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Cities

Kristiansund

Kristiansund is located at the far end of the ocean gap's headland in northwestern Norway. Opera, delicious clipfish, the fishing village of Grip and the Opera Festival Weeks await visitors here. Kristiansund is referred to as the Atlantic City, as it is the closest city to one of the world's most scenic roadways - the Atlantic Road.

Kristiansund havn
© Per Kvalvik

Day trips in Kristiansund

Would you like tips for things to do in Kristiansund? Here are some of our suggestions for day trips and activities!

The clipfish town by the sea

After the bombing in 1940, Kristiansund rose in vibrant, cheerful colors, with gables facing the sea – inspired by the old clipfish wharves. The town's proud food tradition lives on today through local specialties like bacalao and "fishan," Kristiansund's own version of fish & chips. Here, historic craftsmanship meets modern culinary culture. See where to eat in Kristiansund here.

Culture and historical Grip

Opera Festival Weeks, the Clipfish Festival, and the Festspillene bring an international atmosphere to the town. 14 kilometers out into the open sea, the fishing village of Grip beckons with colorful houses and a 14th-century stave church. Here, where history meets the open ocean, you’ll find a unique sense of tranquility.

Four islands – one town

Innlandet, Kirkelandet, Nordlandet, and Gomalandet together form a unique harbor area – four lands that make one town. Since 1876, the iconic Sundbåten has connected the islands with its 20-minute route – the world’s oldest public transport still in continuous operation. From the sea, you’ll get a special glimpse into the town’s maritime soul.

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The world's most beautiful road trip

Dronebilde av Atlanterhavsvegen

The Atlantic Road

The Atlantic Road in Norway is referred to as the most beautiful journey in the world. With its eight bridges, the road meanders like a sea worm from Kårvåg on Averøya to Vevang at the mainland.

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Get inspired by local stories and hidden gems

Here, you’ll find articles from people who know Kristiansund and the surrounding area inside out. Browse through these pages for inspiration and start planning your perfect stay. Discover new places to explore and get insider tips on hidden experiences that go beyond the usual tourist trail.

Kristiansund

10 things to do in Kristiansund

Uncover the hidden treasures of Norway's clipfish town. Kristiansund invites you to explore a world of unique experiences – from historic fishing villages to vibrant activities in the heart of town. Not sure where to start? Wander through its colourful streets, soak in the maritime heritage, and discover your own favourite spots along the way.

Opplev vakre Kristiansund.

The Atlantic town with four lands

You may have heard of its excellent salted cod and opera, but the town of Kristiansund, situated on the edge of the Atlantic Ocean, has far more to offer than salty fish and classical vocals.

The taste of Nordmøre

The taste of Nordmøre

Kristiansund and the Nordmøre district is home to a rich food culture and history. Meet some of the people who cultivate delicious local produce and who prepare some of the most glorious dishes in the world.

7 bracing experiences on the Atlantic Road

7 bracing experiences on the Atlantic Road

If you’re going to visit the Atlantic Road, take the time to experience more than just the view. Here are seven of the many bracing experiences you should try near the spectacular ocean road in Northwest Norway.

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What to see and do

Read more about these highlighted places and attractions in Kristiansund

Grip - fishingvillage near Kristiansund

Grip - fishingvillage near 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.

Norwegian Clipfish Museum

Norwegian Clipfish Museum

The Norwegian Clipfish Museum is situated on the island of Gomalandet in Kristiansund in a large and well preserved wharf dating back to 1749.

Sundbåten - The harbour ferry

Sundbåten - The harbour ferry

Sundbåten - The world's oldest public transport service in continuous use. Part of Kristiansund's cultural heritage and a great way to experience Kristiansund.

Nordlandet Church

Nordlandet Church

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.

Grip stave church

Grip stave church

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.

Freikollen - Mountain hiking with panoramic views

Freikollen - Mountain hiking with panoramic views

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.

Rastarkalv - a viking battlefield

Rastarkalv - a viking battlefield

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.

Norsk Flid Kristiansund - Norwegian arts and crafts

Norsk Flid Kristiansund - Norwegian arts and crafts

Norsk Flid or better known as Husfliden, is a well-known store and is specialist in folk costume, yarn, garments, wooden items and gifts.

Kringsjå/Vanndammene - hiking

Kringsjå/Vanndammene - hiking

Idyllic park area with beautiful surroundings. It is a unique botanic coastal garden, with an exceptionally rich and varied vegetation.

Roundtour with public bus from Kristiansund to Kvernes stave church

Roundtour with public bus from Kristiansund to Kvernes stave church

Travel like the locals with bus from Kristiansund to the youngest of Norway`s stavechurches - Kvernes stave church.

Alti Futura shopping centre

Alti Futura shopping centre

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:

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Things to do in Kristiansund

Here is a list of things to do in Kristiansund, today or in the coming days.

How to get there

Are you travelling by car or public transport? Wondering how to get there? We can help you!

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Where to eat and sleep

Nyt smaken av kysten og finn roen med overnatting tett på havet.

Bryggekanten brasserie, restaurant & bar

Bryggekanten brasserie, restaurant & bar

Bryggekanten Restaurant is located on the quay in the heart of Kristiansund. Local quality food, including Kristiansunds signature dish - clipfish.

Thon Hotel Kristiansund

Thon Hotel Kristiansund

Hotel Thon Kristiansund offers modern rooms with sea views and a restaurant overlooking the harbor.

Smia Fish restaurant

Smia Fish restaurant

Cosy and rustic restaurant in Kristiansund. Smia Fish restaurant serves local food with the salted and dried cod; Klippfish in various dishes.

Scandic Kristiansund

Scandic Kristiansund

Scandic Kristiansund hotel is situated in the middle of the town and in short distance to the regions biggest attraction- The Atlantic Road.

Byskogen Camping

Byskogen Camping

Byskogen Camping is a cosy campingsite about 8 kilometers from the center of Kristiansund. Rental of rooms, apartments and cottages.

Comfort Hotel Fosna

Comfort Hotel Fosna

Comfort Hotel Fosna is located right in the center of Kristiansund with walking distance to shopping and sights.

Dalabergan Fishing Huts

Dalabergan Fishing Huts

Dalabergan Fishing Huts are centrally located in Kristiansund, with the Atlantic Ocean as your nearest neighbor.

Thon Hotel Storgata

Thon Hotel Storgata

Thon Hotel Storgata in  Kristiansund is centrally located in the harbour area, at the heart of the town.

Møst Sjøstuer - Fisherman cabin

Møst Sjøstuer - Fisherman cabin

Modern fishermen cabins situated on the island of Frei who is about 20 km from the center of Kristiansund.

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Upcoming events

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Smøla

Smøla

Far out in the open sea, north of Kristiansund, lies Smøla – a prairie-like archipelago with thousands of islets and skerries, lively fishing villages, and stunning nature. Local culture, sea eagles, paddling opportunities, and the famous fishing village Veiholmen are just some of what awaits you when you come to the island with its beautiful light.

Ålesund

Ålesund

From the lively cafés in Ålesund, it’s just 418 steps to the top of Aksla – and what a view! After the fire in 1904 fire, Ålesund was rebuilt in a playful Art Nouveau style, with towers, spires, and colourful facades. No wonder National Geographic has named it one of the world’s most beautiful port cities!

Molde

Molde

Molde, the Fjord City, offers charm and atmosphere with a unique combination of culture, nature, and culinary experiences. Here, you can experience Moldejazz and enjoy panoramic views of Romsdal's 222 mountain peaks. From the city, you are just a short distance from iconic attractions like the Atlantic Road, Trollstigen, and Romsdalseggen.

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