Syðradalur (Streymoy Island)

Syðradalur lies on the west coast of Streymoy Island in the unspoiled Faroe Islands. This small settlement is a hidden gem known by very few people.

The tidy hamlet lies a 20 minutes drive from Tórshavn, the capital. The ride to Syðradalur along the west coast of Streymoy Island is beautiful and something else. Syðradalur translates directly to “The Southern Valley”.

You are blessed with fantastic views of the popular Vágar Island home to the airport in the Faroe Islands, the tiny and uninhabited Koltur Island and Hestur Island when approaching the small settlement. As the village is very little known, you are likely to never come across other people or cars at all.

A farmer and his family lives in the deep valley. That is about it. Go to Syðradalur for its remoteness and undisturbed sea views.

Driving to Syðradalur

The road to this place is quite epic. Head out of the capital Tórshavn towards the village Velbastaður. Once you get to Velbastaður, enjoy the views of the sea and nearby islands.

Drive through Velbastaður and follow the road along the coastline. Now the ride will get exciting as the narrow road leads you along the shoreline with steep mountains and sheep on your right-hand side. If you have a fear of heights, keep looking straight ahead as there are only metres from the road to the steep cliffs on your left-hand side.

After some minutes on the narrow road, you will descend the zig-zagging road and enter the valley where the tiny settlement is located. If you are lucky, the farmer is working outside and make sure to have a chat with him about nature and rural life.

There are lots of epic viewpoints along the route. Park your car at some of the lay-bys, turn on the camera and capture the serenity surrounding you. A late night sunset here is quite spectacular. 

Beata Leifsdóttir Skaalum

Beata Leifsdóttir Skaalum is born and raised in Tórshavn in the Faroe Islands. She now lives in Sandavágur on Vágar Island located near the only airport in the archipelago. Before becoming the manager at the enchanting Fiskastykkið restaurant in Sandavágur, she did her internship with Guide to Faroe Islands in Tórshavn. Beata holds a degree in Marketing Management from Glasir Tórshavn Collage.

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