Streymoy Island

Streymoy is the largest island of the 18 islands that make up the Faroe Islands. The island is situated in the middle of the archipelago.

The island makes up 24% of the total land area and 50% of the entire population. All villages on the island are linked together with high-quality paved roads.

You will find stunning sights on Streymoy Island such as the remote villages Saksun and Tjørnuvík. The island is also home to the tallest waterfall in the Faroe Islands, Fossá Waterfall.

The capital in the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, is located on Streymoy Island. Moreover, you will find most of the quality restaurants in the capital.

Koppenni (789 m / 2588 feet) is the island’s highest summit. An easy to reach vantage point is Mount Sornfelli. In addition, the mountain comes with a beautiful view of surrounding peaks and fjords.

Mount Sornfelli can be reached by car after driving on a narrow road for a while. The road will lead you to a plateau where you will park the car. This is where you will enjoy spectacular views. Mount Sornfelli is a perfect stop on any Faroe Islands road trip.

The Vestmanna Sea Cliffs

The best known nature attraction on the island is the Vestmanna Sea Cliffs. Tours to the amazing cliffs on the island’s west coast are made from April to October.

The only way to experience the sea cliffs is in a boat. All boats to the cliffs depart from the village Vestmanna. Explore the rugged coastline, caves, and cliffs on the Vestmanna Sea Cliffs Boat Tour.

Streymoy Island is connected by roads to three neighbouring islands. Vágar Island is linked to Streymoy Island with a 5 kilometre (3.1 miles) sub-sea tunnel. Another underwater tunnel links Streymoy Island to Sandoy Island through the 10.8 kilometre (6.7 miles) long Sandoyartunnilin.

Eysturoy Island is connected to Streymoy Island by a 250 metres (820 feet) bridge. The underwater tunnel Eysturoyartunnilin also connects Streymoy to Eysturoy. The tunnel is a 11.2 kilometre (6.9 miles) underwater tunnel network with the world’s first under-sea roundabout.

Grass-roofed hamlet Kirkjubøur

Kirkjubøur is the most important historic settlement in the island group and a beautiful spot to visit. Most houses in the settlement are painted black with red windows. When arriving to the place, you will immediately notice that most roofs on houses are covered with grass.

Beside the many turf-roofed houses, you will see the ruins of the St. Magnus Cathedral. For those interested in history, make sure to priorities Kirkjubøur when on holiday in the Faroe Islands.

Streymoy Island is Home to 22 Villages

There are a total of 22 villages on Streymoy Island. From very small hamlets such as Norðradalur and Syðradalur with only a couple of families to the most populated area in the archipelago, Tórshavn.

Some places on the island will see only few travellers each year. You rarely find any visitors stopping by the sandy settlement Leynar. The place is worth a visit for its peaceful surroundings. Another settlement that gets very little attention is Streymnes. Go for a stroll between the houses there either on your way to or once returning from the beauty spot Saksun.

Haldórsvík is another less visited village. The reason why most people bypass this settlement along the SundinI Strait is due to two major attractions lying on each side of Haldórsvík.

Just before entering the village, you will have the mighty Fossá Waterfall and just after passing the village, you reach the secluded Tjørnuvík with all its picturesqueness. Nevertheless, stopping in Haldórsvík will let you enjoy a peaceful moment in uncrowded settings.

Høgni Reistrup

Høgni Reistrup is the CEO and Co-founder of Guide to Faroe Islands. Born and raised in the Faroe Islands, Høgni has deep roots in the archipelago. He co-founded the marketplace Guide to Faroe Islands in 2018 as a way for travellers to plan and explore the best of the island group.

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