Ferry from Stavanger to Kristiansand

Stavanger Guide

The Norwegian town of Stavanger is located on the Stavanger Peninsular, in the south west of the country. Dating back to the 12th century the city's centre is largely of 18th and 19th century construction with timber houses, which are protected as a result of their historical significance. The city's cathedral also dates back to the 12th century and is a popular tourist attraction. The city, which has managed quite well to retain its small town atmosphere has a number of museums that contain items that are of both local and national importance. The Norwegian Petroleum Museum in the city was opened in 1998 and is the city's most visited museum and the only petroleum museum in Europe. Established in 1864 is the Missjonmuseet which is the city's oldest museum and is located on the ground floor of the faculty building at MHS and contains around 5,000 exhibits. The city is also popular with visitors who use it as a base to visit the Norwegian fjords. As the gateway to the fjords the most popular attraction is Pulpit Rock which attracts around 200,000 each year.

Located outside Stavanger, the town's port services ferries to Hirtshals in Denmark. Local ferries go to Tau and Kvitsøy, while fast passenger boats go to many villages and islands between the main routes from Stavanger to Haugesund and Sauda.

Kristiansand Guide

The Norwegian town and port of Kristiansand is located on the Skagerrak and until the Kiel Canal opened between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea, it was an important route militarily and geopolitically. This resulted in the town serving as a military stronghold for centuries which began as Harald Fairhair's royal residence, then as a Danish/Norwegian fortress and later as a garrison town. Kristiansand is the gateway for many Norwegians to and from the continent with frequent ferry services departing to Denmark. It is also the terminus of a railway line that operates along the southern edge of southern Norway.

The city takes its name from King Christian IV who founded the town in 1641. The 'sand' part of the name refers to the sandy headland upon which the city was built. Kristiansand is a popular tourist destination, especially during the summer, and popular sites include Kristiansand Zoo and Amusement Park which is located to the east of the town. Animals that can be seen in the zoo includes wolves, tigers, lions and lynx.

From the town's port, ferry services depart to Gothenburg (starting and ending in Newcastle, UK) and to Hirtshals in Denmark.