Selatrað

Selatrað is a small settlement nestled on the western coast of Eysturoy Island in the far-flung Faroe Islands. This tiny and remote place comes with sweeping views of the Tangafjørður Fjord and its raw beauty.

Getting to Selatrað from Tórshavn, the capital city of the Faroe Islands, is straightforward. Thanks to the Eysturoyartunnilin Tunnel you can drive under the seabed reaching Eysturoy Island from Streymoy Island easily. It takes only 30 minutes to visit Selatrað from the capital.

From Tórshavn, head northeast following the signs for Eysturoyartunnilin. The tunnel itself is an experience worth noting. Stretching 11.2 km (7 mi) beneath the North Atlantic, it features the world’s first underwater roundabout.

Local artist Tróndur Patursson has made a spectacular light installation that creates an otherworldly atmosphere inside the tunnel. There is a toll for passing through the tunnel which you can read more about in the Guide to Tunnels in the Faroe Islands.

The Coastal Drive from Strendur to Selatrað

Once you get to the underwater roundabout, follow the sign to the village Strendur. Upon emerging from the sub-sea tunnel, you will find yourself in Strendur.

The road from Strendur to Selatrað hugs the coastline of the Tangafjørður Fjord. This is an epic short road trip. The narrow road winds along the western shore, with the deep silver coloured waters of the fjord on one side and steep, grass-covered hills on the other.

Arriving in Selatrað

As you approach Selatrað, the landscape opens up to reveal the settlement. This place seems frozen in time with its 50 buildings half of them private homes and the other half sheds used mostly for sheep.

There is a timeless simplicity to the settlement. The heart of Selatrað is the church with its white walls contrasting beautifully with the surrounding green landscape. Here you will have a direct view of the settlement Hósvík located on neightbouring Streymoy Island.

What to Experience

Selatrað is a good place to go for you to get some peace of mind. Those who want to go hiking can follow the public trail from Selatrað to Skála found on the other side of the mountain along the Skálafjørður Fjord. The interplay of light and shadow across the landscape when walking the mountain is outstanding. You might want to take the hike during the golden hour when the sun’s rays paint the fjords on both sides of the mountain in brilliant colours.

While there are no services available in Selatrað such as restaurants, make sure to bring a packed lunch if you plan to explore the place for some hours. You will find lots of quiet spots overlooking the fjord. A favourite place for the locals to go is the small plantation making for quite a contrast to the naked mountains found everywhere in the Faroe Islands.

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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