Kristiansund municipality have approximately 24.500 inhabitants and covers a area of 87,6 km2. A town facing the North Atlantic, on the west coast of Norway in the county of Møre & Romsdal. Kristiansund is a town with a very special character. Historically, Kristiansund is the dried cod capital of Norway, and you cannot leave town without tasting “Bacalao” at one of the town´s fish restaurants.
Bacalao is made of salted, dried codfish, and has traditionally been exported in large amounts to Spain, Portugal and Latin America as food suitable during Lent. In recent years Kristiansund has become the major oil and gas city at the mid-northwestern coast. Oil companies like Royal Dutch Shell and Equinor (Statoil) have offices in Kristiansund from where they serve their offshore installations at Haltenbanken (one of the northernmost underwater oil fields in the world).
Kristiansund is not a big town and it does not have a large population, but the friendly attitude of the people who live here and their way of life, makes it a town with a big heart. Its business centre is close to green parks and small forests. The beautiful view of the surrounding mountains completes the picture. All this makes it a town of contrasts with a multitude of exciting events waiting to be experienced during your stay here.
Kristiansund has excellent hotels, many attractive shops, historical attractions and an abundance of activities for you to take part in. Kristiansund and Frei is also an ideal starting point for trips to other places of interest in the region.
FREI
Frei is Kristiansund’s closest neighbor, and many choose to live on this beautiful tree-clad island which is also the city´s most important recreation area. There are mountains up 600 metres in height, protected bays with islets and a network of paths leading to fishing lakes; all are temptations to enjoy outdoor sports. Frei has an exciting and nationally known history because of the Viking battle at Rastarkalv. The boat graves down by the fjord and the memorial stones up by the lovely church are 1000 year old memorials.
Frei also has an active cultural life with theatre, revue, music and song as hobbies for many, and it is also home and work place for one of Norway’s best woodcarvers and several sculpturers. There are camping areas and various types of cabins available for those who wish to vaction here.
GRIP
Fourteen kilometres northwest of Kristiansund we find Grip, more than 80 islets and skerries, scattered in the open sea. The fishing village Grip is on the largest island and a few hundred meters further north, we find “Bratthårskollen” with Grip lighthouse. A well known end welcomed sight for the thousands of ships, which pass through these waters. Grip lighthouse was built in 1888, and is 47 meters high.
Grip has a long and stirring history so far back that the origin of the name is unknown. However we are certain that it was the abundance of fish in the sea surrounding these islands that lured the first inhabitants to Grip. Until 1964 Grip was the smallest municipality in Norway, but is today part of Kristiansund. The worst decline in the history of Grip was during the period between 1780 and 1820 because of several years of unsuccessful cod fishing as well as serious storm catastrophes.
In the annals of the church two serious catastrophes are recorded, which let the island nearly desolate. On the night of 28th of November 1796, during a powerful north-west storm, nearly hundred houses were washed into the sea by the huge waves and three people were drowned. Seven years later on the 24th of February 1804, the sea was again in turmoil and caused a lot of damage to houses and boats.
The ancient little red stavechurch, centrally situated on Grip, is a reminder of bygone days and generations. An inscription on one of the beams states that the present church was built in 1621, but investigations made during later restorations have concluded that the church was built between 1470 and 1500. In summer, Grip is an ideal place for anyone who likes peace and solitude. You may potter around on your own between ropes and fishing nets, while the fresh breeze wafts about your face.
GRIP STAVE CHURCH
Is a stave church from the 15th century. It was rebuilt in 1621. The nave and chancel are of the same height, and this is one of the smallest remaining stave churches in Norway. It has been restored several times. The altar cabinet, which dates from 1520, is a gift of Dutch origin. Grip church has a very special, moving atmosphere. The opening hours correspond with the boat.
