Skálafjørður fjord

Skálafjørður Fjord

By Verified Expert

Skálafjørður is the longest fjord in the Faroe Islands, measuring 14.5 kilometres (9 miles). It is located on Eysturoy Island. You will find several small villages tucked along the shore, all easily accessible from the capital, Tórshavn.

At the end of the fjord towardd the neighbouring Streymoy Island, you will find the Eysturoyartunnilin tunnel, which is a 11.2-kilometre (7-mile) long undersea road network that connects Eysturoy Island to Streymoy island.

You can access the tunnel from both Runavík on the east side of the Skálafjørður Fjord, and from Strendur on the fjord’s west side, as there is an undersea roundabout inside the tunnel. The tunnel opened in 2020 and made travel between Tórshavn and the settlements along Skálafjørður much easier and quicker.

The fjord is surrounded by verdant hills that rise majestically, with their peaks often shrouded in clouds. There are some great hiking routes in this area. Take a look at the best hikes in the Faroe Islands for some inspiration.

Main Settlements along Skálafjørður Fjord

These are some of the main settlements along the fjord. All settlements come with views of the ocean and mountains.

  • Runavík
  • Skála
  • Strendur
  • Toftir

Søldarfjørður and is one of the smaller settlements along the fjord while Skála is one of the more populous spots. There is a road network along the fjord’s entire coastline. With lay-bys every now and then, you can pull off for photos and or to simply enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Tunnel portal at Strendur
One of the portals to the underwater tunnel along the fjord’s waterfront.

Home to Salmon Farming Headquarters

The main salmon farming company in the Faroe Islands, Bakkafrost, has its origins in the Skálafjørður Fjord. The area is also home to their headquarters, located in the village of Glyvrar.

Salmon is the cornerstone of the economy of the Faroe Islands, representing the biggest export. The pristine North Atlantic waters surrounding the archipelago create ideal conditions for salmon farming.

The Faroese salmon are renowned for their exceptional quality and flavour. It is highly sought after in global markets, with exports reaching destinations across Europe, Asia, and North America. The industry is a vital economic driver, supporting local communities and generating significant revenue.

Bakkafrost headquarter
The headquarters of the salmon farming company Bakkafrost, located along the Skálafjørður Fjord. Photo by Ólavur Frederiksen.
Person readin newspaper

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.

Go to author
Other interesting Attractions