Norway Road Trip: Trollstigen, Atlantic Road, and Trollkyrkja

A few years ago, I had the unforgettable chance to travel through Norway for a few months, diving deep into the local culture by working alongside farmers in a rural area. Imagine vast open landscapes stretching as far as the eye can see, where neighbors live half a mile apart. Norway’s natural beauty is simply awe-inspiring, with its majestic mountains, rivers, forests, fields, deer, and lakes teeming with fish. All of this magic can be found in Møre og Romsdal county and around.

While the countryside is beautiful, the best way to experience Norway‘s wonders is through an epic road trip. Here’s how I made the most of my journey, and how you can too.

Start in Oslo and Head to Molde

If you’re starting in Oslo, I recommend flying to Molde to begin your adventure. Once you land, rent a car and hit the road towards Eide. But before you reach Eide, be sure to take in the amazing views on your way. Camping is also available nearby if you want to reserve a spot for the night when you return.

Hike to Trollkyrkja: A Hidden Gem

Following Route 64, you’ll soon spot a parking area with a sign for Trollkyrkja (Troll’s Church). From here, take a moderately challenging hike to a stunning marble cave system. The name “Troll’s Church” refers to the magical feel of this place. Inside the cave, there’s a cascading waterfall lined with marble, making it seem like something out of a fairy tale.

The hike itself is about 3 hours, and it’s important to dress properly, as there’s often snow at the top, even during the summer. The trail is rocky and can get boggy, so make sure to wear good waterproof hiking shoes. Once inside the cave, it’s a short 10-minute walk through pitch-black passages to the Troll’s Church waterfall, which drops 14 meters into a marble-lined chamber.

Stop at Eide and Continue to the Atlantic Road

After your hike, stop in the small town of Eide to grab some snacks and take in the beautiful lakes surrounding the area. There’s also camping available near Eide if you’d like to reserve a spot for the night when you return. From there, it’s just a short drive to one of Norway’s most iconic roads: the Atlantic Road.

The Atlantic Road connects Averøy to the mainland, crossing via various islands, small islets, and eight spectacular bridges spanning 8,274 meters. Opened in 1989 and toll-free, this is a real marvel of engineering. What makes the Atlantic Road so unique is not only architecture, but the dramatic contrast between driving it on a calm, sunlit day and navigating its curves during a storm.

Whatever the weather, it is an experience one would never forget. Make sure to stop at one of the many points provided for car parking, climb a small hill, and breathe in salty air with a view of the surrounding sea. Whether calm or stormy, nature here is indeed strikingly beautiful.

You can also hike on the raised walking trail at Eldhusøya, or go on a boat tour to Håholmen – a day tour in summer. If you want action, then Strømsholmen Sea Sports Center offers fishing trips. If you are interested in fishing, several hotels on Averøy or Hustadvika also arrange trips with local skippers.

The Scenic Route to Trollstigen

After spending the night in Molde, I set off the next day on another epic road trip to Trollstigen, one of Norway’s most iconic scenic routes. At its highest, the road climbs to 852 meters above sea level, offering dizzying views of towering mountains, cascading waterfalls, deep fjords, and emerald green valleys. No wonder this is one of the most famous and well-visited routes in Norway.

Trollstigen: A Masterpiece of Nature and Engineering

Climbing Trollstigen up, you will certainly be impressed with the feat of engineering the curving road is, but it’s really the nature around that will take your breath away. The road is flanked by colossal mountains with names as impressive as their heights: Bispen (The Bishop) at 1,462 meters, Kongen (The King) at 1,614 meters, and Dronninga (The Queen) at 1,544 meters to the west, and Stigbottshornet and Storgrovfjellet on the eastern side. Looking down from these heights makes you feel wonderfully insignificant compared to the vast valley below.

The drive is 106 kilometers but allow plenty of time for sightseeing. Take advantage of the viewpoints, such as Gudbrandsjuvet Gorge and Ørnesvingene, to snap incredible photos, or if you’re up for more adventure, pack your hiking boots and explore one of the many mountain trails along the way.

When to Visit Trollstigen

Trollstigen normally is open from mid-May until the first snowfall in the autumn, but the road can be closed at any time due to heavy rainfall or risk of rockfalls, so it pays to check beforehand. And the best part? There’s no fee to drive this stunning route.

You should be able to make it back to Molde by nighttime. If, for any reason, you have extra time in Molde, there is more to see in this little town. For more active travelers, Moldemarka represents an excellent outdoor playground filled with trails, paths, and ski tracks perfect for winter outdoor activities. Make it a point to stop at the Vardevegen viewpoint and take in the breathtaking panorama of 222 mountain peaks-a view which is simply unforgettable.

Final Note

There can be no better way to explore the beauty of Norway than by road, and every turn revealed some new magic. From magical marble caves in Trollkyrkja, iconic roads over the sea-the Atlantic Road-to dramatic heights in Trollstigen, this trip was among the most memorable experiences of my life. If you would like an adventure with breathtaking landscapes and a few unforgettable moments, then Norway should be at the top of your travel list.