Kristiansand Norway. Ethnographic open-air museum

The city-commune of Kristiansand is located - one of the largest in the country with a population of about 80 thousand inhabitants. It was founded in 1641 by the decree of King Christian IV. Today, Kristiansand is an important transport hub of the state; international, railway and ferry stations are located here. Also, the city is considered the center of cultural and commercial life of the whole Vest-Agder region.

Climate

Kristiansand is dominated by a warm temperate climate. The hottest month is July. The ambient temperature at this time reaches +20°C. The coolest is in January, the thermometers fix the mark of -5°C. Rainfall is infrequent.

Attractions

The medieval Norwegian town keeps a lot of memorable places. Popular Kristiansand in Norway can be considered:

In addition to the listed attractions, you should pay attention to the Museum of Art, where you will learn the history of the city. at the Museum of Nature and botanical garden you can get acquainted with an interesting collection of cacti from all over the world. The Oddernes Church, built in 1040, will help to join the religion. There is also a Cannon Museum in the city.

Hotels

More than three dozen work in the city. Pricing policy and class of service vary, so tourists will be able to choose an option that will satisfy their needs.

The 5-star Kristiansand Feriesenter offers luxurious accommodation, sophisticated design and a wide range of services. The hotel has a restaurant, massage room, playground, free parking.

4 star hotels (Radisson Blu Caledonien Hotel, Best Western Plus Hotel Norge, Thon Hotel Kristiansand) will please you with a pleasant atmosphere, polite staff, excellent service. They are located in the city center close to the main attractions, which is undoubtedly convenient.

Yess 3-star hotels will help you save money! Hotel, Dyreparken Hotell, Comfort Hotel Kristiansand. It is quite cozy here, there is everything you need for a comfortable and carefree stay.

In Kristiansand, restaurants are located literally on every corner. You can find budget ones where you can taste delicious food for ridiculous money. There are also fashionable establishments in the city, which not everyone can get into.

Popular with foreigners are Mother India, Food Asylum, Le Monde Tapas. Try baked lamb ham, fruit soufflé and cinnamon rolls, seafood dishes.

Entertainment

The city of Kristiansand is known for its numerous and magnificent. Washed on three sides warm sea, he is perfect place for sea cruises. Travel agencies sell day trips to the idyllic island of New Hellesund, the small town of Lillesand, which has whitewashed old houses and a quaint harbor.

How to get there?

And Kristiansand is separated by 323 km. This distance can be covered by plane. The city has, serving both domestic and international flights. Travel time - 1 hour. You can also go on a trip by train, bus,. The trip will take longer, but it will allow you to get acquainted with the beauty of Norway and communicate with its inhabitants. Be sure to bring your camera on the tour to take some photos of the city of Kristiansand in Norway.

On cruises, this sometimes happens - the ship makes a stop in a completely uninteresting place. Hm...
So it was in our case. I don’t know for what reasons the route was drawn up, perhaps it was convenient for the captain to refuel here?)))
I just don't see any other explanation.
On the one hand, this is one of the more or less big cities in this country. But people go to Norway not for cities, but for nature. And if you really choose a city, then Oslo or Bergen would be better ...
And there seems to be nothing interesting in Krisiansand.
Well, the weather ... uh ... sang (((...

At first we didn’t hope for anything at all, in the morning the downpour was such that we didn’t even think about any walk into the city.
Even before the trip, I tried to find some information about the city, but I did not find anything interesting. Well, okay, we decided, we didn’t lose so much ...
In such places, it is usually a good idea to ride a boat around the fjords, and perhaps one of the passengers on our ship did just that. But we personally have already been to Norway more than once, and we also saw the fjords. And then - the weather, the weather and once again the weather (((...
So we had a doo...o...long breakfast, staring out the window without much hope.
However, after a while it got a little brighter and it looked like the rain had even stopped. And we rushed - first for an umbrella to the cabin, and then to the city. For adventure...
And as soon as we got off the beach, it started to rain again.
It is very visible in the photo...

Fortunately, the ships stop there right next to the city (it is quite small) and we decided not to give up, but to see this Krisiansand a little, since we were brought here anyway.

First we went to the covered (hooray!) fish market.
Right here.

Nearby there is a sculpture "on the topic."

The market is wonderful - the choice of products is excellent and the prices are quite so acceptable. Especially when compared to Norwegian prices for everything else...

They were even a little upset that we had a “trailer” in the form of a ship and we couldn’t take anything fresh from the fish with us.
Eh, let's leave this dream until better days, but for now we'll just admire what they catch here))).

