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
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is the Pantaloneta Triangle?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, so picture this: you're trucking through the La Rioja region of Spain, specifically the Sierra de la Demanda, and BAM! You're in the "Pantaloneta Triangle." What's that, you ask? Well, it's this crazy area formed by the towns of Bañares, Posadas, and Nestares where trucks are constantly getting stuck. We're talking double-digit rescues just this year! The culprit? A phantom gas station. GPS systems lead drivers (especially those in Slavic trucks) to Turza, a tiny hamlet near Ezcaray, promising fuel. Except... there's no gas station there! So, they end up deep in the wooded hills instead. Expect steep roads, dense trees, and plenty of potential for getting hopelessly lost and wedged in. The scenery? Probably stunning—if you're not too stressed about getting stuck. Basically, it's the Bermuda Triangle for truckers, but with more trees and zero chance of aliens.
hardBull Bridge is an old wooden bridge on Ireland's east coast
🌍 Ireland
Okay, picture this: You're cruising along Ireland's stunning east coast, just outside of Dublin, and BAM! You spot it – the Bull Bridge, also known as the Wooden Bridge. This isn't your average crossing; it's a seriously charming, old-school wooden structure linking Dublin to the wild beauty of North Bull Island in Dublin Bay. Built way back in 1821, this narrow bridge has a two-ton weight limit, so leave the monster truck at home. Originally, it was just a temporary structure to help build the Bull Wall. Can you imagine? Lucky for us, the locals loved it so much for their beach trips and seaside picnics that they fought to keep it around. Trust me, you'll be glad they did! The views are incredible, and it's a totally unique experience driving across this historic gem.
hardRefuge de Saint-Laurent
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Refuge de Saint-Laurent: A Summer Alpine Adventure Perched at a dramatic 2,492 meters (8,175 feet) in the Swiss canton of Valais, the Refuge de Saint-Laurent is a serious mountain destination for serious drivers. Located in the Nendaz municipality, this remote alpine hideaway sits in one of Switzerland's most spectacular corners. The road up is not for the faint of heart—it's a narrow, unpaved gravel route that barely fits two cars side by side (so single-file traffic is basically mandatory). Expect steep grades and multiple hairpin turns as you wind your way up alongside a pristine mountain lake. But here's the payoff: the drive offers absolutely stunning views overlooking the Val de Nendaz, with panoramic vistas stretching all the way to the dramatic Bernese Alps chain. It's genuinely beautiful, genuinely remote, and genuinely unforgettable. Fair warning: this is strictly a summer adventure. Come November through May, the snow shuts this road down completely, and even during the official season, conditions can force closures without notice if the access road isn't properly cleared. Check conditions before you head up. Feeling extra adventurous? A rough gravel track continues beyond the refuge itself, climbing another 66 meters to 2,558 meters (8,392 feet). If you've made it this far, you might as well go the distance.
hardWhere is Col de l’Hysope?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, picture this: Col de l’Hysope, a seriously epic mountain pass nestled high in the Alpes-de-Haute-Provence region of France! We're talking Provence-Alpes-Côte d'Azur vibes, in the southeastern corner of the country. The D3 road? Paved, yes, but hold on tight. It's a twisty-turny adventure, super narrow in places, with some seriously steep sections cranking up to almost 15%! If you're not a fan of tight squeezes and hairpin heaven, maybe give this one a miss. Reversing skills are definitely a plus. This scenic route stretches for about 27 kilometers (or 17 miles for you imperial folks) between Authon and Champtercier. And the reward? A breathtaking natural viewpoint at the summit with a cute, tiny parking spot. Trust me, the views of Lac de Cema and Gorges de la Blanche are totally worth the white-knuckle drive! You won't forget this one.