Sotra Bridge

The Sotra Bridge connects two islands across Digernessundet and stretches roughly 1 kilometer. It carries vehicle traffic on European Route E39 while providing wide, separate paths on both sides for cyclists and pedestrians.

Construction started in 1999 and marked an important moment for Norwegian engineering. The structure was among the first of its kind in the country to use specialized cable techniques built on-site.

The bridge changed how island communities connected, replacing ferry routines with direct travel between neighborhoods. Cyclists and pedestrians now cross daily using their own dedicated paths, shaping the social rhythm of the islands.

The bridge is accessible at any time of day, with cyclists and pedestrians having separate, wide paths away from vehicle traffic. Winter visitors should prepare for snow and icy conditions that require more caution on the paths.

The construction required enormous amounts of steel cable that would stretch tens of thousands of kilometers if laid end to end. The two tall pylons rise roughly 100 meters and serve as visible landmarks for travelers approaching from a distance.