The Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsvegen) is one of the world's most photographed stretches of tarmac: eight bridges curving across skerries and open water between the Norwegian mainland and the island of Averøy, with the North Atlantic crashing in on three sides. At 8.3 kilometres long, it is a short drive — but the experience is outsized, especially when a westerly storm rolls in from the sea.
What the road actually is
The Atlantic Ocean Road is a designated National Tourist Route in Norway, opened in 1989. It connects the municipality of Eide on the mainland with Averøy island, and from there the road continues on across further bridges to Kristiansund. The total scenic route through this coastal area is considerably longer than the famous 8.3-km section, but the central stretch — with its wave-washed, curving Storseisundet Bridge arching over open water — is the one that appears in every photograph.
The road is part of National Road 64 and serves as genuine local infrastructure, not just a tourist attraction. You will share it with delivery lorries and locals going about their day, which somehow adds to the experience.
How to get there
The Atlantic Ocean Road is in Møre og Romsdal county, roughly midway up Norway's west coast. The closest city is Kristiansund to the north (about 70 km) and Molde to the south (about 65 km). Ålesund, the largest city in the region, lies about 125 km south via road.
The practical approach for most visitors:
- Fly into Ålesund Airport Vigra or Molde Airport Årø and hire a car. Both are served by domestic flights from Oslo, Bergen and other Norwegian cities.
- Drive from Bergen along the coast — a spectacular journey of around 6–7 hours using the E39 and various ferry crossings, or somewhat longer inland.
- Include it as part of a wider coastal drive from Bergen toward Trondheim, incorporating the driving in Norway guide's advice on ferries, toll roads and mountain passes.
There is no direct train to the Atlantic Ocean Road — Norwegian rail runs inland. Local buses connect Kristiansund and Molde via the road, but a car gives you the freedom to stop, park and wait for a wave.
The drive itself
The famous section takes around 10–15 minutes to drive in calm conditions; you will want much longer. There are several designated stopping points and small car parks along the route where you can pull over safely and walk to the water's edge. The Storseisundet Bridge — the longest of the eight at just over 260 metres — is the centrepiece, its curve giving the impression (on a clear day, from certain angles) of an unfinished ramp disappearing into the sky.
At low points in the road, waves in stormy conditions wash directly across the tarmac. This is dramatic and memorable; it is also occasionally dangerous. Check weather conditions before crossing in severe weather and obey any road closure signs. The road is periodically closed during the worst storms.
When to go
The Atlantic Ocean Road is open year-round. The experience changes dramatically with the season and the weather:
- Summer (June–August): Long daylight hours — very long, with twilight lasting until midnight in midsummer. The sea is calmer and the light on clear days is beautiful. Busiest with tourists.
- Autumn (September–October): Storms begin to build and the waves become more dramatic. Misty, moody and photogenic. Fewer visitors.
- Winter (November–March): The most dramatic sea conditions, with waves that can top the bridges in the biggest storms. Also cold, dark and occasionally icy — dress warmly and check road conditions before setting out. The northern lights are sometimes visible above the water on clear nights.
- Spring (April–May): The coast greens up quickly and the storms ease. A good time for smaller crowds and fresh light.
The "storm season" tourism the road has become associated with peaks in autumn and winter — if you specifically want to see the waves crashing over the road, September to February is the window.
Combining with the wider region
The Atlantic Ocean Road sits in a part of Norway rich in scenery. Logical combinations:
- Trollstigen: The famous mountain road — literally "the Troll's Ladder" — is about 90 km south of the Atlantic Ocean Road and is one of Norway's most dramatic switchback drives. It is closed in winter. Together, the two make a compelling two-day loop from Ålesund.
- Geirangerfjord: One of Norway's most celebrated fjords is around 120 km south of the Atlantic Ocean Road by road (or accessible by ferry from Ålesund). Combining all three in a three-to-four-day loop from Ålesund covers some of the finest scenery in the country.
- Kristiansund: The coastal city just north of Averøy is worth a detour for its old fishing quarter (Nordlandet) and the short boat trip to the island of Grip.
Practical notes
Norway operates a network of toll roads (AutoPASS); some roads charge automatically via cameras and issue an invoice to the hire car company, who pass it on to you. Check your rental agreement. The E39 south of the Atlantic Ocean Road includes car ferry crossings across several fjords — these are quick (15–30 minutes), run frequently, and are paid at the terminal.
Fuel in Norway is more expensive than in most of Europe. Fill up in larger towns before heading into more remote sections. Mobile signal is good along the coast but can drop in valleys and tunnels — Norway has some very long road tunnels, including the Atlanterhavstunnelen connecting Averøy to Kristiansund.
Frequently asked questions
Can you walk on the Atlantic Ocean Road?
There are pedestrian paths and viewpoints at several stopping places, and you can walk short sections of the roadside safely. However, it is primarily a driving route, and the bridges do not have dedicated pedestrian walkways — so stick to the designated stopping areas and viewpoints on foot.
How long should you spend at the Atlantic Ocean Road?
The drive itself takes 15–20 minutes including a couple of brief stops. If you want to sit by the water, watch the waves and explore the small fishing huts and viewpoints, allow 1–2 hours. It is not a destination for a full day in isolation; combine it with Trollstigen or a fjord cruise.
Is the Atlantic Ocean Road dangerous in storms?
In severe Atlantic storms, waves can wash over the road and authorities may close it temporarily. Drive carefully in poor weather, observe any warning signs, and check Norwegian road authority (Statens vegvesen) reports before setting out in storm conditions.
Is there a toll to use the Atlantic Ocean Road?
The Atlantic Ocean Road itself is free to drive. Toll charges apply on some other roads in the region, and ferry crossings charge a fare. Check with your hire car company about how toll invoices are handled.
Sources and further reading:
- Official tourist route information: Nasjonale Turistveger (nasjonaleturistveger.no).
- Road conditions: Norwegian Public Roads Administration / Statens vegvesen (vegvesen.no).
- Regional tourism: visitnorway.com.