and architectural value, this area has earned special listed status.  

Fiskebrygga Quay & Fish Market, Gourmet Tasting Experience, Kilden Performing Arts Centre

Next, take a stroll along the Kristiansand waterfront. At the Fiskebrygga Quay, which is lined with fishmongers selling their catch, join a local fish expert for a gourmet seafood tasting experience at the Fiskebrygga Fish Market. Savour a spread of delectable smoked salmon, fresh, succulent shrimp, fish burgers, seafood salads, and fish soup. Afterward, commence the short walk back to the pier along a route that passes boat-filled canals, traditional wooden houses, and the magnificent modern architecture of the Kilden Performing Arts Centre.

Experience the scenic beauty of Southern Norway during this picturesque sightseeing excursion along the coast.

Kristiansand Coastal Cruise

Board your motorboat for a relaxing day cruising along the archipelago of Kristiansand. Cruise along Norway's favorite holiday coast, past beautiful holiday properties, often old restored coastal dwellings and small holdings, charming and traditionally painted white, close to the sea.

Enjoy refreshments served onboard the boat while you slowly cruise the archipelago. Sail out of the Byfjord and past Dvergsøya, where the Norwegian Crown Prince, Håkon, has his summer residence. Continue past Herøya, a farming settlement established in the 1670's towards Blindleia, an area characterized by calm waters located in a warm and friendly landscape.

Inside the Blindleia sail past Stokken, home burial mounds from the Bronze and Iron Age. The voyage continues on to Tømmerstø, with its well preserved, architecturally distinctive, buildings. Conclude your sailing journey and return back to the port.

Kristiansund sits in the middle of the Norwegian Sea, arrayed across four islands. Much of it was destroyed during World War II but has been rebuilt into a modern, attractive town with colorful character and a longstanding infatuation with fish. Your mission today is to learn about all that on a guided excursion that includes much charming architecture and a visit to a museum dedicated to the city’s ‘clipfish’ (salted cod) industry.

One of the first stops is at the Clipfish Woman statue, a monument honoring the women who dried salted cod on smooth rocks along the shoreline during much of the industry’s history. Modern drying houses now handle this process, and while production has decreased, clipfish is still synonymous with Kristiansund’s identity.

For a deeper dive into Kristiansund’s 300-year love affair with cod, visit a museum dedicated to it. Set on mid-18th-century Milnbrygga wharf, the Clipfish Museum presents photography and interactive displays that vividly bring the heritage trade to life. After the museum, step aboard one of the tiny “sundboat” ferry boats that have provided locals with non-rapid transport between Kristiansund’s islands for over 150 years. Pass by the Patrick Volckmar trading house, a renowned century-old coffee roaster, and the Mellemverftet Museum, where you might catch a glimpse of ships being repaired using traditional methods dating back to the 1850s. Change comes only slowly in this part of Norway.

Discover the scenic beauty, charm and landmarks of historic Kristiansand during this half-day sightseeing excursion.

Christiansholm Fortress and Kristiansand

Depart the pier for the short orientation drive past the Christiansholm Fortress, built in 1672, and through Kristiansand City. Upon entering, observe the rectangular pattern of streets between the harbour on two sides, and the Otra River on the third. Pass by many delightful old houses, typical of southern Norway, then cross the Otra River and pass by the 950-year-old Oddernes Church.

Vest-Agder Open-Air Museum and Søgne Village

Your first stop is at the Vest-Agder Open-Air Museum, one of many open-air museums in Norway. During your visit, see a reconstructed city street where old buildings have been dismantled and rebuilt at the museum, as well as old farmhouses from the Setesdal Valley. Leaving the museum, proceed to the village of Søgne. Here, farms are situated in close proximity to breath-taking views of the sea and surrounding small islands. An exterior photo stop is made at the rose-painted old church of Søgne; famous Norwegian poet and playwrighter Bjørnstjerne Bjørnson was married here in the 19th century.

Høllen Village and Vågsbygd

Leaving Søgne, re-board your coach and follow the winding coastal road back towards Kristiansand, passing small fishing villages and holiday homes en route. Your final stop is in the village of Høllen. Following a guided stroll through the village, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier via suburban Vågsbygd.

