Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Around Kristiansund
GRIP
Huddled together on a tiny rocky island as though for protection against Atlantic gales, the
villageofGripwithitspastel-painted housessitsamidanarchipelago of80isletsandsker-
ries.Theonlyelevationisthe47m-tallBratthårskollen lighthouseonanearbyskerry,built
in 1888 and prodding skywards.
In the early 19th century, after a drop in cod hauls and two powerful storms, the village
was practically abandoned. But it bounced back, its population swelling during the cod-
fishing season when basing yourself on the island saved three hours of hard rowing each
way from the mainland. Imagine, as you wander among today's sprinkle of houses, spring
fishing seasons, when more than 1000 fisherfolk hunkered down here.
The last permanent inhabitants gave up the fight in 1974. There's a small photographic
display with an accompanying sheet in English in one of the storehouses. A summertime
cafeservessnacksinwhatwasoncethevillageschool(onlythreepupilswereleftwhenits
bell rang for the last time in 1972).
The island's
stave church
, much restored, dates from the late 15th century. Its al-
tarpiece, discarded at the time of the Reformation, was found in a boathouse and restored
to its rightful place in the 1930s. The lively frescos in the nave were revealed when later
whitewash was stripped off.
From late May to late August, the
M/S Gripexpressen (
www.gripexpressen.no
, in
Norwegian)
plies the 14km between Kristiansund's Piren terminal and Grip (40 minutes;
adult/child Nkr275/135 return) once or twice daily. Total journey time is 3½ hours, includ-
ing time ashore. In principle, there's a guided tour included within the fare.
