Driving through a foreign country can often reveal a hidden gem, but one road in Norway may have you gripping the steering wheel just a little tighter.
The Atlantic Road (also known as the Atlanterhavsveien) might just be one of the most beautiful roads in the world, but we certainly wouldn’t fancy taking it on a stormy day.
According to fjordnorway.com, the route ‘meanders like a sea worm’ from Kårvåg on Averøya to Vevang on the mainland.
It’s easy to see why they describe it this way, as, to traverse it, you essentially drive through the middle of the ocean, from tiny island to tiny island.
The views that this road offers look absolutely incredible, taking in vast coastal landscape and tiny historic fishing villages, but if a storm rolls in, big waves and spray could make your journey more than a little dramatic.
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Even Visit Norway acknowledged that ‘The contrasts between a trip on a sun-soaked and tranquil summer day and a foam-sprayed journey in a storm from the northwest are amazing.’
How big is The Atlantic Road in Norway?
If you’re picturing something akin to the vast Queen Elizabeth II Bridge or Mersey Gateway, then think again.
Generally just two lanes wide, the road forms part of National Tourist Route 64, and connects a series of small islands and islets via a total of eight bridges.
It takes around ten minutes to drive from Kårvåg to Vevang via the road, a distance of approximately 9.8 kilometres.
While it was opened in 1989, during its construction, the road’s creators were forced to endure not one, not two… but 12 hurricanes, and it’s easy to see how that might have forced them to down tools for a bit.
Things to do on The Atlantic Road in Norway
If you need a break during your journey, there are several opportunities to stop, and things to do at either end of the road.
The elevated walking path at Eldhusøya offers some spectacular views out to sea, and Eldhuset – Atlanterhavsveien Kafe lets you grab coffee, snacks, and more.
There are opportunities for fishing trips around the area, snorkelling with seals, or rib safaris, and several accommodation options are available on Averøy or Hustadvika.
What people say about The Atlantic Road in Norway
Posting on TripAdvisor, Chris M said ‘We travelled along the scenic “Atlantic Road” which links the mainland with islands across part of the Atlantic Ocean – hence the name.
‘We were on a coach tour from Kristiansund to Kvernes. We stopped at the excellent visitor centre and viewing area at Eldhusoya, prior to crossing the Storseisundet Bridge, which is probably the most impressive on the road. The road and scenery are definitely worth seeing but probably only as part of a tour including other areas’.
However, Locked-out-by-TA, had a slightly different experience during worse conditions, posting ‘The weather was pretty bad which meant that being out and about on foot near the bridge was not an enjoyable experience.
‘At least that had a small cafe nearby that served lovely cake and coffee!. With that said though the walk around the gantry behind the cafe did provide some interesting views of the landscape.’
Colours of Bharat, an X account dedicated to highlighting beautiful travel locations, described it as one of ‘the most surreal and incredible roads in the world’.
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