Excursion The atlantic ocean road and kvernes stave church tour at Kristiansand

The Norwegian Sea coast surrounding Kristiansund is in actuality an elaborate chain of islets and inlets. Even building roads from one city to another is uniquely challenging. On this panoramic coach drive, you’ll encounter islands and fjords as scenic as any in Norway – traveling over causeways, through plunging tunnels, and across ocean-hopping bridges that defy one’s imagination in some places.

Atlantic Ocean Road
Deemed one of the planet’s ultimate road trip experiences and ‘Norway’s Construction of the Century’ in 2005, the Atlantic Ocean Road winds its way along the region’s coastline for some five miles of exhilarating twists and curves, rising, falling, and wide open to the North Atlantic’s fury in places. During this segment of the drive, expect to be wowed by stunning views across the chain of small islets upon which it is (somehow) built.

Averøy & Kvernes Stave Church
While Averøy Island is best known as the gateway to the Atlantic Road, it has plenty of its own natural beauty to show off – from aquaculture farms to rolling hills covered in lush fern forests. Perhaps its biggest claim to fame, however, is man-made and dates from the 14th century. Or was that the 17th century? Research historians recently determined that Kvernes Stave Church is younger than originally thought, but it’s no less wonderfully wooden, character-filled, and photogenic. Step inside and admire its earlier altarpiece (1475), choir walls decorated with bible scenes, and floral-painted nave detail that was only freshly discovered. Austere and bucolic on the outside, this is a rich gem within. After a 30-minute visit, return to Kristiansund via the Atlantic Ocean Undersea Tunnel. It’s yet another engineering marvel.

Points of interests

Points of interest seen include: Atlantic Ocean Road, Kvernes Stave Church, Averøy Island

Note

Please note: This easy excursion involves about 300m/1,000 ft of walking. Guests must be able to board the coach unassisted. Some steps at the church make it not wheelchair-accessible. This tour includes a long, deep subsea tunnel drive; guests with claustrophobia should consider this before participating. Wear comfortable shoes and climate-suitable clothing. The order of sights and activities may vary.