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.
A city with four districts
Kristiansund is a colorful town that appears to float in the Atlantic Ocean only 30 minutes by car from the famous Atlantic Road. The town consists of four islands that together form a unique port area and the four districts Innlandet, Kirkelandet, Nordlandet and Gomalandet. After the bombings of 1940, Kristiansund rose again in bold, joyful colors, with buildings facing the sea, inspired by the traditional clipfish wharves. Here, old meets new as the lively town life mingles with the raw power of the ocean. Kristiansund is also a cultural hub – with events like the Opera Festival Weeks, the Clipfish Festival, and the Festspillene bringing an international pulse to this coastal community.
Clipfish, Sundbåten, and the fishing village Grip
A visit to Kristiansund isn’t complete without sampling its pride and joy – clipfish. Local restaurants serve up traditional dishes like bacalao or the popular “fishan,” Kristiansund’s own twist on fish & chips. For a unique view of town life, hop on the Sundbåten, a faithful ferry that’s been part of Kristiansund’s character since 1876. The boat glides between the four “lands” on a charming 20-minute loop, offering a fresh perspective from the water. In summer, adventure further out to the fishing village of Grip, 14 kilometers offshore. This little treasure is home to colorful houses, a historic stave church from the 1300s, and a rare tranquility. A guided tour lets you feel the echo of history and the calm of coastal life, giving you a true taste of this wild, beautiful corner of the Norwegian coast.
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.
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