One of the stops on the Norwegian Coastal Voyage
A scenic drive on the Atlantic Ocean Road brings you to Kristiansund, a bustling harbour town known for its klippfisk (dried cod), that spans three small islands in the North Atlantic.
On the island of Innlandet you can take a short walk to Sjursvika, an area full of restored old buildings and warehouses, many of which have been combined into a coastal cultural centre. Nearby, the Nordmøre Museum has some archaeological finds on display from the ancient Fosna settlement as well as an exhibition detailing the history of the klippfisk process.
Over on the small island of Grip you will find a little red church from the 15th century that locals traditionally used as a storm shelter. Oddly enough, this church—which lies just a few metres above sea level—has remained intact even as hundreds of other buildings washed away in violent storms over the years. Today, Grip is a popular holiday spot, but only in the calm of summer.
For those interested in local culture or bird watching, Smøla, along with the other small islands in the vicinity, is a great place to observe the traditional life of Norwegian fishermen or catch a glimpse of the majestic sea eagle.
View Norway
