Aerial view of settlement with snow in mountains

Hósvík Travel Guide

By Verified Expert

Hósvík is a small seaside settlement on Streymoy Island in the far-flung Faroe Islands. This place overlooks the neighbouring Eysturoy Island with its many wild mountains.

The coastal settlement Hósvík lies between the two villages Kollafjørður and the smaller Hvalvík. It takes just under half an hour to drive from the capital Tórshavn to this settlement north of the capital.

Boat houses in Hósvík
Boat houses along the coastline in the settlement on Streymoy Island.

The lovely Toftafossur waterfall cascades down the mountain in the settlement. The waterfall is illuminated during the dark hours.

Once you reach Hósvík, you are only a 20 minutes drive from the much visited tourist hotspot Saksun. Beside being a hamlet set in remarkable surroundings, Saksun is also one of the best places to see grass-roofed houses. Sod-roofed buildings are a trademark of the Faroe Islands. You will also spot some roofs covered with grass when in Hósvík.

Most settlements in the Faroe Islands are centred around a church. This place is no exception and gives travellers a good sense of how churches in the Faroe Islands are linking the local community together.

Services in Hósvík

Due to its short drive to more populous settlements, the locals will head north to the Sundini strait for shopping essentials. Sundini is where a short bridge links Streymoy Island to neighbouring Eysturoy Island.

  • Grocery store: No
  • Café: No
  • Public toilet: No
  • Parking lot: Yes

When you cross the bridge from Streymoy Island to Eysturoy Island, a handful of shops greet you. It takes only 10 minutes to drive from Hósvík to the shops, including grocery stores. Hósvík is always worth a stop, mostly thanks to a nice collection of boat houses along the shoreline where you can go for a peaceful walk.

Make sure to check tours and activities starting in Hósvík.

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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