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.
