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©Photo: Roger Ellingsen / Statens vegvesen Kristiansund - the Atlantic Road - Molde This trip goes from Kristiansund via Norwegian Scenic Route the Atlantic Road - often described as the world’s most beautiful road – to Molde. The Atlantic Road connects Averøy with the mainland via a series of small islands and islets spanned by a total of eight bridges over 8274 meters. The road is a national tourist route. https://fram.trekksoft.com/en_GB/activity/248763/one-way-trip-to-the-norwegian-scenic-route-atlantic-road-molde
Photo: tk.no You are now most likely on your way either up or down the Atlantic Ocean Tunnel which is an undersea tunnel in the region of Nordmøre. The tunnel first opened in December 2009 and connects Kristiansund to Averøy, along County Road 64. Before the tunnel opened, there was a ferry connection between the island and Kristiansund. The tunnel is 5,780 meters long and 250 meters deep, with a 10% gradient at its steepest.
Photo: sulafyr.no The Staveneset Lighthouse first became a working lighthouse in 1842. The only employees were the lighthouse keeper and his worker. Between 1847 and 1854, Hustadvika was struck by several unusually strong and devastating storms. Reports mention extreme weather and gigantic waves crashing onto houses, and shipwreck survivors who managed to climb ashore close to the lighthouse. One of the reports describes seawater entering chimneys and flowing into houses, and windows broken by strong winds and hail. In 1894, the lighthouse was rebuilt with more cuts and colour sectors. Additional improvements were made in 1907 when the old light was replaced with a new fourth-order lens. The Staveneset Lighthouse was modernised in 1953 with the construction of a new keeper's house and the installation of a generator to ensure the supply of electricity. In 1976, the lighthouse was automated.
Photo: peakbook.org The Bremsneshatten ("the Bemsnes hat") mountain is a special landmark with a magnificent 360-degree view from its summit. A marked pathway leads up to the summit of "the hat" from County Road 64, from the car park in Djupbukta on the northern side of the mountain. When you turn right, the directions will be indicated with small green arrows. The pathway runs along a ridge directly towards the Bremsneshatten mountain. The Bremsneshatten mountain also has several caves, including the Bremsnes Cave on the southern side of the mountain, marked as a separate point of interest. The cave is Norway's largest and extends 80 meters inside the mountain. Traces of the Fosna culture have been found in this cave dating back nearly 10,000 years.
On the southern side of Bremsneshatten mountain, you will find the Bremsnes Cave. Traces of the Fosna culture have been found in this cave dating back nearly 10,000 years. The cave is Norway's largest and extends 80 meters inside the mountain. In the old days, it is thought that the cave was most likely used as a hideout. This meant that the artefacts found there were those of outlaws and castaways. As is the case of many caves, the Bremsnes Cave is also a place of dramatic tales and legends. One of them tells the story of a dog that went farther and farther into the cave, and then re-emerged on the other side with most of his fur ripped off.
Photo: Kjetil Schjølberg, Roger Ellingsen / Statens vegvesen Averøy is a municipality in Nordmøre, Møre og Romsdal. The municipality consists of several island chains, among which Averøya is the largest. The municipality's administrative centre is in Bruhagen on this main island. Kristiansund is to the east, Gjemnes to the southeast and Eide to the southwest. The nearest towns are Kristiansund and Molde. The population is between 5,500 and 6,000, most of whom live by the sea, spread out over a large area. This means less than 20% of the population lives in the urban centres. The island is a place of rich historical and cultural heritage, and the locals are often referred to as Pekailla. This was probably because many of the island's inhabitants had names starting with the letters P and e, such as Per, Peder, Peter, etc.
