🌊 Why is the Atlantic Road so popular among tourists in Norway?

The Atlantic Road is about 8 km of spectacular road along the skerries of the Norwegian Sea: a chain of low islands connected by eight bridges, the most recognisable of which is Storseisundbrua with its spectacular ‘sagging’ curve. Here you literally drive ‘on the waves’: on the left is the ocean, on the right are skerries and lighthouses, and all around are seagulls, petrels and the foam of the surf. In a short time, you get strong emotions and postcard-worthy shots — which is why the road has long been an ‘icon’ of Norwegian road trips.

🧭 Where it is and how it works

• Location: section of Road 64 (FV64) between Vevang and Kårvåg, halfway between the cities of Molde and Kristiansund.
• Length and bridges: approximately 8–8.5 km with a series of low embankments and bridges; the main ‘hero’ is Storseisundbrua.
• Visiting format: you can drive through in 10–20 minutes without stopping, but it is better to allow 1.5–3 hours for viewing, short walks and photos.
• Year-round: the road is open all year round, but the nature of the sea, light and wind changes with the seasons — and that's part of its magic.

🏆 10 reasons to include the Atlantic Road in your itinerary

1. Wow factor in a compact format. Just a few kilometres — and dozens of different views.
2. Engineering aesthetics. Low embankments, arches, glass windbreaks and neat parking spaces — everything has been thought through.
3. Stursey Sundet Bridge. The ‘steep ridge’ effect is particularly photogenic in profile and on the approach.
4. Storm watching. In autumn and winter, the waves and wind create drama that can be safely observed from the viewing platforms.
5. Summer ‘postcard’. Light mists in the morning, gliding glare in the afternoon, golden hour in the evening — ideal conditions for photography.
6. Accessibility without a long journey. From Molde and Kristiansund, this is one of the ‘easiest’ day trips.
7. Micro-walks by the water. Short boardwalks and trails on the islands (including around Eldhusøya).
8. Chances of seeing wildlife. Seabirds — regularly; seals — from time to time; whales — rarely, but possible.
9. Combine with other ‘stars’ of the region. Can be combined with Trollstigen, Romsdalen, Kristiansund.
10. Any weather is ‘on point’. Clear — postcard; cloudy — cinema; storm — epic (follow safety rules).

🗺️ How the visit goes: sections and ‘wow’ points

• Approach from Molde: Eide → Vevang — a smooth exit to the ocean.
• Chain of bridges: low arches, car parks and glass windbreaks.
• Storseisundbrua: the main ascent, the most spectacular views ‘in profile’ and on the bends.
• Eldhusøya: a circular wooden path over rocks and surf at your feet.
• Finish to Korvog (Averøya): quiet bays and smooth granite slabs by the water.

💡 Tip for the route. Beautiful in both directions; many people drive back and forth to capture both profiles of Storseisundet.

🌤️ When to go: by season and light

• May–September: soft light, ‘postcard’ colours, long days. Lots of people — come early in the morning or evening.
• October–March: storms and dramatic waves; short daylight hours, strong winds. The photos and emotions are powerful, but dress warmly and keep a safe distance from the edge.
• April and October: a mix of seasons, with changing weather providing a ‘cinematic’ experience.
• Golden hour: the evening provides the perfect contours of Stursey Sundet ‘in profile’.

📸 Where to take photos (and how not to miss the shot)

• Profile of Sturseyundet. Take photos from the car park/viewing platform so that the bridge ‘breaks’ the horizon line.
• Decking on Eldhusøya. Low shots with decking lines and splashes near the rocks.
• Low embankments. A long-focus lens ‘compresses’ the bridges into a single ridge — impressive.
• Waves in a storm. Safe — only from viewing platforms and behind the fence. Tripod low, exposure 1/60–1/4 for ‘silk’.
• Road and cars. In the car park — fine; you cannot stop on the carriageway. The light blur of headlights is good with a long exposure after sunset — shoot from a safe spot.

🛡️ Safety and respect for nature

• Park only in marked parking areas and pockets. Do not park on bridges or roadsides.
• During storms, keep a safe distance. Do not approach the water's edge or wet slabs — they are slippery.
• Clothing: layers + membrane, hat/buff, gloves — all year round.
• Do not feed seagulls/petrels. This is harmful to the birds and creates chaos in the areas.
• Dogs: keep them on a leash — it is crowded on the decks and platforms.

Drones: only fly where it is permitted and safe (the wind on the coast is treacherous).

💵 Budget and logistics: how to plan practically

• Transport: the most convenient option is to hire a car. Public transport is available, but it rarely coincides with the best light for photography (in summer there are excursion flights from Molde/Kristiansund).
• Fuel and time: a round trip with short stops takes 1.5–3 hours plus travel time. For petrol, allow for an approximate amount based on your consumption for a distance of 100–200 km.
• Food: bring a thermos and snacks — you don't want to stand in line in strong winds.
• Accommodation: for sunrise/sunset, it is convenient to stay in Molde, Kristiansund or on Averøya.
• Insurance and coverage: wind and salt on the skerries — check the rental conditions, especially for windscreen and sandblasting.

🧭 Ready-made itineraries (substitute your own times)

🚗 Day 1: ‘Short postcard’

Molde → Vevang → Atlantic Road (stops at car parks and Eldhusøya) → U-turn → back through Storsesund → Molde.

Ideally, if your flight/ferry is in the evening, you will catch the golden hour.

🧭 Day 1: ‘Bridges + city on the islands’

Molde → Atlantic Road → Kristiansund (walk along the waterfront and bridges) → back through Korvog and the skerries.

A combination of engineering aesthetics and a city walk by the water.

🏔️ Days 2–3: ‘with taste’

Day 1 — Atlantic Road at sunrise/sunset, night on Averøya or in Kristiansund.

Day 2 — Romsdalen/Åndalsnes (cable car or Rampestreken), evening in Molde.

Day 3 — Trollstigen if desired (in season).

⚠️ Common mistakes

• Stopping on the road ‘for a minute’. Dangerous and prohibited — use car parks.
• Searching for the ‘best side’ of the bridge. Take photos from both sides: the angles are fundamentally different.
• Overestimating the weather. The ocean is unpredictable: even in summer, you need a windproof layer and shoes with treads.
• No time to spare. Allow time for the return trip — it will give you different shots.
• Approaching the edge of the waves. No heroics: photos from the viewing platforms are better than any wet slab.

Conclusion: The Atlantic Road is a short but powerful experience of encountering the ocean and Norwegian engineering aesthetics. Come with plenty of time, walk along the footbridges, take pictures of Storsesund in both directions, and leave with the shots that people come here from all over the world to take.