Nestled beneath the Atlantic Ocean lies the world’s sole undersea roundabout, affectionately known as the jellyfish roundabout. Situated within the Eysturoyartunnil tunnel, it connects two major islands in the Faroe Islands.
This subaquatic tunnel, spanning 6.9 miles, serves as the Faroe Islands’ equivalent to the Eurostar, linking Streymoy and Eysturoy islands in just eight minutes of driving. At a depth of 72 meters, the tunnel boasts the planet’s inaugural underwater roundabout, attracting attention for its vibrant aesthetics.
Featuring colorful lights, the roundabout’s jellyfish design has captivated online audiences. The tunnel’s ambiance is described as eerie by drivers, particularly as they navigate the roundabout adorned with changing hues of blue, red, and green, accompanied by dark silhouettes of faceless figures.
At the core of this circular structure stands a large illuminated natural rock pillar, a remnant from the tunnel’s construction. Renowned Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson embellished the pillar, surrounded by an 80-meter steel sculpture depicting life-sized figures interlocked in unity around the roundabout.
Symbolically, the figures face inward towards the pillar, embodying the Faroese ethos of unity and collaboration leading to success. The Eysturoyartunnil subsea network, inaugurated on December 19, 2020, after just four years of construction, aims to revolutionize Faroese society by fostering connections among people, regions, and economies.
Moreover, the tunnel significantly reduces travel time between Tórshavn and Klaksvik, the Faroe Islands’ largest cities, cutting the journey from 70 to around 35 minutes. At its lowest point, 189 meters below sea level, the tunnel features three tubes converging at the vibrant undersea roundabout.
Constructed by Faroese company Eystur- og Sandoyartunlar, this tunnel project represents the largest investment ever made in the Faroe Islands, totaling approximately €260 million (£230 million). Motorists traversing the deep Atlantic tunnel are required to pay a toll fee of 75 Danish krona (£8.60) each way, automatically billed through license plate scanning. Anticipated revenue from the tunnel is earmarked to fund future tunnel initiatives in the Faroe Islands.
“We envision that this new infrastructure will distribute tourism benefits more evenly across the northeastern Faroe Islands,” commented Guðrið Højgaard, director of Visit Faroe Islands, “and potentially spur local businesses to accommodate visitors more effectively.”
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