Seaside settlement

Leirvík Travel Guide

By Verified Expert

Leirvík is a village on Eysturoy Island in the mountainous Faroe Islands. This is the last village before entering the sub-sea tunnel to northern part of the archipelago, the Northern Isles.

There are two ways to get to this place. Firstly, you can enter Leirvík either through a mountain tunnel from Gøtudali. Secondly, you can take the old seaside road along the mountain side with a beautiful view of Kalsoy Island.

These days more or less everyone take the mountain tunnel to Leirvík. This tunnel makes it easier to reach the village as with so many other tunnels in the Faroe Islands. Nevertheless, if you want to get gorgeous seaside views on a summer evening, taking the narrow single lane road to Leirvík is definitely worth it.

Sunset in Faroe Islands
Views form Leirvík in the setting sun. The strait between Eysturoy Island and Kalsoy Island is called Djúpini. The passenger ferry Norrøna sails this route on its way from Tórshavn to Seyðisfjörður in east Iceland.

When driving the road on the mountain side, you will drive away from Norðragøta towards the fjord village Fuglafjørður before turning right. You will turn right when you get to the highest point some 120 m / 394 ft above sea level. Now, you will find your way along the mountain side. There are lay-buys on the route but with more or less no traffic on the road, do not expect any ongoing vehicles.

You will see the entire village when walking up the mountain ridge to Klakkur on nearby Borðoy Island. Beside the mountains behind the village, you will also see the surrounding fjords.

Football and Viking Excavations

The Vikings settled in Leirvík in the Viking Age. Archaeologists have found pieces of silver and other things from the Vikings during excavations in the village. You can see the excavation ground when in the village.

Football in the Faroe Islands is a big thing. The football club in Leirvík is called Víkingur or the Vikings in English.

Services in Leirvík

With more than 1000 inhabitants, Leirvík is one of the more populous settlements in the Faroe Islands. This also means that you will find some basic services in the village. Here is a list of what to find when in the settlement:

  • Grocery store: Yes
  • Café: Yes
  • Public toilet: Yes
  • Parking lot: Yes

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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