Skip to main content
  • Search
    • Regions
    • Cities and places
    • See and do
    • Events
    • Food and drinks
    • Accommodation
    • Transport
    • Tourist information
  • Inspiration
  • Fjord Norway logo
    Fjord Norway logo
  • Search
  • Explore map
    • Regions
    • Cities and places
    • See and do
    • Events
    • Food and drinks
    • Accommodation
    • Transport
    • Tourist information
    • Inspiration
    • Explore map
Sports and outdoors

7 bracing experiences on the Atlantic Road

Spring, summer, autumn
Last updated: 29.07.2024
© Eline Karlsdatter Fladseth
© Eline Karlsdatter Fladseth

If you’re going to visit the Atlantic Road, take the time to experience more than just the view. Here are seven of the many bracing experiences you should try near the spectacular ocean road in Northwest Norway.

The Norwegian Scenic Route Atlanterhavsvegen – the Atlantic Road – winds its way up the coast of Hustadvika municipality, one of the most exposed stretches of ocean along the Norwegian coast. The road takes you across the ocean, islands, islets, skerries and a multitude of bridges all the way from the fishing village of Bud and 35 km north to Karvåg on Averøya island.

This stretch of road, which is known as both the Norwegian Scenic Route Atlantic Road and as the ‘road across the sea’, is often referred to as the world's most beautiful road trip. This road trip offers much more than fantastic views.

1. A floating delight

With the new tourist attraction on the Atlantic Road, you can soar along the 550-metre-long walkway with the Atlantic breeze caressing your face. The floating walkway is made of latticework floating above the terrain, supported by poles. The floating walkway and service building on Eldhusøya island are at the intersection between construction and art. There are facilities such as a cafe, tourist information and toilets. The geometry of the walking path and service building is very unusual, as nothing is perpendicular or parallel. The project which was a structural-engineering challenge has become a real success.

svevestien på eldhusøya

The Atlantic Road - walking path

Experience the Atlantic Road, part of Norway's National Scenic Routes. Explore the Svevestien trail on Eldhusøya – a 550-meter long, accessible path right by the sea.

The Atlantic Ocean Road winds its way through the sea over islets and skerries, between Averøy and Hustadvika.
The Atlantic Ocean Road winds its way through the sea over islets and skerries, between Averøy and Hustadvika. | © Nordlandblog

2. Catch big fish like a local

When you want to catch big fish, it’s smart to get in touch with well-known local guides who can show you the best fishing spots along the Atlantic Road. One of the guide companies is called Strømsholmen Sea-sport Centre. Catch Atlantic cod from the Atlantic Road, or find your sea legs and cast off from a boat. If you want to fish from land, the fishing bridges at Myrbærholmen island are specially designed for recreational fishing. The architect-designed bridges run along both sides of the Atlantic Road at Strømsholmen island. A popular activity for adults and children alike.

‘Ever since the road opened, there has been great interest in fishing in the strong currents under the bridges, among tourists and locals alike,’ says Grete Kongshaug from the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, who is responsible for the Norwegian Scenic Route Atlantic Road. The fishing bridges are made of steel mounted with latticework, and are designed to be easily used by those with reduced mobility.

Fisketur på Atlanterhavsveien

Guided Fishingtour at the Atlantic road - Strømsholmen seasport center

Join a 3-hour fishing trip with Strømsholmen Sea Sports Center, located on the scenic Atlantic Road. Experience the thrill of fishing with local experts

LIten gutt får fisk

Guided sea fishing and boat tour - Bud Camping

Stay in cabins in Bud by Hustadvika with boat hire, well suited for sea fishing.

Seal safari with snorkel at Atlanterhavsveien - Strømsholmen Sjøsportsenter

Seal safari with snorkel at Atlanterhavsveien - Strømsholmen Sjøsportsenter

Boat trip to a seal colony where you can see or snorkel with the seals. Strømsholmen sea sports center are located at the Atlantic Ocean Road and offer several activities such as fishing, diving and rib safaris.

3. The taste of salt cod and the story of the Saga Siglar ship

The idyllic Håholmen island is situated near the renowned Atlantic Road bridge. Over the years, the island has been a meeting place, harbour and workplace for many fishermen, sailors and merchants. On the island, you can experience a real klippfisk (dried and salted cod) fishing village with traditions dating back to the 18th century. Today, the island is known for exquisite dining experiences. Restaurant Ytterbrygga is famous for its excellent klippfisk dishes and tasty fish soup, thanks to the chefs' recipes and local ingredients.

The adventurer Ragnar Thorseth and his wife Kari began construction of the Håholmen Havstuer in 1989. Around twenty buildings give this island gem the feel of an intimate village and real coastal history. On the main island there is a beautiful natural harbour, sheltered from whatever the weather may bring.

Håholmen island is run by Classic Norway and is in demand as a holiday and conference destination. As well as hotel rooms, there are Restaurant Ytterbrygga, the Silver Bell Kro pub and a museum where you can learn about the story of Saga Siglar – the Viking ship that Ragnar and his crew used to travel around the world from 1984 to 1986. Saga Siglar sank in the Mediterranean in May 1992.

