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Gems of southern Norway in beautiful Kristiansand

If you’re planning to visit beautiful Kristiansand then check out our five top tips for making the most of your stay in this Southern Norwegian gem of a city. Vy express’s VY190 route operates between Oslo and Bergen. Settle down in comfort to the view from the upper deck of our double deckers on the route whether you’re travelling east or west.

A beautiful venue with guests in good conversation.
The table is covered with the good looking dishes.

Smag & Behag: Local Ingredients with Style

We went for a pick and mix approach, settling on undercut steak (NOK 280) served in a tasty red-wine sauce with pommes anna (a French dish featuring thinly sliced potatoes baked with lots of butter), rapini (also known as broccoli rabe, a member of the cabbage family) and fennel. We also plumped for cod served in a beautiful yuzu butter sauce with asparagus, morels (a delicious type of mushroom) and herb salad (NOK 270). We wanted to try something refreshing to drink, so we went with the raspberry and rhubarb cordial from Safteriet (NOK 79). Our dishes tasted great and came with beautiful sauces and accoutrements. Both the meat and fish were prepared by the book and digging into our meal was a fantastic experience.

The dessert menu featured seven tempting options priced from NOK 89–250. We tried the chocolate dome (NOK 145) which was a downright flavour bomb and a really pleasant surprise. Served with cherry ice cream, it consisted of a ball of set chocolate filled with gentle caramel and cherries. We also tried out the creme brûlée (NOK 140) although it was a bit of a let down in terms of taste and consistency.

Beautiful setting with an open kitchen and bar

They have spruced up and polished the old gymnasium at the former Kongens Gate school, turning it into a delightful restaurant. You’ll be greeted by bare bricks, wooden detailing, big windows and a stunning roof structure that makes for an elegant venue filled with contrasts. The restaurant features an open kitchen where you can see the chefs busy at work if you’re seated on the ground floor. We were seated on the mezzanine level which gave us a great view of the restaurant and made the place seem even bigger and airier. They also offer outdoor seating during the summer. The restaurant entrance and toilet facilities are wheelchair accessible.

They also have their own bar and wine cellar, adding a little extra something for anyone who wants to enjoy a glass of the good stuff while dining.

A 70s-inspired kitchen with red and white wallpaper, rags on the floor and various kitchen equipment lying out front.
Living room furnished by DesignKollektivet in 70s style.

Unique design and vintage gems!

The huge basement is divided by theme: to the left of the stairs you’ll find new design including a rainbow of colours and humorous ceramics, posters, tea cups and lamp shades. Move on further and you’ll be taken straight back to the 1970s! You’ll find a fully furnished kitchen and living room featuring bright wallpaper, striking textiles and eye-catching reds and oranges. This time machine is a great chance to reminisce about decades gone by and find all sorts of treasures.

To the right of the stairs, you’ll find all sorts of zero-waste products alongside hand-made soaps and other organic products. Right in front of the stairs is the clothing department, which offers just as much men’s clothing as it does women’s. You’ll also find the occasion re-designed piece, as well as newly-designed belts and bags.

The entrance to the backyard of Posebyhaven.
Delicious baked goods from The Odd Bakery - croissant and cardamom bun.

Cute Shops and Sweet Temptations in Posebyhaven

vegetarian burger with oven-baked potatoes.
Table covered with a plate, Golden milk and a vase with a red tulip.

TilStede Mat og Mer: Organic and Vegan Dishes 

We ordered the B9’s Køfte Burger (NOK 275) and the avocado toast (small NOK 180, big NOK 245). Both the burger bun and the bread used for the toast came from The Odd Bakery which meant they were fresh and tasty. The generous portions meant we were quite full after our meal! We were curious about the Golden Milk (NOK 72) on their drinks menu so we gave it a try. It’s warm milk spiced with turmeric, honey, cinnamon and cardamom. We thought it was absolutely beautiful, but it’s probably one that will divide opinion since it was a pretty unusual drink.

Sunny roof terrace

The restaurant itself is big and contemporary in terms of its interior design. It features dark walls, a pale floor and colourful characters from the menu adorning the walls. They also have a stunning roof terrace that definitely merits a visit as soon as the sun is out. The restaurant is wheelchair accessible both indoors and on the roof terrace.

Tiara Kaffebrenneri's cozy premises with plants and many seating areas.
Two cups of coffee at Tiara Kaffebrenneri in light blue crockery.

Tiara Kaffebrenneri: City Centre Coffee Spot

There are two Tiara Kaffebrenneri cafés in Kristiansand. One is located on Markens gate and features a cosy outdoor seating area – perfect for sipping a cup of coffee while you watch the world go by. The second location is on Rådhusgata, just a stone’s throw from the bus terminal, and features a larger indoor setting with long sharing tables as

Travel with Vy express VY190