Storseisundet Bridge: a different shape from whichever angle you view it
Norway, europe
N/A
259 m
moderate
Year-round
# Storseisundet Bridge: Norway's Mind-Bending Marvel
Tucked along Norway's dramatic coastline sits the Storseisundet Bridge, part of the legendary Atlanterhavsveien (Atlantic Road). This isn't just any bridge—it's an optical illusion on wheels.
Here's the wild part: as you approach, it genuinely looks like a diving board. Seriously. The bridge appears to just... end. Your brain screams that you're about to launch your car straight into the sea below. Spoiler alert: you won't. It's totally safe, despite locals cheekily calling it the "drunk bridge."
At 260 metres long with a maximum clearance of 23 metres above the water, Storseisundet is the star of the Atlantic Road's eight bridges. The Daily Mail famously dubbed it the "Road to Nowhere" back in 2011, and honestly? The nickname fits the vibe perfectly.
What makes this place so special is the engineering trickery. Those sharp bends create a rollercoaster effect as you drive, and here's the kicker—you literally can't see the road ahead once you're on the curve. It vanishes right in front of you. Every angle gives you a completely different perspective of the structure, which explains why it looks different depending on where you're viewing it from.
Opened in 1989, this paved bridge has become one of the world's most jaw-dropping stretches of road. Fair warning though: expect your heart to skip a beat before you realize the magic is just clever design. Welcome to Norway's most spectacular optical illusion.
Where is it?
Storseisundet Bridge: a different shape from whichever angle you view it is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 64.7055, 11.6412
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Max Elevation
- 259 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 64.7055, 11.6412
Related Roads in europe
hardDriving the Thrilling Puerto del Ponton in Spain's Cantabrian Mountains
🇪🇸 Spain
# Puerto del Pontón Ready for a serious mountain challenge? Puerto del Pontón sits at a respectable 1,298m (4,258ft) in León Province, tucked into the northwestern corner of Castile and León in northern Spain. The 20.2 km (12.55 miles) stretch of the N625 runs from Vegacerneja to Oseja de Sajambre, climbing steadily through some seriously impressive terrain. Good news: it's fully paved. Better news: it's in solid condition. The catch? This road doesn't mess around with gradients hitting 9-10% on the steepest sections, and you're looking at four tight hairpin turns that'll keep your hands busy on the wheel. Most of the climb unfolds within the stunning Picos de Europa National Park, so at least you'll have breathtaking views while you're working hard. The pass has even earned its stripes as a Vuelta stage, which tells you everything you need to know about its credentials. Perched high in the Cantabrian Mountains, the pass typically stays open year-round, but don't get cocky—winter can close things down without warning thanks to gnarly weather conditions. Spring through autumn? Your sweet spot for tackling this one.
hardSommet de la Saulire, one of the highest roads of France
🇫🇷 France
# Sommet de la Saulire Ready for some real Alpine adventure? Sommet de la Saulire sits at a seriously impressive 2,697m (8,848ft) in the stunning Massif de la Vanoise range, nestled in the Savoie department of the French Alps. This is legitimately one of France's highest roads—no casual Sunday drive here. The unpaved route winds through Vanoise National Park with all the character you'd expect: gravel, rocks, and plenty of bumpy sections that'll keep you on your toes. This isn't a road for the faint of heart (literally—those mountain views drop off dramatically). You'll need solid experience with mountain driving on unimproved surfaces, because the steep grades and muddy patches when it rains are no joke. Fair warning: this road is completely impassable from October through May, so summer trips only. If you're uncomfortable with heights or haven't tackled gnarly mountain roads before, skip this one. But if you're an experienced driver looking for an unforgettable Alpine challenge? This is your call. The payoff? Stunning panoramic views across the Vanoise and a proper restaurant (Le Panoramic) waiting for you at the summit to refuel and soak it all in.
extremeThe Atlantic Road of Norway Is a Scenic Coastal Drive on the Edge of the Sea
🇳🇴 Norway
# The Atlantic Road: Norway's Most Thrilling Coastal Drive Picture this: you're driving along the Norwegian coast, and the road literally seems to dance across the sea. Welcome to the Atlantic Road – a 36 km (22 miles) stretch of pure adrenaline-pumping, jaw-dropping beauty that'll have you gripping the wheel one moment and reaching for your camera the next. Located in Møre og Romsdal between Kristiansund and Molde, this legendary route winds across eight spectacular bridges spanning nearly 900 meters total. The whole thing feels like a roller coaster built just for your car, with curves that'll make you understand why this stretch has become a bucket-list road trip for adventurers worldwide. The engineering is bonkers – they literally threaded a road across an archipelago by building eight bridges and landfills to connect tiny islands. The crown jewel? The Storseisundet Bridge, a 260-meter architectural marvel that curves so dramatically it looks like it just drops straight into the ocean. Talk about Instagram gold (if you can keep your hands steady enough to take photos). Built in 1989 after six years of construction through some brutal weather, this road quickly became famous for all the right reasons. It's been featured in James Bond films like *No Time to Die*, and car companies can't seem to get enough of it for commercials. The views are genuinely world-class – open ocean vistas, dramatic mountains, and fjords inland. But here's the thing: this place is *not* messing around. The Norwegian Sea doesn't hold back, and neither does Mother Nature. Winds regularly exceed 30 mph, storms roll in without warning, and visibility can vanish in seconds. During heavy weather, waves actually crash over the pavement. The road stays open rain or shine, which means you could be navigating curves over angry seas in a full gale. The original builders know what they're doing though – it's engineered to handle it all, with a maximum gradient of just 8%. The experience? Unforgettable. Whether you're watching seals and whales pass by, casting a line from one of the fishing-friendly bridges, or watching an orange sunset paint the sky, the Atlantic Road delivers pure magic. Just maybe wait for decent weather, keep your eyes on the road (use those four viewpoints instead), and prepare yourself for one of the most incredible drives on Earth.
hardWhere is Glaubenbielen Pass?
🇨🇭 Switzerland
Okay, adventure junkies, listen up! You HAVE to experience Glaubenbielen Pass. This high-altitude stunner sits pretty at 5,298 feet in central Switzerland, near Giswil and Flühli. Locals also call it Schwendi-Käppeli Pass. Picture this: a winding road, carved by the Swiss army and completed just after WWII. It’s paved, thankfully, but don't get too comfy. This baby's narrow and steep – we're talking up to 18% grades as you hug the northern slope of the Fürstein! Be prepared to share the road, because you might find yourself stuck behind a tractor. Clocking in at 18.20 miles, the pass connects Giswil (in Canton Obwalden) and Flühli (in the Lucerne district of Entlebuch). Is it worth the drive? Absolutely! The panoramic views of the Alps are insane. Heading towards Giswil, you'll be floored by the views of Lake Sarnen. Cruise toward Flühli, and the majestic Pilatus massif will steal your heart. Oh, and did I mention it's been featured in the Tour de Suisse? Feeling ambitious? From Giswil, it's a 7.2 km climb, gaining 530 meters at an average of 7.3%. From Flühli, brace yourself for an 8.3 km haul, ascending 520 meters at a 6.3% average. Trust me, the views are worth the burn!