The Laerdal tunnel is the longest road tunnel in the world, its length is 24.5 kilometers. The construction lasted from 1995 to 2000. The design of the tunnel considers the mental strain on the drivers, so the tunnel is divided into four sections, which are separated by three large mountain caves at 6-kilometre intervals. Whereas the main tunnel has white lights, the caves have blue lighting with yellow lights at the fringes to give an impression of sunrise. The caves are meant to break the routine, providing a refreshing view and allowing drivers to take a short rest. The caverns are also used as turnaround points and for break areas to help lift claustrophobia during a 20-minute drive through the tunnel. No tolls.
We made this photo in the middle of the tunnel; there's 12 kilometers of rock in both directions!
Laerdal tunnel ©Yuriy Buriak
The closest competitor of this tunnel is the future 27-kilometer tunnel near Stavanger - Rogfast (2025-2026).
Getting there: The Laerdal tunnel is located on the road E16, which connects Oslo and Bergen, between Laerdal and Aurland.
