Averoy

Averøy is an island municipality in Møre og Romsdal county on Norway's western coast, situated just north of the city of Kristiansund. The municipality encompasses the main island of Averøya and numerous smaller surrounding islands, with a population of roughly 5,500 spread across fishing villages, small farms, and coastal settlements. The landscape is characterised by low, wind-swept hills, exposed rock, sheltered coves, and a rugged shoreline shaped by millennia of Atlantic storms.

The municipality's greatest claim to fame is its role as the northern anchor of the Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsvegen), widely regarded as one of the world's most scenic drives. This 8.3-kilometre stretch of County Road 64 hops across a chain of small islands and skerries via bridges and causeways, connecting Averøy to the mainland at Eide. The road, completed in 1989 after decades of planning, has become one of Norway's most iconic tourist attractions and has appeared in countless films, car commercials, and travel lists.

Averøy's character is authentically coastal Norwegian — quiet, maritime, and deeply connected to the sea. Fishing and fish farming remain economic pillars alongside small-scale agriculture and a growing tourism sector. The municipality is home to Kvernes Stave Church, one of Norway's younger stave churches dating to the 14th century, and offers excellent opportunities for sea fishing, kayaking, and coastal hiking. The climate is maritime and wet, with mild winters (average January temperatures around 1–2 °C), cool summers (average July temperatures around 13–15 °C), and significant rainfall spread throughout the year — roughly 1,200–1,400 mm annually. Strong winds are common, especially in autumn and winter.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Kristiansund Airport, Kvernberget (KSU), located on the island of Gomalandet just east of Kristiansund city centre, approximately 35 km from Bruhagen in Averøy. The airport has regular domestic flights operated by Widerøe and SAS to Oslo Gardermoen (OSL), Bergen (BGO), and Trondheim (TRD), with several daily frequencies. Flight time from Oslo is roughly 55 minutes. A taxi from the airport to Kristiansund centre costs around NOK 200–300, and an airport bus (flybussen) operates on a schedule aligned with flights. From Kristiansund, continue by car or bus to Averøy via the KRIFAST connection (toll road, approximately NOK 40–70 for passenger cars).

By Train

There is no railway station on Averøy or in Kristiansund. The nearest mainline rail connection is at Dombås station on the Dovre Line, approximately 200 km to the east, or at Åndalsnes on the Rauma Line, approximately 120 km to the south. The Rauma Line from Åndalsnes to Dombås is itself a spectacular scenic railway journey. From either station, onward travel to Averøy is by bus or car. Vy (Norwegian State Railways) operates trains to both stations from Oslo and Trondheim. Book tickets at vy.no; advance purchase fares are significantly cheaper.

By Car / Road

Averøy is reached by car from Kristiansund (approximately 30–40 minutes) via the KRIFAST bridge and tunnel system, which connects the island to the mainland road network. A toll applies on the crossing. From Molde, the drive is approximately 90 km (1.5 hours) via County Road 64, which passes through the Atlantic Ocean Road — one of the most scenic drives in the world and a highlight in its own right. From Trondheim, the drive is approximately 280 km (4–4.5 hours) via the E39 coastal highway.

The Kystbussen (Coastal Express Bus) and regional buses operated by Nor-Way Bussekspress and Fram (the regional transport authority for Møre og Romsdal) connect Kristiansund to Molde, Trondheim, and other regional centres. From Kristiansund, local bus services (Fram route 830 and others) continue across to Averøy. Check schedules and fares at frammr.no.

Averøy is a rural island municipality, and a car is by far the most practical way to get around. Roads are generally well-maintained two-lane county roads with limited traffic outside the summer peak. There is no local bus network within the municipality — regional Fram buses serve some routes along County Road 64 but with limited frequency, often only a few departures per day. Check frammr.no for current timetables.

The municipality is compact enough that once you have a car, most attractions are within a 15–30 minute drive. Cycling is feasible for fit riders but be aware that roads lack dedicated cycling infrastructure, and Atlantic winds plus hilly terrain make it challenging. E-bike rental may be available seasonally through local accommodation providers.

Walking is pleasant within individual villages and along marked trails, but distances between settlements are too great for walking to be a primary transport mode. Taxis are not readily available on Averøy itself — pre-book from Kristiansund if needed (Kristiansund Taxi: +47 71 67 11 00). There are no ride-hailing apps operating in the area. There are no ferries needed to travel within the municipality itself, though car ferries connect to some outer islands from the broader region.

• Atlantic Ocean Road (Atlanterhavsvegen) — The 8.3-km stretch of County Road 64 between Averøy and Eide on the mainland, hopping across islets via eight bridges including the dramatic Storseisundet Bridge. Named Norway's "Construction of the Century" in 2005. Free to drive year-round. The Eldhusøya rest area has a walking path on a suspended walkway around the island (open year-round, free). Allow 1–2 hours for stops and photos.

