Kristiansand is the largest city located between Oslo and Stavanger. Kristiansand is located on Norway’s southern coast and has long been a favourite summer holidays spot amongst Norwegians. The sea and surrounding fjords are perfect for recreational activities like fishing and sailing. Kristiansand is the business and cultural capital of Southern Norway. Nicknamed “the coolest riviera” by the media, it is a modern city with a cosmopolitan history
The city was named after its founder King Christian IV in 1641. The name was written “Christian(s)sand” (for “Christians sand” – meaning (King) “Christian’s Sand”) until 1877. Then, the ch was changed to k, the form was changed to “Kristianssand”. The name was again changed to its present form Kristiansand in 1889.
The Quadrature
The city centre was laid out by Christian IV as a grid of straight streets — the Kvadraturen — and that plan still governs the town. Posebyen, the northern part of the grid, keeps a district of low white wooden houses that survived the fires and the war.
Points of interest
Posebyen old town
Christiansholm fortress on the waterfront
Kilden performing arts centre
Bystranda town beach and the fish market
Voyages calling at Kristiansand
- 25 Sept 2026 – 3 Oct 2026The magic of Fjord-Norway – A voyage to Hardangerfjord and Saudafjord9 days
Listed as Kristiansand in the brochure itineraries.