Lots of food!!! Well, for me...
Let me remind you that I mainly eat fish “without scales”, with small exceptions. For example, salmon. I can’t say that I especially loved this fish, but sometimes I still eat it. Although not so long ago I watched another documentary (French) film on the topic “how bad everything is in the Baltic Sea” and, under this impression, I was not drawn to fish at all for a week or two (((...
In Denmark, there is almost no fish from these places, but in Sweden it is, although, as far as I know, stores there are required to warn that fish from the Baltic and cannot be eaten in large doses. Well, or it’s better not to eat it at all - it’s good for yourself))) ...
It’s even interesting - do they also warn in Russian stores ???

As for Norwegian fish, the problem here is mainly with salmon. They also accumulate the devil knows what in themselves, and in large doses, so it is better to bypass salmon. It's a pity... In Norway it's so cheap!
Uh ... I don’t know - does this only apply to the “meat” of the fish or to the caviar too?
Oh, if the second (((...

But different flat fish can easily be eaten - they have little fat! And so all this dangerous rubbish does not accumulate.
That's lovely!

And different "reptiles" can also be safely eaten))).

Don't stick your finger! Chop off...

So we concluded that the Norwegians are not starving here))).
We calmed down and went to see how the weather was.
And there, it turns out, a little clearer! Not so that the sun beat down, but there was no more rain that day.
And we moved on...

We admired the representatives of the local fauna.

From the marina, the city looks modern.

As in many other places in the north, palm trees are planted here, which, most likely, then winter not on the street ...

I read that a pleasure boat goes somewhere from here - the route lies along the coast, with views of the eastern bay with the Christianholm fortress (1672) and the modern yacht harbor, and two lighthouses - Oksoy and Gröningen. And all this surrounded by the Norwegian fjords.

The city was originally built as a trading port - there is a convenient bay here, and to this day it is the most major port Norway. We probably saw only a small part of it, because. I personally did not have the feeling that the port is large.
Marina.

I still can’t get to the bottom - is there another word in Russian? Russian! “Marina” somehow hurts my hearing. I do not remember that this word was used in the days of my youth - 30-40 years ago ... Although I lived just in a sea city. And yes, we had our own "marinas" with yachts. But I don't remember what they were called, hmm...

O! Even the sun came out for a minute))).
Small beach...

Well, the prices they have here for housing!
I understand that the view of the sea and everything ... At the marina))), again ...
But there are very few days in Norway when you can admire all this!!! As in Denmark, however (((...
And where do these prices come from?

And we turned to the old city center.

Not very impressive, although the colorful old houses give it a cozy feel...

The most unpleasant thing was to see a rather impressive number of foreigners (I do not mean Americans from a cruise ship!). All these so-called "refugees" seem to be wandering around the city center with nothing to do - they don't have to work, the money goes to the bank account by itself...
Although with such a number of migrants now you will hardly surprise anyone in the western part of Europe (((... Only the eastern one still holds back the pressure ... Well done!

We went to the church.
Peculiar...

Although maybe just the same typical! There are many wooden (fully or partially) churches in Norway.
More from there.

Kristiansand in Norway was founded in 1641 by the Danish king Christian IV. Initially a trading city, in the 18th century it became a major shipbuilding center, and from the end of the 19th century, heavy industry began to actively develop here. All the milestones of his life left behind “material evidence”: a 17th-century fortress, a neo-Gothic cathedral, the Posebyen district with white one- and two-story houses - it seems that time stopped in this place back in the 18th century. In the 30s of the last century, fleeing from fascism, the German architect Thilo Schoder arrived here, thanks to which buildings in the Bauhaus style appeared in the city.

In Kristiansand there are several equipped beaches, cafes, restaurants. Most shops and shopping centers is located on Markens gate, which bears the title of the most "pedestrian" street in Norway. A visit to the fish market will be remembered: in the local restaurants, seafood dishes are “served” along with beautiful views to the pier. Kristiansand is called the "No. 1 weekend resort" in the country - and indeed, due to the absence of severe cold weather, the city is very loved by the Norwegians themselves, tourists from Denmark, Sweden and the UK.

Entertainment and active recreation

Dyreparken Kristiansand is one of the most famous zoos in the country and the second largest tourist attraction in Norway. It is worth spending the whole day in this place: look at wild animals (here they live in the most natural conditions), pet pets, ride rides in the amusement park and the center water activities. Music festivals are held in Kristiansand several times a year (everything sounds from jazz to church works), museums are open (one of the largest cannons in the world is located in the Kristiansand Artillery Museum). In the summer months, street markets are open every Saturday, and in November-December - Christmas markets. Kristiansand is a port city, so there is a special attitude towards old ships. On the pier you can see more than 150 old ships: walk along their decks, visit the cabins and holds. Near the city beach of Bistrand, there is the Aquarama water entertainment center with several slides, a pool with artificial waves, and a spa center. Here, on the beach, there are places for fishing and recreation near the water. Ferries depart from Kristiansand in Norway to the Danish cities of Hirtshals and Hanstholm; those who do not want to travel too far can take a boat ride on the Skagerrak Bay.

