Drammen Spiral Tunnel
Viken
The Drammen Spiral Tunnel, locally known as Spiralen, is an extraordinary helical road tunnel located in Bragernesåsen in Drammen, Norway. Constructed inside an old quarry, the tunnel spirals six and a half times around an axis, ascending from 50 meters to 213 meters above sea level. It was inaugurated in 1961 by King Olav V as part of Drammen's city jubilee. The tunnel is 1,650 meters long, with a 10% incline, a diameter of 70 meters per loop, and a height and width of nine meters each. At the top lies Spiraltoppen, a popular viewpoint area featuring a parking lot, a café, and a restaurant. The tunnel underwent a major safety and structural upgrade between 2019 and 2021, including colorful light installations and the return of its mascot, the Spiraltrollet, a wooden troll figure symbolizing the tunnel's rings. Spiralen was recognized by CNN Travel in 2016 as the world's sixth most beautiful tunnel. The area around the tunnel also contains historic military fortifications known as Nedre Skanse and Øvre Skanse, remnants of the Drammenslinjen defense line. Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Drammen and the surrounding landscape from Spiraltoppen, making the Spiral Tunnel both a functional road and a distinctive tourist attraction.
ヒント: The best time to visit Drammen Spiral Tunnel is during daylight hours to fully enjoy the scenic views from Spiraltoppen. The tunnel is open daily from 6 AM to 11 PM. Parking fees apply at the top viewpoint area. It is recommended to check local information for any temporary closures or events. No advance ticket purchase is required, and visitors can combine the visit with exploring nearby historic military sites along Kanonveien.
興味深い事実
- •Spiralen was ranked the sixth most beautiful tunnel in the world by CNN Travel in 2016.
- •The tunnel spirals six and a half times with each loop having a diameter of 70 meters.
- •The tunnel was constructed inside an old quarry originally used for stone to build Drammen's roads.
- •Spiraltrollet, the tunnel's mascot, is a wooden troll figure symbolizing the tunnel's spiral rings.
- •The top of the tunnel area includes historical military fortifications from the Drammenslinjen defense line.
歴史
The idea for the Spiral Tunnel originated in the 1950s when Drammen needed large amounts of stone for new roads.
City engineer Eivind Olsen proposed transforming the municipal quarry into an attraction by blasting a spiral tunnel into the rock.
Construction was completed in time for Drammen's 150th anniversary in 1961, when King Olav V officially opened the tunnel.
Over the decades, the tunnel has been tolled except between 1987 and 1994.
In 2014, a fire safety inspection revealed deficiencies, prompting a significant upgrade from 2019 to 2021, including safety enhancements and aesthetic improvements like colorful lighting.
The tunnel's mascot, Spiraltrollet, created in 1961, was also restored during this renovation.
場所ガイド
Spiralen Tunnel1961
The main helical road tunnel spiraling six and a half times inside the mountain, offering a unique driving experience and engineering marvel.
Spiraltoppen Viewpoint
The scenic viewpoint at the tunnel's summit featuring panoramic views over Drammen, a parking area, and Spiralen Café & Restaurant.
Spiraltrollet Mascot1961
A wooden troll figure created in 1961 representing the spiral rings of the tunnel, restored during the 2019-2021 renovation and displayed near the tunnel.
Nedre Skanse and Øvre Skanse FortificationsEarly 1900s
Historic military batteries located near the tunnel's exit, part of the Drammenslinjen defense line built to protect the area in the early 20th century.