Experience the splendid, Old World beauty and charm of Lillesand during this picturesque, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Kristiansand City Tour

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 1.5-hour sightseeing drive to Lillesand. En route, drive past the old Christiansholm Fortress, built in 1672, and through Kristiansand City. Upon entering, observe the rectangular pattern of streets between the harbour on two sides, and the Otra River on the third. Pass by many delightful old houses, typical of southern Norway, then cross the Otra River and pass by the 950-year-old Oddernes Church.

Lillesand

Lillesand is perhaps the most beautiful little town in the region. Many of the typical white-painted houses here date from the 18th and 19th century, when Lillesand was bustling with maritime activity. At one point, the ship owners in Lillesand owned 87 ships and several shipyards. The town is blessed with a good sheltered harbour, and was an important port for the shipping of timber.

Norwegian Refreshments

Upon arrival in Lillesand, proceed for a refreshment stop at the old and fashionable Hotel Norge, situated at the pier. Afterward, some free time is made available for independent exploration. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 35-minute drive back to the pier via the coastal road.

Explore the exquisite coastline, harbours, and pristine islands of Norway’s Southern Archipelago during this scenic and exciting RIB-boat excursion.

Kristiansand, Boat Launch Pier, RIB-Boat

Depart the pier for the short walk to the boat-launch pier. Upon arrival, meet your captain/guide and receive your whale-watching safety and tour instructions, then don your goggle, warm safety life vest. Afterward, embark your Rigid Inflatable Boat (RIB) and set sail on your scenic and exciting coastal adventure. The low-profile RIB boats enable you to get closer to the exquisite coastline and pristine offshore islands of Norway’s Southern Archipelago, known as ‘Norway’s Riviera’, and their small size enables maximum manoeuvrability to cover greater distances at speeds up to 50 m.p.h. (about 80 k.p.h.).

Coastal Archipelago Park, Lighthouses, Skagerrak Sea, Seabirds, Forested Mountains, Harbours

Glide along the waters on a smooth, approximately 50-minute, high-speed ride that threads past a parade of islands off Norway’s southernmost shoreline. During your panoramic journey aboard the RIB-boat, see historical lighthouses clinging to coastal rocks, vast stretches of the Skagerrak Sea separating Norway from Denmark, seabirds on the wing overhead, and forested mountains rising from the sea. In addition, encounter many picturesque little harbours tucked into protective coves, one of which, Ny-Hellesund, is your destination today.  

Ny-Hellesund, Guided Walking Tour, Holiday Cottages, Shoppes, Little Gibraltar

Disembark your RIB-boat and take a guided walking tour through this charming harbour-town, which was brimming with sailing ships back in the 17th century. Along the way, see holiday cottages and delightful shoppes. Afterward, hike uphill to an abandoned coastal stronghold that was built by occupying German forces during World War II, and fortified with bunkers and buildings that housed hundreds of soldiers who guarded the shoreline with sizable cannons. See the hilltop remains of their bulwark, once known as ‘Little Gibraltar’, then hike back downhill to your RIB-boat for the approximately 30-minute ride back to the boat-launch pier. Upon arrival, disembark your RIB-boat and commence the short walk back to the ship.

Discover the picturesque beauty of Kristiansand Harbour and Bay during this invigorating, half-day sea-kayaking excursion.

Kristiansand, Guest Harbour, Town Centre, Fort, Fish Market

Depart the pier for the short walk to the kayaking starting point, which is in the Guest Harbour, close to the town centre, and nestled between the Fort and nearby Fish Market. Upon arrival, meet your professional kayaking instructor, then receive your safety and kayaking instructions, protective clothing, and gear before entering the water. Once on the water, your experienced kayaking guide demonstrates paddle techniques and allows time for practice prior to beginning your sea-kayaking adventure.

Sea-Kayaking Adventure, Sandy Bays, Sea Cliffs, Lighthouse, Art Museum, Kilden Concert House

Your panoramic, approximately 3.7-mile (about six-kilometre) kayaking tour circumnavigates historic Odderøy, and the actual route taken by your guide depends upon prevailing weather conditions. Along the way, your guide recounts the history of the island and points out various points of interest, including three sandy bays, dramatic sea cliffs, and the island’s Lighthouse. Further on, paddle past the renowned Art Museum and Kilden Concert House, Kristiansand’s equivalent to the better-known Sydney Opera House.

