AURLAND TUNNEL

The Aurland Tunnel, also known as the Lærdal Tunnel, is one of Norway's most impressive engineering feats and is the world’s longest road tunnel. Stretching 24.5 km in length, the tunnel connects the municipalities of Aurland to Lærdal and has a slope of 2.5% from 16.5 feet above sea level to 870.

Located in the southwest of the country, this road tunnel is a part of the new main highway connecting Oslo and Bergen and was opened in November 2000 to avoid difficult terrains having high risks of rockfalls.

Take a journey through this amazing tunnel which is divided into four parts and has been equipped with hi-tech safety and emergency devices. It also has an advanced ventilation system to maintain air quality with the help of large fans and air shafts. The tunnel is also well famed due to its impressive illumination which differs from one part to another.

Highlights

• Take a journey through the Aurland Tunnel, which is the world’s longest road tunnel, stretching over 24.5 km.
• Take a journey between Aurland and Lærdal using this tunnel and feel amazed looking at this impressive engineering marvel.
• Learn about how the tunnel has been made safe using hi-tech safety and emergency devices as well as an advanced ventilation system.
• Look out for the lighting system simulating natural light at dawn using blue and yellow lighting at various parts of the tunnel.
• Observe the rock caves located every 3.7 miles and fitted with special lighting to reduce monotony and change the atmosphere.

How To Reach

• By Car: The Aurland Tunnel is 6.6 km from the city centre, it will take 7 min via the E16 route.
• By Bus: Take a bus to Sognaporten station which is 622 m away from the tunnel. You can reach the beginning of the tunnel from the bus station within an 8-minute walk.
• By Boat: Take a ferry to Aurland Kai which is 2 km away and drive for 4 minutes to reach the beginning of the tunnel.

Best Time To Visit

The Aurland Tunnel is open year-round, providing a vital connection between Aurland and Lærdal regardless of the season.

• Best season: The best season to visit is during summer from June to August with the most favorable weather and the longest daylight hours, making it ideal for a long drive through the tunnel.
• Best day of the week: The best day of the week to take a long drive through the tunnel is during weekends when the busy traffic of the work commuters is not there.
• Best time of day: The best time of the day to visit the tunnel is in the early morning when there is less traffic.

Other Essential Information

Visitor's Tips:

• The tunnel has rumble strips that will warn drowsy drivers when their cars go out of their lane.
• There are frequent lay-bys in the tunnel where you can stop in case there is a need.
• While travelling through the tunnel, if you wonder how far is the end, you can look out for signals which will inform you about the same.
• If you face medical or any other problem, look for emergency telephones which are available at various places inside the tunnel.