Photo: Jarle Wæhler / Statens vegvesen Kvernes stave church made stave church history when new research revealed that the curch was built in the period 1631-33 and not at the end of the 1300s as was presumed earlier. This makes Kverns very special as it is Norway's only stave church built after the Middle Ages. The church seats around 200 people. A stave church is a wooden church built with a load-bearing construction of staves or posts held up by horizontal sills or crossbeams. The staves are what gave this type of church its name. In the Middle Ages, there were probably more than 1,000 stave churches in Norway. It is thought that there could have been as many as 2,000, but most of them disappeared between 1350 and 1650 A.D. — probably due to societal transformations in the aftermath of the Black Death and the Reformation. In 1650, about 270 stave churches had reappeared, but in the subsequent century, 136 of these disappeared. Today there are only 28 preserved stave churches dating back to the Middle Ages in Norway.
Photo: averoy.kommune.no In Søbstad images are carved into the rock, and it is easy to recognise what many of them represent: whales, boats and birds. However, we can only speculate as to the actual meaning of the artwork and what rituals took place here, as we will never be able to know that with absolute certainty. An unknown people lived in this area, and are reaching out to the present from thousands of years ago through their art. The rock carvings were discovered about 30 years ago. Rock carvings are like life nerves carved into the rock and in Søbstad it is possible to witness 17 such signs and symbols. Søbstad is where the glacial stream formed potholes at the end of the Ice Age, about 10,000 years ago. When the ice caps melted and the ground rose, these ondulating rocks emerged from the sea. People must have noticed the smoothly polished rock formations. Some of these monuments, created by nature itself, became sacred places. The carvings were made here for this very reason — the rock was considered sacred. Along the coast from Romsdal to Troms, whales are a common sight. If the carvings were made when the tide was low, then the whales—wet and reflecting the sunshine—would have been playing between the waves carved into the rock and the real ocean waves. The images carved into the rock represent hunting scenes and depict the large mammals found on land: moose, deer and reindeer. The animals depicted were probably hunted. The people behind the rock carvings were hunter-gatherers and fishermen. However, the animals were equivocal symbols and an expression of far more complex representations. In addition to hunting and food, they also represent society and religious faith. The rock carvings in Søbstad are located 12 to 16 metres above today's sea level. According to archaeologists, this means there are two possible time periods for their creation: the rocks were dry land for a short period in the Late Stone Age, i.e. from 8,500 to 9,000 years ago. After that, the melting ice caps lead to a higher sea level, flooding the area, and leaving the rocks under water once more. Then the rocks re-emerged in the Early Stone Age, about 5,000 years ago. Many have focused on the Early Iron Age since in some places, the whales appear with other figures that we can place with more certainty in that time period. However, according to recent research, some elements in other parts of the rock carvings imply that we can't exclude the earlier period. In terms of cultural history, the transition from the Early to the Late Stone Age does not seem to be significant in this area, but between the earliest and the latest dates there is a 4,000-year span. Around this time, there was a profound evolution in the use of tools, ways of living and beliefs. Most likely, there were distinct peoples here with their own languages and cultures. In the same way, there are important transitions within the Early Stone Age. The rock carvings in Søbstad were obviously created before agriculture became more established towards the end of the Early Stone Age. Not far from the rock carvings in Søbstad, there is also a burial mound and a stone circle. These are far younger than the rock carvings. The tradition of marking graves with stones dates back to the Late Bronze Age, about 1800 - 1000 B.C. The shape of the burial mound indicates that it might date back to the last part of the Late Iron Age, i.e. 200 - 550 A.D, but the dating method is considered uncertain.
