Drive the Atlantic Road

With much packed into only a few days, this itinerary starts in the fascinating town Alesund. A beguiling ferry and fishing port, its streets are flanked by handsome buildings, whose pastel-painted facades are lavishly decorated with turrets, towers, floral patterns, dragons, faces and even the odd Pharoah, dating from 1904 when the town centre was destroyed by fire and rebuilt in this idiosyncratic Art Nouveau style.

Molde, known as the town of roses, based on the many lush rose gardens. There are several attractions here to keep you busy, perhaps venture to Varden viewpoint, offering a lovely view over the town and the famous Molde panorama with its 222 snow-clad peaks; the Romsdal Museum, a comprehensive folk museum; the Green Corridor, a nature trail with a baroque chateau; Molde Cathedral and not forgetting the Rose Gardens. From Molde there are several lovely round trips by car to take, so you may wish to spend longer here and enjoy the surrounding area.

The next part of the journey takes you further north to the small fishing village of Bud, where you can experience World War II history at Ergan Coastal Fort, before continuing on the national tourist route and The Atlantic Road, known as one of the most beautiful drives in the world. If you fancy a hike to stretch the legs there is the Nordneset coastal path, an easy family friendly trail starting at Farstad. Once over the iconic Atlantic road stop at Geitoya quay where you park your car and take the boat service to Haholmen village, an 18th century fishing village with traditional fisherman’s cabins and a lovely peaceful location to unwind and enjoy the restaurant’s fine seafood. Please note, getting on and off the boat at Haholmen may be tricky for those with walking difficulties. Plus there are some wooden walkways and steps on the island between the different buildings and the rooms.