This is a unique in the world. Is located under waterconnects Streymoy, the largest of the Faroe Islands and the seat of one of the smallest capitals of the world, Tórshavn, with Eysturoy, the second largest island of the archipelago. Has 11 kilometers longII goes through him every day approx. 6,000 vehicles. What's special about it?
The shimmering roundabout carved in hard basalt. Its shape and changing colors make it Some compare them to the aurora or sun shining in the sun. “Many drivers make several laps to enjoy the mesmerizing view,” says marketing manager at Visit Faroe Islands in an interview with CNN Súsana Sørensen.
Sheep Islands. This tunnel cannot be missed
The construction of a designer roundabout lasted four years and ended at the end of 2020. The project is based on a natural basalt column, around which a roundabout was built. The tunnel from it leaving the fork towards Strendur and Rókin, on opposite sides of the fjord to Eysturoy.
At the base of the roundabout, you can admire the steel sculpture depicting silhouettes of people holding handswith faces directed at the central column illuminated with pulsating colors.
The intention of the author of the installation, Tróndura Patursson, was nod to Farer and presenting their unity and resistance to harsh living conditions.
Many people associate this circle of characters with traditional Farer chain dancewhich can be seen on July 29 during the celebration of Ólavsøka – National Day of the Faroe Islands.
Tunel Enjoy not only the eyes, but also the ears of drivers. Musician Jens L. Thomsen composed ethereal soundtrackwhich you can listen to on FM97 frequency During the journey through the tunnel. “I recorded the sounds of construction and silence in the tunnel,” says Thomsen, who used the instruments Natural “Tunnel Voice”.
The lowest point of the structure is located about 187 meters under sea level. Although the thought of hundreds of tons of water above the head can frighten, The tunnel is completely safe.
– tunnels design The best engineers and geologists in the worldso the issue of security does not raise concerns – assures Teitur Samuelsen, general director of Eystur -OG Sandyartunlar, managing tunnels on the Faroe Islands.
The Farers built on the archipelago A total of 21 tunnels – 17 on land and four under water. Constructions They definitely make it easier to moveespecially during violent winds, rains and dense fog, which often haunt the sheep islands, hindering travel by car or ferry.
Works of art hidden under the Atlantic
The tunnel with an underwater roundabout is not the only work of this type of art in the Islands. From December 2023, the tunnel has also been connected by Streymoy and Sandoy islands.
He goes there every day About 1000 vehicles. The installation has 10.8 km long and reaches 155 meters below the Atlantic surface.
Drivers can admire A dozen glowing images created on rough basalt walls. They present FARERSKIE LEGENDYe.g. with an old witch or a wall in the lead roles. The motifs also include birds, which is Homage for the nineteenth-century painter Díðrikura á Skarvanesithe first known visual artist in the Faroe Islands.
Passionate ears are happy melody composed by Sunleif Rasmussenrecognized Farer composer. In its electroacoustic composition He used the sounds of the tunnelsuch as dripping water during construction and music of the Farer band “Snowflakes”. Melody can be listened to Setting the radio on the FM100.
Where did the idea to make tunnels with works of art? – We have many talented artists in the Faroe Islands and we want to support them. Besides, art breaks the monotony of a long, dark tunnelwhich increases driving safety – explains Samuelsen. – Tunnels are our Eiffel or Big Ben towers – He acknowledges proudly.