Suðuroy Island

Suðuroy Island is the southernmost of the 18 islands in the Faroes. Many people come to Suðuroy to enjoy the picturesque villages of Sandvík, Famjin, and Sumba, and drive scenic mountain roads with breaktaking views.

The island is home to an impressive stretch of dramatic cliffs on its west coast and a wealth of hiking opportunities. As you drive around the village, you will experiencing outstanding views throughout.

The highest mountain on the island is Gluggarnir, which rises 610 metres (2001 feet) above sea level. This mountain is located north of the village of Fámjin. The panoramic views from the summit are epic both summer and winter.

Getting to Suðuroy Island

In order to reach Suðuroy Island, you will sail two hours from the capital, Tórshavn, on Streymoy Island. There are between 2-3 daily departures with the ferry Smyril. You will pass all the southern islands along the route, the most remarkable being Lítla Dímun and Stóra Dímun.

The ferry docks at Krambatangi by the Trongisvágsfjørður fjord, which is centrally located on the island. From here, you can either explore the island independently in a car or by public transport with bus 700 or bus 701. Alternatively, you can also join a guided tour on the island. Check out tours starting on Suðuroy Island.

Highlights of Suðuroy Island

There is a lot to see on Suðuroy Island. Most travellers visit on a day trip, which is enough to cover the highlights of the island.

Up north lies the picturesque village of Sandvík, from where the hike to the famous Ásmundarstakkur sea stacks begins. Embark on this adventurous hike for some of the best cliffside views on the island.

Tvøroyri is the largest village on the island, and a good place to stop for lunch and do a bit of shopping. From Tvøroyri, you can go on a beautiful hike to the Hvannhagi Valley. Nearby lies the village of Froðba, which is home to basalt columns and hexagonal-shaped basalt formations.

Famjin is the only village on the rocky west side of the island. Driving to the village is an experience in itself, but the true highlights is the little church, which is home to the oldest copy of the Faroese flag, Merkið.

If there is no ice on the roads, the mountain roads from Øravík to Hov and from Lopra to Sumba are incredibly beautiful to drive. On the drive from Lopra to Sumba, you will come by the majestic Beinisvørð Promontory. On this road, you can also take a little detour to visit the abandoned village of Víkarbyrgi.

In the south of the island you will find Sumba, the southernmost village in the Faroe Islands. 3 km (1.86 miles) south of Sumba stands Akraberg Lighthouse at the southernmost point of the Faroe Islands that is reachable by road. The true southernmost point, the Flesjarnar skerries, lie 5 km (3.1 miles) further south, in the North Atlantic Ocean.

New Year’s Eve in Vágur

One of the most unique cultural events on the island is the annual New Year’s Eve celebration in the village of Vágur. The celebration includes lots of people marching with torches before throwing them onto a wooden boat.

The event takes place in the village square, Tríkanturin, which translates to “The Triangle”. This used to be a place where people dried fish. Now Tríkanturin is the epicentre of the spectacular New Year’s Eve celebration in Vágur, which is unlike anywhere else.

Suðuroy Island on a Map

You can see Suðuroy Island on the map of the Faroe Islands located as the southernmost island in the archipelago.

Mads Fyllgraf

Mads Fyllgraf is an adventurous explorer, photographer, and videographer. Born in western Jylland in Denmark, the fresh waves hitting the shore and the winds blowing in from the north, has seen him indulge in the Faroe Islands. Mads holds a Bachelor in International Hospitality Management and has years of experiences from the outdoor recreation sector.

Go to author