Photo: sogeland.blogspot.com Håkkårøysa in Rånes on Averøy is the largest burial mound in Nordmøre with a diameter of 35 meters. The original dimensions of the mound are difficult to determine with certainty since some of the rocks have been displaced, but it's safe to assume that its initial height was 3 meters. With these dimensions, the construction is estimated to have required 500 man-days of work, which indicated the huge investment and importance linked to these burial sites. Judging by its location relative to sea level, the burial mound most likely dates back to the early Iron Age, i.e. the Merovinger Age or the Viking Age. It is believed that one of the chieftains from the battle of Rastarkalv in 995 A.D. is buried here. Up until the 20th century, the sea was the number one means of communication and a teeming thoroughfare along the coast. The burial mound has a central position along the inner shipping lane, clearly visible from the sea. Some speculate as to whether the mound hides a ship grave. In ship burials practised by the Vikings, the dead would either be placed inside the boat or the boat would be part of the grave goods. Although many of the rocks have been disturbed, the grave itself could still be intact. Also, it is not unusual to find multiple graves that were later added to major burial mounds such as this one. The large size of the burial mound bears witness to the ability of the population to honour the memory of a significant figure in their society, thus leaving a mark for posterity. Burial mounds are important demonstrations of a family's claim on land or property, or a territorial marker for a larger joint ownership. Local history tells of treasure coins once hidden inside the mound, and about an attempt of plunder by local farmers. While the farmers were robbing the grave, they saw flames coming from their own farm and immediately ran home to put out the fire. However, when they reached the farm, they were surprised to see there was no fire. Ever since, the grave has been left in peace. The tradition of building large burial mounds dates back over 3,000 years, from the Late Bronze Age and Iron Age. In Norway, there seems to be more male graves than female ones. However, the wealthiest ship grave known to date from the Viking Age, the Oseberg Mound, was for a woman. Ancient written sources stress the importance of building a large and visible mound.
Photo: Kristen Vorpvik @ flickr.com After crossing the bridge you’ll arrive at Langøya island, you will notice the Pilespisser (arrowheads) monument to the right of the car park. The monument was erected to honour the memory of the Langøysund Agreement of 1040 A.D. Thanks to which Norway got its first Magna Carta. King Magnus called for an agreement to be reached with the farmers along the coast. Following tough, but peaceful negotiations, the King and his men reduced their demands and renounced certain rights they had previously enforced, but which were not granted by law. At the same time, legal changes were voted in, this was a breakthrough for democracy. The beacon-shaped sculpture by the artist Kristian Blystad represents a common weapon from that era — an arrowhead. In the sculpture, the arrowhead has been removed, leaving only a contour for the light to shine through. This is a reference to the victory of values such as negotiation and democracy. Arrowheads can also be found in the coat of arms of Averøy municipality. From the Pilspisser monument, there is a pathway heading northwest towards Tjyvlohaugen (Arctic skua's mound) and Ørnhågen (eagle's mound). The names of the mounds date back a long time, but both Arctic skuas and eagles can be observed in the area.
Photo: Jarle Wæhler / Statens vegvesen Kårvåg is a village of about 300 inhabitants on Averøy island, near the Atlantic Road. It has a primary school, a kindergarten, a petrol station, retail outlets, shops and restaurants.
(Photo: Grete Kongshaug / Statens vegvesen) Håholmen has been a fishing village focused on klippfisk (dried and salted cod) since the early 1700s and was initially a dynamic community based on trade, fishing and maritime transport. Håholmen Sea Cottages today include a hotel, a conference centre, a café and a restaurant where guests move freely between the buildings — just like people did traditionally in vibrant fishermen's communities. Håholmen has a heritage worth preserving — this used to be a central meeting place for fishermen, sailors, salesmen and travellers. Its history and location on one of the most unsheltered parts of the Norwegian coastline adds to the unique character of the island. To a great extent, the 25 buildings have remained largely unchanged since the 18th and 19th centuries. This island of merely 50,000 m2 creates a natural separation between the open sea and the shipping lane on the outside. The landside of the island provides a beautiful natural harbour, protected from all kinds of weather. It was the adventurer Ragnar Thorseth and his wife Kari, who first came up with the idea of turning Håholmen into a hotel and conference centre. Together, they ran Håholmen until 1998. The Hall of Saga Siglar houses the Viking ship Saga Siglar, which Thorset used to circumnavigate the globe, and numerous souvenirs from this and other adventures. Exhibitions about old and recent history of Håholmen are also gathered here. The visit ends with a viewing of a film about Ragnar Thorseth's many adventures. The island is only accessible by boat. Check out the link if you want to book a hotel room, a table or just a ride across to visit the island.
