The Atlantic Road (Norway) is the most picturesque tourist route. Atlantic Road, Atlantic Tunnel Atlantic Road in Norway
If I were making a list of the most beautiful places, which every traveler should visit, in the top ten would undoubtedly be the Atlantic Road in Norway. Winding for several kilometers through islands and skerries, the road leads to the ocean coast. Built at the end of the last century between small islands, it was instantly recognized as the “Major Norwegian Building of the 20th Century”.
The British The Guardian awarded the route first place in the category of the most picturesque roads in the world, and this is well deserved. But its main feature is the magic bridge. When you drive along it, you get the impression that this is Ledzepellin’s “Stairway to Heaven” and approaching the middle, you instinctively group yourself, preparing to jump...
The road from towards Molde. Ahead is a mountain with “teeth marks”: it seems that a fairy-tale giant bit it right at the top:
Another ferry goes to Molde for 1,700 rubles (217 CZK):
The ship and cabin are small:
We didn’t spend much time in Molde itself. Last time the town seemed boring and unremarkable to me. We limited ourselves to going up to the observation deck and took a couple of shots:
We parked next to a funny car. I deliberately stood next to her so that my Discovery could match her. The car turned out to be almost twice as long:
In 2007, when I came here for the first time, there were no quadcopters yet and it was impossible to assess the scale of the road in one frame:
The highway is almost 8.5 kilometers long and consists of several roads and large bridges, viaducts:
Until 1970, a ferry operated between the islands, but even then it became clear that the waterway could not cope with the growing flow of cars. It was decided to pave the road. The construction was designed and planned for several years, the beginning was made in 1983:
Construction was difficult. Over six years, the road survived 12 powerful hurricanes (fortunately, there were no casualties). In the period from 1989 to 1999, the Atlantic Road was tolled, then, when the construction was fully paid for, it was opened to all motorists:
Storsesandet Bridge is the longest and most famous bridge on the Atlantic Road:
Locals call it the “Drunken Bridge” because it does not stand like ordinary bridges - straight - but meanders left and right, up and down. If you look at it from a certain angle, it seems that the top is directed upward and the cars driving along the roadway are about to fly into the sky:
The Storsezandet Bridge is also the same high point the entire route. It is raised above the water to a height of 23 meters. The design of the bridge is made to allow ships to pass under it:
That day we stayed in an excellent hotel just 2 kilometers from the Storsezandet Bridge. I took several photos from a copter right from my hotel room, since modern drones can fly within a radius of 2.5 km. True, I did not take into account one thing: it was flying towards the bridge in the wind at a speed of 12 meters per second, and back - twice as slow. There was a risk that the battery would not be enough, but everything worked out:
The hotel is located on an island and to get to it you need to sail a little by boat:
Departure to the island of Hoholmen cottage village Håholmen Havstuer occurs every hour. Moreover, this is not just a “water minibus”, but a historical restored ship. Please note that the steering wheel is not in the center of the boat, but on the side, like the Vikings:
The boat only accepts passengers. Cars must be left in the parking lot near the pier. Parking, by the way, is free:
Our hotel on the island:
A hotel in Hoolmen cost about 12,500 rubles per family per night (1,590 CZK). A large cottage with 5 bedrooms (sleeps 8), with a bathroom and a large living room was booked for us:
What is Norway's Atlantic Road famous for? How to get there and what to see. Where to park the car and how to find viewing platforms.
The mysterious name “Atlantic Road” hides a two-lane highway in the Norwegian governorate of Møre og Romsdal. According to the British newspaper The Guardian, this road in Norway was recognized as the best and most picturesque among the tourist highways in the world. This is also the opinion of many guests of the country who were lucky enough to visit here.
The construction of the Atlantic Road began in 1983, but it could not be completed as soon as possible. Therefore, the structure was ready only by the summer of 1989. During this period, construction workers saw 12 hurricanes. Having become an extension of the 36-kilometer tourist highway No. 64, the new road, 8.27 km long, received the title “Norwegian Building of the Century” in 2005.
Today the highway winds like a roller coaster and passes over several bridges linking the islands between the two settlements- cities Molde And Kristiansund. The highest of the bridges is called Storseysund. It was built at a height of 23 meters, specifically for ships to pass under it.
When is the best time to go to the Atlantic Road?
Many travelers flock to Norway's Atlantic Road in the fall when the weather is windy. During a raging storm, waves bursting right onto the highway create an incredible spectacle.
The Atlantic Road doesn't inspire confidence in bad weather
In the warm season, landscapes become brighter
It’s easier to imagine the uniqueness of the Atlantic Road in a panoramic photo
Along the route there are observation platforms equipped with special platforms for fishing. Thanks to these structures, you can watch local birds and seals. Whales, unfortunately, are rare in these waters, so not everyone gets to see them.
Fishing tours and cycling tours are available during the summer months. Coastal waters, different strong current, suitable for diving. Therefore, tours for divers are often organized in the vicinity of the Atlantic Road. Surfers are also not uncommon in Hystadvik Bay.