Fishermen’s Jetties, Royal Jetty

The final leg of your journey winds through the fishermen's jetties, with their famous Fish Market and excellent restaurants. Before returning to the Guest Harbour, paddle past the Royal Jetty, which is reserved for the King of Norway. Your journey concludes back at the kayaking starting point. Upon arrival, disembark your kayak, return your safety gear, and commence the short walk back to the pier.

Experience the stunning natural beauty of Norway in a unique new way during this fun-filled and exciting, half-day rafting excursion.

Kristiansand, Lakes, Forested Hills, Small Farms, Evje, Troll Aktiv Rafting Centre, Rafting Prep.

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately one-hour drive across a picturesque landscape of lakes, forested hills and small farms to Evje, and a visit to the Troll Aktiv Rafting Centre. Upon arrival, meet your guides and receive your safety instructions and equipment, including a wetsuit, windproof jacket, safety helmet, safety vest, and wetsuit boots.

Panoramic Rafting-Ride, Otra Valley, Local Flora and Fauna

After donning your gear and conducting basic rafting and paddling instructions on flat water, embark your raft and set off for a panoramic ride down the beautiful Otra Valley. En route, enjoy a unique opportunity to experience the local flora and fauna from up-close.

White-Water Rafting, Setesdal Valley, Refreshments

Each raft accompanies five-eight passengers, along with a guide. The Otra Valley features Class III and IV white-water rafting, offering an ideal mix for both novices and experienced rafters alike during an approximately 2.5-hour float down the exquisite Setesdal Valley. At the conclusion of your rafting adventure, return to the Troll Active Centre for refreshments, then commence the approximately 45-minute drive back to the pier.

The Norwegian Sea coast surrounding Kristiansund is in actuality an elaborate chain of islets and inlets. Even building roads from one city to another is uniquely challenging. On this panoramic coach drive, you’ll encounter islands and fjords as scenic as any in Norway – traveling over causeways, through plunging tunnels, and across ocean-hopping bridges that defy one’s imagination in some places.

Atlantic Ocean Road
Deemed one of the planet’s ultimate road trip experiences and ‘Norway’s Construction of the Century’ in 2005, the Atlantic Ocean Road winds its way along the region’s coastline for some five miles of exhilarating twists and curves, rising, falling, and wide open to the North Atlantic’s fury in places. During this segment of the drive, expect to be wowed by stunning views across the chain of small islets upon which it is (somehow) built.

Averøy & Kvernes Stave Church
While Averøy Island is best known as the gateway to the Atlantic Road, it has plenty of its own natural beauty to show off – from aquaculture farms to rolling hills covered in lush fern forests. Perhaps its biggest claim to fame, however, is man-made and dates from the 14th century. Or was that the 17th century? Research historians recently determined that Kvernes Stave Church is younger than originally thought, but it’s no less wonderfully wooden, character-filled, and photogenic. Step inside and admire its earlier altarpiece (1475), choir walls decorated with bible scenes, and floral-painted nave detail that was only freshly discovered. Austere and bucolic on the outside, this is a rich gem within. After a 30-minute visit, return to Kristiansund via the Atlantic Ocean Undersea Tunnel. It’s yet another engineering marvel.

Explore the military past of Kristiansand and German occupation of Norway during World War II during this scenic and informative, half-day sightseeing excursion.

Kristiansand, Cannon Museum, Coastal Artillery Fortress, Military Equipment, Krupp Cannon

Depart the pier for the scenic, approximately 45-minute drive to the famous Cannon Museum. Located in Møvik, approximately five miles (about eight kilometres) west of the town centre of Kristiansand, the museum features a collection of authentic equipment from a former military installation. Built by the German Wehrmacht during World War II, this coastal artillery fortress was named Batterie Vara (Vara Battery) after Major General Felix Vara, who was killed off Alderney in the English Channel on 3 November 1941. After the war, the Norwegian Armed Forces renamed it the Møvik Fort. During your visit to the Vara Battery, see one of the largest Krupp cannons in the world, and peruse the surrounding bunkers.

Gestapo Headquarters, Stiftelsen Arkivet, Prison Cells, Torture Chambers, State Archives

Next, proceed for a guided visit to the former Stiftelsen Arkivet (Gestapo Headquarters), the country's most notorious place for torture. Here, see recreated prison cells and basement torture chambers. Your final stop is at the State Archives, which offers a unique opportunity to learn about historic events and everyday life in Norway during a period of German occupation in World War II. At the conclusion of your visit, re-board your coach and commence the approximately 30-minute drive back to the pier.