Gjáarskarð Travel Guide

Gjáarskarð is a mountain pass located on Eysturoy Island in the majestic Faroe Islands. It is the mountain ridge between the highest mountain in the island group, Slættaratindur, and the nearby mountain Middagsfjall.

A tarred road finds its way to the mountain pass. After a drive on curvy roads, you will gte to this high point. The road between the two settlements Funningur and Gjógv reaches its highest point at Gjáarskarð.

There is a paved parking lot to the popular vantage point Hvíthamar located at Gjáarskarð. You can see a live webcam of Gjáarskarð which will also give you an indication of how many people park at the mountain pass. The main reason for travellers to park here is to take the short hike to the stunning fjord views found at Hvíthamar.

Gateway to Gjógv

At an elevation of just more than 300 meters (984 feet), the road through Gjáarskarð winds its way along the steep hillsides, offering panoramic views of the surrounding peaks. The mountain pass allows for a grandeur entry to settlement Gjógv, known for its natural harbour, soaring cliffs, and colourful houses.

Once at the top of the pass, it will slowly descent into the valley where Gjógv is located in dramatic surroundings. As is the case when driving in the Faroe Islands to the most remote small settlements, the roads can be fairly narrow. The road to Gjáarskarð and further to Gjógv is somewhat narrow. When meeting oncoming traffic just slow down and you will be just fine.

Gjáarskarð in Winter

Due to its location, the mountain pass is exposed to the elements in winter. With weather conditions changing swiftly, it is always a good idea to check the weather forecast in winter. You can expect snow from late October to March and on some days in depth of winter, Gjáarskarð can be inaccessible due to snow.

Torfinnur Jákupsson

Torfinnur Jákupsson is a renowned filmmaker and screenwriter from the Faroe Islands. Born and raised in the Faroe Islands, Jákupsson has contributed to bring the culture and landscapes of this North Atlantic archipelago to a broader audience. His most notable work is Trom, a Faroese crime drama series that premiered in 2022. Trom was the first major TV series filmed entirely in the Faroe Islands. Based on local crime novels, the series follows a journalist as he investigates a murder and uncovers environmental and political tensions within the community. Jákupsson's compelling storytelling, combined with the stark beauty of the Faroese landscape, earned Trom international acclaim. The series has been broadcasted on BBC in the UK and SBS in Australia among others. Jákupsson explore themes of isolation, identity, and the interaction between traditional and modern Faroese life, resonating with both local and global audiences. He holds a master's degree from University of Westminster in Audio Production.

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