• Kvernes Stave Church (Kvernes stavkirke) — A 14th-century stave church located near the village of Kvernes on the eastern side of Averøy. One of Norway's 28 surviving stave churches and notable for its relatively late construction date and well-preserved interior. Open mid-June to mid-August, typically 10:00–17:00. Admission around NOK 100 for adults. Guided tours available in Norwegian and English.

• Kvernes New Church — Standing right beside the stave church, this timber church from 1893 serves as the active parish church and is notable for its painted ceiling and altarpiece. Worth visiting in combination with the stave church.

• Bremsnes Cave (Bremsneshola) — A large limestone cave near the village of Bremsnes, with archaeological significance — Stone Age artefacts have been found here indicating habitation thousands of years ago. The cave entrance is accessible; interior visits may be arranged locally. Located on the eastern coast of Averøy.

• Fishing Villages — Small coastal settlements such as Kårvåg, Langøy, and Henda offer a glimpse of traditional Norwegian coastal life, with boathouses (naust), fish-drying racks, and harbours. Henda, on the outer western coast, is particularly scenic.

• Coastal Landscapes and Skerries — The western and northern coasts of Averøy face the open Atlantic and offer dramatic, windswept scenery. Numerous small islands and skerries provide habitat for seabirds including puffins, sea eagles, and cormorants. Bring binoculars.

• Drive the Atlantic Ocean Road — More than a sight, this is an experience — especially in stormy weather when waves crash over the road barriers. Best driven slowly with multiple stops. Combine with a visit to the Eldhusøya rest area walking loop.

• Sea Fishing — The waters around Averøy offer excellent fishing for cod, coalfish (saithe), pollock, and mackerel depending on season. Fishing trips can be arranged through local accommodation providers or boat rental operators. Shore fishing from the rocks and harbour areas is freely accessible. A fishing licence is not required for sea fishing in Norway.

• Kayaking — The sheltered eastern coastline and the maze of small islands make for rewarding sea kayaking. Guided tours and kayak rental may be available through local outfitters seasonally — enquire at accommodation providers. Conditions on the open Atlantic side are for experienced paddlers only.

• Hiking — Marked trails exist on several of the islands, ranging from short coastal walks to half-day hikes over the island's modest hills (highest point around 450 m). The terrain is open heathland and rock — bring waterproofs and windproof layers regardless of season. Ask locally for current trail conditions.

• Storm Watching (Autumn/Winter) — From October through March, Atlantic storms send massive waves against the Atlantic Road bridges and barriers. The Eldhusøya area and Storseisundet Bridge are prime vantage points. This has become an increasingly popular niche activity — dress very warmly and be prepared for extreme wind.

• Day Trip to Kristiansund — The colourful coastal city of Kristiansund, built across four islands, is just 30–40 minutes away and offers urban amenities, the klippfisk (dried cod) heritage, the Sundbåt passenger ferry, and the Grip island excursion.

Dining options on Averøy itself are limited — this is a rural municipality with a handful of local eateries and café-style options, primarily operating in the summer season. For wider restaurant choices, Kristiansund (30–40 minutes) is the place to go. Self-catering is a practical option; bring groceries from Kristiansund or shop at the Coop Extra on the island.

Signature local dishes centre on seafood — particularly klippfisk (salted and dried cod, reconstituted and cooked in various ways), fresh cod, saithe, and mackerel. The broader Møre og Romsdal region is known for its fish soup (fiskesuppe), smoked salmon, and cured fish. Lamb and sheep products are also local staples. Norwegian cuisine generally accommodates vegetarians poorly outside major cities, though most places can manage a basic vegetarian option if asked.

• Atlantic Road Café / Eldhusøya Refreshments — Seasonal café near the Atlantic Road rest area, serving simple Norwegian fare — fish soup, open sandwiches, waffles, and coffee. Open roughly May–August. Mains NOK 120–200.

• Local pizza/takeaway options — Small takeaway or pizza outlets operate in Bruhagen area, serving the standard Norwegian pizza-and-burger repertoire. Expect to pay NOK 150–200 for a pizza.

• Self-catering — Buy fresh fish directly from local fishermen or at the Coop Extra in Bremsnes. Grill fish on disposable grills (engangsgrill) available at supermarkets — a very Norwegian summer activity.

• Kristiansund restaurants — For a proper restaurant meal, head to Kristiansund where options include seafood restaurants serving klippfisk bacalao, traditional Norwegian cuisine, and international fare. Budget NOK 250–450 for a main course at a mid-range restaurant.

