Kristiansand, Norway Summary

Founded by and named after King Christian IV, KRISTIANSAND is the closest thing to a seaside resort there is in Norway – a bright, energetic place which thrives on its ferry connections with Denmark and its popular beaches. There are also two reminders of its seventeenth-century origins: the quadrant street plan that Christian IV applied to the centre, and the squat Christiansholm Fortress, overlooking the colourful marina at the east harbour, which now hosts arts and crafts displays. Several excursions are on offer, the pick being the three-and-a-half-hour cruise along the fretted coastline to Ny Hellesund, the islet site of one of four hundred coastal defences built by the Germans – or more accurately their POWs – during their occupation. The excursion is on the M/S Maarten (late June to early Aug, 4 weekly; 150kr), which departs from the quay beside Vestre Strandgate, at the foot of Tollbodgaten. Kristiansand is also home to the annual five-day Quart music festival ( www.quart.no) at the beginning of July. Recent years have seen international names like Moby, Beck and Nick Cave headlining. For tickets, contact Billettservice (tel 815 33 133). Most concerts take place in Bendiksbukta, just outside the city, but there are also several events at clubs in the centre.