The Atlantic Ocean Road: Norway’s Most Scenic Route

What is the Atlantic Ocean Road

The Atlantic Ocean Road, also known as the Atlantic Road, is regarded as one of the most beautiful roads to drive not just in Norway but in the world. 

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The road spans 8 kilometers and connects the villages of Kårvåg in Averøy and Vevang in Hustadvika.  

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What makes it unique is that the road is built on a series of small islands and islets and is connected by eight bridges which provide breathtaking views of the Norwegian coastline. 

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Our Driving Experience

We visited the Atlantic Ocean Road during our road trip through Norway in July. The Atlantic Road had been on our bucket list for a long time, and despite the extensive detour, we couldn't pass it by now that we were nearby.

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So off we went. 

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A 3-hour detour from Eikesdalsvatnet to Vevang, where the Atlantic Ocean Road begins.

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Once we arrived in Vevang, we were met by one of the world’s most beautiful roads. 

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The Atlantic Ocean Road is known for huge waves that seem to be swallowing its tarmac during storms. Luckily, we visited on a calm summer afternoon, where a slight breeze was the closest resemblance to a storm.

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We drove to a few designated stopping points along the route where we parked our car and went for a stroll. These spots are the best option to truly admire the beauty of the area.

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However, they are limited and mainly concentrated around the Storseisundet bridge in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean Road. As a result, crowds of people, accompanied mainly by big campers, were looking for a parking space. This created dangerous situations as most of the parking spaces are directly next to the road.

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Apart from those parking issues, the road wasn’t too crowded, as most people were just passing by.

After arriving in Karag, we stopped for a cup of coffee at Bjartmars Favorittkro, a small local restaurant overlooking the Atlantic Ocean Road. The old wooden building, in combination with its location, makes it the perfect place to end your visit to the Atlantic Ocean Road.

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Getting to the Atlantic Road

Here are the best ways to reach the Atlantic Ocean Road. You can drive your own car or take advantage of the convenience of public transport and private tours!

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Car: The best way to experience the Atlantic Ocean Road is to rent a car and explore on your own. Rent your car here!

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We recommend starting at Kristiansund and then driving westbound on route 64 and going through the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel to Averoy Island. You can go straight to Kårvåg from there and drive along the Atlantic Road with its sharp turns and beautiful landscapes.

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Public Transport: It is possible to take public transport that drives over the Atlantic Road. 

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Fram has a public transport service, called Travel Like The Locals where you can take a bus that runs from Molde to Kristiansund along the Atlantic Highway. 

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Note: There is no tour guide on the bus, however you can download a free audio guide. It is a public bus that follows a schedule and makes no stops along the way.

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Tour: Want the ultimate experience of driving the Atlantic Ocean road and other highlights? Book this guided tour that will let you travel the Atlantic Road and discover the Molde region on a private tour. 

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Best Time to Drive the Atlantic Highway Road

The best time to drive the Atlantic Road in Norway is during the summer months, from June to August, when you have a better chance of having pleasant weather conditions. 

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During these months, you’ll enjoy the stunning coastal views and most of the attractions are open. Because of the extended daylight hours in the summer, you'll be able to discover many other beautiful places in Norway and make the most of your road trip.

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It's also the busiest period for tourists, so plan your road trip accordingly and think about booking your accommodations ahead of time if you're staying nearby.

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Photographing the Atlantic Road

The best way to photograph the Atlantic Ocean Road is by drone! Only then will you be able to capture the scale and fascinating nature of the road. The road is connected by dozens of small islands, which are best observed from above.

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Additionally, you can park your car in the designated areas and go for a stroll to get the best angles of the road. The area around Storseisundet Bridge is probably the most spectacular part of the road to photograph. Park near Seefahrerdenkmal or Skipsholmen Parking for the best views.

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Things to do in the Area

Besides driving the Atlantic Road, here is a list of things you can do in the area to make your visit more worthwhile. 

1. Eldhusøya - This is a small island with a suspended walkway that goes around where you can enjoy a short walk and views of the Atlantic Ocean.
2. Eldhuset Cafe - A coffee shop located on Eldhusøya island where you can stop and rest after your walk.
3. Håholmen Island - A protected fishing village near the Atlantic road and great place to visit and stay the night.
4. Kvernes Stave Church - One of the remaining stave churches in Norway. A great place to visit if you’re looking for a detour. 

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Where to Stay Near the Atlantic Road?

Though we didn’t stay anywhere close to the Atlantic Road, here are some of the most popular and highly rated places you can stay nearby.

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Mid-Range

Ola Bua Near The Atlantic Road

High-End

Håholmen- by Classic Norway Hotels

Cost to Drive on the Atlantic Road in Norway

Driving on the Atlantic Road in Norway is free, and you can enjoy the beautiful viewpoints for no cost. However, you'll need to budget for gas (if you drive), bus tickets, food, and accommodation if any.

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Is Driving the Atlantic Road Worth it?

If you are in the area, definitely! 

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Is it worth a 3 hour detour? Probably not. 

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Even though it’s dubbed as one of the “Most Beautiful Roads in the World”, the truth is, Norway offers nothing but beautiful roads. 

If you decide to visit, though, make sure to bring a drone. This will give you a unique perspective and show you the most interesting part of the road: a series of small islands that are connected via eight bridges.

And that’s the guide to driving the Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway!

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Start planning your trip to Norway with our complete guides to the best time to visit, visa requirements, and our top 19 most beautiful places to visit.

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Have you driven on Norway's Atlantic Road? Let us know your experience in the comments below!