Getting to Molde

After spending several nights in hostels, moving frequently, and spending time meeting the Norwegian side of the Torvik clan, we decided to splurge and spend 3 nights in a nice hotel. We chose one in Molde which is on the Romsdalsfjord and near the Atlantic Ocean. We departed Surnadalsora on the morning of 11 August 2008. We headed to Halsa to meet the ferry that would take us over the Halsafjorden, our first car ferry ride. We arrived in Halsa in time to see the ferry depart. We figured out relatively quickly that another ferry would be docking in 30 minutes. What to do? I suggested a pølse, but the opposition was strong. Ice cream was rejected, too. By then we could see the ferry approaching.

Too late by seconds to make the Halsa ferry

Thirty minutes later the sister ferry made port

We accomplished a safe passage and made our way to Kristiansund alledged to be one of the most charming towns that one could encounter. We stopped at the "i", the indicator for tourist information. We were quickly advised that tourist season had ended the day before our arrival. Most museums had changed to the winter schedule; they were not open on week days. We were directed to a few points of interest and told that Kristiansund was famous for fish and chips. Off we went for the fish and chips. I will have to say that a pølse and a soft drink would have been a better choice. We climbed the vardem, the highest point in the city, to take in the view. We were reminded throughout the hike that we had ingested fish and chips for lunch.

Picturesque Kristiansund, as it looks after tourist season

The main church in Kristiansund; it was closed - tourist season was over

We departed Kristansund and headed for the Atlantic Highway (Atlanterhavsvege). This was on our original plan and was suggested at the tourist office. We were ecstatic to hear that it had not closed due to the end of tourist season. We caught a car ferry from Kristiansund landing in Bremsnes soon to be on the Atlantic Highway. It was very nice but shorter than we expected. Many have said the same about Toulouse-Lautrec.

One of the bridges on the Atlantic Highway

The tourist information expert advised us to take a longer route to Molde via Bud. She indicated that nearly the entire drive was along a road that followed the waters edge. The water was the Atlantic Ocean. Perhaps, our car seats were too low or the person suggesting the trip has a very tall vehicle; we caught 2 extremely short glimpses of the Atlantic prior to arriving in Bud. Bud appeared to be closed as the tourist season had concluded for 2008. After a short climb to the Bud vardem, we headed to Molde.

View from Bud to the Atlantic