
Get behind the wheels for North Cape Tunnel, a subsea road tunnel
Norway, europe
129 km
212 m
moderate
Year-round
# The North Cape Tunnel: Norway's Arctic Gateway
Ready for something truly unique? Head to the remote reaches of Troms og Finnmark in northern Norway to experience the North Cape Tunnel—a wild subsea adventure that'll take your breath away.
This isn't your average drive. The tunnel burrows 6.8km (4.27 miles) beneath the Magerøysundet strait, plunging a mind-boggling 212 meters (696 feet) below sea level. It's one of the most northernmost subsea tunnels in the country, connecting the rugged island of Magerøya to mainland Norway and serving as the gateway to Nordkapp (North Cape)—literally the northernmost point of Europe.
The full route stretches 129km (80 miles) along the world's northernmost highway, running south-north from Olderfjord all the way to North Cape. Fair warning: you'll tackle some serious gradients of up to 10% on your way, so take it slow and steady.
Built between 1993 and 1999, this tunnel comes with some quirky features that make it feel like driving into another world. Automated doors guard both tunnel entrances, slamming shut when temperatures drop too low—because yeah, it gets *cold* up here. And here's the thing: fog can roll in at the lowest point, so keep your headlights on and your eyes peeled.
It's an epic final stretch to one of Earth's most extreme destinations.
Where is it?
Get behind the wheels for North Cape Tunnel, a subsea road tunnel is located in Norway (europe). Coordinates: 64.1586, 12.8341
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 129 km
- Max Elevation
- 212 m
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Coordinates
- 64.1586, 12.8341
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