Tangafjørður Fjord

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 sail through the fjord.

Tangafjørður reaches as far north as to the two small settlements of Selatrað on Eysturoy Island and Hósvík on Streymoy Island. North of this line, the narrow waterway is called Sundini. It spans south to the Eystnes headland on Eysturoy Island and to Hvítanes on Streymoy Island. The depth of the strait is 60-70 metres (197-230 feet).

Tunnel under Tangafjørður Fjord

The 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. It is 11.2 km (7 mi) long and reaches its lowest point 187 m (613 ft) below sea level.

Construction on the tunnel started in 2016, and it opened in December 2020. Inside the tunnel, you’ll find the world’s first underwater roundabout. It features a mesmerising light installation and an 80-metre-long steel sculpture by the local artist Tróndur Patursson. The sculpture depicts life-sized human figures holding hands and walking in a circle, symbolising the traditional Faroese chain dance. The light installation illuminates the walls with several colours, resembling northern lights.

There are 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 Skálafjørður Fjord on Eysturoy Island.

Eysturoyartunnilin is an important piece of infrastructure in the Faroe Islands for both locals and travellers alike. The tunnel system has made travel between Streymoy Island and Eysturoy Island very easy. What was once an hour-long journey from the capital, to Runavík or Strendur now takes just 15 minutes.

For travellers, driving under the Tangafjørður Fjord and seeing the world’s first underwater roundabout is an essential thing to do in the Faroe Islands.

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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