If you are out to get the absolute best of the best when it comes to road trips in this long and thin country, the Atlantic Road in Norway is a must. There are very few routes you can drive at any point in the year and still have an amazing experience.
Read on to find out exactly why and how to get the most out of this road trip.
Where is the Atlantic Road in Norway?
Situated right at the edge of the North Atlantic Ocean, this engineering marvel is in Western Norway, just south of Kristiansund Municipality. It’s a part of Road 64, Road 663, Road Fv242, and Road Fv235, spanning from Kristiansund to Bud. It is a beautiful system of bridges over some small islands that cuts through the inlet of the Kvernesfjord, providing amazing views all along the road.
How Long is the Atlantic Road in Norway?
If we take the entire road into account, it stretches to roughly 61.5 kilometers from top to bottom. Timewise, it takes just over an hour to drive the route, but there is no need to be that quick. You should take your time and enjoy the scenery if you’re not in a hurry.
Can I Stop Along the Road?
Yes, and there are multiple places to stop along the way. We strongly urge anyone who gets the chance to stop at the scenic viewpoints to take in the raw natural beauty.
In the wintertime, this is the perfect area to stop for the night to spot the Northern Lights in Norway. Just be careful if you stop in the winter, though, as the season brings strong winds, lots of snow, and limited visibility.
Can I Drive the Atlantic Road in Winter?
Yes! In fact, driving the Atlantic Road in Norway in winter will give you an unbeatable experience when it comes to facing the full force of the weather from the North Atlantic. Even though parts of the road might be a little icy and snowy, the road will be well-kept and good enough to drive. The important thing to remember is the same as driving in Norway in winter in general: drive slow, be safe rather than sorry, and ensure you have the right tires on.
In the winter, frothy waves swirl underneath, and sometimes, the waves hit the bridges and throw foam over the road. Don’t worry, though. The bridges and railings are strong, so you’re not going to be in any danger as long as you drive carefully.
What to See Along the Atlantic Road in Norway
As mentioned earlier, there are multiple stops along the way that allow you to step out and take in the scenery. Below are some of the highlights of the route:
Storseisundet Bridge
This bridge is the crown jewel of the route. Due to an optical illusion, it looks like the bridge abruptly ends at the top. Therefore, it has been nicknamed “the road to nowhere.” Don’t be afraid, though; we promise that the bridge continues on the other side.
Eldhusøya
One of the small islands along the route has been equipped with a long boardwalk around the island as well as a cute café. It’s one of the spots that is perfect for a longer stop.
Askevågen
This is a viewpoint close to the southern part of the route. It is just one kilometer from the main road, so it only takes a minute or two to get there. From the Askevågen viewpoint, you get a full panoramic view of the North Atlantic Ocean on the one side and the striking Norwegian landscape on the other. Perfect for a short stop and a photo session.
Columna Transatlantica
Jan Freuchen installed marble artwork along the coast just north of Vevang. Inspired by Greek marble columns, it lies broken and scattered along a walkway that you can access from a parking lot in the southwestern part of the area. It’s a bit of a walk, but well worth the time on a clear summer day—not so much in the middle of winter, though.
Skarvøya Shipwreck
When driving along the Atlantic Highway in Norway, you will encounter a shipwreck on the small Skarvøya Island. It can be seen from multiple locations but is best viewed from the adjacent parking space.
Where to Stay Along the Atlantic Road in Norway
Even if the Atlantic Ocean Road in Norway is not a long road to travel, there is a good reason why it is so popular: the unbeatable scenery. So, why not prolong the pleasure and properly enjoy the surroundings by staying somewhere along the way? Below is a list of a few highly recommended places to choose from:
Håholmen Hotel – Hotel on the picturesque Håholmen that you must take a ferry to reach.
Hustadvika Havhotell – Classic hotel along the road north of Farstad.
Bud Camping – Normal campground with all amenities.
Geitøya Camper Parking – Camping spot in the middle of the chain of small islands with no amenities.
If you would rather spend a night away from civilization, you can always opt for the right to roam in Norway, giving you the right to spend the night in any unfenced land for at least one night.
Places to Visit Close to the Atlantic Road in Norway
There are a few memorable spots that are not far from the route. If you look at the Atlantic Road in Norway on a map, you’ll see that these gems might require a small detour or lie just “outside” the road itself:
Håholmen – A small, old fishing village that is now protected. It is only reachable via ferry and offers a good glimpse of what Norway looked like back in the day.
Ergan Coastal Fort – Situated in Bud, it is the remnant of WWII coastal fortifications connected to the local museum.
Averøy Island – The island you emerge on from the tunnel at the northern end of the Atlantic Road in Norway. Simply stunning.
Vevang Battery – Another coastal battery to fend off enemy ships. This one sits a bit far inland and can be seen in the Vevang village.
Drive the Atlantic Road in Norway
The Atlantic Road in Norway is the ultimate stretch of road to cover for an unbeatable Norwegian road trip holiday. There are plenty of spots to stop at along the way, and if you are not afraid to set up your own camp, all you must do is rent a motorhome in Norway to get the most out of this experience. With your own camper, you can stop (almost) wherever you want for the night and enjoy your trip to Norway on your own terms.
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