Experiences
The Atlantic Road, Norway: a coastal road trip from Ålesund to Kristiansund
Eight kilometres of road across islets and skerries, bridges that seem to end in mid-air and waves crashing over the tarmac in a storm. How to drive the Atlantic Road, and the route onwards along the fjords.
The road curves over an islet, then a bridge, then another islet. On both sides there is only sea. As you crest the Storseisund Bridge, the road seems to vanish into thin air, and you hold your breath for a second before it bends and lands on the next skerry.
The Atlantic Road is one of Norway’s National Tourist Routes and regularly named among the world’s most beautiful drives. Here is everything you need to drive it, and a road trip that links it with the fjords.
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How to drive the Atlantic Road
The Atlantic Road is about eight kilometres long, running between Kårvåg on Averøy and Vevang in Hustadvika, with eight bridges across islets and skerries. It opened in 1989 and is part of the National Tourist Route Atlanterhavsvegen.
The Storseisund Bridge: the most famous bridge, which seems to end in mid-air as you approach.
Rest areas: several stops have walkways out onto the skerries, and you can fish from the bridges.
Storm watching: in autumn and winter waves can crash over the road. Impressive, but drive carefully.
Distance: about an hour from both Molde and Kristiansund.
Book the experience: See tours and activities around Molde
A road trip along the coast and fjords
The Atlantic Road is perfect as part of a longer road trip in north-western Norway. Here is a route for four to five days.
Day 1: Ålesund, the Art Nouveau town, with views from Fjellstua on Aksla.
Day 2: the Geirangerfjord and Dalsnibba.
Day 3: the Eagle Road, Valldal and Trollstigen down to Åndalsnes.
Day 4: Molde, the town of roses, with views of 222 peaks from Varden, then on to the Atlantic Road.
Day 5: Kristiansund, the clipfish town, and home.
Read more about the Geirangerfjord and Trollstigen.
Where to stay along the route
Thon Hotel Kristiansund
Harbour views from Thon Hotel Kristiansund.
Thon Hotel Kristiansund
Thon Hotel Kristiansund sits by the harbour, a short walk from the old town and the clipfish wharves. Breakfast and parking are included, and the Atlantic Road is less than an hour away.
Book your stay: See rooms at Thon Hotel Kristiansund
Molde Fjordhotell
Molde Fjordhotell sits by the water in central Molde, with views of the fjord and the peaks. Breakfast is included, and the hotel has several bars. The Atlantic Road is about an hour away.
Book your stay: See rooms at Molde Fjordhotell
Hotel Brosundet
Hotel Brosundet on the canal in Ålesund.
Hotel Brosundet, Ålesund
Brosundet occupies an old warehouse on the canal in central Ålesund, a great starting point for the road trip. Breakfast is included.
Book your stay: See rooms at Hotel Brosundet
Storfjord Hotel
Storfjord Hotel is a small log hotel on the hillside above the Storfjord outside Ålesund. Stay rural and quiet, with breakfast included and views over the fjord.
Book your stay: See rooms at Storfjord Hotel
When is the best time to drive the Atlantic Road?
May to September: all the mountain roads on the route are open, and the evenings are light.
October to March: storm season, with waves crashing over the road. Spectacular, but keep an eye on the forecast.
Atlantic Road FAQ
How long is the Atlantic Road?
The Atlantic Road itself is about eight kilometres long, with eight bridges. The full tourist route is slightly longer.
Where is the Atlantic Road in Norway?
Between Molde and Kristiansund in Møre og Romsdal, from Kårvåg on Averøy to Vevang in Hustadvika.
Is there a toll on the Atlantic Road?
No, the road itself is free to drive. There may be tolls and ferries elsewhere on a road trip.
How much time do you need?
You can drive the road in 15 minutes, but allow a couple of hours for stops. As part of a road trip from Ålesund, plan four to five days.
Where should I stay near the Atlantic Road?
Thon Hotel Kristiansund and Molde Fjordhotell are about an hour away. Starting in Ålesund, Hotel Brosundet and Storfjord Hotel are good choices.