Things to do and see
For most travelers, stopping at one of the observation platforms The Atlantic Road is just one of the attractions along the way to, or Tromsø. One or two hours is enough to do everything.
The pier in the village of Håholmen Havstuer near the Atlantic Road
But if the area takes your fancy, you can deviate from the winding highway and go to the nearest Hoholmen Island, the area of which does not exceed four hectares. Tourists go there by boat, leaving the car in one of the parking lots (they are free and absolutely safe).
The only settlement on the island is a small village with an untranslatable name. Håholmen Havstuer. As in the 18th century, in the village you can live in partially preserved, partially restored huts and feel like Vikings. For centuries, the inhabitants of the island of Hokholmen were engaged only in fishing, probably achieving perfection in this matter. Today, these traditions are carefully preserved - albeit for tourism purposes. The village has traditional taverns where you can taste the freshest fish dishes in Norway!
#1. Håholmen Havstuer
Such houses are waiting for you on Hoholmen. View of the Atlantic Road, sunsets, fishing and other romance guaranteed! By the way, don’t worry about comfort - the rooms have all the amenities, high-quality beds, mattresses, plumbing. It’s better to keep silent about breakfast at night, just to see who has been to Norway and knows how hearty and generous the food is there. There are 3-5 types of herring alone.
To sum it up: is it worth going?
Norway's Atlantic Road is a place on the must see list. The dream of everyone who is partial to seascapes and loves to travel by car (and most importantly, don’t forget to rent this very car). The structure, unique in design, fits perfectly into the landscape.
It’s not for nothing that the national roads scattered throughout Norway are called real pearls. Allowing a different look at the picturesque nature of the harsh country, these highways are of great interest to tourists.
The best way to get to know an unfamiliar country
An exciting trip by car is a great way to get to know the country better. It must be said that it was Norwegian architects who recently loudly declared themselves by installing unusual art objects along the routes, emphasizing the exceptional beauty of the local landscapes.
National roads, which combine nature and design into a single whole, are a unique project of the state in which local and foreign experts are involved.
The most scenic highway
In 1989, a new road was opened - Atlanterhavsvegen (Atlantic Road), recognized as the most picturesque in the world. The highway, laid along the western coast and more than eight kilometers long, passes through numerous ocean islands located between populated areas. The Atlantic Road (Norway) is a section of a two-lane highway with an unusual design.
The history of the emergence of a popular tourist route
The miracle of Norwegian engineering is a fairly powerful road route with bridges whose height exceeds 23 meters above sea level. The highway running through the Eide archipelago was planned to be used as a railway line, but at the beginning of the 20th century this idea was abandoned due to the complexity of laying tracks.
In 1983, large-scale work began, interrupted by many problems and unfavorable weather conditions: 12 major hurricanes are known to have hit this area. Six years later, the Atlantic Road (Norway), declared the best highway for travel, was opened. Within a year, all the funds invested in construction paid off.
Part of cultural heritage
We can say with full confidence that a highway more than six meters wide has become part of not only the country’s infrastructure, but also cultural heritage. The Atlantic Road (Norway) includes eight bridges and four panoramic viewing platforms.
The most visited attraction of the state in Northern Europe - favorite place tourists who dream of taking a breeze through an amazing century-old building with unique architecture, illusory effects, and amazing views of the ocean.
The Atlantic Road (Norway), the photo of which demonstrates its steep turns, is equipped with spare sites-pockets where you can easily park your vehicle and go to the rocks to go fishing.
The bridges of the road arouse incredible interest among visitors. For example, Storseisundet is popularly nicknamed “drunk” and reminds everyone famous attraction“Roller coaster”: from a certain angle, the trampoline-like structure appears to end in the sky, an optical illusion that delights and terrifies travelers. As tourists themselves say, you need really strong nerves to drive along the road.
When creating a 260-meter-long structure, the architects pursued the idea of attracting the attention of travelers, and in addition, it was necessary to ensure convenient access for ships to land. The Storseysundet Bridge, which offers a breathtaking view of the ocean, is a truly unique structure that does not inspire confidence in those who travel along the Norwegian road for the first time.
Atlantic Road (Norway): reviews
Guests of the country admit that the zigzag highway causes not only admiration. Particular feelings arise during a fierce storm, when rolling waves that want to swallow tourists break next to the road. During an extreme journey, adrenaline is released into the blood, and emotions go through the roof. This is not only a beautiful road, but also one of the most dangerous. So, in 2003, a tourist from Israel was washed into the ocean by a huge wave, but despite the tragedy, the highway attracts millions of visitors to the country.
Thanks to the amazing design of the bridges, passengers cannot see where the Atlantic Road (Norway) ends and begins while driving, and such an unusual journey, combining the romance of adventure and thrill, will be remembered forever.
Many people note that there are cozy hotels along the highway where you can relax and admire the bad weather from the window of a comfortable room. The area is also ideal for diving and attracts scuba diving enthusiasts from all over the world during the summer. Fishing tours organized by sports centers are also very popular.
Tours to Norway
The Atlantic Road (Norway), intended for visitors, has enjoyed great interest for many years. The Fly&Drive tour allows everyone to experience the main attractions northern country, where, according to legend, trolls live.
