The West Coast Fjord Country - Norway - page 338

harbor twice a day, costing 150NOK ($21) for adults, 75NOK ($11) for chil-
dren, round-trip. Because accommodations on the island are very limited, you'll
want to take a morning ferryboat ride (about 30 min. long) from Kristiansund to
Grip, explore the island for 2 or 3 hours on long, scenic walks, and return the
same day to Kristiansund. There's a simple cafe-style restaurant near the ferryboat
landing to help you pass the time as you wait for your return.
You can also visit the sparsely inhabited offshore island of Smøla by taking a
ferry from Kristiansund's harbor. This would be the perfect place for leisurely
strolls on a summer day with a picnic basket in hand. There's an intermediate
stop on Edøy, site of a stone church dating from 1250. The ferry departs
throughout the year two to four times a day, depending on the day of the week
and the season. The passage costs 80NOK ($11) each way for adults, or half
price for children. If you want to take a car to Smøla, you'll have to make a
detour from Kristiansund, drive several kilometers out of your way, and take two
car ferries for a combined toll of around 127NOK ($18).
WHERE TO STAY
Quality Hotel Grand Originally built in 1890 as the grandest hotel in the
region, this place has seen many changes over the years. It's still a good choice,
particularly after a wholesale renovation in 2002. Bedrooms are comfortable and
tastefully furnished. Bathrooms are small but adequate, each with a shower. The
hotel lies a 5-minute walk south of the bus station.
Bernstorffstredet 1, N-6509 Kristiansund N. & 71-57-13-00. Fax [phone]. www.choicehotels.com. 109
units. June 20-Aug 17 840NOK ($119) double; rest of year 945NOK-1,410NOK ($134-$200) double; year-
round 1,600NOK ($227) suite. Children under 5 stay free in parent's room. Rates include continental break-
fast. AE, DC, MC, V. Parking 62NOK ($8.80). Amenities: Restaurant; bar; limited room service; laundry
service/dry cleaning; rooms for those w/limited mobility. In room: TV, minibar, hair dryer.
Rica Hotel Kristiansund Centrally located by the quay in this oil town,
this first-class hotel attracts mainly businesspeople for most of the year, and fills
up with summer visitors as the coastal steamer passes by. Built in 1987, the
building rises 10 floors and is crowned by a Sky Bar, offering panoramic views
in all directions. It's the liveliest hotel in town, with a nightclub going Friday and
Saturday from 10pm to 3am. Once or twice a week, there is live music in the
pub. Bedrooms are comfortably and tastefully furnished in a modern design,
and have recently been redecorated. About half of them open onto a view of the
harbor. The small bathrooms come with a tub and shower.
Storgata 41, N-6500 Kristiansund N. & 71-57-12-00. Fax [phone]. www.rica.no. 102 units. Mon-Thurs
1,440NOK ($204) double, 1,700NOK ($241) business double; Fri-Sun 950NOK ($135) double, 1,210NOK
($172) business double. Children under 3 stay free in parent's room. Rates include continental breakfast. AE,
DC, MC, V. Free parking. Amenities: Restaurant; bar; fitness center; sauna; limited room service; babysitting;
laundry service/dry cleaning; nonsmoking rooms; rooms for those w/limited mobility. In room: TV, minibar, cof-
feemaker (business units), hair dryer.
Tulip Inn Rainbow Kristiansund A first-class hotel, this establishment
opens onto views of the mountains. Attracting both leisure travelers and busi-
nesspeople, it has been accommodating overnight guests since 1985, and hous-
ing them with considerable comfort from its position right across the street from
the harbor. The bedrooms, many of which open onto views of the sea, are fur-
nished in a modern Scandinavian style that's also cozy. The bathrooms are small
but neatly maintained, each with a tub and shower. The on-site restaurant is
known for its fresh fish.