(Photo: Romsdalsmuseet / Digitalt Museum, moldegaard.com) In front you now, you can see Moldegård. Originally, the estate was called Molde, supposedly from Norse "moldar", plural for "mold". Molde became the home of Captain Johan Fredrik von Beverlov, commander of the Romsdal military Company. He settled there and acquired the main farm, in approximately 1677. During his time, the suffix -gård (literally "farm") was used to differentiate between the growing town and the surrounding farms, including Reknes. Moldegård was the County Governor's house from 1705 to 1729, in addition to two short periods in the 1750s, and was supposedly the inspiration for Ibsen's 1886 drama Rosmersholm. The main farm house has been the property of the Møller family since 1789 and was registered in the cadastre of Bolsøy until the two municipalities were joined in 1964.
Photo: Harald Christian Eiken, Jiri Havran / Statens vegvesen The walking path around Eldhusøya island offers a splendid view. The path is suitable for everyone and is open every day, all year round. Don't let bad weather stop you since experiences in bad weather can be at least as intense as in good weather. The café is normally open during the summer season, but to be sure please check the link in the app.
Photo: Harald Christian Eiken, Magne Flemsæter, Jiri Havran \ Statens vegvesen The Storseisund Bridge is the longest and perhaps most well-known of the 8 bridges of the Atlantic Road. The bridge is a cantilever bridge with a length of 260 metres and largest span of 130 metres. It is among the most iconic tourist attractions in Norway, and is frequently used in commercials, films, etc. The BBC's popular series Top Gear has also filmed an episode on this bridge and the Atlantic Road.
Photo: Jarle Wæhler / Statens vegvesen The Atlantic Road runs along a stretch of sea at the very edge of the Atlantic Ocean, offering a scenic drive across the many bridges and islands. Often described as the world's most beautiful road trip, this section of County Road 64 is part of the National Tourist Route stretching from Vevang in Eide to Kårvåg on Averøy. The construction of the Atlantic Road began in 1983 and was completed in the summer of 1989. In 2005 it was voted Construction of the 20th Century. The road replaced the ferry route between Ørjavik and Tøvik which until then had connected the two municipalities. The entire installation, more than 8 km long and consisting of eight bridges with a combined length of 891 metres, runs across multiple islets and reefs. The Atlantic Road ranks number 8 of the most visited nature-based tourist attractions in the country, with several hundred thousand visitors each year. The road has also been the setting for numerous commercials, and several car producers — among which Lamborghini — have filmed commercials here to promote their latest models. The entire National Tourist Route called the Atlantic Road is 36 km long and connects Kårvåg to Bud. The road offers a unique experience with its breathtaking coastline and original design, both of the road itself, the bridges and multiple installations along the way. This place is equally spectacular to visit in inclement and windy weather, as it is on a bright and sunny day. Look west, towards the vast open sea and Hustadvika, a stretch of the Norwegian Sea known for its many reefs and dramatic climate. In calmer weather, it is possible to spot both seals and whales in the area. Between Vevang and Bud, southeast of the Atlantic Road, experience the lush coastal landscape with heaths and bare rocks along the unsheltered and open coastline of Hustadvika. The experience is intense and provides an insight into a region exposed to many different types of weather: here you risk facing strong winds, or – when the weather is good – a sunset that will leave a lasting impression on your mind.
Photo: Jarle Wæhler / Statens vegvesen The Myrbærholm Bridge connects Skarvøya to Eldhusøya via Flatskjæret. In 2010, bridges specially dedicated to fishing opened on Myrbærholmen. From these you could try to catch some fish from the famous Atlantic Road. Unfortunately, there is no option to rent fishing gear here at the moment, so you would need to bring your own. Or you could watch other people fish here. In the strong tidal currents, there is a good chance of catching cod, pollock, mackerel and saithe from the clear waters.
