The world’s longest road tunnel stretches an incredible 15 miles and takes around 20 minutes to drive from one end to the other – but not everyone is impressed judging by the Tripadvisor reviews.
According to the latest Guinness World Records book, the Laerdal Tunnel, which runs from Bergen, Norway’s second largest city, to the country’s capital Oslo, is still the world’s longest tunnel.
It took five years to complete after construction began in 1995 as engineers sought to perfect a number of issues including safety, air quality and how to stave off driver fatigue and claustrophobia.
The two-lane tunnel was opened by King Harald of Norway on November 27, 2000, opening to the public the following year and reportedly costing around £85million to build.
Despite the incredible feat of engineering that it took to build the tunnel, some reviewers were less than complementary about it.
Thomas, from Belgium wrote: “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.”
Another said the Laerdal Tunnel ended up being “far below our expectation”. The visitor, from Boston, USA, added: “Our expectation was very high after looking at the pictures taken by others.
“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.”
But some people had a better experience when they visited the world’s longest road tunnel.
Lloyd, from Melbourne, Australia, said it “surpassed expectations”. He said: “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 exclaimed: “What an experience!” She added: “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 takes into account the mental strain drivers undertake from driving through a long tunnel.
It is divided into four sections that are separated by three large mountain caves at 6km intervals. These are also used as turnaround points and as break areas to help stave off claustrophobia during the 20-minute drive through the tunnel.
YouTuber Simon Whistler, who shot a video about the tunnel, called it a “fantastic example of human engineering done right”.
