An aquatic-themed underwater roundabout – the first in the world – will soon open below the Atlantic Ocean, linking two of the Faroe Islands. The structure, made of natural rock and decorated by Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson, resembles a jellyfish and is illuminated with blue and green lights.
The jellyfish roundabout lies at the end of an 11km-long tunnel, called Eysturoyartunnilin, which connects two of the most populous islands. Local leaders hope that the improved transportation link will help encourage tourism after the coronavirus pandemic subsides. Moreover, the travel time between the capital of Tórshavn and Runavíks/Strendur will be reduced from more than an hour (64 minutes) to just 16 minutes. The drive from Tórshavn to Klaksvík will also be shortened from 68 minutes to 36 minutes, according to the company behind the project. Consequently, the roundabout appears set to become a tourist attraction in its own right, with photos of the project being widely shared on social media.
Construction of the tunnel began in 2016, and the official opening is scheduled for 19 December. Another tunnel of similar length is projected to open in 2023, marking the completion of the country’s largest-ever infrastructure project. The deepest part of the tunnel is 187m below sea level. For a one-way journey, cars will incur a toll of 75 Danish kroner (approximately US$12).
The remote and rugged Faroe Islands comprise an archipelago of 18 inlets, lying halfway between Norway and Iceland, and they represent an autonomous territory of Denmark. Lonely Planet recognized the Faroes in its Best in Travel list for 2021 for Community Immersion, thanks to the region’s rich opportunities for slow travel and sustainable tourism. This April, the Faroe Islands temporarily close for maintenance while locals welcome voluntourists who help preserve hiking paths, rebuild cairns, and protect the natural landscape.
Editor’s note: This article originally misstated the drive from Tórshavn to Klaksvík would be shortened to 16 minutes. The drive from Tórshavn to Runavík/Strendur will be cut to 16 minutes.