This is a unique opportunity to visit the main cities of the Scandinavian state, see the picturesque fjords with your own eyes and drive along serpentine mountain roads, including the most picturesque of them.
Atlantic Road(English: The Atlantic Ocean Road, Norwegian: Atlanterhavsveien) is perhaps the most beautiful and picturesque highway in the world, it is located in the governorate (county) of Møre og Romsdal (Norwegian: Møre og Romsdal), Norway. The highway runs along north coast Atlantic Ocean and consists of roads and 12 bridges that connect several islands in an unusual way.
Atlantic Road, this is one of the treasures of Norway - this highway seems to be intended for tourists, picturesque landscapes, the ocean, changing pictures of different islands and bridges that tickle your nerves, which can remind you of a roller coaster driving over them. And if the weather is windy, the waves can break out right onto the road, which will cause extraordinary sensations.
Motorway or highway The Atlantic Road is part of the 36-kilometer national tourist road No. 64 (Bud - Korvåg). The Atlantic Road is a two-lane highway that links small islands in Atlantic Ocean between the settlements of Molde and Kristiansund, between the first point and the highway is 47 km, and the route to the second point is 30 km.
The length of the highway is almost 8.5 kilometers and consists of several roads and large bridges and viaducts. Atlantic Road runs in zigzags along many islands so that you can enjoy short term get to any of them. This is actually why this expensive and difficult-to-build highway was built. Previously, until almost the mid-1970s, cars were instead transported to the islands only by car ferry, which ran between the Romsdal district and the island of Averoy. But this method was quite slow and with the increase in the number of cars it could no longer cope with its tasks, so it was decided to build this highway.
Planning for the road began in 1970, but it was not until August 1, 1983 that construction began. Construction was not easy, the road was constantly exposed to natural elements, so during the six-year construction road survived 12 powerful hurricanes. After opening on July 7, 1989, the Atlantic Road remained tolled for another 10 years, but after it paid off, it has been completely free to travel since June 1999.
One of the main attractions of the road in Norway is - (Storseisundet) or as it is also called - "Drunken Bridge" or “Bridge to Nowhere”, which is named because it does not stand exactly like ordinary bridges, but twists and if you look at it from a certain angle, its top is directed upward and the cars passing along it seem to be about to fly into the sky. Storsezandet Bridge It is also the highest point of the entire route; it is raised above the water to a height of 23 meters.
The Atlantic Ocean Road received the award “Norway's Building of the Century 2005”, and is also the “Best Tourist Road in the Country” according to The Guardian newspaper. And not in vain, for a tourist on this road there is everything necessary so that you can get an unforgettable vacation experience.
However, in some places the ferries have already been replaced by bridges, which is good news - the bridge is much more convenient and faster. Although, of course, not so romantic. :-)
That's how we got to the Atlantic Road. This road, frankly speaking, is not a completely standard structure. It is located on two small archipelagos, consisting of dozens of tiny islands and villages. From above it looks like this:
The idea of connecting these islands wandered in the minds of Norwegians for a very long time. At the beginning of the 20th century, projects even arose on how to implement this plan, but in the 30s they were put an end to them. However, in the late 70s, the Norwegian authorities returned to the idea of building this road, and construction began in 1983. It lasted 6 years, during which the builders survived 12 hurricanes - these places are not protected from the open ocean, so the weather here leaves much to be desired, especially in the fall. As a result, the road was built - its length is just over 8 kilometers, but 10% of it goes over bridges, of which as many as 8 were built. In 2005, the road was declared "Norwegian Construction of the 20th Century", and The Guardian magazine called it "The World's Most Landmark Road".
Naturally, I couldn’t miss it, especially since the hook turned out to be quite small. :-)
When we arrived at the start of the road, the entire area was shrouded in fog. It was visible through the veil great amount small islands, most of them uninhabited.
Deciding to wait until the fog subsided a little, we walked around the area. The nature there is harsh, the vegetation is stunted. The bright red berries, which we initially mistook for lingonberries, turned out to be tasteless bearberry.
Bluebells are everywhere in Norway. :-)
One of the sides has already cleared up and the sun has come out.
Finally, the fog began to clear, and it was already possible to see the Storsisundet Bridge, which local residents called the “Drunken Bridge”, and tourists call it “The Road to Nowhere”.
Why “drunk” will become quite clear if you look at the whimsical curve of this 23-meter bridge.
But if you drive along it, then at a certain point it seems that the bridge is simply unfinished - it breaks off like a springboard. And a few more tens of meters - and you will fall into the water.
On the other hand, it looks like a completely normal bridge:
What do you think of this perspective? :-) From the outside, I can’t believe that ordinary cars, and not roller coaster trailers, are driving along these turns.
We were quite lucky with the weather - after all, we were there in the middle of summer. But in the fall the period of hurricanes begins, and then a trip along this road turns into a truly dangerous attraction. Giant waves come from the open sea, completely overwhelming the road. It looks something like this (photo not mine):
We, marveling at the man-made miracle, drove further along our route, enjoying the beautiful views.
Navigator for travel reports to Norway.