Atlantic Road Driving Guide: Safety and Route Planning
🛣️ Route Overview: 8.3 Kilometers of Spectacular Driving
The Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien) is an 8.3-kilometer stretch of Road 64 connecting the mainland to Averøy island via eight bridges and several small islands. Despite its short length, this is one of the world's most dramatic coastal drives, requiring careful planning for safety and optimal experience.
📍 Route Details:
- Total Length: 8.3 km (5.2 miles)
- Driving Time: 10-15 minutes without stops
- Recommended Visit Duration: 2-4 hours with photo stops
- Road Number: FV64 (County Road 64)
- Bridges: 8 bridges plus several causeways
🚗 Vehicle Requirements and Recommendations
Suitable Vehicles: All vehicle types can use the Atlantic Road, including cars, motorcycles, RVs, and tour buses. The road surface is excellent quality asphalt with proper lane markings.
Winter Requirements (October-April):
- Winter tires are legally mandatory
- Snow chains recommended for extreme conditions
- 4WD not required but beneficial in severe weather
💡 Vehicle Recommendations:
- Rental cars: Choose vehicles with good ground clearance
- Motorcycles: Excellent for the experience but check weather conditions
- RVs/Motorhomes: Allowed but use designated parking areas only
⚠️ Critical Safety Information
Storm Conditions - Life-Threatening Hazards:
The Atlantic Road is notorious for waves washing over the bridges during storms. This is not just dramatic - it's dangerous. When storm warnings are issued:
- Monitor weather at yr.no (Norwegian Meteorological Institute)
- Heed all official warnings and road closure announcements
- Never stop on bridges during high winds or wave conditions
- Keep windows closed and drive at reduced speeds
- If caught in storm conditions, proceed to mainland immediately
Emergency Contacts:
- Emergency Services: 112 (works from any phone)
- Road Conditions: 175 or vegvesen.no
- Weather Warnings: yr.no or 22 96 30 00
🅿️ Parking and Viewing Areas
Storseisundet Bridge Viewpoint:
The most popular stop with multiple parking areas on both sides of the bridge. Arrive before 9 AM in summer to avoid crowds.
📍 GPS Coordinates: 63.0155°N, 7.3398°E
Facilities: No restrooms, bring your own refreshments
Accessibility: Partially accessible for wheelchairs on paved areas
Additional Parking Areas:
- Eldhusøya: Small parking area with viewing platform
- Lyngholmen: Parking near bridge number 5
- Skarnsundet: Northern approach parking
🗺️ Navigation and Route Planning
From Kristiansund:
Take Road 64 west for approximately 20 km. Follow signs for "Atlanterhavsveien" and "Averøy". The Atlantic Road section is clearly marked.
From Molde:
Take Road 64 northwest for approximately 45 km through the undersea tunnel (Atlanterhavstunnelen), then follow signs for Atlantic Road.
GPS Coordinates for Route Start:
- Southern entrance: 63.0021°N, 7.3089°E
- Northern entrance: 63.0247°N, 7.3545°E
💡 Navigation Tips:
- Use offline maps as mobile coverage can be spotty
- Download route maps before departure
- GPS coordinates are more reliable than addresses in rural areas
⏰ Timing Your Drive
Best Times to Drive:
- Early morning (6-9 AM): Fewer crowds, better lighting
- Late evening (7-10 PM in summer): Dramatic lighting, fewer tourists
- Weekdays: Significantly less crowded than weekends
Times to Avoid:
- Midday in summer (11 AM - 3 PM): Peak crowds
- Storm conditions: Check weather warnings
- Cruise ship days in Kristiansund: Expect tour buses
🌊 Understanding Wave Conditions
When Waves Cross the Road:
This typically occurs during:
- Wind speeds above 25 m/s (56 mph)
- High tide combined with onshore winds
- Autumn and winter storms (September-March)
Warning Signs:
- White foam visible on bridge surfaces
- Water spray reaching road level
- Official road condition warnings
Safe Behavior:
- Do not stop on bridges during rough conditions
- Maintain steady speed and direction
- Keep vehicle lights on
- Be prepared for sudden salt spray reducing visibility
🛍️ Facilities and Services
Limited Services Available:
The Atlantic Road itself has no gas stations, restaurants, or shops. Plan accordingly:
- Fuel: Fill up in Kristiansund or Molde before departure
- Food: Bring snacks and drinks
- Restrooms: Use facilities in Kristiansund or at Håholmen hotel
- Shelter: Very limited - cars provide only protection
📱 Mobile Coverage and Communication
Network Coverage: Generally good but can be patchy in storm conditions. Download offline maps and emergency contact information before departure.
Emergency Apps:
- 112 Norge: Official emergency app
- Yr: Weather warnings and forecasts
- Varsom: Avalanche and weather warnings
♿ Accessibility Information
Wheelchair Access:
- Main viewing areas have paved surfaces
- Some parking areas accessible with assistance
- No accessible restroom facilities along the route
- Consider mobility limitations in windy conditions
🎯 Driving Tips for Different Vehicles
Motorcycles:
- Exceptional experience but check wind conditions
- High winds can be dangerous on exposed bridges
- Salt spray can affect visibility and traction
- Consider alternative transport in poor weather
RVs and Large Vehicles:
- Use designated parking only
- Some viewpoints have limited turning space
- Be considerate of other visitors
- Plan fuel stops carefully
Electric Vehicles:
- Charging stations available in Kristiansund and Molde
- Limited charging options near Atlantic Road
- Plan range carefully especially in cold weather
Final Safety Reminder: The Atlantic Road's beauty can be deceptive. This is an active coastal environment with real hazards. Respect weather warnings, drive cautiously, and prioritize safety over photography opportunities.
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