At the heart of the Norwegian Riviera is the picturesque island, Odderoya in the charming town, Kristiansand. Being a passionate walker, I enjoyed exploring this town and island very much as a port-of-call. So, read on to learn about how to take a DIY Kristiansand Day Tour afoot at the Fishing Wharf and Odderoyo.
Kristiansand, Norway Day Tour
Fiskebrygga or Fishing Wharf
When disembarking from my cruise ship in Kristiansand, I first noticed the grandiose Kilden Performing Arts Centre, a modern architectural masterpiece for theatre and concerts. It exhibits a massive, undulating wooden canopy overhanging the harbor.
Then, I walked to Fiskebrygga (The Fishing Wharf), a restored fish landing with wooden buildings used for shopping and restaurants. The Fish Market here is one of the biggest tourist attractions in Kristiansand. Its seafood specialties are shellfish, such as, oysters, shrimp, mussels and scallops.
I walked and enjoyed this area, however, preferred wandering over to the island paths of Odderoyo, the abandoned military base, away from the crowds.
Odderoyo Walking Tour Highlights
The island, Odderoya was a former naval base and now is a recreational area. It’s south of Kristiansand, on the southern Norway coast, dividing the eastern and western parts of the city. Granvanekanalen canal separates Odderoya from the Kristiansand.
I enjoyed most of my time just wandering the 3 km (1.8 m) path in the forests and shoreline of the former naval base. In addition, there are mammoth, granite boulders along the shoreline that I scrambled upon and basked in the sun. (Caution: do not step on the black rocks close to water’s edge as they are slippery) I walked by the Quarantine Wall, Bendiksbukta Beach and Christiansholm Fortress (1672).
Others come to this recreational area to climb the craggy rocks and walls. I savored a sunny, summer day amidst the blue harbor, trees and sculptured boulders.
History and Walking Tour
Military Base and Quarantine Station
Odderoya was the location of a fort and military base from 1667 to 1999. I took the wooded path through its grounds on the peninsula, seeing remains, such as, ramparts, a hospital, gun mounts and a fort.
Also, surrounding the area are gorgeous views of the sparkling harbour on a sunny day, among the large granite boulders along the shoreline.
In addition, Odderoya was the largest Quarantine Harbour of northern Europe from 1804 -1914. Thus, crewmembers with plague from ships quarantined here. Consequently, a large stone wall still remains, that separated the quarantine station from others. The quarantine wall is in my photo above, next to Bendiksbukta Beach. Also, most of the abandoned naval base and barracks areas have been refilled with artists, galleries, and shops, transforming into a thriving art scene.
Enjoy the Norwegian Riviera!
Overall, this port-of-call is teeming with intriguing history, beautiful scenery, recreational activities and a growing art scene. Consequently, the arts and entertainment refill the vacancy from the old naval base with a creative surge and events. Thus, there is a nice balance of culture and nature here to have an awesome getaway.
