Kristiandsand – Exploring the southern most City of Norway

Kristiansand – the capital of Southern Norway and Norway´s fifth biggest city. Still a city small enough to do in a day. The city centre fits within one square kilometer.

I spent an weekend here earlier this spring with some good friends. And it has been years since my last visit.

Kristiandsand is said to be THE summer city of Norway like many other hamlet along the southern coast of Norway. Although we visited in Spring we had luck with the sun, but the wind.. oh the wind. Chilly to the bone..

I will only quickly say something of our Hotel – Caledonien – Just don´t bother booking it. It´s location is smack in center but so not worth it. Crappy Old hotel that badly needs an renovation. The smell of oh so many parties and old pee lingered in the hallway – Let´s just finish by saying – I will NOT be staying here again.

But the City Kristansand is a beautiful one. My memories are from those great summer days. Nice warm weather and glories sun.

The fish bazaar/market in downtown is a great area. Especially at summertime. There is several restaurants lingering at the edge of water and when i Kristiansand you really should try some of the wonderful fish courses they serve up. Me I had the fish soup further up in town but oh so good. I highly recommend you give it a try. Spend some time walking along the houses built up around the pier and stop for a glass of bubbly or two.

There is an old part of town called “posebyen” which translates into bag city – don´t ask me why… But that part of town dates back to 1892 and being the only thing left of since the big fire of same date. This trip did not take me there though being to cold outside and to be honest we did not come for the sightseeing.

One shopping street (Markens) and several small coffee houses – my favorite being this one:

They even have a city sand beach downtown hosting the annual Palmesus festival. Not many taking to the beach on my visit to Kristiansand but we had a nightcap on the pier outside under the blanket watching the sunset. Super cozy and something I would do again . Then of course in better temperatur and even with something to eat.

Take to your feet and wander through the streets and you can find many small wonders. You never know what you just might find: