The Karmsund Bridge connects the mainland to the island of Karmøy and carries the E134 highway. It was completed in 1955, is 691 metres long, and has a clearance of 46 metres below the main span to allow large ships through.
The strait below, Karmsundet, has been one of Norway's most important shipping lanes for thousands of years. Viking kings taxed vessels passing through here, and the route was called Nordvegen, "the North Way", which gave Norway its name. Today you will often see large tankers and cargo ships anchored in the strait or passing under the bridge.
The bridge itself is a steel arch design with 37 spans. It is functional rather than beautiful, but the view from it is good, especially towards Haugesund to the north and the 143-metre power pylons to the south.
The strait below, Karmsundet, has been one of Norway's most important shipping lanes for thousands of years. Viking kings taxed vessels passing through here, and the route was called Nordvegen, "the North Way", which gave Norway its name. Today you will often see large tankers and cargo ships anchored in the strait or passing under the bridge.
The bridge itself is a steel arch design with 37 spans. It is functional rather than beautiful, but the view from it is good, especially towards Haugesund to the north and the 143-metre power pylons to the south.