Excursion Discover kristiansund on foot tour at Kristiansand

Kristiansund sits in the middle of the Norwegian Sea, arrayed across four islands. Much of it was destroyed during World War II but has been rebuilt into a modern, attractive town with colorful character and a longstanding infatuation with fish. Your mission today is to learn about all that on a guided excursion that includes much charming architecture and a visit to a museum dedicated to the city’s ‘clipfish’ (salted cod) industry.

One of the first stops is at the Clipfish Woman statue, a monument honoring the women who dried salted cod on smooth rocks along the shoreline during much of the industry’s history. Modern drying houses now handle this process, and while production has decreased, clipfish is still synonymous with Kristiansund’s identity.

For a deeper dive into Kristiansund’s 300-year love affair with cod, visit a museum dedicated to it. Set on mid-18th-century Milnbrygga wharf, the Clipfish Museum presents photography and interactive displays that vividly bring the heritage trade to life. After the museum, step aboard one of the tiny “sundboat” ferry boats that have provided locals with non-rapid transport between Kristiansund’s islands for over 150 years. Pass by the Patrick Volckmar trading house, a renowned century-old coffee roaster, and the Mellemverftet Museum, where you might catch a glimpse of ships being repaired using traditional methods dating back to the 1850s. Change comes only slowly in this part of Norway.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen include: Clipfish Woman statue, Norwegian Clipfish Museum, inter-island ferry

Note

Please note: This excursion involves over two hours of standing and moderate walking (approx 1.1km/0.7 mi) over mostly paved surfaces. Some exhibits at the Clipfish Museum are on upper floors, requiring the navigation of about 40 steps. The Museum is not wheelchair-friendly. Wear comfortable shoes and climate-suitable clothing. The order of sights and activities may vary.