The Atlantic Road along the Norwegian west coast comes first, even in competition with world renowned attractions such as Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast Road and the Himalayas.

"The Atlantic Road zigzags across 12 low bridges that jut out over the sea, linking the islands between Molde (famous for its annual jazz festival in July) and Kristiansund in the western fjords. The Hustadvika is an infamous stretch of ocean and when in storm it's fantastically dramatic. In calmer weather you might spot whales and seals," writes The Guardian (25 April, 2006).

Chosen as "Norway's construction of the century" in 2005, this road links together Averøy and Eide. From Kristiansund, highway 64 goes via a ferry to Bremsnes, then across the exciting island of Averøy with Kvernes stave church and the incredible coastline out towards Hustadvika.

The Atlantic Highway skips nimbly from island to island, across eight bridges, bird life, large numbers of coastal seals and excellent fishing spots accessible by boat or from the rocky seashore. The Atlantic Highway was opened in 1989 and is now toll-free.

Getting to the Atlantic Road

From Kristiansund:
Take the ferry to Bremsnes on the island of Averøy and follow the signs towards Molde (highway 64).

From Molde:
Follow state highway 64 through Eide and on to Averøy.

Autumn hurricanes

According to the tourist information service Destination Molde & Romsdal, many tourists choose to travel to The Atlantic Road during the fall to experience the raging storms that pound the road. The construction workers experienced 12 hurricanes during the building process before the road opened in 1989.

The Atlantic Road was ranked first by The Guardian ahead of Northern Ireland's Antrim Coast Road, the Himalaya stretch between Manali and Leh, Australia's Gibb River Road and Canada's Sea to Sky Highway.