Meandering road with island in frame

Norðradalur Travel Guide

By Verified Expert

Nestled in a secluded valley in the Faroe Islands lies Norðradalur. This small farm settlement lies on the rugged western side of Streymoy Island.

Norðradalur translates directly to the Northern Valley. Three mountains make up the foundation of the valley. These are Núgvan (667 m / 2188 ft), Stiðjafjall (547 m / 1794 ft) and Tungulíðfjall (535 m / 1755 ft).

You will get to Norðradalur when driving on the mountain road Oyggjarvegur. This is the scenic road leading to the capital Tórshavn. Oyggjarvegur was the only option to get to Tórshavn before the tunnel from Kollafjørður to Kaldbaksbotnur opened in 1991.

The settlement comes with sweeping views of Koltur Island, a solitary peak rising sharply from the North Atlantic Ocean. A lovely stream follows the road most of the time as you find your way down the valley.

From the Mountain Pass to Norðradalur

Road on Streymoy Island
The mountains are impressive as you find your way to the highest point before descending the hill and down the valley. Photo by Meagan Feddersen.

The highest point accessible by car nearby is the Norðradalsskarð Mountain Pass. This location sits between two mountains and is where you start heading down a meandering road leading to the settlement. Take a look a this webcam of Norðradalsskarð Mountain Pass for the current weather conditions.

Following the zig-zagging road all the way down to Norðradalur is an adventure in its own right. Moreover, before you drive down into the valley make sure to stop by Norðradalsskarð Mountain Pass. The views you get here is one of the most heartbreakingly beautiful sights in the Faroe Islands.

You will get a great natural panorama with towering mountains from the mountain pass. Make sure to find your way to the small farm settlement itself.

Norðradalur farm and Koltur Island
View from the valley when heading to Norðradalur.

When in the settlement, make sure to stop and go for a walk. There are very few houses here, some covered with the iconic sod-roof.

The stream that suns down the valley finds its way all the way to the shoreline. There is a foot path from the main road where you can walk and follow the stream for a while. This is a short and yet ideal activity for visitors seeking the quietness that this place holds.

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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