Atlantic Ocean Road & Varden Viewpoint Bus Tour from Molde

The Atlantic Ocean Road

The Atlantic Ocean Road, Atlanterhavsveien in Norwegian, is an 8-kilometre stretch of coastal road between Molde and Kristiansund that links a string of small islands with eight bridges. Opened in 1989, it was named Norway's 'Construction of the Century' in 2005 and is one of the National Tourist Routes. Its most famous section is the Storseisundet bridge, which rises in a steep curve that seems, from some angles, to end in mid-air.

In calm weather the sea glitters around the islets; in a storm, waves crash over the rocks right beside the road, and many people say this is when the Atlantic Road is at its best. This Atlantic Ocean Road tour from Molde lets you enjoy the drive without worrying about parking or narrow lay-bys, and your audio guide explains how the road was built across such exposed waters.

Eldhusøya walkway

Eldhusøya is a small island along the Atlantic Ocean Road with a rest area and a walkway of wood and steel that loops around the island close to the waves. It is the classic photo stop of the route, with views of the bridges, the skerries and the open ocean.

The coach stops here so you can walk part of the loop and take photos. The walkway is flat and easy, but it can be windy, so a windproof jacket is useful. On clear days you can see far out to sea, and in rough weather the spray from the breaking waves gives a real sense of the power of the Atlantic.

The Hustadvika coast and Farstadsanden

Hustadvika is a stretch of coast and sea between the Atlantic Ocean Road and Molde, known to sailors for its many reefs and skerries and for the shipwrecks they have caused over the centuries. From the road you see low cliffs, rocky islets and long sandy beaches such as Farstadsanden, one of the finest beaches in the region, popular for walks and surfing.

The route continues through Elnesvågen, the main village of the area, and past the place where a famous Norwegian cheese was first developed. You also pass industrial sites linked to one of Norway's largest natural gas fields, a reminder of how local culture, fishing and energy shape life on this coast.

Varden viewpoint and the Molde panorama

Varden is a viewpoint on the hill above Molde, 407 metres above sea level. From the platform you look out over the town, the Romsdalsfjord dotted with islands and, on a clear day, a long line of snowy mountains known as the Molde panorama, said to include 222 peaks.

The coach drives up to the viewpoint, so there is no hiking required. Most visitors find this the most beautiful moment of the tour, and it is the best place to understand Molde's setting between fjord and mountains. If you are wondering what to do in Molde with only a few hours ashore, Varden is the view not to miss. Clouds can hide the far peaks, so every visit offers a slightly different panorama.

Molde, the Town of Roses

Molde lies on the northern shore of the Romsdalsfjord and is known as the Town of Roses for its mild climate and gardens. Much of the centre was rebuilt after the Second World War, and its cathedral, finished in 1957, is a landmark of modern Norwegian church architecture. The town also hosts a well-known summer music festival.

At the end of the tour the coach makes a short panoramic drive through the centre, past the cathedral and the fjord-side streets, before returning to the pier where you started. The meeting point is always at the pier where your ship docks, so cruise passengers step off the coach close to their ship.