The Lærdal Tunnel on the E16
The Lærdal Tunnel carries the E16 between Aurland and Lærdal in Vestland. It is 24,509 m long, about 24.5 km, and opened in November 2000. For many drivers it is the way through the mountains between the Aurlandsfjord side and the Lærdal valley, and the Norwegian Public Roads Administration runs the project.
What changes is the plan for the coming years: the road authority has announced construction work that starts on 16 November 2026, with closures at night. Read the section below, check the road status on the day you drive, and do not rely on older advice that mentions a September start.
Our pick: scenic drive from Flåm
This small-group drive uses the Aurlandsfjellet scenic road, which is closed in winter, rather than the tunnel.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in euros (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Sognefjord tours and day trips
Fjord cruises, rail combinations and day trips around the Sognefjord, with live prices and availability.
Night closures from 16 November 2026
According to the road authority's notices of 7 August and 23 September 2026, the construction work starts on 16 November 2026. The announced closures run from 18:00 to 06:00. Buses are let through at certain times, and special rules apply for the emergency services. The work as a whole is planned until 2030/31.
An earlier announcement had mentioned a start in September, and that plan has changed. Exact passing times and the length of a detour are not listed here, because they depend on the notices of the day. Before an evening or early morning drive, look at the road authority's traffic information, and add a safety margin if you must catch a ship, a train or a flight.
We also give no toll amount. Do not assume that a route is free of tolls, and check the conditions of your own car or rental agreement.
Aurlandsfjellet scenic route
The Aurlandsfjellet road is a national tourist route of 47 km that climbs to 1,308 m. It crosses the mountains between Aurland and Lærdal, and it is only open through in the warm season. In 2026 the authority reported the opening on 1 June. In winter the crossing is closed.
Vehicle limit
Buses may be at most 12.4 m long.
Closures after the opening
Night closures and closures in bad weather are possible even in the season, so check the status before you set out.
No year-round alternative
When the tunnel is closed at night, a bypass over the mountains is not available all year, because the mountain road is shut in winter.
If you prefer not to drive, one small-group tour from Flåm takes you with a guide to Flåm, the Stalheim viewpoint, Gudvangen, the Aurlandsfjellet scenic road and the Stegastein viewpoint. The stop at the platform is described on the Stegastein page.
Borgund on the E16
The Borgund stave church lies by the E16 near Lærdal, so it is a natural stop for anyone who drives through the tunnel. The church dates from about 1180, and the season in 2026 runs from 15 April to 14 October according to its owner. More about the church and about Urnes is on the stave churches page.
Ferries on the Sognefjord
Several car ferries cross the fjord and connect the road network on both sides. Norled lists the connections between Hella, Vangsnes and Dragsvik, between Mannheller and Fodnes, and between Kaupanger and Frønningen. They are normal road ferries, and they are a different thing from the tourist ship between Flåm and Gudvangen or from the small ferry between Solvorn and Ornes. Look up the timetable of each connection before you plan around it.
For the way from Bergen to Flåm, including the train and the bus, read our getting there page. In winter the picture changes, which the winter page explains.
Frequently asked questions
When do the Lærdal Tunnel closures start?
Construction with announced night closures from 18:00 to 06:00 starts on 16 November 2026. Check the road status before each drive.
How long is the Lærdal Tunnel?
The tunnel on the E16 is 24,509 m long, about 24.5 km, and it opened in November 2000.
Is the Aurlandsfjellet road open in winter?
No. The mountain crossing is closed in winter. In 2026 it was reported open from 1 June, and night closures or closures in bad weather are possible in the season.
Can I use the Aurlandsfjellet road when the tunnel is closed?
The road over the mountains is not open all year, so plan around the tunnel closures and check the current status.