Before we visited Norway, we expected the mountain passes to be the biggest challenge.
What surprised us most were the tunnels.
Some are only a few hundred metres long.
Others stretch for several kilometres beneath mountains, taking you from bright summer sunshine into cold, dark conditions in a matter of seconds.
They’re an impressive part of Norway’s road network and, once you’ve experienced a few, they quickly become part of the adventure.
Knowing what to expect simply makes them much less intimidating.
What should motorcyclists know about Norway’s mountain tunnels?
Quick Tips
- Long tunnels can be much colder than outside.
- Keep a visor cloth within easy reach.
- Dress in layers, even on warm days.
- Ride smoothly and allow your eyes time to adjust.
- Expect damp patches inside longer tunnels.
The Temperature Change Can Surprise You
One of the biggest surprises for us wasn’t the darkness.
It was the temperature.
You can be riding comfortably in warm sunshine one moment and feel a noticeable drop in temperature as soon as you enter a long mountain tunnel.
It’s completely normal.
On longer tunnels, the cooler air has plenty of time to work its way through your riding gear.
MotoKind Field Note
If you’re planning a route with lots of mountain tunnels, keep an extra layer somewhere easy to reach rather than buried at the bottom of a pannier.
You’ll be far more likely to use it.
Give Your Eyes a Moment
The transition from bright daylight into a darker tunnel can take a few seconds to adjust to.
If your visor also begins to mist up, it can feel a little overwhelming the first time it happens.
Try not to rush.
Keep your speed steady and your movements smooth while your eyes adjust.
If your visor starts to fog, opening it slightly often improves airflow and clears the condensation.
Tunnel Surfaces Can Be Different
Norway’s roads are generally excellent.
Tunnel surfaces can be different.
Water naturally seeps through mountain rock, so it’s common to find damp patches, particularly in longer tunnels.
That doesn’t mean they’re dangerous.
It simply means it’s worth riding smoothly and avoiding sudden braking or sharp steering inputs if you encounter wet sections.
Giving yourself a little extra space behind other vehicles also helps reduce spray and improves visibility.
Don’t Let the First Tunnel Worry You
Like many parts of touring, the anticipation is often worse than the reality.
By the third or fourth tunnel, you’ll probably find yourself riding through them without giving them much thought at all.
They’re simply another part of travelling through one of the most spectacular countries you’ll ever explore by motorcycle.
Help Improve This Guide
Have you found a tunnel in Norway that other riders should know about?
Perhaps it was particularly scenic.
Maybe there was a useful rest area nearby where riders could stop to add a layer before continuing.
Or perhaps you’ve discovered something that made long tunnels easier to ride with confidence.
Share your experience with MotoKind and help us build trusted knowledge for riders planning their own Norwegian adventure.
Continue Your Norway Tour
- Motorcycle Ferry Crossings: A Rider’s Guide to Stress-Free Sea Travel
- Hytte or Tent? What We Learned About Motorcycle Camping in Norway
- Fuel Stops in Norway: What Every Motorcycle Rider Should Know
- Riding Through Norway’s Mountain Tunnels
- Don’t Make the Same Mistake We Did: Keeping Your Riding Gear Safe in Norway
- Looking After Your Chain on a Long Motorcycle Tour