The Atlantic Ocean Road
The Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsveien). You find it in the mid-western part of Norway, just about an hour drive north of the city of Molde. Or a seven hour drive north of Oslo (just to put it into perspective).
Looking for a car in Norway? Check out Rentalcars.com – Or rent a Camper Van at Cabin CampersYou might also like: Driving from Oslo to Bergen
The road is an 8.3-kilometer (5.2 mi) long section of County Road 64, that runs through an archipelago. That is also what makes this road so spectacular, since you are basically driving with the ocean on both sides. The islands in the archipelago are connected together with causeways, viaducts and eight bridges, some of these bridges having quite amazing shapes as they bend into the sky.
The Road was opened in 1989, and the construction process was quite a challenge. This is a very rough patch of the Norwegian coast line, and during the 6 years construction period it was hit by 12 European Windstorms (Cyclones).
Best in rough weather
The occasional rough weather is also what makes this road so special. During fall you can experience large waves breaking over the road, and the ocean pounding onto the surrounding rocks. Some say it might be the most dangerous road in Norway. Perhaps not so much for cars, as it is designed to withstand large ocean waves, and also it will be closed on the most stormy days.
But if the wind is harsh and you decide to step out of your car, you better hold on to your hat. You might remember reading in the news back in 2019 about the cruise ship Viking Sky having to start evacuating off the coast of Norway. Read the story here. And as the article says “The drama unfolded in the bay of Hustadvika north of Molde, in an area dreaded by sailors for its difficult, dangerous waters.”.. Just west of the Atlantic Ocean Road.
As part of my Road Trip in Norway, I had the pleasure of driving through it on a fairly windy day. I put my GoPro on and filmed a few shots from the surroundings, and I’ve put some of this footage together. Therefor I invite you to come drive with me in this video as I head from North to East on one of the most spectacular roads in Norway.
Ha en fin dag! Have a nice day!
Pål
Looking for a car in Norway? Check out Rentalcars.com
– Or rent a Camper Van at Cabin Campers