At first glance, Kristiansand, with its shipyards, offshore companies and warehouses, gives the impression of a port city where business rules the ball, not beauty at all. However, Norway's fifth largest city has a lot to see. At the confluence of the Otra River in the Byfjord, there is a beautiful historic quarter Posebyen, where, in addition to old toy houses, many small galleries and artisan shops attract attention. On both sides of Christiansholm Fortress (Christiansholm, 1672), within the walls of which numerous art exhibitions are held in the summer, there are numerous yacht clubs and yacht harbors.

Sights in Kristiansand

Quadraturen

The center of Kristiansand is geometrically verified - that's why the townspeople called it "Kvadraturen". The city was founded in 1641 by the Danish king Christian IV. Most of the beautifully restored houses are built in the Renaissance style. Favorite place meetings of residents and guests of the city - a pedestrian zone (Markensgate): the commercial and cultural life of the city pulsates here.

Market Square

In the heart of Christiansand - market Square (Torget). In summer, vegetables and fruits are sold here. The architectural dominant of the square is the neo-gothic cathedral (1882-1885) , built on the site of a predecessor that burned down in a fire. The main decoration of the cathedral is the altar composition "Christ in Emaus" and a collection of baroque wooden sculptures of evangelists.
Opening hours: 9.00-14.00.

Monument to the poet Henrik Wergeland

Near the cathedral - a monument to the poet Henrik Wergeland (1808-1845) - to perhaps the most famous native of the city, the work of the sculptor Vigeland.

Park Ravnedalen

Northwest of the center is open nature Park Equidistant. Climbing the stairs of two hundred steps to the observation deck, as a reward you get a magnificent view of the city, the sea and the islands scattered over it. The park was founded in 1875, there are many small lakes where you can swim, lovely paths and one small cafe.

Ethnographic open-air museum

4 km east of the city - an ethnographic museum under open sky Vest-Agder (near E 18). On its territory - forty ancient buildings, in addition, temporary exhibitions are often arranged. Of particular interest is Bygaden - reconstruction old street from "Kvadraturen". All houses here are fully furnished, some have shops and craftsmen's workshops.
Opening hours in summer: Mon.-Sat. 10.00-18.00, Sun. from 12.00.

Zoo

Probably, there is not a single child in the country who would not visit this zoo and amusement park. (12 km from Kristiansand). Children's favorites: the city of the Cardamom Robbers and the fortress of Captain Sabertooth. Predators and monkeys living in the real jungle enjoy well-deserved success.
Opening hours: ser. June-ser. Aug. 10.00-19.00, other time - until 16.00.

Arendal

The largest city south coast, so-called Norwegian Riviera - Arendal (Arendal). The era when sailboats plied the seas and oceans is still remembered by wooden houses in excellent condition on the narrow streets in the Tyuholmen area, west of the port of Pollen.

town hall

The massive four-storey building of the town hall next to the port was built in 1815 for his household by the wealthy shipowner Kallevig; now it is the second largest wooden house in all of Norway - after Stifsgården in Trondheim.

Museum of Aust-Agder

The Eust-Agder Museum is located on the northern outskirts of the city. The museum complex presents collections of furniture, national clothes, dolls, minerals and ship gear. (Parkveien 16).
Opening hours: con. June-ser. Aug. Mon.-Fri. 9.00-17.00, Sun. 12.00-17.00, other time Mon.-Fri. 9.00-15.00, Sun. 12.00-15.00.

Bomuldsfabrik

It is worth visiting the "Bomuldsfabrik", where on the territory of 2500 sq. m there is a permanent exhibition of contemporary art: you can see the work of more than 40 Norwegian artists or go to the halls of periodic exhibitions (Oddenveien 5).
Opening hours: Tue-Sun. 12.00-16.00.

nearby islands

By ferry you can sail to the nearby islands of Hisoy and Tromoy; the latter is famous for its beautiful sandy beaches and the observation platform on the Vardasen hill.

Fevik

On the way from Arendal to Grimstad, be sure to stop by Fevik (fevik). Local sandy beaches reputed to be the best in all of Norway.

