Bergen's Game-Changer: The World's Longest Purpose-Built Cycling Tunnel

The Fyllingsdalstunnelen, a three-kilometer-long (1.8-mile) tunnel, was inaugurated with a grand family day of sporting activities on April 15, 2023. The $29 million state-funded project, which was under construction for four years, cuts through the base of the Løvstakken mountain, offering a unique and innovative way to explore the beautiful city of Bergen.

The novel infrastructure is a proud moment for Norwegians, as stated by Camilla Einarsen Heggernes, a spokesperson for rail company Bybanen Utbygging: “We Norwegians are usually modest people, but in this instance, we would say that the tunnel is 100% state of the art.”

Cyclists can whizz through the tunnel in less than 10 minutes, while pedestrians can enjoy a leisurely stroll lasting around 40 minutes. The tunnel is far from a dull, monotonous passage. It houses a variety of art installations, vibrant lighting, and varying colors, adding a sense of direction and breaking the monotony of the otherwise straight tunnel.

For those seeking a sense of orientation during their journey, a unique “sundial” installation marks the midpoint of the tunnel. It provides the time of day, though ironically, sunlight never reaches it. The tunnel also features an athletic-track-like blue rubber flooring, making it more pleasant for walkers and runners.

The tunnel was born out of the necessity for an evacuation route for Bergen’s second Bybanen tram line, which opened in November 2022. Seeing an opportunity, the developers decided to turn the evacuation tunnel into a multipurpose one, housing a 3.5-meter-wide bike lane and a 2.5-meter-wide lane for walkers and runners.

The Fyllingsdalstunnelen, though claiming to be the world’s longest purpose-built cycle tunnel, comes with a caveat. The Snoqualmie Tunnel in Washington, USA, which was formerly a train tunnel, is longer at 3.6 kilometers. However, it was not purpose-built, giving Fyllingsdalstunnelen its unique claim to fame.

The new tunnel is part of a larger initiative - the state-supported Environmental Promise (Miljøløftet). The goal of this initiative is to encourage more people to choose cycling and walking over driving, thereby reducing traffic, cutting planet-heating emissions, and curbing unhealthy pollution.

Open from 5.30 am to 11.30 pm daily, the tunnel features well-lit rest stops, security cameras, and emergency phones every 250 meters. Its constant temperature of 7 degrees Celsius makes it an appealing training route for runners on chillier days.

The opening ceremony for the tunnel was celebrated with a tunnel race, followed by a bicycle parade. It marks a significant achievement for Bergen and Norway, placing them at the forefront of innovative, eco-friendly infrastructure. But this is just one of the many environmental initiatives by Vestland County. The county leads in electric vehicle use and infrastructure in Norway and aims to achieve net-zero emissions by 2030.

With the opening of Fyllingsdalstunnelen, the city of Bergen has not only created a thrilling new way to explore its beauty but also taken a significant stride towards a greener, more sustainable future. Whether you are a biking enthusiast, an avid walker, or a lover of innovative engineering,

Fyllingsdalstunnelen is a must-visit.

The Fyllingsdalstunnelen isn't just a tunnel, but a symbol of Norway’s commitment to sustainable mobility and environmental responsibility. Its location, running parallel to the new light rail line, is a testament to the clever use of necessary infrastructure to create new connections and shortcuts between neighborhoods.

As Vestland County Mayor Jon Askeland explains, "The cool thing is that we are utilizing necessary infrastructure, such as an escape tunnel, to create new connections and shortcuts between neighbourhoods." Thus, the tunnel stands as a paradigm of multi-functionality, serving as both an escape route for the light rail and a new passageway for the city’s residents.

The tunnel isn't just a pedestrian and cycle path; it's a testament to public health in every meter, according to project manager Arild Tveit. The very design of the tunnel, with dedicated lanes for pedestrians and cyclists, encourages physical activity and promotes health.

Bergen's commitment to green initiatives extends well beyond this tunnel. The city is a leader in electric vehicle use and infrastructure, with the county introducing the first electric ferries and currently working on electrifying its passenger boats, aiming to cut emissions by a staggering 85 percent.

The city also hosted the first annual One Ocean Week, a significant event that brought together politicians, researchers, business leaders, and youth activists to advocate for sustainability in the world's oceans - an issue close to the heart of this port city.

Mayor Askeland notes, "In Western Norway, we have always lived by and off the sea. We know that sustainable management of ocean resources is crucial to creating a greener and more circular world."

With the opening of Fyllingsdalstunnelen, Bergen has once again demonstrated its commitment to environmental sustainability and innovative urban development. This unique tunnel, beyond its record-breaking length, symbolizes a vision of a healthier, greener future for all. In the words of Mayor Askeland, "By linking our strong marine research with our traditions of innovation, trade and exports, we see the opportunities in the green shift."

As Bergen continues to lead the way in environmental initiatives and sustainable urban planning, the world watches and learns. And for those who are lucky enough to cycle or walk through the Fyllingsdalstunnelen, they're not just traversing a tunnel; they're journeying through a vision of a sustainable future made reality.