At a Glance
Quick OverviewNorway’s coastline offers some of the world’s most spectacular driving experiences-roads that curve across islands on dramatic bridges, climb mountainsides on impossible switchbacks, and trace fjord edges beneath towering cliffs. These aren’t just routes to get somewhere; they’re destinations in themselves.
From the world-famous Atlantic Road to the serpentine bends of Trollstigen, Norway’s National Scenic Routes programme has designated 18 routes covering 2,136 kilometres of the country’s most beautiful roads. Each combines natural drama with carefully designed viewpoints and architecture, creating driving experiences unlike anywhere else on Earth.
The Atlantic Road
Norway’s Most Famous Coastal Drive
The Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsveien) is an engineering marvel-8.3 kilometres of road hopping between islands on eight bridges, with the sea visible on both sides.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Length | 8.3 km |
| Location | Kristiansund to Molde area |
| Bridges | 8 |
| Drive time | 15-20 minutes |
| Built | 1989, extended 2005 |
| Status | National Scenic Route |
Why It’s Famous
Storseisundet Bridge: The most photographed bridge curves dramatically upward and appears to end in mid-air from certain angles-creating an optical illusion that made it internet-famous.
Storm Watching: During autumn storms, waves crash over the road and bridges. This dramatic footage attracts storm-chasers, though driving requires caution.
Marine Life: The surrounding waters are rich in marine life. Seal and sea bird sightings are common, and the area is known for excellent fishing.
Driving the Atlantic Road
Best Experience:
- Drive it twice (once each direction)
- Stop at Eldhus�ya viewpoint
- Visit H�holmen fishing village
- Take the Kvernes Stave Church detour
- Allow 2-3 hours including stops
Photo Spots:
- Storseisundet Bridge (from south approach)
- Eldhus�ya viewpoint platform
- Myrb�rholm island overlook
- Various bridges and causeway sections
Trollstigen
The Troll’s Path
Trollstigen is one of Norway’s most dramatic mountain roads-11 hairpin bends climbing 858 metres with a 10% gradient.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 858 m |
| Hairpin bends | 11 |
| Open | May-October (weather dependent) |
| Location | �ndalsnes to Valldal |
| Drive time | 30-45 minutes |
The Experience
Ascending: Each hairpin reveals new views-waterfalls cascade beside the road, mountains tower above, and the valley floor drops away dramatically.
Summit Viewpoint: The architect-designed viewing platform extends into space, offering vertiginous views down the switchbacks you just climbed.
Stigfossen Waterfall: A 320-metre waterfall thunders beside the road, with a viewing platform offering close-up views.
Practical Information
Seasonal Closure:
- Typically closes November
- Opens May or June
- Check current status at vegvesen.no
- Weather can delay opening
Combining Routes: Many visitors combine Trollstigen with the Atlantic Road in one epic day trip from �lesund or Molde.
Lofoten Scenic Route
Island-Hopping Paradise
The Lofoten Scenic Route (E10 and connecting roads) runs through Norway’s most photogenic archipelago.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Main route | E10 through Lofoten |
| Length | ~170 km |
| Key stops | Svolv�r, Henningsv�r, Reine, � |
| Character | Islands, bridges, fishing villages |
Must-See Stops
Henningsv�r: The “Venice of Lofoten”-a picturesque fishing village built on small islands with narrow channels.
Hamn�y: Perhaps Lofoten’s most photographed scene-red rorbu cabins against dramatic mountain peaks.
Reine: Called Norway’s most beautiful village, with views that appear on countless postcards.
� i Lofoten: The end of the road (literally, the last letter of the Norwegian alphabet), featuring traditional fishing museums.
