The Faroe Islands, a rugged and remote archipelago in the North Atlantic, have long battled unpredictable weather that can make travel a challenge. But thanks to an intricate tunnel system, including four undersea passageways, islanders and visitors can now move between the islands with ease. Among these tunnels are two particularly striking feats of engineering that have become unexpected tourist attractions.
Eysturoy Tunnel: A Roundabout Like No Other
The Eysturoy Tunnel, opened in December 2020, is no ordinary undersea passage. Connecting Streymoy, home to the capital city of Tórshavn, with neighboring Eysturoy, this nearly seven-mile-long tunnel has transformed travel across the Faroe Islands. What once required an hour-long journey is now a mere 15-minute drive.
One of its most fascinating features is an underwater roundabout—a first-of-its-kind marvel that sits 614 feet below sea level. This glowing, sculptural centerpiece is more than just a functional traffic solution. It has become an attraction in its own right.
- Designed by renowned Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson, the roundabout features a steel ring of life-size human silhouettes holding hands, symbolizing unity and resilience.
- The installation is bathed in shifting lights that mimic the ethereal glow of the Aurora Borealis, creating a mesmerizing effect for drivers passing through.
- To enhance the experience, visitors can tune into FM97 while inside the tunnel to hear a custom-composed soundscape by musician Jens L. Thomsen, incorporating recorded construction noises and natural tunnel acoustics.
This fusion of engineering, art, and sound has turned the Eysturoy Tunnel into more than just a shortcut—it’s an experience.
Sandoy Tunnel: A Portal to Folklore
In December 2023, the Faroe Islands added another undersea connection to their growing network: the Sandoy Tunnel. This 6.5-mile passage links the main island of Streymoy with Sandoy, a sparsely populated island known for its sand dunes and serene landscapes. Before its opening, access to Sandoy was only possible by ferry.
The tunnel itself is a work of art, literally. Along its rugged basalt walls, glowing figures emerge from the darkness, evoking the spirit of ancient cave paintings. This immersive display, created by Faroese artist Edward Fuglø, brings Faroese folklore to life.
Characters depicted in the tunnel include:
- A bishop wielding a battle axe, referencing a legendary figure from Faroese history.
- A mythical seal woman, a creature from local legends said to have transformed between human and seal forms.
- An old witch, symbolizing the deep-rooted storytelling traditions of the islands.
The experience is further heightened by a haunting electroacoustic composition from Faroese composer Sunleif Rasmussen. Drivers who tune into FM100 will hear an eerie blend of dripping water sounds recorded during construction, combined with the melodies of Faroese pop singer Eivør.
A Game-Changer for Connectivity
The impact of these tunnels goes beyond artistic and technological achievements. The improved infrastructure has dramatically reduced travel times and strengthened connections between islands that were once separated by difficult sea crossings.
| Route | Travel Time Before | Travel Time Now |
|---|---|---|
| Tórshavn to Eysturoy | 60 minutes | 15 minutes |
| Tórshavn to Klaksvík | 75 minutes | 45 minutes |
| Streymoy to Sandoy | Dependent on ferry schedules | Always open |
For the residents of Sandoy, in particular, the new tunnel has been life-changing. Previously, they had to rely on ferries that were often delayed or canceled due to rough seas. Now, they can travel freely, significantly improving their quality of life.
The Future of Faroese Tunnels
With 17 land tunnels and four subsea tunnels already in place, the Faroe Islands are showing no signs of slowing down their tunneling ambitions. Plans are in motion for more undersea connections, potentially linking even the more remote islands to the central network.
The combination of engineering ingenuity, artistic expression, and practical benefits has turned these tunnels into more than just infrastructure. They are defining features of the Faroe Islands—as iconic as the Eiffel Tower is to Paris or Big Ben is to London.
For travelers, a drive through these tunnels is more than a shortcut. It’s a journey through history, culture, and innovation, deep beneath the North Atlantic.