Grimstad

Between Arendal and Kristiansand fit the resort of Grimstad (Grimstad, 18 thousand inhabitants). The surrounding sandy beaches and picturesque skerries call for an idyllic vacation. And in the city itself, you can wander among the old wooden houses around the port. Not far from the pier on Ostregate you can find "Ibsenhuset" - this is a former pharmacy in which Ibsen worked as a pharmacist's apprentice in 1843.

Here the famous writer, who at that time was 15 years old, wrote his first drama, Catiline, which he published in 1850 under a pseudonym. Authentic rooms have been preserved in the pharmacy building, where you can see the writer's manuscripts and paintings created in Grimstad.
Opening hours: May-Sept. Mon-Sat. 11.00-17.00, Sun. 13.00.

Mandala

center of southern city Norwegian Riviera - a real intricacies of narrow lanes and many old houses (all under state protection). Mandala (Mandal) located 45 km west of Kristiansand. When the weather is good, the whole city rushes to the magnificent Sjasanden beach. One of beautiful buildings Mandala - the old merchant's manor "Andorsengarden" (1801) ; now - a city museum with a collection of sailboats, a fishing museum and an art gallery of local artists (including works by Adolf Gustav Vigeland).

From 11 to 14 August, Mandala hosts a traditional seafood festival. In the center of the city, the freshest fish, mussels, shrimps and other delicacies, as well as dishes from them, are laid out on a table 800 meters long. Thousands of guests come to this feast.

Cape Lindesnes

Cape Lindesnes is the southernmost continental point of Norway, 40 km west of Mandal and 2518 km from North Cape. In 1655, the first lighthouse in the country was installed here. And from the observation deck of the new lighthouse, in clear weather, a fantastic view of the sea opens up. However, those who see Cape Lindesnes in a storm will be no less lucky: the waves sometimes rise up to 14 m.

Sea trips

Weather permitting, we recommend taking a day trip from Kristiansand on a pleasure boat through the skerries to the idyllic island of New Hellesund (fortress of World War II). You can look into picturesque town Lillesand (Lillesand), where snow-white old patrician houses and a charming harbor are perfectly preserved. Tickets are sold at the travel agency.

Norway

basic information

The largest city located in the southern part of Norway is Kristiansand, which is surrounded by the sea on three sides. This is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country, as here you can sunbathe on beautiful beaches, enjoy the magnificent nature, go fishing and just take a break from the hustle and bustle.

The city was founded by King Christian IV in 1641, after whom it got its name. But it is worth noting that the first settlements were located here many centuries ago. The construction of the city was carried out according to a special plan of the monarch, where all the streets had to intersect at right angles. During the years of its existence, Kristiansand survived two major fires and was captured by German troops, which caused significant damage to the city during the Second World War. Despite this, Kristiansand was restored and rebuilt according to the old plan of the king, since locals did not want to violate this ancient foundation.

By the way. The city hosts Norway's largest music festival, Kvart, which brings together many musical genres.

Main Attractions

• Kristiansand Deirpark is the second largest amusement park in Norway. On its territory there is a water park and a zoo, an amusement park and a large recreation area.
• The zoo, located in the east of the city, covers an area of ​​about 150 acres. It is considered the second largest in Norway. The zoo has collected more than 500 species of animals. In it, visitors can see wolves, antelopes, tigers, lynxes, monkeys and even giraffes. Kangaroos, crocodiles, sea lions and poisonous reptiles have also found their home here. For young visitors, the “Fairytale Cardamom Village” was opened on the territory of the zoo, invented in the book by Egner Thorbjorn
• The Southern Norway Art Museum was opened as recently as 1995 in the city centre. Inside there are various exhibitions where you can see various works of art.
• Fortress Christiansholm, built in 1667, has long been an important defense structure of the country
• The art center attracts attention with its unusual shape and size. The huge glass building with a wavy wooden roof includes 4 concert halls where various musical performances are held
• The Batterie Vara Cannon Museum, home to the second largest cannon in the world. Inside there is a large exposition of ancient tools.
• Bronseplassen is the oldest Bronze Age settlement in Norway. Here tourists can see typical houses, a labyrinth, places for sacrifices, boats and even meadows where plants were grown. Every year in July, a handicraft fair is held on the territory of Bronseplassen.
• The Museum of Nature is considered one of the oldest in Norway, it appeared in 1828. The museum collection includes about one hundred thousand natural objects from the fields of botany, geology and zoology.
• The fish market is the liveliest and most popular place in the city. Here you can buy fresh fish, take a boat ride or dine in one of the restaurants or cafes

How to get there

• By plane
• On a ferryboat
• By car, you can get there in about 4 hours. You need to go on the E18 highway, then on the E39 highway
• By train from Oslo. Travel time about 5 hours, cost 250 CZK
• By bus from Oslo. Cost about 300 crowns