(Drawing: Ragnhild Folland) You are now on Skarvøya island. Together with Strømsholmen islet, this is the most southwesterly island on the Atlantic Road. Here you will find Gallery Skarvøya with a small café — a perfect pit stop to stretch your legs and admire the view.
Photo: stromsholmen.no Strømsholmen Sjøsportsenter (Strømsholmen Sea Sports Centre), is a place for adventures above and below the water. Since 1981, the professional dive center Strømsholmen offered a unique blend of thrilling adventures to visitors from around the world. The Sea Sports Centre is situated on the Atlantic Road and offers accommodation, fishing, diving, seal safaris, sightseeing tours etc.
The Brunvoll quarter now consists of apartments and some business activity, but was until recently the location for the Brunvoll factory. The Brunvoll Bros.’ factory was founded on Harøya by the brothers Andreas and Anders Brunvoll. The workshop’s primary purpose was to repair and build motors for fishing vessels. Brunvoll also produced diesel engines and propellers. In 1918 production was moved to Molde when the brothers bought Engstrups Motorfabrikk, located at the ferry port. In 1965 Brunvoll Motorfabrikk delivered its first side propellers, also known as thrusters. This product’s technology would turn out to be the bright future of the company. Over the years, they have delivered thousands of advanced propeller systems to thousands of ships. Many Norwegian industrial companies chose to produce in low-cost countries, but Brunvoll has chosen to go against the flow and manufactures their products in Norway. In the period 2014-14 Brunvoll moved all their activities in Molde to Årø, by the airport, including a state-of-the-art competence centre. Brunvoll is among the largest private companies in Molde with about 330 employees in Molde. In addition, the company has facilities in Volda and Dalen.
(Photo: fjordnorway.com) Molde’s airport Årø was financed by the Molde municipality and inaugurated in 1972. A lengthy discussion whether there should be a common airport for Romsdal and Nordmøre ended with the development of two airports, one in Molde, the other in Kristiansund. Årø serves more than 500,000 passengers annually. Fylkesvei 64 goes through the Fannefjord tunnel just under the runway. Over time the airport has undergone a series of improvements to meet the needs of both leisure and business travelers. The largest development was the extension of the runway from 1601 to 1980 meters. The additional runway was added during summer 2008.
The village Malme has about 500 inhabitants located at the end of Malmefjorden, the innermost part of Frænfjorden. The village has a significant production facility for refrigeration systems used in industry, fishing, and aquaculture. The name Malme comes from the Norse name "Malmr", which means 'sandy moor' or 'gravel field'. The fjord is a favorite place for ice skating fans. As the fjord freezes over during winter, it turns into a fantastic skating rink which extends for several kilometers. When conditions are safe, it is possible to spend many hours on the ice and enjoy both nature and the food you bring along for a nice day out.
The village Sylte has just a little over 300 inhabitants. It is located next to Sylteelva about six kilometers east of the city center of Elnesvågen (Fræna municipality). Here you will find a residential area surrounded by farmland looking down toward Sylteosen and Fræneide, and a shieling cottage up toward Kvannfjellet, the highest mountain in Fræna municipality. Sylte has its own elementary school, linked with Malme School, four kilometres away. First to fourth graders attend Sylte School, while fifth to seventh graders go to Malme School. Sylteelva is a popular destination for anglers.
(Photo: fjordnorway.com) We are now not far away from a 40 km system of mining tunnels that penetrate Bergtatt mountain on eleven levels. The mining operations started here in 1938, providing marble for the paper industry in Norway and Sweden. A few years ago the idea arose to open parts of the mountain as a tourist attraction. Within a short time this plan was implented. Bergtatt, also called «Fjellets mørke – the darkness of the mountain» - is already a reality. A trip to Bergtatt begins in daylight as you travel up the mountain side. When you reach the entrance to the mine, the road disappears into the big tunnel leading you further inward. For a while you will be surrounded by darkness before you get a glimpse of distant light. You can then board a barge resting on water that is glass-clear. As you proceed it gets darker before something lights up in front of you. Then quite suddenly four large chandeliers illuminate the marbled walls of a troll cave with plenty of space for both audience and artists. You are guaranteed to have an unforgettable experience at Bergtatt.
