North of everywhere in Europe lies a winding, wet road that has been considered the best road trip in the entire world. The road stretches across churning waters, whose waves crash over the asphalt and smash into passing cars. The drive inspires awe in all who face it. This exciting drive is known simply as the Atlantic Ocean Road.
Located in Norway, the Atlantic Ocean Road, known in Norwegian as the Atlanterhavsveien, crosses an archipelago connecting the coastal towns of Kristiansund and Molde. Architecturally stunning and inspiring bridges connect more than five miles of asphalt to tame the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Of the eight bridges that make up the highway, the Storseisundet Bridge is the most striking. As you drive, the bridge arches into the sky, and seems to cut off as if it leads straight into the heavens.
In addition to impressive architecture, the highway provides wonderful attractions to enhance the experience for daring adventurers. Some of these locations reside along the highway, while others are great additions to a longer visit to the area of Fjord, Norway.
Kvernes Stave Church and Rural Museum
If religion excites you, the Kvernes Stave Church and local museum is the place to visit. A beautifully rendered church, built in the same site as an ancient stave church, has been built near the Atlantic Ocean Road. This structure has gorgeous, intricate carvings of dragons, ivy, and vines.
The local museum provides detailed history of the area, allowing patrons to travel back in time and feel what an eighteenth-century village would have felt like. The museum is built in an open-area style, combining eleven buildings gathered from Averøy and the neighboring communities to rightfully portray the rich history of the region.
Bremsnes Cave
For the true adventurer who wants to feel the spray of the ocean and listen to the silence of the earth in the same day, the Bremsnes cave is nestled just a short drive north of the Atlantic Ocean Road. Considered one of the largest caves in Norway, the Bremsnes cave is great for any avid cave hiker or amateur traveler. Remember to take a flashlight, since the cave does not offer any electric lighting.
Derinngarden Cheese Farm
On the mainland before reaching the Atlantic Ocean Road sits the Derinngarden farm. Most famous for its cheese, the farm also provides organic dairy products for purchase. In the upper rooms of the main farm building, visitors can eat at an authentic restaurant that provides food made right at the farm.
If you’re travelling for a while in this area of Norway, you can camp at the farm for a modest price. Lose yourself in the serenity of the landscape as you eat cheese and camp in one of the most comfortable camping spots in Norway.
Håholmen Island
Along the Atlantic Ocean Road sits Håholmen Island, a restored fishing village that gives visitors a glimpse into Viking history. With a hotel, pub, and fish restaurant, guests of the island are well tended.
Aside from its simple tourist accommodations, the island village also boasts rebuilt Viking ships that allow tourists to travel back in time. Along the rough sea spray, tourists feel as if they have truly become Vikings themselves.
The fearsome drive of the Atlantic Ocean Road lies waiting for the adventurer in us all. Offering a variety of activities and sites to explore, the road provides an arterial route for discovering the mysteries of Norway. Visit the Atlantic Ocean Road and enjoy a magnificent driving, exploring, and traveling experience at the edge of the ocean, at the top of the world.
—Adam McLain
Photos by Johan Bichel Lindegaard and Jumborois. cc