European route E39
European route E39 is a European route stretching from Nørresundby in Denmark to Trøndelag in Norway. The main part of the road runs on Norway's west coast, and goes through some of the most beautiful natural scenery in Norway, mountainous, with deep fjords, pristine lakes, as well as major Norwegian cities. The E39 is the most complex road construction Norway.
Unlike in many European countries, where the European routes are not signed or signed poorly, the European route system is fully integrated into both the Norwegian and Danish road networks; the roads have no other national numbers. This itinerary starts in southern Norway, despite the fact that the south end of the route is actually in Denmark. This is due to convenience; only a tiny part of the route is in Denmark. If you are in Denmark, however, a ferry goes from Hirtshals (the last Danish town on the route) to Kristiansand (the first Norwegian town). If you want to shorten your driving route and stay longer on a ferry, direct crossings between Hirtshals and Bergen or Stavanger are an option.
UnderstandWithin Norway the route includes seven ferry crossings, more than any other route in Europe. The route crosses all the great fjords of west Norway.
PrepareNorwegian roads in general are narrow and slow compared to roads in most European countries. The only motorways in the country are in and around the largest cities, and mostly in the flat eastern parts of the country.
Get inRailway stations connected to the route:
DriveThe southernmost section runs through the lowlands of Vest-Agder and Rogaland. Partly rugged hills, valleys and lakes, but not great elevations.
Stay safeDrivers must be patient. There is little to gain by speeding and overtaking.
Go nextFrom the north end of the E39 European route E6 leads you north to Trondheim in Norway, and continue north furthermore, through Trøndelag and North Norway all the way to the Russian border.
Sources and licences
- Guide text adapted from the Wikivoyage article "European route E39" by its contributors, available under CC BY-SA 4.0. Read on Wikivoyage · Contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0