From the mighty Viking longships that once sliced through Norway’s fjords to the state-of-the-art cruise ships of today, Norway’s maritime history is rich with adventure.
But in 2025, Norway is taking its seafaring legacy into the future with the world’s first-ever cruise ship tunnel — a 1.7-kilometre underwater shortcut set to transform the way we experience the stunning Norwegian coastline.
Imagine what it must have been like for the Vikings, navigating the wild, unpredictable waters of Norway’s west coast in their longboats, battling fierce winds and waves as they explored new lands.
Today, we don’t have to brave those same treacherous seas.
Enter the Stad Ship Tunnel — a modern marvel designed to make travel faster, safer, and much more efficient than anything the Vikings could have imagined.
While Viking ships depended on skill, weather, and luck to chart their course through Norway’s rugged coastline, today’s cruise ships will have a safe, reliable route through this groundbreaking tunnel, bypassing the dangerous currents and stormy seas around Stadlandet Peninsula.
For cruise ships, the Stad Ship Tunnel is a game-changer. By cutting through solid rock and offering a shortcut of up to 93 kilometres, the tunnel will dramatically reduce travel time, meaning ships can reach their destinations faster.
Imagine saving hours on your journey — that’s more time for sightseeing, relaxing, or indulging in some spa time instead of worrying about unpredictable weather.
In fact, with the tunnel, ships can avoid rough waters and cut out the worst parts of the journey, which means fewer delays and more consistent schedules. What once could take hours navigating hazardous waters will now take minutes.
It’s like having a secret VIP lane on a highway — only this one’s underwater.
What makes the Stad Ship Tunnel so mind-blowing is how it combines ancient maritime culture with cutting-edge technology.
It’s the first-ever tunnel built specifically for large ships, and it stands as a testament to Norway’s ongoing spirit of innovation.
While Vikings could only dream of such a path, modern cruise passengers will glide through an underwater world, safe from the elements.
So, as the Stad Ship Tunnel gets ready to open in 2025, we’ll be cruising faster, smoother, and greener than ever before — all thanks to a tunnel that’s as bold as Norway’s Viking past but crafted for the future.
Truly, history in the making.