Scenic Route the Atlantic Road
There is nothing more powerful than the ocean. And there are few places that bring you closer to the sea than your experience at the Atlantic Road. In this place you become a part of the natural elements. A journey along this Norwegian Scenic Route is a great visual experience. In this place nature meets architecture and modern engineering, and offers you new memorable moments.
The Norwegian Scenic Routes invite you to experience beautiful and varied drives, and give you unique impressions along Norwegian roads. These roadstretches intentions are not to get you from A to B as fast as possible. The drive between Bud and Kristiansund is a cohesive experience of the coast, culture and history - breathing between polished islets and island formations, between lush cultural landscapes and heather.
The world's most beautiful car journey?
The sea has been our most important means of transportation for centuries. It is our source of income and the starting point for endless activities and recreation. Right here in the Atlantic Ocean there was fish and sights of wealth. At the same time, there was a strong need for better communication and infrasturcture that could strengthen trade and exports.
Norwegian Scenic Route the Atlantic Road connects Averøy with the mainland through islands, islets and reefs by means of eight bridges. The Atlantic Road stretches over 8274 meters. The road is described as the world's most beautiful car journey. Started in 1983, the road was finally opened in 1989. The construction was a major challenge and the workers experienced as many as 12 hurricanes during the builiding project. In 2005, the Atlantic Road, Atlanterhavsvegen, was named as the building of the 20th century.
The spectacular viewpoints
Atlanterhavsvegen svevesti (soaring path) and the service center are two interesting attractions located at Eldhusøya in Averøy. Eldhusøya is the largest picnic area, beautifully situated by the ocean, with a major view to the horizon. It's well worth a stop here. The service building has a special architecture and houses a café, tourist information and toilets. There is also a large parking space.
Around Eldhusøya, a soaring path winds its way - partly to the top of the service building. Here you get an impressive view of the ocean and "the rest of the world". The design of this trail is by Ghilardi + Hellsten Architects. The soaring path is made of a grate that almost floats over the terrain, founded with piles. This walk is designed for all ages.
In Askevågen you will find a small but tough view veranda. This was designed by the architectural firm 3RW and architect Jakob Røssvik, in collaboration with Smedsvig Landskapsarkitekter AS. The viewing veranda is built in untreated steel with rust, which gives a distinct structure in the steps and green-colored thick glass in the protection against the breakwater.
Unforgettable nature experiences
In addition to being an important means of communication and a fantastic road trip for travelers, the Atlantic Road is well suited for those who enjoy cycling and hiking. If you want to experience the coastal nature and the marine animal kingdom close up, this is a good place to explore. The area around the Atlantic Road is rich in seabirds and seals. People who love fishing will find a number of nice places to fish with a rod.
The sporty guest will meet challenges in wind and wave surfing among roaring waves. For divers, there are good opportunities for diving to the ship cemetery in Hustadvika and other exciting places. This is the area for experiences in all kinds of weather. A close contact with the Atlantic Ocean opens up for your own personal adventure with panoramic views of the sea and skerries.
Accommodation along the Atlantic Road
Would you like to spend the night close to the most beautiful road in the world? There are many different accommodation options along and close to the Atlantic Road. Close to Geitøya island, which is part of the Atlantic Road, is the charming and high-standard Classic Norway hotel, Håholmen Havstuer. The island is home to an old fishing village that has been turned into a hotel. It’s a ten-minute boat ride from the Atlantic Road and, if you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of sea eagles and seals on the way! Other accommodation options include cabins and camping at Atlanterhavsveien Sjøstuer or Strømsholmen Sjøsportsenter (sea sport centre), both of which are right next to the Atlantic Road. The municipalities of Hustadvika and Averøy boast several small places to stay, including a number of campsites, cabins and rorbuer – traditional fisherman's accommodation – as well as a few hotels. You may want to visit the charming towns of Kristiansund and Molde, both of which are a short drive, 30 and 40 minutes, from the Atlantic Road. The fishing village of Bud is situated right on the coast and has the well-known stretch of coastline Hustadvika as its nearest neighbour. It’s bustling here in the summer, there’s excellent seafood and a coastal fortress and museum with amazing views.
