The Varden panorama provides a 360-degree view, with the majestic backdrop of the Nordmørsfjellene mountains in the north-east and the Atlantic ocean to the west. Binoculars are available at the top of the tower which you can use to study the mountains and fjords of Nordmøre in more detail.
Availability
There is no admission charge and it is open every day all year. If the door is locked, you can ring the bell and the fire safety duty officer will open the door for you remotely.
Description of walk to Varden in Kristiansund
Varden is a popular destination for walks, situated on a hill in the centre of Kristiansund. The area around Varden is a great place for children to play, with tables and benches for relaxing. You can bring a drink and snacks and watch the sun setting in the sea on fine summer evenings.
Start the walk at Kirkelandet church, situated on Langveien road on Kirkelandet island. This is the main church in Kristiansund, and was built in 1964. Walk west from the church up the hill. You pass a pretty park and the road takes you past several ponds before you come to an open meeting point (a platform). Keep walking down a small hill, cross Vuggaveien road and then walk up some steps and turn right. Keep going until you reach a gravel path and follow it all the way up to Varden tower.
If you are cycling or have a pram, you should start the walk on Vuggaveien road. Walk 300 metres back in the direction you came from and follow the signpost to Varden, which points you in the right direction to the left. You can also follow the round trip shown in the StikkUT! map and walk along the paths where you can see the water channels used to transport water to the Vanndamman pond.
- See the StikkUT! map here (in Norwegian)
Access and parking
The walk is suitable for prams and bikes. The car road does not go all the way to Varden, but you can park just below it, and walk the 300-400 metres up to the tower. Note that the hill is quite steep.
You can drive to the centre of Kristiansund via Langveien road. Turn right at the street Tollinspektør Flors gate, and follow the signs to Varden. Then drive straight ahead into Vuggaveien road. You will see public parking spaces to the left after around 400 metres, where you can park. The walk starts by crossing Vuggaveien road.
From wooden to brick tower
To mark the 150th anniversary of Kristiansund in 1892, the wooden tower at Varden was replaced by a distinctive brick tower. In 1992, a replica of the old wooden tower was donated to Kristiansund municipality by former residents of the town living in Oslo.