Tangafjørður Fjord in sunrise

Tangafjørður Fjord Travel Guide

By Verified Expert

Tangafjørður is a fjord making up the southern part of the strait between the two largest islands in the Faroe Islands, Streymoy Island and Eysturoy Island. Cruise ships entering the port in Runavík will sail here.

The strait stretches from the two small settlements Selatrað og Hósvík on Eysturoy Island and Streymoy Island respectively. Moreover, it spans south to the headland Eystnes on Eysturoy Island and to the Tórshavn suburb Hvítanes on Streymoy Island. The depth in the strait is 60 – 70 metres (197 – 230 feet). The northern part of the strait is called Sundini.

Tunnel under Tangafjørður Fjord

Underwater roundabout
The roundabout in the Eysturoy tunnel. Photo by Ólavur Frederiksen.

Faroe Islands are home to a whole lot of tunnels, both mountain tunnels and sub-sea tunnels. The underwater tunnel Eysturoyartunnilin lies below the seabed under Tangafjørður connecting the two largest islands in the Faroe Islands. This makes travel between Streymoy Island and Eysturoy Island so much easier. Eysturoyartunnilin is very important piece of infrastructure in the Faroe Islands for both locals and travellers alike.

This 11.2 km (7 mi) of road network reaches its lowest point 187 m (613 ft) below sea level. The tunnel system cuts what was once an hour-long journey around the fjords to just 15 minutes. Inside the Eysturoy tunnel, you can see the world’s first underwater roundabout. It features a mesmerising light installation by the local artist Tróndur Patursson, illuminating the bare rock walls with several colours.

With a total of three separate tubes branching out to connect the capital Tórshavn on Streymoy Island to the towns of Runavík and Strendur on each side of the Skálafjørðurin Fjord on Eysturoy Island, getting from one place to another is super easy. For travellers, driving under the Tangafjørður Fjord is an essential thing to do in the Faroe Islands when exploring the outdoor wonders found at every turn.

Sveinur Tróndarson

Sveinur Tróndarson is a prominent figure in the Faroe Islands, known for his multifaceted contributions to local society, particularly in journalism, media, and culture. Born and raised in the settlement Skála on Eysturoy Island in the Faroe Islands, Tróndarson has been actively involved in shaping the public dialogue around everything from sports, politics to preserving local traditions. Sveinur holds a master’s degree in political science from the Univerity of the Faroe Islands. As a journalist, he has worked with key media outlets in the Faroe Islands, including the public broadcasting cooperation Kringvarp Føroya and as both chief editor and CEO at the newspaper Dimmalætting. His insights are valued and he is often used as an expert in news media. His commentary reflects a deep understanding of history, language, and the Faroe Island' place in the world. In addition to his journalistic endeavors, Tróndarson has taken the official tourism course in the Faroe Islands. Today, he also works as a tour guide.

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