The Lærdal Tunnel – The World's Longest Road Tunnel

Facts about the Lærdal Tunnel

Length: 24.5 km

Construction period: 1995–2000

Opened: November 2000

Location: Between Aurland and Lærdal, approximately 8 km from Flåm and 2 km from Aurlandsvangen

Access: By car and bus

Toll-free: Yes

The Lærdal Tunnel is the world's longest road tunnel, stretching 24.5 kilometres through the mountains between Aurland and Lærdal. It opened in November 2000 and features several safety measures, including surveillance systems, emergency lay-bys and turning areas. Every six kilometres, illuminated mountain halls with special lighting provide drivers with a welcome break during the long journey through the tunnel.

Important information about the Lærdal Tunnel upgrade

A major upgrade of the Lærdal Tunnel will begin on 16 November 2026. Travellers must prepare for overnight closures lasting up to 12 hours and plan their journeys accordingly. The closure times will be strictly enforced, and vehicles will not be allowed to enter the tunnel once the overnight closure has taken effect.

A bus service will be provided for local residents in Aurland and Lærdal, with three evening departures from each side of the tunnel before midnight. In emergencies where life and health are at risk, emergency vehicles must also be able to pass through the tunnel at short notice.

The tunnel will be open to traffic on Saturday night into Sunday morning. During the day, the contractor may carry out work that does not require a full closure. The tunnel will remain open, but traffic may be restricted to a single lane along short sections, with traffic lights controlling the flow.

The Lærdal Tunnel is a vital transport link between eastern and western Norway. If the Hardangervidda mountain crossing is closed due to severe winter weather, the Lærdal Tunnel is planned to remain open. The contractor is contractually required to adapt the work accordingly.

Plan your journey: Check the latest traffic updates and closure times before travelling. Allow extra time for your journey and consider alternative routes if necessary. Read more here

A scenic round trip of contrasts

A round trip through the inner Sognefjord region offers striking contrasts between fjords, mountains and historic attractions. Drive through the Lærdal Tunnel to Flåm, where you can stop by the fjord before returning across the spectacular Aurlandsfjellet mountain plateau along the National Scenic Route, also known as the Snow Road, between Aurlandsvangen and Lærdalsøyri.

This round trip allows you to experience the mountains both from the inside and the outside, with dramatic mountain scenery and magnificent views along the way.

If time permits, a visit to Borgund Stave Church in Lærdal is well worth including in your itinerary. Dating back approximately 800 years, this stave church is one of Norway's best-known cultural heritage sites. The visitor centre features exhibitions about Norway's stave church heritage, as well as a café and shop. The church and visitor centre are generally open seasonally from May to September.

Practical tip: There is no toll charge for driving through the Lærdal Tunnel, while the Aurlandsfjellet route offers a completely different experience, with scenic viewpoints and spectacular high-mountain landscapes. Please note that the mountain road is closed during parts of the winter.