Håholmen Havstuer

Håholmen Havstuer by Classic Norway Hotels

Håholmen Havstuer is situated on its own island next to the Atlantic Road. Enjoy the historic fishing village, exquisite cuisine, and accommodation.

Restauranten fra utsiden

Bjartmars Favorittkro- restaurant

This restaurant is situated at the Atlantic road and 30 km from the town of Kristiansund and 60 km from Molde. Bjartmars serves good, local food.

Håholmen havstuer
The boat trip out to Håholmen is a journey from the modern road adventure on land to the historical fishingvillage adventure a little further out at sea. | © Eline Karlsdatter Fladseth

4. ‘Columna Transantlantica’

A 90-metre-long marble snake winds its way around the islets and skerries in the village of Vevang. The artist, Jan Freuchen, named the sculpture “Columna Transantlantica" – the transatlantic column. The snake is made of genuine Italian marble and comprises thirty-nine elements spread across the landscape. The artwork meanders through the terrain, winding out towards the open sea by the Atlantic Road.

At the end of the Atlantic road you will find a genuine marble worm in the sea gap.
At the end of the Atlantic road you will find a genuine marble worm in the sea gap.|© Oddgeir Visnes

5. Try yoga, windsurfing and kiting

Farstadsanden beach in Hustadvika municipality is also a superb starting point for mountain walks, kayaking, climbing, cycling, surfing, kiting and not least yoga. The white sandy beach is about halfway along the Norwegian Scenic Route Atlantic Road. When the waves are too small for surfing, it is also possible to test your skills at SUP (stand up paddling) or join a yoga class with a sea view. A yoga session here will for sure promises an unfrgettable encounter with the ocean and coastal nature - regardless of whether it’s midsummer or midwinter, wearing Gore-Tex and a winter coat.

Farstadsanden
Farstadsanden|© Oddgeir Visnes
Bading på Farstadsanden

Farstadsanden beach

Farstadsanden is a white sandy beach where you can swim, surf, kite or just enjoy a picnic.

Outdoor yoga by the Atlantic road with OmStavika

Outdoor yoga by the Atlantic road with OmStavika

Welcome to the world's most spectacular yoga studio! With sand under your feet, the sky as your roof and the powerful nature of Hustadvika as your frame.

6. Walk or cycle the coastal path

Put on your running shoes or jump on your bike and enjoy a fantastic trip along the coastal path at Farstad. The path begins on the east side of Farstadsanden beach and leads out to the Nordneset lighthouse. Behold the clear, blue Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see. The coastal path continues to Julshamna harbour, through sharp bends, hills and valleys by the sea.

On the way you pass tarns, burial mounds and other cultural heritage sites. Information signs give insight into the area’s nature, flora and fascinating history. There are several picnic tables along the path and at Julshamna harbour there’s a lean-to shelter and barbecue area.

Farstadstranden

Farstadsanden and Nordneset Coastal path

Familifriendly hike from the beautiful beach Farstadsanden to Nordneset lighthouse.

7. See the Atlantic Road from a new perspective

End the day with a mountain walk up the magnificent Stemshesten (667 masl.). The mountain stretches out towards the sea and offers magnificent views over the Atlantic Road, Hustadvika and Western Norway’s coastal landscape. At the top there is an exceptional panoramic view of the inland mountains and the ocean to the north and west. Read the tour description here.

Stemshesten
See the Atlantic Ocean Road from an entirely new perspective.|© Espen Istad
Stemshesten

Hiking to Mount Melen and Stemshesten from Skotten

Beautiful hike to Melen and Stemshesten

Find accomodation near the Atlantic road
visitnorthwest.no

More travel inspiration

Raumabanen: Europe's most beautiful train journey

Raumabanen: Europe's most beautiful train journey

Take the Raumabanen train line to Møre og Romsdal county ‒ a gateway to the fjords, mountains, and charming towns. As the train glides through the landscape, it offers the peace you need to truly appreciate the raw beauty of nature. It is no surprise that Raumabanen has been voted Europe's most beautiful train journey several times by Lonely Planet.

Views that will take your breath away

Views that will take your breath away

Take in the sights of sea spray from the ocean hitting the Atlantic Road or the colourful streets in Ålesund. Experience the ticklish feeling in your stomach as you meander down the winding mountain road Trollstigen and be fascinated by how the houses cling to the mountain along the fjord in Geiranger.

Traces of trolls in Møre and Romsdal

Traces of trolls in Møre and Romsdal

The Norwegian film "Troll" on Netflix has taken the world by storm. Among other places, this film was shot in Rauma and Sunnmøre in the north-western part of Norway and tops the charts in a total of 93 countries. The tales of trolls are exciting and fascinating and should not be hidden and forgotten.

Visit the world's densest population of sea eagles

Visit the world's densest population of sea eagles

The idyllic islands of Smøla are said to have the densest population of nesting sea eagles in the world. Join us on a sea eagle safari and see these delightful predators up close – an experience you will never forget!

  • Image shop
  • Meetings and conference
Fjord Norway's secondary logo
About Fjord NorwayFrequently asked questionsData protection