Travellers exploring the Faroe Islands might be taken aback to discover the world’s first underwater roundabout during their visit. Situated within the Eysturoy Tunnel, which commenced operations four years ago in December 2020, this engineering marvel has significantly reduced journey times between the archipelago’s various islands.
Though positioned roughly midway between Scotland and Iceland, the Faroe Islands form part of the Kingdom of Denmark, having enjoyed self-governance since 1948. The islands’ geographical position means unpredictable weather conditions can pose considerable travel challenges, prompting the development of an extensive tunnel network – comprising 17 overland and four subsea passages, with the deepest point reaching 187m (613ft) beneath sea level. The Eysturoy Tunnel and its distinctive roundabout are credited with slashing travel duration from the capital, Torshavn, to the village of Runavik from an hour and 14 minutes down to merely 16 minutes.
The Faroe Islands comprise 17 populated islands alongside numerous smaller islets and reefs.
Speaking about the tunnel infrastructure, Súsanna Sørensen, marketing manager of Visit Faroe Islands, said: « Though we are 18 islands, we often joke that we defy the fact that we are islands (thanks to the tunnels). »
Whilst the prospect of navigating an underwater tunnel in the North Atlantic might seem daunting, the tunnels were specifically engineered with safety and comfort in mind.
Teitur Samuelsen, CEO of Eystur-og Sandoyartunlar, the firm managing the tunnels, said: « The tunnels are designed by the world’s leading engineers and geologists, so safety with regards to the Atlantic above is not an issue. »
According to CNN, the Eysturoy Tunnel offers a « magical » driving experience, with its roundabout appearing so visually striking that its colours have drawn comparisons to the Northern Lights or jellyfish.
This tunnel isn’t alone in its visual appeal – several other tunnels throughout the network also feature impressive artwork and installations.
Take the Sandoy Tunnel, for instance, which links the islands of Streymoy and Sandoy. It’s adorned with luminous totems that glow in the dark, paying homage to figures from Faroese folklore.
When asked about the rationale behind investing in tunnel decoration, Teitur Samuelsen explained: « We have a lot of good art in the Faroes, and we’d like to support our artists. In addition, it breaks up the monotony in a long, dark tunnel, so it’s good for driving safety. »
Take the Sandoy Tunnel, for instance, which links the islands of Streymoy and Sandoy. It’s adorned with luminous totems that glow in the dark, paying homage to figures from Faroese folklore.
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