Scenic Road Trip
Atlantic Road
Bridges Over the Open Ocean
The 36-km Atlantic Road threads eight bridges across a chain of rocky islets in the Norwegian Sea. On calm summer days it’s a serene, cinematic drive; in autumn storms, waves explode over the road surface and the Storseisundet Bridge looks like it launches cars into the sky.
Quick Facts
| Route | Bud to Kristiansund |
| Country | Norway |
| Distance | 36 km |
| Recommended days | 1 |
| Total drive time | ~1 hours |
| Best months | May–September (calm); October–March (storms) |
| Toll cost | None — former toll removed in 2021 |
| Est. fuel cost | ~EUR 5 |
| Motorway speed limit | 110 km/h |
| Alcohol limit (BAC) | 0.02 |
| Drives on | Right |
Top 5 Highlights
1. Storseisundet Bridge
The iconic ‘drunk bridge’ that appears to end in mid-air from certain angles
2. Eldhusoeya Rest Area
Glass-railed viewpoint platform on a tiny island between two bridges
3. Fishing from the Bridges
Multiple pull-offs where you can cast a line straight into the Atlantic
4. Bud Village
A historic fishing village and WWII fortress at the southern end
5. Averoeya Island
Rural island with stave-church ruins and views of the Hustadvika coast
Road Conditions & Terrain
Terrain: Flat island-hopping route across eight bridges spanning open ocean
Road type: Two-lane highway (County Road 64) with wide lanes and designated photo stops
Best Time to Drive
Best months: May–September (calm); October–March (storms)
Summer for easy driving and midnight sun; autumn storms for dramatic waves crashing over the bridges
Key Driving Rules
Norway’s speed limit is 80 km/h on this stretch. Speed cameras are frequent and fines are income-based (can be extremely high). Headlights must be on 24/7. Studded tyres are allowed November–April.
Speed Limits
| Road Type | Limit |
|---|---|
| Urban | 50 km/h |
| Rural/Open road | 80 km/h |
| Motorway | 110 km/h |
Required Equipment
- Warning triangle
- Reflective vest
- First aid kit
- Fire extinguisher
Estimated Costs
| Item | Cost |
|---|---|
| Fuel (petrol, round trip) | ~EUR 5 |
| Tolls/vignette | None — former toll removed in 2021 |
| Petrol price (per litre) | ~$2.10 USD |
| Diesel price (per litre) | ~$1.95 USD |
Practical Tips
- In stormy weather, waves crash over the road — spectacular but reduce speed significantly
- Arrive at dawn or dusk for the best photography light on the bridges
- Combine with Trollstigen (2 hours south) for a full-day driving experience
- The road is only 8.3 km of bridges — allow time for stops or you’ll finish in 15 minutes
- Kristiansund has cheap ferry connections to Trondheim if you want to extend the trip
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Frequently Asked Questions
The Atlantic Road covers 36 km and takes approximately 1 hours of pure driving time. We recommend 1 days to enjoy the highlights and stops along the way.
The best months are May–September (calm); October–March (storms). Summer for easy driving and midnight sun; autumn storms for dramatic waves crashing over the bridges
None — former toll removed in 2021
Norway drives on the right side of the road.
The blood alcohol limit in Norway is 0.02 BAC.
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