Norway has a strong coffee culture, and even in rural Averøy you will find acceptable coffee at local cafés and petrol stations. Norwegians drink strong, filtered black coffee — espresso-based drinks are available but less traditional. Expect to pay NOK 40–60 for a cup.

For alcoholic drinks, Norway has strict alcohol regulations. Beer (up to 4.7% ABV) is sold at supermarkets and petrol stations. Wine and spirits above 4.7% ABV are available only at Vinmonopolet, the state-run alcohol monopoly — the nearest branch is in Kristiansund. Local and regional craft beers from Møre og Romsdal breweries are worth trying. Aquavit (akevitt), Norway's traditional caraway-flavoured spirit, is the classic Norwegian drink — look for brands from the Trøndelag and western Norway distilleries.

Draught beer at a bar or restaurant in Norway costs NOK 90–120 for a 0.4-litre glass. Alcohol is expensive by international standards. Note that public drinking is generally frowned upon and technically illegal in many public spaces. Tap water throughout Norway is safe and excellent — there is no need to buy bottled water.

Nightlife on Averøy is essentially non-existent. The nearest bars, pubs, and nightlife are in Kristiansund, which has a small but lively scene, especially on weekends.

Accommodation on Averøy is limited but adequate for a short stay. Options include cabins, guesthouses, and holiday rentals, with availability peaking in summer. Book ahead in June–August, especially on weekends. For hotels, Kristiansund offers far more choice within a 30–40 minute drive.

• Budget: Holiday cabins and camping are available at sites along the Atlantic Road corridor. Averøy Camp & Cabin and similar providers offer simple cabins (hytter) from approximately NOK 600–900 per night for a basic 2–4 person cabin with shared facilities. Camping pitches with tent or caravan from approximately NOK 200–350. Most campsites are open May–September.

• Mid-range: Averøy Gjestegård (guesthouse) and similar bed-and-breakfast-style properties offer comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, typically NOK 900–1,300 per night including breakfast. Several holiday house rentals (hytteutleie) are bookable through Norwegian platforms such as Novasol, Airbnb, or Visit Northwest, offering self-catering apartments or houses from around NOK 800–1,500 per night depending on size and season.

• Upscale: There is no luxury hotel on Averøy. The nearest upscale option is in Kristiansund — the Thon Hotel Kristiansund or Scandic Kristiansund, with rates from approximately NOK 1,400–2,200 per night. For a distinctive upscale experience, look for restored coastal guesthouses or boutique properties in the wider Nordmøre region.

Averøy is not a shopping destination — there are no significant retail centres or markets on the island. Basic groceries are available at local shops in Bruhagen and other villages, and there is a Coop Extra supermarket at Bremsnes. For more extensive shopping, head to Kristiansund.

Local products worth seeking out include stockfish and klippfisk (dried and salted cod — the region's historic export), locally caught fresh seafood from fishermen's cooperatives, and handknitted wool products. Some farms sell eggs, lamb, and seasonal produce directly. Look for roadside signs reading "Egg" or "Fersk fisk" (fresh fish). Norwegian specialities such as brunost (brown cheese) and local jams are available at grocery shops.

There are no formal crafts markets on Averøy, though occasional summer markets and church fairs may feature local handicrafts. Payment is overwhelmingly by card (Visa/Mastercard) throughout Norway; cash is rarely needed.

• Kristiansund (35 km, 30–40 min by car) — The colourful, historic klippfisk (dried cod) city spread across four islands, with excellent seafood restaurants, the Sundbåt harbour ferry, and the boat trip to the remote island of Grip with its medieval stave church.

• Atlantic Road to Eide/Atlanterhavsvegen (20 km, 20 min) — Continue driving the Atlantic Road south-westward to the mainland at Eide, with stops at the various rest areas, viewpoints, and the dramatic bridges.

• Molde (90 km, 1.5 hours via the Atlantic Road) — The "City of Roses" and capital of Møre og Romsdal, known for the annual Molde International Jazz Festival (July), panoramic views of the Romsdal Alps, and the Trollstigen mountain road nearby.

• Trollstigen (approximately 150 km, 2.5 hours via Molde) — Norway's most famous mountain pass road, with 11 hairpin bends and a dramatic waterfall viewpoint. Open late May to October depending on snow conditions.

• Atlanterhavsparken, Ålesund (approximately 130 km, 2 hours) — The Atlantic Sea-Park in Ålesund, one of Northern Europe's largest saltwater aquariums, combined with Ålesund's remarkable Art Nouveau architecture, rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1904.

• Grip Island (boat from Kristiansund, seasonal, 30 min each way) — A tiny, remote fishing island with a medieval stave church and a handful of preserved wooden buildings, offering one of the most atmospheric day trips in coastal Norway. Boats operate from Kristiansund harbour, typically June–August.