Central Kristiansand is also known as Kvadraturen. The city is easy to manouver, being the big loveable square that it is. But even so, the thought of strategically zig-zagging the streets one after another might seem exhausting to any but the most athletic of us. We therefore give you a quick guide to some of the most popular sites and sights of the inner city. Also, don’t hesitate to ask the locals for directions should you need it.
Markensgate
This is the main shopping street. Here you will find all kind of shops with clothes, music, books, souvenirs and so on. Most of the cafés and restaurants are located around this street. At Friday and Saturday night many people are gathering in this street. In the middle of the street there is a statue of a horse. This is a popular meeting spot to wait for friends.
Torvet / Upper Market Square
You will find cheap fruits and vegetables in the market square. Relax in Wergeland`s Park or by the fountain on a sunny day while you listen to organ music from the Cathedral. In the reception of Fædrelandsvennen newspaper and in the library nearly, you can use Internet FREE. To the right of the white wooden building (Vindmøllen), look at the pavement ground for a stone heart with a cross of brass inside. This is the geographical centre of down town Kristiansand.
Skippergaten
This street is really worth seeing. Here you will find many small interesting niche shops. This street locates art museum, galleries, antique shop, coffee, pasta, interior, environmental children toys, health food, designer clothes, Lebanese restaurant, a café with pit privy and much more.
Posebyen
Posebyen is the oldest and best kept part of Kristansand centre and it is Northern Europe’s largest collection of low wooden houses. Every Saturday in the summer some of the streets in Posebyen is used as a marketplace.
Bystranda - City beach, Christianholm Fortress and Otterdalen Fountain and Sculpture Park
Start with a nice swim at the city beach, and walk along the water front to Christianholm Fortress. This Fortress was built in 1672 by Fredrik III. Keep walking until you get to Otterdalsparken (called Nupen Park by the locals). A popular park among the Kristiansanders to relax in the summer.
Gravane, Fish market
This is a wonderful place to hang around in the summer. Here is fish market with live fish and shellfish in tanks and restaurants. And many people and boats are coming and going. The fish market is open daily except Sundays.
Lahelle area - Lund
Just across the bridge to Lund. Walk around small old white houses in narrow streets. The area is like a typical small village/town in the coastal south.
