Christiansholm Fortress


Strandpromenaden's hulking centrepiece is the distinctive Christiansholm Fortress. Built by royal decree between 1662 and 1672 to keep watch over the strategic Skagerrak Straits and protect the city from pirates and rambunctious Swedes, the construction featured walls up to 5m thick and an armoury buried within a concentric inner wall. It was connected to the mainland by a bridge over a moat (filled in during the 19th century) deep enough to accommodate tall ships.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

2. Kristiansand Kunsthall

0.35 MILES

Shows change seasonally, but are usually high-concept, challenging surveys well worth a browse. It's a stunning space, with a rare elevated town outlook…

3. Kristiansand Cathedral

0.36 MILES

Built in 1884 in late Gothic style, the Kristiansand Cathedral, with seating for 1800 people, is Norway's third-largest church.

5. Sørlandets Kunstmuseum

0.41 MILES

This exceptional regional art museum focuses on both fine and craft-based practices, and the collection includes some particularly strong contemporary…

6. Odderøya

0.43 MILES

This island, a rocky outcrop just by the fish market and connected by a bridge, is one of the city's wonderful green spaces. There are some delightful…

7. Posebyen

0.44 MILES

The Kristiansand Posebyen takes in most of the 14 blocks at the northern end of the town's characteristic kvadraturen (square grid pattern of streets). It…