Island hopping with bike

This cycling tour starts in Molde and proceeds westwards to the island municipalities of Midsund, Sandøy and Aukra. Between the islands you can relax on ferries. The tour continues on the mainland to the fishing village of Bud, across small islands and skerries along the Atlantic Road and ends with a bus trip through the Atlanterhavsveien tunnel (call 177 for time table) from Averøy to Kristiansund. Take the "Hurtigruten" (express coastal service) back to Molde or northwards to Trondheim. Some parts of the cycling tour take you across flat islands right at the ocean's edge, with views of the high mountains on the mainland. There is very little traffic on may stretches, en route there are also lots of lovely detours you can take if you
want to see more of the area.

The route, which totals 200 km, is cycled in stages with overnight stops along the way. Along the route you will pass a mucampsites, cabins, seahouses and places to eat.

Route description:
Start: Molde
Finish: Kristiansund
Distance: 200 km

The route: Molde – Midsund – Harøy – Finnøy – Ona – Aukra – Hollingsholmen – Malmefjorden – Elnesvågen – Bud – Farstad – Vevang -the Atlantic Road – Kårvåg – Bremsnes – Kristiansund.

Signposting: The trail is not signposted.

Family route: The trail from Molde to the islands Midsund-Finnøy-Ona-Gossen is easy to cycle and therefore suitable for reasonably fit children and adults.This can be done in one day (approximately 65 km), or stay overnight at one of the islands.

Molde – Ona

A trip along the ocean’s edge by bike is quite an experience! The trip follows the road right beside the ocean for most of the time and you will pass many charming and interesting places. Rock carvings, caves and World War II relics can be visited en route. There are two ferry crossings on this stretch, (Mordalsvågen-Midsund, Dryna-Myklebust/Harøya) one of which provides a good opportunity to take a relaxing break. 

You arrive Myklebust in Sandøy, an island municipality where you can cycle on almost completely flat tarmac roads. The landscape bears witness to the fact that we are now far out on the coast, the houses are built in sheltered locations for protection against wind and weather. Most of the local inhabitants make their living from fishing or work in the shipbuilding industry. Ona lighthouse is a well known landmark for passing ships, and Ona ceramics have become popular souvenirs. There are several sales outlets and workshops on Ona that are worth a visit.

Ona – Bud

On this leg you first take the ferry from Ona over to Småge/Gossa, then continue on a new ferry from Aukra to Hollingsholmen and Fræna. Fræna is the biggest agricultural municipality in Møre og Romsdal, as you will notice en route. From Malmefjorden there is a cycle track all the way to Tornes, with several possible detours from the main road. A trip to the limestone cave Trollkirka (the Troll Church) is recommended.

From Bud, a boat sails to the fishing village of Bjørnsund during the summer. It has no permanent inhabitants and is now kept “alive” by the holiday houses and school camp. The fishing community of Bud has become a tourist attraction in itself. Many of its inhabitants still make their living from fishing. It has a coastal fort from World War II and Bud museum which can be visited, and Bud Church, a great view of the notorious Hustadvika shipping lane, and several fish restaurants, rorbu (converted fishermen’s shacks) and holiday cabins – all of which makes Bud an attractive destination for many people.

Bud – Atlantic Road – Kristiansund

This is not a fast leg. Here it is best to take it easy and make lots of short stops. The road follows the coast northwards and you cycle right beside the ocean’s edge for almost the whole trip. The trip across the Atlantic Ocean Road itself, where you cycle over eight bridges from one tiny island to another is the icing on the cake. You can try your luck at fishing from the bridges or from down on the rocky shore. There are several picnic areas with toilets along the way. From the island of Geitøya a boat takes you over to Håholmen, an idyllic fishing community dating from the 18th century.

Once over on Averøy, it is possible to go by bus through the tunnel directly to Kristiansund, but we recommend cycling a detour to the islands of Langøya, Honningsøya, Kjønnøya and Ramsøya. The view of ocean and the distinctive Hestkjæret lighthouse is simply fantastic. A detour to idyllic Sveggsundet with its rorbu and narrow sound is no less of an attraction. From Bremsnes to Kristiansund you will have to go by bus due to a tunnel, you can return to Molde on the Hurtigruten coastal express.