Kristiansand

The new main berth is within walking distance of town at 0.5 km. Passengers with mobility difficulties can instead use a small road train, although the fare is a rather steep 15 Euro per person. On rare days with two ships alongside, one berths across the inlet.

Carry the printable map, whose red dots mark a suggested walking route.

Check the cruise schedule for Kristiansand.

Thousands of people visit the coast each year for its fjords and thousands of small islands. Kristiansand receives more sunshine days than anywhere else in Scandinavia, and its beaches and smooth rocks suit sunbathing. It is considered Norway's number one holiday area. Charter boats explore beautiful scenery and fishing villages of traditional white wooden homes. Salmon fishing is popular on the city river, while Fisherman's wharf has a lively fish market, restaurants, small craft and sightseeing activity...

Kristiansand was founded as a Renaissance town in 1641 and, until the beginning of the last century, possessed one of the world's largest sailing fleets. It is often the first cruise port for ships arriving from Europe. The city now serves as southern Norway's main centre for ferry, shipping, air, road and rail transport.

Posebyen is the surviving part of Kristiansand old town and still fills several blocks east of the centre. Small white, single-storey timber homes occupy entire blocks, creating a peaceful district only a few minutes from busy shopping streets.

Ravnedalen (Ravens' Valley) is an attractive park just beyond the centre. Steep cliffs surround abundant flower gardens and manicured lawns suited to picnics. A café serves visitors without a picnic basket, and music performances sometimes take place in summer.

Odderøya peninsula, immediately right after leaving the cruise pier, is a former military zone converted into a recreation park several years ago. Quiet nature walks offer views across both town and sea.

The compact town centre places everything within easy walking distance for visitors.

Walking is an excellent way to see Kristiansand.

An economical bus trip reaches the charming waterfront village of Lillesand. The station is a 10-minute walk from the vessel; take number 5 from bay 7. Half-hourly buses leave at 15 and 45 minutes past each hour in both directions and follow their published timetable closely. Lillesand is around 45 minutes away. Ask the driver for the best stop, followed by a downhill walk of 700 metres to the water. Seniors pay half the usual fare, with Kristiansand to Lillesand costing NOK 42 each...

Setesdalsbanen Vintage Railway is a Narrowgauge (1067mm) line using a steam engine from 1901. Its 8km route passes through tunnels, beneath avalanche shelters and over dams, recreating a turn-of-century rail journey. A traditional light snack, lefse, may be served in authentic historic surroundings. Independent visitors can ride only on Sundays; for cruise guests, the ship charters the railway and independent travel is impossible.

Dyrepark is a very large zoo, with huge open exhibits for its animals and grounds that feel like a pleasant woodland hike. From town, take bus M1 or 01 to the Dyrepark Quality Inn stop. The 30-minute journey costs 38 NOK each way, and services run every 15 minutes.

Fiskebrygga (Fish market) occupies the south-western waterfront of central Kvadraturen. A fish market remains, surrounded by mainly maritime restaurants, and residents arrive by boat during summer. From the Silokaia main terminal, walk beneath the first bridge and cross the second to reach it. For pedestrians, this route is more scenic than crossing the first bridge behind the restaurants.

Markens gate is the principal shopping street in central town and mostly pedestrianised. Chain shops now dominate, although several independent stores remain. Busy and pleasant, it is a gathering place for residents as well as a retail street.

Skippergata complements Markens gate with more small independent shops and boutiques.

Norway's currency is the Norwegian crown, or norske krone, shortened to kr. An øre equals 1/100th of a krone, and 1.00 EUR is about 8 NOK.

Norwegian ATMs are called Minibank. Chip & PIN is now standard, so photo identification is rarely needed for card payments.

Almost all shops accept major cards such as Mastercard and Visa. Carry a passport or driver's licence because identification is required when using a credit card.

Norwegian is Norway's official language and is closely related to, and mutually understandable with, the two other Scandinavian languages. English is widely spoken.

The port gives guests and crew free WiFi.

Kristiansand Tourist Information office provides free WiFi. The closest connection to the main cruise harbour is at Kilden performing arts centre; passengers are encouraged to buy a coffee, beer or something similar before using it.

Norwegian opening hours have improved, but many small shops still close early on Saturday, typically at 1 PM or 3 PM, and almost everything shuts on Sunday. Signs often show "9-21 (9-18)", meaning 9 AM to 9 PM on weekdays and 9 AM to 6 PM on Saturday.