The bridge deck is suspended 55 meters above the surface of the fjord to allow for large cruise ship clearance.
The project involved constructing two tunnels at each end of the bridge, totaling over 8 kilometers of subterranean road construction.
The bridge's main towers reach 200 meters in height, with 148 meters standing above the road deck.
The structure is designed to withstand wind speeds of up to 25 meters per second, common in the exposed fjord environment.
During construction, the main cables were spun on-site using a process that involves drawing high-strength steel wires across the fjord.
The bridge provides a fixed link for the national highway network, eliminating the previous reliance on fjord ferries for heavy goods transport.
The Hardanger Bridge is one of the world's longest suspension bridges, spanning 1,380 meters across the Hardangerfjord in Norway. It connects the municipalities of Ullensvang and Ulvik, replacing a ferry connection that previously operated between Brimnes and Bruravik. The bridge deck features a dedicated lane specifically designated for pedestrians and cyclists, separate from vehicular traffic. Its primary span of 1,310 meters is longer than that of the Golden Gate Bridge. The structure serves as a crucial link on Road 13, facilitating travel between the southern and northern sides of the fjord. The bridge is integrated into the national tourist route system due to its engineering scale and fjord vistas.
From the pedestrian walkway at the center of the span, looking toward the Eidfjord mountain range.
Park at the designated areas near the tunnel entrances on either side to safely access the pedestrian walkway.
Bring windproof clothing regardless of the season, as the bridge is highly exposed to fjord gusts.
Wear comfortable walking shoes, as the length of the bridge span requires a significant walk to traverse the full distance.
Do not attempt to park vehicles on the shoulders of the bridge; use only established rest areas and parking bays.
Open year-round, but may close temporarily during extreme winter storm conditions.
Cyclists must yield to pedestrians; do not lean over the protective railings.
