December 26th 2024.
After more than three years of construction, the Faroe Islands are finally ready to unveil their latest achievement - an under-sea roundabout. Breathtaking images have been released, showcasing miles of tunnels that connect the 18 islands, situated halfway between Scotland and Iceland.
These tunnels, 17 on land and four subsea, including the world's only underwater roundabout, have been built to withstand the unpredictable weather of the Faroe Islands. This will make it easier for locals and tourists alike to navigate the self-governing island, which is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Súsanna Sørensen, marketing manager of Visit Faroe Islands, jokes that despite being surrounded by the ocean, the islands defy the fact that they are indeed islands.
Last week, the highly anticipated roundabout finally opened after years of hard work. The hope is that it will significantly reduce travel time between the capital city Torshavn and Runavik, from an hour and 14 minutes to just 16 minutes. In fact, it is estimated that over 6,000 vehicles will pass through the tunnel every day, connecting the largest island, Streymoy, with the next biggest island, Eysturoy.
The Faroe Islands are not only connected by subsea tunnels, but also by a dozen other subsea tunnels. The most recent addition, the Eysturoy Tunnel, took around four years to build and was completed in December 2020. This impressive tunnel sits 614 feet below sea level at its deepest point. Despite this, Teitur Samuelsen, CEO of Eystur-og Sandoyartunlar, the company operating the tunnels, reassures that it was designed by the world's leading engineers and geologists, ensuring safety is not a concern.
Adding to the beauty of the roundabout, Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson has created an artistic display surrounding the tunnel. Samuelsen explains that supporting local artists is important to the community. In fact, the latest addition to the tunnels, the Sandoy Tunnel, which opened in December 2023, also features artwork.
But the Faroe Islands are not just about engineering and art, they also have a unique way of incorporating music into the driving experience. Musician Jens L. Thomsen composed a soundtrack specifically for motorists to enjoy while driving through the tunnels. Thomsen states that he created the soundtrack by recording the sounds of the construction and the silence in the tunnel, making for a truly immersive experience.
The Faroe Islands continue to make advancements, connecting their islands and making travel more convenient for their residents and visitors. With plans for future developments, it's clear that this small archipelago is making a big impact. For the latest news and updates, follow Metro on Whatsapp and join their community for breaking news and juicy stories. Samuelsen adds that in addition to providing entertainment, the music also helps to break up the monotony of driving through long, dark tunnels, making it safer for drivers.
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