Kristiansand

Nicknamed "Sommerbyen" ("Summer City"), Norway's fifth-largest city has 78,000 inhabitants. Norwegians come here for its sun-soaked beaches and beautiful harbor. Kristiansand has also become known internationally for the outdoor Quart Festival, which hosts local and international rock bands every July. According to legend, in 1641 King Christian IV marked the four corners of Kristiansand with his walking stick, and within that framework the grid of wide streets was laid down. The center of town, called the Kvadraturen, still retains the grid, even after numerous fires. In the northeast corner is Posebyen, one of northern Europe's largest collections of low, connected wooden house settlements, and there's a market here every Saturday in summer. Kristiansand's Fisketorvet (fish market) is near the south corner of the town's grid, right on the sea.
Landing directly on sea ice from ice breaker ship

Join for FREE to view this content

Members get full access to this page and all of ExplorEarth's exclusive guides, stories and cruises.

Already have an account? Log in


Or continue with:

Why create an account with ExplorEarth?

Landing directly on sea ice from ice breaker ship
1
Discover
  • Introduction to expedition cruises
  • Stories & Guides from leading travel writers
  • Wildlife & Birdlife Guides
  • Exclusive webinars
Sylvia Earle ship in Sam Ford Fjord Arctic Burnham Arlidge
2
Compare
  • Which destination is right for you
  • Expert guides to every region
  • Help choosing the right ship
  • Free Expert Advice
Walrus resting on sea ice with M/S Stockholm in the background, showcasing Arctic wildlife and expedition cruising.
3
Choose
  • Hundreds of expedition cruises to compare
  • Access exclusive offers and added-value
  • Expert Advice for the best cabins
  • Introductions to approved travel resellers for packaging
Landing directly on sea ice from ice breaker ship
1
Discover
  • Introduction to expedition cruises
  • Stories & Guides from leading travel writers
  • Wildlife & Birdlife Guides
  • Exclusive webinars
Sylvia Earle ship in Sam Ford Fjord Arctic Burnham Arlidge
2
Compare
  • Which destination is right for you
  • Expert guides to every region
  • Help choosing the right ship
  • Free Expert Advice
Walrus resting on sea ice with M/S Stockholm in the background, showcasing Arctic wildlife and expedition cruising.
3
Choose
  • Hundreds of expedition cruises to compare
  • Access exclusive offers and added-value
  • Expert Advice for the best cabins
  • Introductions to approved travel resellers for packaging