The Stave Churches are constructions of high quality, richly decorated with carvings. In virtually all of them the door frames are decorated from top to bottom with carvings. This tradition of rich ornamentation appears to go back to the animal carvings of the Viking age. The dragons are lovingly executed and transformed into long-limbed creatures of fantasy, here and there entwined with tendrils of vine, with winding stems and serrated leaves. The elaborate designs are executed with supreme artistic skill. The stave church doorways are, therefore, among the most distinctive works of art to be found in Norway. However, it is difficult to connect them with the Christian gospel.
COASTAL STEAMER (HURTIGRUTA)
The World´s Most Beautiful Voyage is a voyage like no other. Nothing can compare with it. Nothing about this journey will resemble anything you have ever experienced before. A ticket for the Coastal Steamer is a ticket to the theater, an 11-day drama in which new acts constantly unfold all around you. See the pictures from the Coastal Steamer taken by one of our passengers.
THE HARBOUR FERRY
Kristiansund´s public ferry-boats (Sundboat) have transported passengers between its islands since 1876. Before the bridges were built they were the town´s main means of transport, and they are still very popular.
KRINGSJÅ
These old water reservoirs make an idyllic parkarea with beautiful surroundings. It is a unique botanic coastal garden, with an exceptionally rich and varied vegetation. It makes an amazing contrast to the naked rocks by the ocean, just a few honderd meters away. The area which is so near the centre of the town offers possibilities for many outdoor activities.
THE VARDEN WATCHTOWER
An old watchtower which offers a striking view of the coastal traffic and with the Grip island on the horizon. There is a 360° panoramic view with the Nordmøre mountains as a scenic background.
VANNDAMMAN
The “Vanndamman” water pools. The Swan Pool was the first of the “Vanndamman” pools. It was originally constructed to supply drinking water to the central part of Kirkelandet. Today it is a popular spot to visit for adults and children who want to watch the many birds which nest here. The three next pools were an important part of the town´s water supply up to the time when the new water works came into use in 1979. The old pools are preserved as a beautiful part of the town´s park and open-air recreational areas.
KLUBBA
Dramatic formation lashed by waves in stormy weather. At other times, this is a favorite place for anglers.
BAUTAEN
A stone monument in memory of an English attack against Kristiansund in 1808. It was raised for the 100- year commemoration in 1908.
KLIPPFISKKJERRINGA
The statue is made by Tore Bjørn Skjølsvik and it is a tribute to all “klippfish” workers who contributed to establish Kristiansund as the Norwegian “klippfish town”.
THE TOWN WATERFALL
Fountain (waterfall). Built as an illustration of Kristiansund´s coat of arms, as granted by the royal Charter of 1742.
THE OLD TOWN
On the island of Innlandet, by the “Sundbåt” quay, you will find the oldest preserved parts of the town. Here are Kristiansund’s first customs house (1680 – 1748), its first hospital, school etc. Most parts of the area are worth preserving and are under restoration. A walk to Sjursvika on the eastern side of the island gives you a good ides of the style of the old characteristic warehouses.
LOSSIUSGÅRDEN
The old merchant house, “Lossiusgården” is one of the few which survived the devastating fire in 1940. It was built around 1780 and is today protected. It demonstrates in an excellent way the building style of the period, characterized by the front of the house facing the sea.
CHRISTIEGÅRDEN
A building complex from about 1786 – 1835. It belonged to the Christie and Brodtkorb families who were dealers in klippfish (salted and sun-dried cod) and ship builders. The buildings are characteristic of their time.
FESTIVITETEN
Built in 1914 as Kristiansund’s social gathering and theater hall in art nouveau style. Most of the original decoration and interior survived despite the damage done during the Second World War. Today it is used for opera, theater and large banquets.
FISHING
Deep sea fishing enthusiasts can take a fishing trip out on the ocean. You can fish for salmon, cod and halibut. Be aware that there are a number of special rules in regards to fishing. Remember to purchase a fishing licence.
GOLF
Kristiansund Golfclub is a golf course with 9 holes and a variation of difficulties. The course lies at Seivika, approximately 5 km from Kristiansund City Center.