Driving Tips
- Allow at least 2-3 days for Lofoten
- Many single-track sections
- Wildlife on roads (sheep, occasional elk)
- Tunnels connect some islands
- Summer traffic can be heavy
More Coastal Scenic Routes
Helgelandskysten
The Helgeland Coast route runs 433 km between Holm and God�ystraumen, featuring:
- The iconic Torghatten mountain (with a hole through it)
- Seven Sisters mountain range
- Numerous ferry crossings
- Authentic coastal communities
Gamle Strynefjellsvegen
A historic mountain road with:
- Original stone construction from 1894
- Dramatic mountain scenery
- Open only summer months
- Connection to Geirangerfjord
Hardanger
The Hardanger Scenic Route offers:
- V�ringfossen waterfall viewpoint
- Hardangerfjord views
- Apple orchards in bloom (May)
- Trolltunga access
Planning Your Coastal Road Trip
Sample Itineraries
3-Day Atlantic Coast:
| Day | Route | Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | �lesund to Molde | Atlantic Road |
| 2 | Molde to Geiranger | Trollstigen |
| 3 | Geiranger to �lesund | Fjord views |
7-Day Coastal Epic:
| Day | Location |
|---|---|
| 1 | Bergen-drive to �lesund |
| 2 | Atlantic Road + Kristiansund |
| 3 | Trollstigen + Geirangerfjord |
| 4 | Drive to Trondheim |
| 5 | Trondheim to Helgeland |
| 6 | Ferries to Lofoten |
| 7 | Lofoten exploration |
Practical Considerations
Car Hire:
| City | Options | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bergen | All major companies | Good fjord access |
| �lesund | Multiple options | Atlantic Road nearby |
| Troms� | Good selection | Lofoten access |
| Oslo | Most options | Longest drive to coast |
Costs:
- Hire car: �65-120/day
- Fuel: Higher than most countries
- Tolls: Automatic (AutoPASS)
- Ferries: �16-80 depending on route
Ferries: Many coastal routes require ferry crossings. Some tips:
- No advance booking needed for most
- Pay onboard or via app
- Some ferries are part of toll system
- Peak season may have queues
Best Time to Drive
Seasonal Guide
| Season | Conditions | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| May-June | All routes open | Long days, some snow |
| July-August | Peak season | Midnight sun north |
| September | Autumn colours | Mountain passes may close |
| October-April | Limited routes | Atlantic Road only |
Weather Considerations
- Fog common on coast
- Rain possible anytime
- Mountain weather changes fast
- Wind affects bridge driving
- Check forecasts daily
Viewpoints & Architecture
Notable Viewpoints
Norway’s National Scenic Routes feature world-class architectural viewpoints:
Trollstigen Platform: Cantilevered steel and glass extending over the valley
Geiranger Viewpoints: Multiple levels with fjord panoramas
Stegastein (Aurland): 30-metre platform over Aurlandsfjord
Eldhus�ya (Atlantic Road): Wave-shaped concrete over rocky islet
Rest Areas
Scenic routes include architecturally designed rest areas with:
- Toilets
- Picnic facilities
- Information boards
- Photography platforms
Tips for Coastal Driving
Safety
- Watch for single-track sections
- Use passing places correctly
- Be aware of tour coaches
- Respect livestock on roads
- Don’t rush-enjoy the views
Photography
- Morning/evening light is best
- Stop only in safe areas
- Use viewpoints, not roadside
- Weather changes create drama
- Drones require permission
Etiquette
- Pull over to let faster traffic pass
- Wave thanks when given way
- Don’t block viewpoints
- Keep noise levels reasonable
- Take all rubbish with you
Combining with Other Experiences
Add to Your Trip
Fjord Cruises:
- Geirangerfjord from Trollstigen area
- N�r�yfjord from Bergen area
Hiking:
- Reinebringen (Lofoten)
- Romsdalseggen (near Trollstigen)
Wildlife:
- Sea eagles (Lofoten)
- Whale watching (various locations)
- Puffins (summer)
Final Thoughts
Norway’s coastal routes offer driving experiences that transcend simple transportation. These roads connect you with landscapes that seem almost unreal-islands linked by improbable bridges, mountain passes defying logic, and viewpoints designed to make you stop and appreciate where you are.
Whether you choose the famous Atlantic Road, the dramatic Trollstigen, or the island-hopping beauty of Lofoten, you’ll understand why Norway’s scenic routes are considered among the world’s best. Take your time, stop often, and let the journey be as memorable as any destination.
For more Norwegian road trip information, see our guides to Driving in Norway, Lofoten Islands Guide, and Norway Road Trips.