Getting There

By Plane -- Kvernberget Airport (tel. 71-68-30-10) lies close to the town center, a 15- to 20-minute drive east. Three arrivals a day wing in from each of Norway's biggest cities: Oslo and Bergen. The bus trip from the airport to the center takes 15 minutes, and the bus will stop at individual hotels. For flight information about Braathens, the city's largest carrier, call tel. 81-52-00-00 or visit their website.

By Train -- The nearest railway stations are in Oppdal and Åndalsnes, with bus connections meeting the trains.

By Bus -- There are daily bus connections to Trondheim, Molde, Oppdal, and Åndalsnes. Call tel. 71-58-78-50 for schedules.

By Car -- From Molde, E39 follows Moldefjord before veering inland. At a point 58km (36 miles) later, you come to a mammoth suspension bridge, stretching for 623m (2,044 ft.). This span links mainland Norway with the islet of Bergsøya, requiring a 60NOK ($8.50) toll. The islet is the launch pad for the undersea Freifjord, a tunnel stretching out for 5km (3 miles) and requiring a toll of 75NOK ($11). This is the start of Route 70 into Kristiansund, which lies a distance of 25km (16 miles) to the west.

By Coastal Steamer -- In addition to cruise ships and trawlers, at least two coastal steamers arrive at Kristiansund every day on their way from Bergen to the North Cape or from the North Cape southward to Bergen. Identified in Norwegian as hurtigruten, they carry the passengers and the bulk of the supplies that keep the town alive.

Visitor Information

For information about the area, head to Kristiansund Reiselivslag, Kongens Plass 1 (tel. 71-58-54-54). Open mid-June to mid-August, Monday to Friday 9am to 7pm, Saturday and Sunday 11am to 4pm. Otherwise, Monday to Friday 8:30am to 3:30pm.

Special Events

Opera Week thrives during the dark days of February, usually the first 2 weeks of the month. Concerts are held in the Festiviteten Culture Center, Kong Olav's Gate 1, the same building as the tourist office.