Kristiansand

Norway

Wander through the charming old town's colorful wooden buildings and relax in Scandinavia's warmest waters at pristine nearby beaches.

Currency Norwegian Krone (NOK)

Language Norwegian

Time Zone CET (UTC+1)

Best Time to Visit Apr–Aug

Typical Duration 7-15 nights

Price Range $649–$94,500 per person

Port Type Port of Call

Tender Port No

Kristiansand is a charming gateway to Norway's southern coast, offering access to historic Scandinavian culture, nearby fjords, and convenient connections to other Northern European ports.

Cruises that visit Kristiansand

Build Your Day in Kristiansand

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 6:00 PM

Usually about 10 hours ashore

My ship arrives around: Getting around:

Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park Plenty of activities for kids and get ready to spend an entire day. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 12k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Thon Sørlandssenteret Really big Shopping Mall, very clean and easy to park for free Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 7k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Cardamom Town Fun for the children Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k

Fish Market The fish market in KRISTIANSAND is worth a visit. Market · ★ 4.5 · 3k Closed · Opens 8 AM Thu

Aquarama good facilities with lots of things to do for a reasonable price Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 2k Closed · Opens 12 PM Thu

Thon Senter Sandens nice shopping mall nice stores good selection Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 2k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Restaurant Mother India Super nice venue, great atmosphere, terrific food and lovely waiters. Indian · ★ 4.4 · 2k Closed · Opens 2 PM Thu

Thon Senter Vågsbygd Lot of variety and different shops in each segment. Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 2k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Kilden Performing Arts Centre Good place for entertainment! Concert hall · ★ 4.6 · 2k

Lillemarkens Shopping Good variety of goods at any taste and good prices Shopping mall · ★ 4.2 · 2k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Håndverkeren Restaurant & Pub Excellent food, service and atmosphere! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k

Kristiansand Cathedral The Kristiansand Cathedral is one of the largest cathedrals in Norway. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

Sjøhuset Restaurant ... food, service & atmosphere were PERFECT! Seafood · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 3 PM Thu

Patricks Pub It is such a great place, cold beer, GREAT FOOD, and a fantastic service. Pub · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closes soon · 12 AM

La Famiglia Great service and great food Italian · ★ 4.3 · 1k Closed · Opens 3 PM Thu

SkagenPub A good bar with cheap and ok beers, a good atmosphere and nice dishes! Bar · ★ 4.3 · 1k

Bønder i Byen Great food, friendly staff, great location ! Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

Bellini Amazing service, amazing quality and amazing atmosphere. Italian · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

Kunstsilo Impressive architecture, modern, kids activities, panorama view. Art museum · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

Bakgården Bar Great service and great cocktails! Restaurant · ★ 4.4 · 1k

Christiansholm Fortress Near the fortress is a Ferris wheel that provides another great experience. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.3 · 1k Temporarily closed

Kristiansand Cruise Terminal Kristiansand is lovely and well worth a visit if you get the chance. Cruise terminal · ★ 4.6 · 1k

TilStede mat og mer Great ambience, delicious food, gluten free friendly 👍🏻😊 Restaurant · ★ 4.7 · 1k Closed · Opens 11 AM Thu

Kristiansand Museum Amazing open air museum showing buildings from the history of Kristiansand Tourist attraction · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 11 AM Sun

Smag & Behag Very nice dining room, delicious food and a very extensive wine list! Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closes soon · 12 AM

Nupenparken (Otterdalsparken) Beautiful place for rest and walk with very nice view to sea and boats) Park · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Hos Moi Great ocean view, wine cart is really good and the food is amazing. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM Thu

Natural History Museum and Botanical Garden, University of Agder Great natural history museum in Kristiansand! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

ZARA Good variety of goods and good quality and service, economical prices Clothing store · ★ 3.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Royal Angkor Khmer Kitchen (Cambodia Food) Great food, fantastic people, reasonable prices. Cambodian · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Gimle Farm My visit to Gimle Gård was a unique and charming experience. Farm · ★ 4.6 · 0k Temporarily closed

Vaktbua Better atmosphere than most places in town. Live music bar · ★ 4.6 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu

Port of Kristiansand Picturesque too with good restaurants Port authority · ★ 4.5 · 0k

San Sebastián Good atmosphere and jovial employees Cocktail bar · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closes soon · 12 AM

