Images from Norway

After incorporating another island community (Frei) in 2008 the population is now 22-23 thousand. The islands are connected by bridges and from the largest island (Frei) there is a 5.1 kilometers sub sea tunnel to the island Bergsøya. From here there are two possible routes to the mainland: The Gjemnessundet bridge to the south side of the Tingvoll fjord and the pontoon bridge across Bergsøysundet to Aspøya and then a shorter bridge to the mainland on the north side of the Tingvoll fjord. In the spring of 2009 a 5.7 kilometers sub sea tunnel south to Averøya is scheduled to be opened. This means another mainland connection on the Atlantic road. See special map.

The Clipfish Woman of Kristiansund (sculptor Tore Skjølsvik). Clipfish is salted cod (and some other species) originally sun-dried on the smooth rocks at the sea. ('Clip' stems from Danish-Norwegian 'klippe' meaning 'rock'.) The "clipfish women" – and the children – did most of the work on land – the men did the fishing. The clipfish story starts in the 1690s and the product was, and still is, exported to Spain, Portugal and other countries. This is the main reason Kristiansund prospered and grew. Now the fish is dried in drying houses elsewhere – not in Kristiansund.
(2003-06-16)

Sundbåt ('sound boat'). These boats started connecting the islands in 1876 and this is claimed to be the world's oldest continued public transport system. Although the islands are now connected by bridges and the number of boat passengers is far lower than it once was, the boats are still operating. In the background the Nordlandet church built 1912-14.
(2008-05-10)

The Kirklandet church built 1964, architect Odd Østby.
(2008-05-10)

Inside the Kirklandet church.
(2003-06-16)

The manhole covers depict the clipfish woman, the 'sound boats', and the Kirklandet church. It also shows the year (1742) when King Christian VI permitted the place to become a town with the name Christiansund, later changed to Kristiansund.
(2008-05-10)

Before the place became a town the name was Fosen (Fosna) and also Fossund. 'Fosen' meant 'hiding place', in this case probably '... from wind and waves', i.e. 'safe harbor'. However, there is a Norwegian word, 'foss(en)' that means (the) waterfall. Maybe it was King Christian VI in Copenhagen who misunderstood; his letter of permit also described the coat of arms for the new town. A modern version of this is shown below: A waterfall with three salmons on their way up. Well, this is a small island and there has never been a proper waterfall here. But when the map doesn't fit the landscape the obvious idea is to change the landscape. The depicted arrangement was made for the town's 250th anniversary. Unfortunately there hasn't been any rain lately so the waterfall is dry.
(2008-05-10)

The Swan Pond, close to the town center, was once a water reservoir. There were a few ducks, a few hens and a couple of peacocks, but no swans this time. (A rumor said that they had escaped.) But the void was filled by seagulls ...
(2008-05-10)

Sculpture above the Swan Pond.
(2008-05-10)

Leafing old birch at Vanndamman (the 'Water-Ponds').
In the 1800s the town needed more freshwater and in a long depression close to the town center these water reservoirs were constructed. In addition to the Swan Pond there are three longer ponds in a row. By 1908 they had got a sub sea water pipeline from the mainland and Vanndamman became a park and a recreation area.
(2008-05-10)

Seagulls appear in all coastal towns, but in this town they seem to be less afraid of people than elsewhere.
(2008-05-10)

Festiviteten, the town's house of culture since 1914. There are art exhibitions, concerts, theater, opera ... Since 1928 they have arranged an opera week, now every February.
(2008-05-10)

Sculpture on Nordlandet.
(2003-06-16)

Sculpture on Kirklandet, near the church.
(2008-05-10)

One of the Norwegian Coastal Voyage (Hurtigruten) ships departing Kristiansund under the Sørsundet bridge. It is sailing from Bergen to Kirkenes near the Russian border in 6–7 days. In any harbor in-between there is one departure northwards and southwards every day. This used to be the main transport facility along the coast, but now it serves mainly as a tourist cruise, at least during the summer.
(2003-06-16)

This is still a safe harbor. For fishing boats, transport vessels, and in later years supply ships for the offshore petroleum industry. Since the previous picture was taken this quay has been rebuilt; the side propellers of the supply ships had washed away the fundament of the old quay.
(2008-05-10)

This page was created 2008-05-16