T is for Tunnels

Tunnels have really changed travel within the Faroe Islands. 
 When Ragnar was growing up in order to travel to one of the other islands, it was always by boat.   

 

My first trip to the Faroes, we needed to take two different ferries to get to our home town, Klaksvik.  Since then 2 Subsea Tunnels have been drilled, replacing the need for those ferries.  

 
Many other tunnels have been blasted through mountains too, again eliminating the need of ferries.  Others have replaced dangerous roads along the side of a mountain, or the need to climb up a mountain and down the other side.  Those tunnels are especially appreciated in winter time.  

 
Two islands are connected by a bridge and others by causeways.  Traveling from island to island has been revolutionized bringing lots of additional changes. 

 To get to some of the smaller islands though, there is still the need for ferries.

A friend on the other side of the mountain near us, who has a gym in her basement, offered me the use of it anytime.  I remember the 1st time I drove through those mountains - I wasn't sure if I was brave or crazy.  To get there, I needed to go through 2 tunnels.  They were the first ones in this area and are only one lane.  Going there is smooth sailing but coming back when you see another car coming you need to pull over to a provided waiting place.  I would pull over at the first available waiting spot as soon as I would see the lights of an oncoming car, while more confident, experienced drivers would go on quite a bit further, knowing exactly where all the waiting places were and how long before those lights would be there.

The newer tunnels have two lanes, some even with cell phone signal and flashing coloured lights letting you know you are half way through.

There are also several tunnels on the island where Ragnar's sister has her summer home.  We have leisurely walked thru a couple of those since traffic is scarce.  One of them even has a side tunnel, allowing sheep farmers an easier way to get to their sheep grazing on the side of the mountain.

Can you see the small 'hole' 3/4 way down the mountain to the left of Ryan and Kara?
It is the beginning of the tunnel through that mountain.

These 18 tunnels have really transformed life here in the Faroes over the last 30 years. 
 Getting from place to place is much less complicated; you can leave home much later and even though you have to pay to use the underwater tunnels, it is no more expensive, 'cause you had to pay to board the ferry too.