Drive The Atlantic Road
Still to do
Eight bridges, eight kilometres and nothing between you and the open ocean as the road leaps from island to island.
The adventure
The Atlantic Ocean Road threads across a scatter of islets and skerries on Norway's west coast, stitched together by eight bridges. The most famous, Storseisundet, rises and twists so sharply that from the right angle it looks as if the road simply ends in mid-air above the water. On a calm summer evening it is a joy to drive, the sea glittering and the low sun lighting up the rocks.
In a storm it becomes something else. Waves explode against the causeways and spray sweeps across the tarmac, which is exactly why people come in autumn to watch. It was named Norway's Construction of the Century in 2005, and it has starred in countless car adverts and a James Bond chase. Stop at the viewpoints, walk the cliff-edge path around Eldhusøya, and look out for seals and sea eagles.
Why it’s epic
- Storseisundet, the longest of the eight bridges at 260 metres, appears to drop into the sea from certain angles.
- Named Norway's Construction of the Century in 2005.
- Car chase scenes for the James Bond film No Time to Die were filmed here.
- The Eldhusøya walkway loops around an island with views across the open Hustadvika coast.
What it is
The Atlantic Ocean Road is an 8-kilometre route that hops across small islands on a series of bridges, including the curving Storseisundet Bridge.
How to do it
Hire a car in Molde or Kristiansund and drive the road, stopping at the viewpoints and walkways along the way.
Top tip
Drive it in stormy weather for the most dramatic waves.
Need to know
- The road is toll-free and open all year, though it can close briefly in severe storms.
- Kristiansund and Molde airports are both within about an hour's drive, so hire a car at either.
- Pair it with Trollstigen and Geirangerfjord, a few hours south, for a classic Norwegian road trip.
Plan this trip
- Rough cost
- £750 to £2,000 per person, including flights from the UK
- Time needed
- Half a day
- Best time to go
- May to September
- Fly into
- KSU airport
Flights are short; car hire, fuel and Norway's high prices for food and hotels make up most of the bill.
Make it happen
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Why it’s on my list
Not done yet. If you’ve done it and have tips, tell me about it.
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