Drive a Roundabout Under the Sea, Where Sunlight Can Never Follow

Last updated: Aug 13, 2025

A road slides under the ocean and blooms into light. In the Faroe Islands, you can steer your car into a roundabout sculpted with glowing steel figures, circle an art installation 187 meters beneath the waves, and rise back to a world of cliffs and sheep as if nothing unusual happened.

What is the underwater roundabout?

The Eysturoyartunnilin isn’t just a tunnel. It’s a massive piece of subsea infrastructure connecting the island of Streymoy, home to the capital Tórshavn, with the island of Eysturoy. The tunnel features a central roundabout at its deepest point, turning a simple junction into a destination.

The otherworldly glow and design come from famed Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson. He created a circle of steel figures joined in a ring-dance, illuminated by ethereal blue light. It’s both art and a clever wayfinding tool in the deep. For locals, it is an astonishingly beautiful commute. For visitors, it is a small miracle with a steering wheel.

How to drive the roundabout

The experience is straightforward. From the capital, Tórshavn, you’ll follow signs for the tunnel. Once inside, the road descends gently under the Tangafjørður sound.

At the hub, the tunnel opens into the illuminated roundabout. Follow standard roundabout rules: give way to traffic already in the circle, indicate your exit, and maintain a steady speed. There’s no need to rush; the spectacle is meant to be seen in motion.

Is it safe?

Absolutely. The tunnel is a marvel of modern engineering with strict safety protocols.

Headlights must be on at all times.
Do not stop, overtake, or make U-turns inside the tunnel.
Keep your radio on the designated frequency (posted at the entrance) for any traffic advisories.
Emergency lay-bys with phones and fire extinguishers are located at regular intervals.

How much does it cost?

A trip through this underwater marvel is a toll road.

Toll Price: For a standard car, a one-way trip costs DKK 175 (approx. $26 USD).
How to Pay: If you’re in a rental car, the company will almost always have a system that automatically registers your license plate and bills the toll to your credit card later. If you’re in a private car, you must pay online at tunnil.fo within six days to avoid a fine.

Planning your trip

Getting there: If you’re visiting from abroad, your journey starts at Vágar Airport (FAE). Year-round flights connect from Copenhagen (CPH), with other seasonal routes from cities like Paris, Reykjavík, and Edinburgh.
Renting a car: Expect to pay DKK 550 to 800 (approx. $83 to $120 USD) per day.
When to go: For the best experience with long daylight hours (nearly 20 hours around the June solstice!), plan your trip between April and September.