Drivers have been given one of the world’s most breathtaking road trips, allowing them to island hop from the comfort of their own car.
The Atlantic Road in Møre og Romsdal, Norway, only spans around 5.2 miles but takes drivers through various small islands via eight bridges.
In a blog post, the tourism service Fjord Norway highlighted that drivers are hard-pressed to find a similar route elsewhere.
They explained: “There is nothing more powerful than the ocean, and there are few places that bring you closer to the sea than your experience at the Atlantic Road.
“In this place you become part of the natural elements. A journey along this Norwegian Scenic Route is a great visual experience. In this place nature meets architecture and modern engineering, and offers you new memorable moments.”
First opened in 1989, the Atlantic Road’s main purpose is to connect the cities of Molde and Kristiansund, but passes through an archipelago of eight coastal islands.
The largest of the route’s islands is Eldhusøya, which features a large picnic area, soaring walking paths, and a cafe, making it the perfect opportunity for a pit stop.
Askevågen also features a panoramic viewpoint, which offers visitors a 360-degree view of the Atlantic Ocean from a small platform surrounded by glass panels.
While millions of motorists have travelled along Atlantic Road in the 35 years since it was first opened, possibly the most famous visitor was Daniel Craig.
During the James Bond film No Time to Die, the actor is chased by a group of henchmen in sinister grey Range Rovers.
However, whilst Bond’s route took them off the road and into the surrounding nature in a threatening fight for survival, most visitors will find the journey much more tranquil by sticking to the road.
Several holiday companies offer self-drive trips that allow motorists to visit the Atlantic Road in a range of differing vehicles, with prices starting at around £700, excluding flights.
Motorists can also take a ferry and bring their own vehicle. Whilst the once-popular Newcastle-Bergen line no longer operates, drivers can take ferries to countries such as The Netherlands, driving through Germany and Denmark to reach the country.
Atlantic Road is free to access no matter the vehicle used. Former tolls on the scenic route were dropped once the construction fees were paid off.
