Kristiansund - clipfish town on four islands
Start your road trip in Kristiansund. The city is literally made up of islands connected by bridges and the legendary Sundbåten, one of Norway’s oldest continuously operating ferries. Take a boat trip between the islands, stroll around the Nordlandet district and experience the smell of salt and clipfish that has characterised the city for generations. Visit the Klippfiskmuseet to learn how dried cod from Kristiansund ended up in barrels in Southern Europe for hundreds of years.
Overnight stay in Kristiansund
Atlantic Ocean Road - Norway’s most beautiful detour
From Kristiansund, you head south towards the Atlantic Ocean Road, one of Europe’s most photographed routes. The road winds over seven bridges among islets and skerries, with the open sea on both sides. Stop at the Storseisundet Bridge, walk out onto the rocks and watch the waves roll in. On stormy days, the seawater splashes over the road. On quiet days, the sky is reflected in the sea. Both are worth experiencing.
Molde - fjord views and Trollstigen
Molde is home to an iconic fjord landscape. From the viewpoint at Varden, you can see the 222 snowcapped mountaintops that make up the 'Molde panorama'. With the city as your base, you can drive to and over Trollstigen. The road winds along 11 hairpin curves, with the Stigfossen waterfall roaring right next to it. From the platforms at the top, you can see the road as it winds through the landscape like a work of art and it becomes clear why this is one of Norway’s most popular stretches of road.
Overnight stay in Molde
Ålesund - Art Nouveau city by the sea
In Ålesund, the road trip changes character from mountains and fjords to city life by the sea. Following a citywide fire in 1904, the entire city centre was restored in Art Nouveau style in record time. It since boasts one of Europe’s most distinctive urban architectural landscapes, with towers, spires and stone dragon ornaments along each street. Start at the Art Nouveau Centre on Apotekergata, where you can learn the fascinating story behind the restoration.
Aksla
Afterwards, walk through Brosundet and up towards Aksla, climb the 418 steps and see Ålesund stretch between the strait and islands below. The views are unbeatable and most people think the climb is well worth the effort.
Sea rafting
Ready for some speed and sea air? Sea rafting tours are offered from the quay that take you into the open sea off the coast of Sunnmøre. It's a different and more adrenaline-packed way to experience the coast.
Overnight stay in Ålesund
Fosnavåg - small town, big sea
From Ålesund, you continue along the road west towards the Sunnmøre coast. You cross bridges and drive through underwater tunnels before the landscape opens up towards the ocean. Fosnavåg is a small fishing town with a population of around 3,700 where fishing boats still fill the harbour and the sea is never more than a block away. There are no major tourist attractions here – and that’s exactly the point.
Skotholmen
Set aside time for Skotholmen, the historic trading post on its own island outside the city centre. The site has been a hub of activity since the 1700s. Take the ferry, wander around the island and enjoy views of the sea in every direction.
Runde
If you have an extra day for exploring, head to Runde, one of Norway’s most spectacular bird cliffs, where puffins fly low above the sea.