Places to stay and things to do in Kristiansund

At the very edge of the open sea in Nordmøre, around halfway between Trondheim and Ålesund, you'll find the coastal city of Kristiansund. 

Located on several islands, it is often referred to as the 'city with four lands', after the names of the four districts of Kirkelandet (centre), Innlandet, Nordlandet and Gomalandet. This is a place where you can cross lots off your bucket list, as well as enjoy magnificent experiences all year round in the form of nature, food and cultural attractions.

Here we provide useful information for visitors to Kristiansund:

Sundbåten 

San Francisco has its iconic tram, London the double-decker – and Kristiansund the Sundbåten harbour ferry. The historic boats, which have been in operation since 1876, are considered by many to be the very heart of the city and have become a tourist attraction in themselves. Sundbåten is actually one of the world’s oldest means of public transport and to this day, the boats 'Rapp' and 'Angvik' transport both locals and tourists daily between the islands of Kristiansund. The tour takes around 20-30 minutes and is free, or you can go on a guided tour or island hopping.

Atlantic Ocean Road

Get ready for a spectacular road trip! The Atlantic Ocean Road scenic route is referred to as the 'Road in the Sea' – and for good reason: Here you drive along the very edge of the open sea, crossing seven bridges that meander between islets and rocks, not to mention stunning nature. The road stretches 36 kilometres between Kårvåg and Bud, around half an hour away from Kristiansund, and has been voted the world’s most beautiful road trip by The Guardian. You can also enjoy the route on two wheels, since the road is part of National Cycle Route 1, which runs along the entire Norwegian coast. And if you’re lucky, you may even spot both seals and whales along the way! 

Get tips for great stops along the way in our Atlantic Ocean Road Travel Guide. 

Grip fishing village and Grip stave church 

A trip to Grip is like a journey back in time. The old fishing village is located on a small island at the edge of the open sea and was established as a fishing village as early as the Middle Ages. Today, the colourful houses have become holiday homes and the island is one of the most popular attractions in Kristiansund. Don't forget to check out Grip stave church, built in the 1400s and an attraction in itself, with a café that is open during high season. 

In the summer, there are daily boat trips to the island, which take around 35 minutes from the pier in Kristiansund. Gripruta includes a guided tour with a visit to the church, but you can also walk around on your own and simply enjoy the unique atmosphere. 

City of opera and culture 

If you’re interested in culture – or are passionate about opera – you’ve come to the right place! Kristiansund is home to Norway’s oldest opera house, dating back in 1928, where over 100 productions of all sizes are performed each year. The city also invites visitors to the 'Operafestukene', an annual opera and cultural festival that has been held since 1971. The festival is considered one of Norway’s largest and most important festivals for classical music, and the programme includes operas, musicals, lectures and various concerts. 

You should also check out the Nordic Light Festival of Photography if you're interested in Norwegian and international photography or the Tahiti Festival and Festspillene in Kristiansund if you love music. And if you’re into local goodies, the month of June and the Snadderfestivalen should not be missed. 

Kristiansund water park and indoor playground

If you’re in the city on a rainy day or simply looking for a fun indoor activity, head to Atlanterhavsbadet, Kristiansund’s largest water park. There is plenty to enjoy here for young and old, including a separate wave pool with beach zone, children's pool, climbing wall, water slides, café and wellness area – in addition to a regular swimming pool.

If you prefer to stay dry, Neptun Lekeland is a great alternative. It is the largest indoor playground in the region, with over 2,200 square metres of space where children can play, climb, jump and slide – and everything in between. 

Norwegian Clipfish Museum and other sights

Did you know that Kristiansund is known as Norway’s first 'clipfish capital'? If you want to learn more about the history –and not just the taste – of clipfish, visit the Klippfiskmuseet in Milnbrygga. Here you get an authentic impression of the history of clipfish in Kristiansund and what it has meant for the city’s culture and trade from the early 1700s to this very day. Don't miss the 'Klippfiskkjerringa' statue down in the harbour on Kirkelandet. 

Also check out the lively shipyard and Mellemværftet Historic Shipyard, where you can learn about old craft traditions, or take a trip to the beautiful island of Smøla, where you have a great chance of spotting sea eagles! 

Kristiansund Stadium and Cinema 

Kristiansund can proudly claim to be the placee where Ole Gunnar Solskjær, one of Norway’s best football players of all time, put on his first pair of football cleats. His cleats may be collecting dust, but if you want to see today’s up-and-coming football stars in action at Kristiansund Ballklubb, head to Nordmøre Stadium. 

If you're not too fond of football, perhaps you'd prefer to watch a good film? Kristiansund Cinema is located in the centre of the city and offers a varied cinema programme for young and old alike. The perfect rainy day activity!

In Kristiansund, the emphasis is on seafood, preferably in the form of fish and chips, clipfish and bacalao! The first is called 'fishan' by the locals and is a traditional dish. The best in town is said to be served at Fishanbua, located near the quay at Kirkelandet, or at Svensson Chips, both of which are long-standing favourites. 

For clipfish, bacalao and other local specialities, Smia Fiskerestaurant is a great choice. Enjoy a proper meal with an historic vibe in an old timber building from 1787. At Boteco, the menu is inspired by Brazilian cuisine, while the menu at Bryggekanten brasserie, restaurant and bar features local and seasonal ingredients. 

When you're ready for a coffee break, head to Handelshuset Patrick Volckmar, located at the other end of Vågen. Here you'll find a museum, coffee roastery and café in one, where the coffee is made in a coal-fired coffee roaster from 1870 – Norway’s oldest still in use! 

Tip! Did you know that the cheese voted the world’s best blue cheese in 2016 is produced just outside of Kristiansund? So, if you’re a cheese connoisseur, make sure to try 'Kraftkar' and several of the other award-winning cheeses from Tingvollost while you're in town. 

Thon Hotel Kristiansundis located by the waterfront in the Innlandet district. Here you can enjoy beautiful views of the coastal waters and city centre and choose between 91 different single rooms, double rooms, superior rooms and business rooms. From the hotel, it is only 200 metres to the Sundbåten ferry, which takes you around the city, and only 50 metres to the nearest bus stop. The hotel also has the city’s most modern conference facilities, its own waterfront outdoor restaurant and a large outdoor area with beach. 

On the other side of the strait, on the island of Kirkelandet, which is also the city centre, you'll find Thon Partner Hotel Storgata. The hotel has 51 rooms and is centrally located by Storkaia, with fantastic views of the harbour. If you feel like shopping, the AMFI Storkaia Brygge shopping centre is located right next door, while Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget is five kilometres away and the Atlanterhavsbadet is three kilometres from the hotel.