(Photo: Visit Norway) Eide Church is an aisleless “long church” completed in 1871. It is a wooden building with seats for 340 people. The church organ was made in Norway by Norsk Orgel og Harmoniumfabrikk. The organ’s pipes have sounded since 1977. The chimes of the church bells are much older. They started ringing in 1871. Then as now entrepreneurs understand the value of sponsoring – an inscription in one of the bells says: „Given by Kristiansund Sparebank 1871“. Around 3500 people live in this church’s parish.
(Photo: Gunn K. M. Skotheim) Here, between the open sea and the high mountains, lies idyllic Eide, roughly midway between the towns of Molde and Kristiansund. The settlement was called Nordic rock territorNordic rock territory", when Eide had its own municipal status. Mining and stone masonry have long traditions and are significant to the area industry. The largest section of the Norwegian stone-processing industry is located here. Workshops and carpentry are important industries as well. Modern retail establishments and a well-developed public sector serve the community. A fare number are also employed in agriculture and fishing. The area offers various exciting nature experiences, for example Hustadvika, one of Norway's most wild and beautiful coastal strips. The Atlantic Road is an attraction itself. A great experience both in stormy weather and sunshine. Connected through eight bridges, this spectacular road stretches along the coastal landscape.
(Photo: kommunenvar.no) The big limestone quarry Visnes Kalk AS makes it their business to refine a type of marble known for its white color and high lime content. The founder of the company, Iver R. Eide, grew up at Eide. At the age of 18, he traveled to Hamar where he trained to become a mason. He later worked as a mason for the regional railroad company. When Ålesund burned down in 1904, it was decided that the city should be rebuilt with non-flammable material. This was an excellent windfall of opportunity for Iver Eide and his group of masons to work in Ålesund. Iver Eide learned that there were significant resources of both white and colored marble on Visnes in Eide. This area was close to the sea with good harbor conditions as well. Iver entered into contracts with all the land owners in the area and secured delivery of cut stone. That's how the stone industry started in Eide – all because of the Ålesund fire in 1904! Stone blocks from Visnes were cut for several large marble buildings in the area. Ålesund church, Rønneberggården in Ålesund and Bondeheimen in Trondheim are some of them. Nowadays calcite from Visnes is still widely used as a construction material as well as in the paper industry, as an abrasive, in agriculture, as a pigment, in pharmaceutics and sandblasting. Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris was sandblasted with marble from Visnes as this particular marble's soft structure minimizes damage to the underlying original but is strong enough to clean surface contamination.
Gautvik Steinindustri was started in 1935 by the brothers Alfred and John Gautvik. The company is one of the oldest stone quarries in the country. Raw material used in the local stone production is imported from India, Africa, Italy, Spain, Finland and Sweden. Stone from the mountains of Norway is also used; primarily natural stone from the regions around Larvik, Støren, Fauske, Otta, Oppdal and Alta. In addition to the production of gravestones, they specialize in the design and manufacturing of counter tops. The company has invested a great deal in order to stay at the forefront of their industry. Their speciality is employing a mix of modern technology along with experience and traditional craftsmanship.
Vevang is a small village located by the Atlantic Road - next to the ocean. Vevang has its name since pre-Christian times and consists of "ve"meaning "sanctuary" or "holy place" and "vang"“, which means field. Several marked rocks and graves dating back to the newer Stone Age were discovered here. The village also features a number of bunkers from the Second World War when the Nazis occupied Norway. Among the islets and reefs at Vevang you can find a 90 meter long marble installation. The man behind the artwork, Jan Freuchen, named his sculpture "Columna Transantlantica" - the Transatlantic Column. The artwork consists of 39 parts spread around the landscape. This somewhat controversial work of art resembling the shape of a worm is made of real Italian marble. The artwork curves along the terrain and stretches out towards the open sea by the Atlantic Highway.