The world’s longest road tunnel, an impressive 15-mile marvel that typically requires around 20 minutes to traverse, has garnered less than stellar reviews on Tripadvisor, despite its sizeable achievement.
Guinness World Records recognises the Laerdal Tunnel as the longest of its kind in the world, connecting Bergen, Norway’s second city, with the capital Oslo.
Construction for the Laerdal Tunnel began in 1995 and wasn’t completed until five years later, with engineers tackling multiple challenges along the way, including issues of safety, air quality, and measures to prevent driver drowsiness and claustrophobia.
Costing close to £85 million to construct, the two-lane tunnel was inaugurated by Norway’s King Harald on November 27, 2000 and was opened to general traffic the subsequent year.
Despite these accolades, not all reviews sing the praises of the engineering marvel. Thomas from Belgium shared his underwhelming experience, stating: “The tunnel itself is not special at all. You better take the old road to Laerdal – which is absolutely breathtaking and one of the most beautiful roads in Norway. Only take the tunnel if you’ve got no time to waste.”
Furthermore, a visitor hailing from Boston, USA, expressed disappointment: “Our expectation was very high after looking at the pictures taken by others.”
They concluded their visit to the Laerdal Tunnel was “far below our expectation”.
A visitor expressed disappointment with the world’s longest road tunnel, saying: “When we drove through it, there were only three short sections with weak blue light. We didn’t know if the colourful lights will turn on only at some given time. A total disappointment.”
However, others had a more positive take on their experience.
Lloyd from Melbourne, Australia, was impressed, remarking: “When I think of tunnels I think dimly lit, eerie and boring death traps waiting to happen.
“But for its couple of light installations and ability to now say I’ve been through the longest road tunnel in the world, this tunnel has surpassed expectations. Added bonus that it got me (safely) to the phenomenal Aurlandfjord much faster than the ‘scenic’ road.”
Savitha from India was thrilled, exclaiming: “What an experience! ” She continued: “Guess only road without any scenic beauty in the country! Longest tunnel, was quite apprehensive, but it wasn’t made, excellent lighting, good signage and we could complete the tunnel within 15 mnts. Ample shoulder space if you want to take a break. Must drive while at Norway.”
The tunnel’s design is mindful of the mental strain drivers may face when traversing a lengthy tunnel.
It features four distinct sections, each separated by expansive mountain caves at intervals of 6km, which serve as both turnaround points and rest areas to combat claustrophobia during the 20-minute journey through the tunnel.
YouTuber Simon Whistler, who filmed a video exploring the tunnel, described it as a “fantastic example of human engineering done right”.