Odderøya fort Interesting place for people's who's like history, and nice views Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Gvino – Georgian Wine Bar in Kristiansand Loved this place — amazing wine selection, wonderful staff, great location 💫 Wine bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 4 PM Thu

Kollektivet The most interesting collection of art, gifts, and playful experiences. Store · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Nature Norway: RIB Speed Sightseeing Incredible experience, a lot of fun going on the tour while on water. Outdoor activity organiser · ★ 5 · 0k

NORD Gifts Lots of choices for souvenirs and the staff were friendly and helpful. Souvenir store · ★ 4.4 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Telfords Pub Great staff and top Guiness. Pub · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Kristiansand Port Plenty of shops and bars in the centre. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 0k

Et annet sted Drinks and service is TOP CLASS! Cocktail bar · ★ 4.7 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 PM Fri

Kristiansand Tourist Information Tourist information center · ★ 4.2 · 0k Closed · Opens 6 AM Thu

Ting Kristiansand Gift shop · ★ 4 · 0k Closed · Opens 9 AM Thu

Qvarteret Tap Room Amazing beer and very knowledgeable staff! Pub · ★ 5 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM Thu

Enten Eller Recommend to try the beer there. Pub · ★ 4.7 · 0k

Postgården shopping Shopping mall · ★ 4.1 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 AM Thu

Kristiansand Market Grocery store · ★ 3.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM Thu

MS Bragdøya Tourist attraction · ★ 4 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Kristiansand

About Kristiansand

Kristiansand has emerged as a vibrant cruise destination in Northern Europe, with eleven major cruise lines calling at this Norwegian port. With over 200 upcoming sailings and a strong presence from premium operators like Viking Ocean Cruises, Oceania Cruises, and Silversea alongside mainstream lines such as Royal Caribbean and MSC Cruises, the port offers excellent variety for cruise travelers. Most itineraries span seven nights, with Kristiansand serving as a port of call on routes connecting Scandinavia's most iconic cities—Oslo, Copenhagen, and Bergen—along with popular Baltic and Northern European ports.

When your ship docks, you'll find yourself in a charming coastal city with a relaxed Norwegian atmosphere. The compact city center invites leisurely exploration, while the nearby Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park offers family-friendly entertainment. The summer months of April through August see peak cruise activity, making this an ideal time to experience the region's long daylight hours and pleasant weather while discovering what makes this southern Norwegian port a favorite among cruise passengers.

Kristiansand Cathedral's Architectural Splendor

Marvel at Norway's largest cathedral, an impressive neoclassical structure completed in 1885 that dominates the city's skyline. The stunning white wooden interior and intricate details make it one of Scandinavia's most beautiful religious buildings. A short walk from the cruise terminal, it's a must-see for history and architecture enthusiasts exploring this charming port city.

Fresh Seafood at the Waterfront

Savor Norway's finest catch at harborside restaurants serving freshly prepared fish and shellfish with panoramic views of Kristiansand's picturesque waterfront. Local specialties include grilled salmon, king crab, and traditional fish soup. The relaxed atmosphere and authentic Nordic cuisine offer an unforgettable culinary experience just steps from your ship.

Ravnedalen Nature Reserve's Scenic Trails

Escape into lush forests and discover stunning valley views at this peaceful nature reserve just minutes from the city center. Well-maintained hiking trails wind through native vegetation, offering perfect photo opportunities and a refreshing break from the ship. The serene landscape showcases Norway's natural beauty and provides an ideal afternoon adventure for outdoor enthusiasts.

Markens Gate's Charming Shopping District

Stroll through Kristiansand's vibrant pedestrian shopping street lined with boutiques, galleries, and local artisan shops showcasing Norwegian crafts and design. Browse traditional souvenirs, contemporary fashion, and unique gifts while soaking in the lively atmosphere of this beloved local hub. The street's colorful storefronts and friendly vendors create an authentic Scandinavian shopping experience.

Kristiansand Zoo's Exotic Animal Encounters

Visit one of Norway's premier attractions featuring diverse wildlife from around the globe, including African savanna animals and Nordic species. The beautifully landscaped zoo offers interactive experiences and educational exhibits perfect for all ages. Located conveniently near the port, it's an engaging way to spend your port day surrounded by nature and adventure.