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Traversing some of Norway’s most dramatic and beautiful natural scenery, the E39 road is a gateway to flowing fjords, majestic mountains, bustling cities and charming coastal towns, as well as an incredible example of Norwegian engineering mastery.
Discover the epic coastal highway that is the E39 road in Norway, including everything you need to know about this unique route and the latest on the ambitious infrastructure project that’s currently underway to improve and shorten the route. We’ll give you top driving tips, highlights to see along the way and useful stats for your trip along the E39 route – buckle in and let’s go!
What is the E39 Road in Norway?
The north-south E39 route is a European route that mainly runs through the west coast of Norway, as well as a small stretch of northern Denmark. European routes, like the E39, are known as E roads and are signified using green signs with white text.
With nine ferry crossings along the route (seven of these being in Norway), the E39 road connects all of Norway’s great fjords along the country’s west coast. This epic Norwegian route covers no less than six counties and fifty municipalities.
Where is the E39 Road in Norway?
Stretching from the city of Aalborg in northern Denmark to just south of the city of Trondheim in Norway, the E39 road runs along Norway’s western coast, passing through the cities of Kristiansand, Stavanger, Bergen and Trondheim.
How Long is the E39 Road in Norway?
If you’re wondering ‘how long is the E39 road in Norway?’, the answer is a whopping 1330 kilometers. The current construction project on the E39 road aims to shorten the route by 50 kilometers – more on that now!
Current Construction Project on the E39 Road
A massive construction project is underway on the E39 road as we speak; in fact, this innovative infrastructure project is actually the largest transport project in Norwegian history! Aiming to reduce the travel time along the E39 road from 21 hours to 11 hours, this highly ambitious project will completely eliminate the need to take the seven ferries along the stretch of the E39 that sits in Norway.
A champion of innovative infrastructure, Norway already built the world’s deepest and longest underwater tunnel road in 2019: the Ryfast tunnel that connects Stavanger to Strand across Horgefjord. This is now set to be beaten by the new tunnel at Rogfast, connecting Stavanger and Haugesund across Boknafjord, which will reach depths of up to 390 meters below sea level, making it the new deepest and longest undersea road tunnel in the world when it’s completed in 2033.
The section of the E39 road that crosses Sognefjord, which is known as the ‘King of the Fjords’ as it’s Norway’s largest and deepest fjord, is the one which poses the biggest challenge to engineers. With extreme distances (3.7 kilometers width and 1.3 kilometers depth), plus its use as a popular shipping route, finding an appropriate solution for this part of the E39 road project is not so simple. Suspension bridges, floating bridges, a submerged floating tunnel, and a floating pontoon bridge-tunnel hybrid are all being considered.
Driving Norway’s E39 Road
So, what is the current E39 road like to drive? As well as the ferry crossings we’ve already mentioned, it’s important to keep in mind that Norway’s E39 road is narrow and winding in many parts. Covering challenging terrain, the incredibly scenic E39 mostly consists of two-lane, undivided roads with one lane going in each direction.
As the E39 road is so long, there are varying speed limits along the route depending on the location and road conditions. Some parts of the E39 are well-maintained, whereas the sections in more remote areas may be a bit more rugged. It’s important to check your vehicle is in good condition and equipped with all the necessary gear to traverse the E39 before you head off on this epic Norwegian road trip.
E39 Road Highlights
Wondering what you can see along the way? Here are some highlights of the E39 road to get you excited for the trip!
Kristiansand: The Southern Gateway
Marking the southern terminus of the E39 in Norway, the lively coastal city of Kristiansand is known for its charming old town, sandy beaches and bustling harbor. The city serves as a major transport hub, with ferry connections to Denmark, making it the starting point for many travelers embarking on the E39 journey northward through Norway.
Stord Island: A Key Fjord Crossing
Continuing north, the E39 reaches Stord, one of Norway’s largest islands. Currently accessed via a 40-minute ferry from Halhjem to Sandvikvåg, Stord is a pivotal transport link offering a blend of historical sites and scenic landscapes. Bridges will eventually replace this ferry, further streamlining the route between Bergen and Stavanger.
Bergen: The City Between Seven Mountains
Bergen, Norway’s second-largest city, is a major highlight along the E39. Nestled between mountains and fjords, Bergen is renowned for its UNESCO-listed Bryggen wharf, vibrant cultural scene and as a starting point for exploring the fjords. The E39 runs through Bergen, allowing you to explore both urban attractions and natural wonders.
Nordhordland Bridge: An Engineering Marvel
Just north of Bergen, the E39 crosses the Nordhordland Bridge, a combined cable-stayed and pontoon bridge spanning around 1,600 meters over the Salhusfjorden. This bridge is the second-longest in Norway and a striking example of an innovative infrastructure solution for Norway’s challenging geography. The unique floating section is necessary due to the fjord’s depth – it definitely makes for a memorable crossing!
Hornindalsvatnet: Europe’s Deepest Lake
As the E39 continues north, it skirts the eastern edge of Hornindalsvatnet Lake near the village of Grodås. This lake is the deepest in Europe, plunging to 514 meters. The nearby 6.5 km Kviven tunnel, opened in 2012, provides a scenic detour if you’re interested in Norway’s glacial landscapes.
Flekkefjord: Historic Trading Town
On the southern stretch between Stavanger and Kristiansand, Flekkefjord stands out as a picturesque town with a rich trading history. Its well-preserved Dutch Quarter reflects centuries of exchange with the Netherlands, and the town offers a charming stopover with its narrow streets and waterfront views.
Trondheim: The Northern Terminus
The E39 concludes in Trondheim, a city steeped in Viking history and home to the stunning Nidaros Cathedral. As a vibrant university city and cultural hub, Trondheim is both a fitting end and a new beginning for journeys along Norway’s coastal highway.
Top Driving Tips for Norway’s E39 Road
What do you need to keep in mind when traveling along the E39 road in Norway? Here are our top driving tips to help you prepare for a spectacular road trip:
- We highly recommend checking the local Norway weather forecast and up-to-date Norway road conditions regularly to ensure conditions are optimal and your route is open and safe to drive.
- Plan your route ahead of time using online maps and navigation tools, so you know where you’re going and how long it’ll take.
- Factor in extra time for ferry crossings, as these can add a significant amount of time to your trip.
- Make sure your car is in good enough condition to traverse the more challenging stretches of the E39, particularly in remote areas.
- Pack drinks and snacks for your road trip, so you can keep hydrated and energized on the go.
Experience the Awe of the E39 Coastal Highway for Yourself!
What better way to enjoy a road trip in Norway than by renting a campervan and hitting the open road? Free to explore on your own schedule, travel wherever your heart desires and sleep among Norway’s incredible scenery, traveling by campervan allows you to get up close to beautiful Nordic nature, from waterfalls and forests to fjords and mountains.
Check out our affordable and reliable campervan rentals in Norway to get started with your vacation planning today. We look forward to welcoming you to our beautiful country soon!
