Road trip destinations: Norway’s Atlantic Road
Norway's Atlantic Road makes for a lovely road trip. (Photo Credit: CC BY/marinix/Flickr)
Planning a trip to Scandinavia and want to create special memories with a road trip like none other? Take to Norway’s famous Atlantic Road. Located between the towns of Kristiansund and Molde in Møre og Romsdal County in Fjord, the 8-kilometer Atlantic Road’s sharp turns and breathtaking vantage points from which to view wild nature have placed the highway ride at the top of many lists of the world’s best road trips.
Over the bridges and to the sea, to the Atlantic Road we go
The Atlantic Road, which opened in 1989, runs zigzag style across low bridges that jut out over the Norwegian Sea, linking islands between Molde and Kristiansund in Norway’s western fjords. A particularly infamous stretch of the sea, called the Hustadvika, is extraordinary to behold during autumn storms. However, when the weather is calm, ocean life ranging from seals to whales can be seen as you drive along.
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Atlantic Road chosen ‘Norway’s Construction of the Century’
In 2005, the Atlantic Road, with its unique seaside twists and turns, was named “Norway’s Construction of the Century,” as the eight-bridge (891 meters on bridges alone) construction is extraordinary. The tallest bridge, Storseisundet, with its dramatic curve, The scenic road trip destination connects multiple small communities, beginning with a 30-minute drive through the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel. After the tunnel, drivers cross Averøy Island, where the 700-year-old Kvernes Stave Church is located. From the west side of the island, Hustadvika is visible.
What to see along the Atlantic Road
Along the Atlantic Road, there are four rest areas that grant the road trip aficionado panoramic views of nature and the bold bridge and waypoint architecture. Fishing and diving at the rest stops are popular activities. While whales are uncommon, seals and various ocean birds are frequently seen. On the south side of Bremsneshatten Mountain along the Atlantic Road, Bremsnes Cave is a destination worth the stop. Fosna cultural finds have been made there that date back nearly 10,000 years.
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Getting to Norway’s Atlantic Road
From Kristiansund’s town center, follow FV. 70 to the roundabout where FV. 64 begins. The signs should indicate that you’re heading toward Molde. Use the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel toll road, which is about 5 kilometers long. Motorcycles are not allowed. Continue to follow FV. 64 to Kårvåg and you’ve reached the northeast portion of the Atlantic Road.
If you’re coming from Molde, take FV. 64 to the roundabout at Moen. Continue at FV. 663 to Elnesvågen. From there, take FV. 664 to Bud. Now you’re on the southwestern part of the Atlantic Road.