Lærdal Tunnel in Norway: the longest road tunnel in the world

The Lærdal Tunnel is a 24.5-kilometre-long road tunnel in Norway. The tunnel runs through the western Norwegian mountains, connecting the municipalities of Lærdal and Aurland (Vestland county). It is the longest road tunnel in the world.

The tunnel is part of the main highway between Oslo and Bergen (European Route E16). It provides a more efficient connection between Norway’s two largest cities, without ferry connections and difficulties in winter due to the weather conditions in the mountains. Construction started in 1995 and the tunnel opened in 2000.

The tunnel is divided into four sections, separated by three large mountain caves. This design provides a refreshing view and allows drivers to take a short break. In addition, the lighting in the caves gives an impression of sunrise. There are no emergency exits in the tunnel, but there are many safety features. High air quality is achieved through ventilation and purification. The Lærdal Tunnel is an impressive piece of engineering.