The rugged and weather-beaten Faroe Islands, situated halfway between Iceland and Scotland, have embraced engineering marvels to improve connectivity. Despite their isolated geography and fierce natural elements, the Faroese have constructed a network of 17 land tunnels and four subsea tunnels, transforming travel across this archipelago of 18 volcanic islands.
Eysturoy Tunnel: A Roundabout Masterpiece
The Eysturoy Tunnel, inaugurated in December 2020, is not just a marvel of engineering but also an artistic landmark. Stretching nearly seven miles (11 kilometers) beneath the North Atlantic, it connects Streymoy, the largest island and home to the capital Tórshavn, with Eysturoy, the second-largest island.
The highlight of this tunnel is its mesmerizing undersea roundabout, an installation by renowned Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson. Dubbed “the jellyfish” for its glowing, shifting lights, the roundabout also features a basalt column surrounded by life-sized steel silhouettes of people holding hands—a tribute to the Faroese spirit of unity and resilience.
“This roundabout is certainly a tourist attraction,” says Súsanna Sørensen, marketing manager of Visit Faroe Islands. Many visitors deliberately circle it multiple times to fully absorb the visual and auditory experience, complemented by an ethereal soundscape broadcast on FM97.
Sandoy Tunnel: Mythical Glow in the Dark
The Sandoy Tunnel, opened in December 2023, links Streymoy with the smaller island of Sandoy. At six-and-a-half miles long and 508 feet below the ocean’s surface, it continues the Faroese tradition of blending infrastructure with art.
Faroese artist Edward Fuglø adorned the tunnel walls with glowing depictions of characters from local folklore, including witches, seals, and bishops. The artwork mimics ancient cave paintings, while also honoring Faroese bird painter Díðrikur á Skarvanesi.
To complement the visuals, composer Sunleif Rasmussen created an electroacoustic soundtrack using tunnel construction sounds and local music, broadcast on FM100.
Enhancing Connectivity
The tunnels have significantly reduced travel times. For example, the Eysturoy Tunnel slashed the drive between Tórshavn and Eysturoy from 60 minutes to just 15. Similarly, the journey to Klaksvik, the second-largest city, is now 45 minutes instead of 75.
A Testament to Faroese Innovation
The Faroe Islands’ subsea tunnels exemplify a seamless blend of functionality and cultural celebration. With their transformative infrastructure, the Faroese defy the limitations of geography while embracing their heritage, turning tunnels into destinations themselves.
