Kristiansund is a small town full of about 17,000 friendly people situated on three islands encompasing about 22 sq km (8.5 sq mi). Like most of Norway, the islands are separated by fjords. Ferries, bridges, and tunnels provide the connections to travel around the country. Most of the area is composed of dramatic glacially-carved bedrock drumlins with some forested and shrub-scrub areas and densly developed population centers.
Kristiansund is the dried cod capital of Norway. The traditional dried cod or "klippfish", now made under strict European Union standards, is still available. Norwegian bacalao, served during the tournament banquet, is a tomato-based stew that consists of klipfisk, potatoes, olives, tomatoes, onions & peppers. The dish also attests to the centuries old Iberian influences in the area.
Even though there were no military structures in the area, most of Kristiandsund was destroyed in a German bombing campaign during WWII. As a result most of Kristainsund buildings are post-WWII construction. Bright-colored simple and practical construction along the steep sides of the fjords and harbors are characteristic.
Norway was an important location for both Germany and England. Both sides of the war wanted control of Swedish iron ore - transported south through Norway. The strategic importance for bases was also apparent. The Germans occupied Norway for the entire war and apparently some wanted to stay there even after the war ended.
The oil industry is booming in Norway. Despite this, gas was about 12 Norweigian Kroner per liter ($7-8 US/Gallon). After inquiring, I was told the cost is due to the taxes. The country, realizing that the amount of oil is finite, taxes fuel. The money is put aside and invested so that when it does run out, Norway will have alternate sources of energy. What a concept!
It seems that the economy is based upon the oil industry and commercial fishing and fish farming with some contribution from tourism. Apparently there is almost no unemployment in Norway. Every day we left the dock, oil industry service vessels and oceanographic research vessels (some huge) and salmon farming vessels were heading in or out. From what others told me, a lot of people travel from other Scandanavian countries to vacation in Norway. It sounds like the diving in Norway is much better than in other nearby countries.
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