Your pocket book to an unspoilt beauty of the Faroes - The Streymoy Island
In this article, we will go through places on the Streymoy island that you should not miss ! Streymoy is the largest and most populated island of the Faroe Islands. The capital of the Faroes, Tórshavn, is located on this island. On the west, Streymoy is connected to the Vágar island (and thus to the international airport) via an under sea tunnel. To the east, it is connected to the Eysturoy island by an under sea tunnel as well as a bridge. The under sea tunnel Eysturoyartunnilin that connects Streymoy to Eysturoy has the world’s first under sea roundabout.
If you are interested in doing a quick recap of why to visit the Faroe Islands, best time to visit the Faroe Islands and easiest way to access any destination, then do go through the introductory section of my page Places on Vágar that will blow your mind.
So, my dear readers.. what are we waiting for ? Let's get started !
In This Guide
What is so special about Streymoy ?
Streymoy has everything a traveler needs: bustling cities, traditional villages, abundant birdlife, impressive cliffs, cascading waterfalls, scenic roads and ruins. Streymoy's unspoilt beauty makes it the best choice for people seeking unconventional destination on the Faroes. You will be stunned to see pretty government buildings painted in red. You can find both modern colourful houses as well as traditional turf houses. Well, even sheep and horses amplify the beauty of this island. The island boasts the tallest waterfall of the Faroe Islands called Fossá. So, come join me on this journey to an island where breathtaking views are waiting for you. Streymoy is an island to visit before you die.
Tórshavn
Tórshavn is a small capital but offers plenty of cultural activities and good food. The word Tórshavn translates to Thor’s Harbour. One area of the city called Tinganes houses the parliament from the Viking’s era. The buildings in Tinganes now belong to the Faroese government: one of the buildings being the Prime Minister’s office. Another area in the city called the Reyni district is popular due to its turf houses painted in black. Its cute cobbled alleys make for great photographs. There are many colourful buildings on Tórshavn’s harbour which is a favourite spot of the locals to spend their evenings with family and friends.
Location on Google Maps: Tórshavn
Tjørnuvík
Tjørnuvík is the northernmost village of Streymoy. It is hidden in a valley with bewildering mountains views. It is one of the oldest villages of the Faroes. From its beach, you can observe two unique sea stacks known as Risin and Kellingin. The names mean the Giant and the Witch. Legend says that Risin and Kellingin tried to drag the Faroe Islands to Iceland. Unfortunately, they turned into stones and never made it back to Iceland. These sea stacks are basalt rock formations. It is estimated that they might fall into the sea in few decades. The road to Tjørnuvík is quite narrow. So, drive with extra care.
Location on Google Maps: Tjørnuvík
Saksun
The village of Saksun is situated on the west coast of Streymoy. Saksun is extremely picturesque. There is a turf-roofed church painted completely in white. You will notice many mini turf huts and countless waterfalls around the village. A popular location of the village is a sand filled lagoon. In the past, the lagoon was a natural harbour. However, it got blocked with sand during a heavy storm.
Location on Google Maps: Saksun
Neytaskardh Pass
The Neytaskardh pass leads to the remote village of Norðradalur. The term Norðradalur translates to “Northern Valley”. The surrounding mountains and views over the islands of Koltur and Sandoy are surreal. It is one of the most beautiful sights of the Faroe Islands. The Neytaskardh pass and thus Norðradalur can be reached via the old mountain road Oyggjarvegur.
Location on Google Maps: Neytaskardh Pass
Kirkjubøur
Kirkjubøur is the most valuable village of the Faroes as it houses three significant architectural monuments. The most famous monument is the ruins of an old cathedral called the St. Magnus Cathedral. It is the largest medieval building of the Faroes. Another important landmark of the village is a farmhouse called Kirkjubøgarður. It’s is a timbered home that has been owned by the same Faroese family for 17 generations now. The third important monument is a parish church which was named after the Norwegian King Olav den Hellige. It is the oldest church of the Faroe Islands dating back to the 12th century. From Kirkjubøur, there are beautiful views over the islands of Koltur and Hestur.
Location on Google Maps: Kirkjubøur
Leynar
The list of charming villages of the Faroe Islands does not end. One of them is Leynar. It is located on the western coast of Streymoy. Its small sandy beach called Leynarsandur is very popular among the locals during summers. There are many kayaking spots near Leynar. An idyllic lake nearby called Leynavatn is known for fishing. Vast meadows around the village look vibrant in summers.
Location on Google Maps: Leynar
Kvívík
Just like Tjørnuvík, Kvívík is one of the oldest settlements in the Faroes. Many successful Viking excavations were done in this village. There are remains of two buildings from the Viking period. A beautiful stream runs between the colourful houses of Kvívík. Just pull over at the Kvívík viewpoint for sometime. The views of the village combined with the majestic ocean and the remote islands are stunning.
Location on Google Maps: Kvívík & Kvívík viewpoint
Vestmanna
My second accommodation was in the second largest city of Streymoy, Vestmanna. Vestmanna is famous for its bird cliffs called Vestmannabjørgini. The city offers many boat trips to the bird cliffs where you will get to see numerous natural caves and high cliffs. In summers, various bird species nest on these cliffs. The highest sea stack of this area called Heygadrangur is 144 meters high.
Location on Google Maps: Vestmanna
Streymoy Gallery
I hope the list of locations above has inspired you enough to take that dream adventure you always wished for. Let me know in the comments below if you enjoyed reading it or if you would like to know more about the island !
Related Posts
If you liked my article, then you might be interested in my other set of travel posts from the Faroe Islands.
WISHING YOU LOADS OF ADVENTURES ON THE FAROES !
So so amazing!