Sandoy Island Travel Guide

By Verified Expert

Sandoy Island is a beautiful yet sparsely populated and little visited part of the jaw-dropping Faroe Islands. Here you will experience the serenity of the landscapes and a laid-back village life.

The island Sandoy alludes to sand from the large beach of Sandur. Many of the villages have been inhabited since the Viking era.

Sandoy on a map

The island is essentially flat landscape from Søltuvík to Skálavík. Visit the island for its green countryside with looming cliffs on the island’s west coast. You will experience lush green valleys when drive next to peaceful lakes and through small settlements. The highest mountain Tindur elevates 479 metres (1542 feet) above ocean level.

Sandoy Island will give you solitude and contemplation. In order to get to the island, you will drive through the subterranean road tunnel Sandoyartunnilin from Streymoy Island. The tunnel is 10.8 km (6.7 miles) long. Sandoy Island is a surprising contrast to the steep mountainous passes that you see most other places in the Faroe Islands.

The Sandoyartunnilin Tunnel to Sandoy Island

Sandoyartunnilin
Artwork by local artist Edwar Fuglø deep inside the tunnel.

The Sandoyartunnilin tunnel is the passageway to Streymoy Island. This subsea marvel gives you seamless access to Sandoy Island.

Sandoyartunnilin is an engineering triumph that enables you to travel by ease between two of the Faroe Islands. Opened on 21st December 2023, the tunnel facilitates faster and more convenient transportation, reducing travel time significantly compared to the previous ferry route.

As travellers delve into the depths of the Sandoyartunnilin, they are treated to an awe-inspiring journey beneath the North Atlantic. The tunnel plunges beneath the ocean’s surface, revealing a captivating underwater world with art installations by local artist Edward Fuglø. Illuminated by artificial lighting, the journey through the tunnel becomes an experience in itself.

Hike to Líraberg Cliff

Líraberg Cliff
Líraberg Cliff on Sandoy Island. Take in the wind-swept views from this rugged vantage point. Photo by Guide to Faroe Islands.

One of the best outdoor things to do when on Sandoy Island is the hike to Líraberg Cliff. It all starts in the settlement Skopun.

This out-and-back hike will get you to the outstanding cliffs on the island’s rugged west side. Spend 2-3 hours on this attraction and you will get the full experience.

Other great attractions

Slættanes

The village Sumba in windy weather

Sumba

Funningsfjørður fjord

Funningsfjørður