Molde is well positioned for tackling two of Norway's most spectacular driving routes, which can be incorporated into a Western Norway self-drive holiday. The first of these is the Altanterhavsveien - The Atlantic Road - which connects Molde with the town of Kristiansand, a stretch that is especially dramatic during autumn, when powerful storms pound the coastline.

This 8-kilometre section of road often features in lists of the world's best drives and deservedly so. It follows the edge of the Kornstadfjord, from islet to islet via a series of bridges and causeways, including the gently curving Storseisundet Bridge. The simple 13th-century Kvernes Stave Church is a short but worthy detour from the Atlantic Road, before continuing on your way.

Molde's other great driving route nearby is the Trollstigen - ‘Troll's Ladder' - a mountain pass that zigzags between Valldal and Andalsnes, passing towering mountains called the King, the Queen and the Bishop. The road is part of the longer Golden Route, which continues on to Geiranger and is a superb self-drive holiday option.