Village Hvalvík

Hvalvík Travel Guide

By Verified Expert

Hvalvík is a village on Streymoy Island in the far-away Faroe Islands. The Settlement holds the oldest wooden church in the archipelago as well a lovely stream flowing through the place.

The river Stórá runs through the village. This is a good place for salmon fishing in the Faroe Islands. While the main export in the Faroe Islands is farmed salmon, the salmon and also trout caught here are wild.

There are several foaming streams descending the wild mountains surrounding Hvalvík. You will see the fascinating streams easily wherever you are located in the village. Same goes for sheep roaming freely around the grassy fields surrounding the place.

This settlement is the gateway to the famous hamlet Saksun. When heading from Hvalvík to Saksun, you will drive long Saksunardalur valley for 10 km (6.2 mi). You will be surrounded by high mountains at all times. There are a number of stunning waterfalls along the route. Driving in the Faroe Islands is always a breathtaking experience and driving towards Saksun is no exception.

From Hvalvík there is a great hiking route cross the hills to Lake Leynavatn. The captivating mountain Sneis (745 m / 2444 ft) and Ørvisfelli (784 m / 2572 ft) with its panoramic view make interesting climbs. Lake Leynavatn is one of the most beautiful lakes in the Faroe Islands.

Services in Hvalvík

Hvalvík in winter
Hvalvík with snow-covered mountain top above the settlement in winter. Photo by Rán Bjargar.

Hvalvík is only minutes away from the bridge connecting Streymoy Island to Eysturoy Island. The bridge is found in the Sundini strait just north of the village. There are several grocery stores available next to the bridge. This is also where the locals in Hvalvík head to when in need of food and other essentials. Here is a list of what to find when in Hvalvík:

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

When you get to this place, you will se a sod-roofed church on your right hand side of the village road. The black painted building is a good example of the traditional churches in the Faroe Islands. There are parking lots in front of the church.

Other great attractions
Town Hall in Norðragøta

Norðragøta

Skopun

Tangafjørður Fjord in sunrise

Tangafjørður Fjord