Norway Unveils the Longest Cycling Tunnel in the World
Nestled among the seven mountains surrounding Bergen, a UNESCO World Heritage site on Norway's scenic west coast, a groundbreaking new way to explore the area has emerged. A tunnel stretching three kilometers (1.8 miles) has been carved through Løvstakken mountain, designed specifically for cyclists and pedestrians. This engineering marvel, known as Fyllingsdalstunnelen, is claimed to be the longest of its kind.
The tunnel officially opened on April 15, following four years of construction that kicked off in February 2019. The project, funded by the state, came with a price tag of nearly $29 million, or 300 million Norwegian kroner. Camilla Einarsen Heggernes, representing the rail company Bybanen Utbygging, proudly describes the tunnel as a state-of-the-art achievement, a rare boast from typically humble Norwegians.
Cyclists can zip through the tunnel in under 10 minutes, while pedestrians can enjoy a leisurely 40-minute walk. To enhance the experience, various art installations, colors, and lighting have been incorporated to guide users and break the monotony of the tunnel's enclosed space. A unique "sundial" installation at the midpoint provides a sense of time in a place where natural light never reaches.
The tunnel features two lanes: a 3.5-meter-wide lane for cyclists and a 2.5-meter-wide path for walkers and runners. A blue rubber flooring, reminiscent of an athletic track, covers the tunnel floor, offering a more comfortable journey than traditional asphalt.
This innovative tunnel was developed alongside Bergen's second Bybanen tram line, which opened in November 2022. The tram line required an evacuation tunnel, prompting developers to create a multipurpose space.
Bergen, Norway's second-largest city, is connected to Oslo by the 496-kilometer Bergensbanen railway, a route that traverses the breathtaking Hardangervidda plateau. This snowy landscape famously served as the backdrop for battle scenes in "The Empire Strikes Back."
While Fyllingsdalstunnelen claims the title of the world's longest purpose-built cycling tunnel, it's important to note the 3.6-kilometer Snoqualmie Tunnel in Washington. Originally a train tunnel, it now serves cyclists, runners, and walkers as part of the Palouse to Cascades State Park Trail.
In a recent roundup of the world's most bike-friendly cities, six European cities were highlighted. Copenhagen boasts 385 kilometers of bike lanes, with its first lane dating back to 1892. Strasbourg offers around 6,000 bikes at self-service stations for tourists, while Bern features an exhilarating downhill trail accessible by funicular, allowing cyclists to enjoy the ride without the uphill effort.