What is the longest tunnel in the world?
Norway, europe
24.5 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Okay, picture this: you're cruising through Norway's Sogn og Fjordane county, about to enter the Lærdalstunnelen. This isn't just any tunnel; it's the *world's* longest road tunnel, stretching a whopping 24.5 kilometers (that's 15.2 miles!). It's part of the E16 highway, linking Aurland and Lærdal and bypassing a seriously scenic mountain road.
Now, claustrophobes, listen up: this might not be your cup of tea. But if you're up for it, it's about a 20-minute drive at the 80 km/h speed limit. The best part? It's toll-free! Built in the late 90s and opened in 2000, it skips all those tricky mountain passes and ferries, making Oslo to Bergen trips a breeze, especially in winter.
Here's the cool part: they knew a long tunnel could get monotonous, so they brought in psychologists to help with the design! Every 6 kilometers, you'll find wider sections with special lighting, almost like rock chambers, designed to keep you alert. The fluorescent lights throughout are a nice touch too. It's not just a tunnel; it's an experience!
Road Details
- Country
- Norway
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 24.5 km
- Difficulty
- easy
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