Deep
fjords, high mountains, summer pastures, idyllic hamlets and thriving island
communities; all this is typical of Nordmøre. Where the land meets the ocean
lies Kristiansund, a modern town with a busy street life, old cultural
monuments and a sea-faring history.
From mountain to coast
The
mountain and coastal landscape of Nordmøre has strong contrasts. From
mountainous regions like Trollheimen, Sunndalsfjella and Dovrefjell it’s only a
short trip along the fjords to coastal landmarks like the Atlantic Road or the
old fishing villages of Grip and Veiholmen.
Exciting history
Nordmøre
has been inhabited for over 10 000 years and there are signs that it was here that
the first Norwegians settled. The end of 17th century saw the start of Norway’s
first great export adventure, with the clipfish (salted cod) industry making a
lasting impact on the area. Did you know that Kristiansund’s “national dish” is
bacalao, that the town’s island
ferries are among the world’s oldest public transportation and that the town
got its own opera house 30 years before Oslo?
Making a living
Nature
is still generous and a large proportion of the population earn their living
through fishing and agriculture, as they have for thousands of years. But
Nordmøre has also been at the forefront of development and creating new jobs.
Norway’s
largest supply base for the oil and gas industry is situated in Kristiansund,
and there has been a rapid growth in oil-related trades, technologies and
competence. Sunndalsøra plays a key role in energy and aluminium production.
Tingvoll has a strong position in the fields of ecological research and food
production. Tourism, trade and service industries are other important sources
of income for Nordmøre.
Towns and villages
Kristiansund
is the capital of Nordmøre and with its 22 000 inhabitants is an important
regional centre in the county of Møre og Romsdal. Sunndalsøra and Skei are important
villages in the region.