Atlantic Road: Voted construction of the century by the Norwegians

On Wednesday (29.7.2020), breakfast at our campsite with a great view was still great until the rain came and didn't stop again!

Our path led us towards Ålesund and, surprise surprise, to a workshop. For a few days, we couldn't open the door from the outside, so we could only get in through the driver's door (there is no passenger door). We conducted the email correspondence using Google Translator in Norwegian, but on site we had the surprise of a German emigrant who took excellent care of our car. After arriving around 5.00 pm, we were able to stay overnight on the premises, so that the mechanic could start work around 9.00 am the next morning and we could continue around 11.00 am. We had to set an alarm clock for the first time since the ferry crossing to Norway 😉 Really great service, also previously via email! Some dealers/workshops in Germany could definitely learn something from that!!! By the way, the German emigrant confirmed what we had already suspected. Caravanning has also become a trend in Norway, and they (the motorhome dealer) had sold the motorhomes off the lot like hotcakes. Oh yes, the prices for motorhomes are also exorbitantly high, as is everything else in Norway 😉

We asked the German mechanic, among other things, if he ever considered returning to Germany (he emigrated eleven years ago). He said that he actually didn't want to, but that the pension wouldn't be very generous for him in Norway, and if he didn't have his own home by then, he wouldn't be able to afford to stay in Norway with rent and high cost of living. He also confirmed to us that Norwegians are rather closed off and prefer to keep to themselves (that was our impression as well) and that it is very difficult to gain access to them or make friends.

Even in the industrial area there was a path that led to a body of water with a recreational area (see photos). That's how it is everywhere in Norway.

From the workshop, our route continued towards the Atlantic Road. For this, we had to use another ferry which would not be the last one of the day. By now we are experienced with it. What worries us much more is the bill that we will receive for it, because you don't know beforehand how much it will cost. But it won't be cheap. But since we can't avoid it, we just have to accept it as it is.

The Atlantic Road (Atlanterhavsvegen) was voted the construction of the century by the Norwegians and covers a 8274 meter long section. Due to its course with eight bridges over several small islands, the road, which is part of the Norwegian Scenic Routes, is a tourist attraction.

Shortly after the Atlantic Road, we entered the approximately 5.8 km long Atlantic Tunnel, which had a slope of 10%. So the brakes had to work for about 3 km first and then the engine had to conquer the 10% gradient. The tunnel that followed was not quite as long, but still had an 8% slope.

In and around Kristiansund, unfortunately, we couldn't find a suitable campsite for us, or they were full in Kristiansund. So we were forced to continue driving. At a ferry port, we finally found a parking space. It was rather functional, but had a nice view of the fjord and the ferry.

As sunny and warm weather was forecasted for Friday & Saturday for the first time, we looked for a campsite near us on Friday morning so that we could use it to relax and enjoy the warm weather. For the first time, we were able to spend the days in a T-shirt and shorts 😄

As always, we have put together a selection of photos for you.

Warm greetings to all of you, Thomas, Janina & Triene