Summary
The Atlantic Road is a spectacular 8.3-kilometer section of County Road 64 in Norway. Spanning eight bridges across small islands and skerries, it connects the mainland to Averøy. Known as “the road in the ocean,” it is an architectural marvel renowned for dramatic curves and open-sea views.
The round-trip from Malmefjord was 101 miles with 37.7mpg. We started our journey around 09:30, arriving back at the campsite late afternoon.
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The route was originally proposed as a railway line in the early 20th century, but this was abandoned. Serious planning of the road started in the 1970s, and construction started on 1 August 1983. During construction the area was hit by 12 European windstorms.
The road was opened on 7 July 1989, having cost 122 million kr, of which 25 percent was financed with tolls and the rest from public grants. Collection of tolls was scheduled to run for 15 years, but by June 1999 the road was paid off and the toll removed.
The road is preserved as a cultural heritage site and is classified as a National Tourist Route. It is a popular site to film automotive commercials, has been declared the world’s best road trip and been awarded the title as “Norwegian Construction of the Century”. In 2009, the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel opened, connecting Averøy Municipality to the neighbouring Kristiansund Municipality; together they form a second fixed link between the towns of Kristiansund and Molde.
Key Highlights
The Storseisundet Bridge: The longest and most dramatic of the bridges, which features a cantilevered design that creates a breathtaking optical illusion as you approach.
Askevågen Viewpoint: Features a viewing platform located right at the edge of the ocean, allowing you to experience the crashing waves safely.
The “Visit Norway website claims the route is popular for storm-watching, fishing, and cycling.