Storseisundet Bridge: a different shape from whichever angle you view it

Storseisundet Bridge: a different shape from whichever angle you view it

Norway, europe

Length

N/A

Elevation

259 m

Difficulty

moderate

Best Season

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

Share this road

Road Details

Country
Norway
Continent
europe
Max Elevation
259 m
Difficulty
moderate
Coordinates
64.7055, 11.6412

Related Roads in europe

Road D106hard

Road D106

🇭🇷 Croatia

Okay, picture this: you're cruising along the D106, the main artery of Pag Island in Croatia. This isn't just any road trip; it's a sensory overload of epic proportions. For nearly 74 kilometers, you're glued to the edge of your seat, one side showcasing the shimmering Adriatic Sea, the other a crazy, otherworldly karst landscape. The whole island is basically a moonscape made of rock! The road is paved, thankfully, but be warned, it can get pretty crowded on weekends and during peak tourist season. There are some steep climbs, nothing your car can't handle, but enough to keep things interesting! You'll know you've arrived somewhere special as soon as you set tire on the island. One notable hazard is the narrow and unlit Tunnel Dingac. Get ready for an unforgettable ride!

A delightful yet challenging drive to Forcella Chiandoladahard

A delightful yet challenging drive to Forcella Chiandolada

🇮🇹 Italy

# Forcella Chiandolada Hidden in the scenic mid-Boite valley, Forcella Chiandolada (also called Forcella Ciandolada) sits at 1,582 meters (5,190 feet) and serves as a stunning gateway between two Dolomites giants—Antelao and Pelmo. Located in Belluno province in Veneto, it's about 68 miles north of Venice and just 30 kilometers from Belluno town. The 6.3-kilometer climb from Vodo di Cadore is no joke—expect an average gradient of 12%, with some sections pushing past 17%. The steepest pitches hit a brutal 25-26%, so bring your A-game. The road is mostly paved with stretches of gravel, but here's the thing: it gets *narrow*. Like, uncomfortably narrow for passing other vehicles. If you're not confident reversing a car, you might want to reconsider or time your visit carefully. Once you reach the top, you'll find Rifugio Giampietro Talamini waiting for you—recently rebuilt and perfect for catching your breath and refueling. It's the kind of reward that makes the white-knuckle drive absolutely worth it.

5 Great Roads in the UKextreme

5 Great Roads in the UK

🇬🇧 England

Craving an epic UK road trip that goes beyond the tourist trail? Ditch the motorways and dive into these five stretches of tarmac that demand respect, skill, and a well-maintained ride. Get ready for a true taste of the British landscape! First up, the legendary Snake Pass! This beast winds through the Peak District, topping out at 1,680 feet. Think hairpin bends, crazy cambers, and views of the Ladybower Reservoir. But don't get distracted! Landslides and black ice are real possibilities, making this a proper test of your car's handling. Next, brace yourself for the raw power of the Northern Irish coast. Nine distinct drives hug the edge of the Atlantic, with insane cliffside roads near Carrick-a-Rede and seriously steep climbs in the Glens of Antrim. Coastal winds are fierce, and saltwater spray can make grip unpredictable. Prepare for a wild ride! Down in the southwest, the A39 Atlantic Highway snakes through Devon and Cornwall. Forget the beaches—we're here for the technical descent between Barnstaple and the Cornish border! Your brakes will be working overtime, especially on hills like Porlock, where that 25% gradient will challenge even the best engine braking. Venture into the North York Moors National Park, where you’ll find dense forests and rollercoaster roads. Routes to Mallyan Spout and through Dalby Forest are narrow and isolated, demanding your full attention. Watch out for farm equipment and wandering sheep on those tight, stone-walled turns! Finally, for something completely different, explore the serene but deceptive Norfolk Coast. Here, the roads skirt the edge of the Broads, navigating a fragile landscape of salt marshes. Expect tidal flooding, soft verges, and a tranquil atmosphere that hides some tricky road conditions. These routes aren't just scenic drives; they're a masterclass in British road craft. Whether you're conquering the Pennine passes or navigating the Norfolk marshes, mechanical respect and local awareness are your keys to success. Buckle up and get ready for an unforgettable adventure!

Le Gros Villan, one of the steepest tracks in the worldextreme

Le Gros Villan, one of the steepest tracks in the world

🇫🇷 France

Okay, thrill-seekers, buckle up for Le Gros Villan, a beast of a peak in the French Alps! You'll find this 2,522-meter (8,274 ft) monster straddling the Tarentaise and Maurienne valleys in Savoie. Forget a leisurely Sunday drive; this is a gnarly 2.4 km (1.49 miles) chairlift access trail best tackled in summer. Picture this: insanely steep slopes, hairpin turns that'll test your nerves, and views that'll make it all worthwhile. We're talking a whopping 538-meter climb from the starting point, averaging a ridiculous 22.41% gradient. Definitely a 4x4-only adventure! Be prepared for an adrenaline rush as you conquer this challenging route. The scenery? Absolutely breathtaking. Get ready for an unforgettable alpine experience!