Atlantic Ocean Road Travel Guide
Drive along the Atlantic road and experience the contrasts between wild western landscapes and precise engineering. Take the trip out to the sea gap and see for yourself why the English The Guardian believes this road between Kristiansund and Molde is the world’s most beautiful road trip.
Route suggestion: Fosnavåg - Alesund - Molde - Kristiansund
The Atlantic road winds over Hustadvika via islands and archipelago, tied together by low bridges. Here solid engineering meets weather and wind at its most brutal. The result is a ride with open sea views, dramatic nature and a history characterised by both sailing and archipelago. Since its opening in 1989, the road has provided memorable experiences for travellers of all ages.
Stops to consider along the route
The original road is only 8.3 kilometres long and takes no more than 2-3 hours to drive. It all depends on how many stops you want to make along the way. It is also possible to experience the tour along the Atlantic Road on the bike seat, and in 2010 the tour was named Norway’s most beautiful bike tour by the website ut.no. Despite being a popular choice, the bike tour is not recommended for families with children during the high season from May to September, due to the high traffic.
Spectacular views at Eldhusøya
There are several rest stops along the road. Well located in the sea gap is Eldhusøya, the largest rest area along the Atlantic Road. In addition to a large car park, you will find a service building with a cafe that offers local food, tourist information and toilets. After the visit, you can take a walk on the view trail, consisting of a grate on piles, which runs around Eldhusøya. Here you will encounter spectacular views - floating above the terrain.
Viewing veranda in Askevågen
If you want to get as close to the wilderness as possible on your journey through the Atlantic Road, the architect-designed viewing veranda in Askevågen is a mandatory stop. Whatever the weather forecast, you can look beyond the untouched coastal landscape, sea and archipelago, shielded by green-coloured glass.
Brewery, rorbuer and bakery on Håholmen
You can also jump on the boat to the listed fishing village of Håholmen, a well-shielded gem with original quays, rorbuer and a bakery. It has been a harbour, home and workplace for fishermen, traders and seafarers since the 1500s. Here you can eat local food by the pier or sit inside the warmth of the old bakery, which is now used as a peisestua lounge.
Overnight stay
Most of the car tourists who make the journey over the Atlantic Road either want hotel accommodation in Molde or in Kristiansund. At our hotels, you can enjoy an award-winning breakfast and relax in beautiful surroundings, both indoors and outdoors.
Kristiansund also offers endless opportunities for an active holiday with kayaking, diving, paddleboarding, sea fishing, salmon fishing, hiking, and cycling. Here are our best tips for experiences in Kristiansund.
Extend your journey
Once you’re on the Atlantic Road, it’s worth exploring more of the area. A half-hour drive south-west along the coast is the Bud fishing village, formerly an important trading hub between Bergen and Trondheim. Here you can take a break, eat locally caught seafood or stroll along the coastal paths. There are also good opportunities for fishing, rest areas and small outlets with local food and crafts.
In to Trollstigen
From Molde, you can go on a day trip to Trollstigen and if you are coming from Ålesund, you also drive through the charming 'strawberry town' of Valldal. Make sure to stop at Gudbrandsjuvet, which you pass a short distance down from the Trollstigen plateau. While driving through the valley, don't forget to stop by one of the strawberry sellers by the road during high season. Enjoy freshly picked berries or eat a more substantial meal at Jordbærstova, where many of the ingredients used come from local farmers.
Aksla in Ålesund
Continue along the road out again to Ålesund, where you will find many attractions. Among other things, the Youth Village of Ålesund is constantly being selected as one of the world’s most beautiful cities - and is therefore a city you should definitely experience when you first visit North Western Norway. One of Ålesund’s biggest attractions is Aksla, a city mountain that is well worth a visit. From here you can enjoy the views out over the archipelago, the city centre and the Sunnmøre Alps. To get up to Aksla, you can either walk the 418 steps from Byparken or drive Borgundveien/Fjelltunveien road all the way up.
