Tjørnuvík

Tjørnuvík (pronounced ‘Chu-nu-vik’) is the northernmost village on Streymoy Island in the Faroe Islands. Tjørnuvík is nestled peacefully in a deep valley with no other villages in sight.

There are no more than 55 houses in Tjørnuvík that sit above a wide black sand beach. Numerous small streams flow down the mountains surrounding the village, making for an impressive sight, especially on rainy days. Tjørnuvík is a destination that travellers never regret prioritising on their vacation in the Faroe Islands.

How to get to Tjørnuvík

Most visitors come to the village in a rental car, following a narrow winding road from the neighbouring village of Haldórsvík. The last part of the drive into the village is along a steep hillside with breathtaking views.

Travelling to Tjørnuvík by public transport can be done but requires some planning. Check out the public bus to Tjørnuvík departing from the nearby Eysturoy Island.

What to do and see in Tjørnuvík

This iconic village with a direct view of the sea stacks, Risin & Kellingin, is a must-see for anyone visiting the Faroe Islands. This settlement’s unbeatable location has made it one of the most frequently visited villages in the Faroe Islands.

Enjoy a stroll through the village where there is a small collection of traditional turf-roof cottages, as well as a wooden red-and-white church from 1937.

Don’t miss out on a walk along the lovely black sand beach. There are several stony trails that lead down to the beach, where you will have wonderful views of the sea stacks and the crashing waves.

On most days, there will be clouds hanging above the village due to the height of the surrounding mountains, but this only adds to the atmosphere. During the winter months, you will not see the sun here as it will never reach above the steep mountains.

Hiking in Tjørnuvík

Hike to Saksun

The historic cairn trail between Tjørnuvík and Saksun is one of the most scenic hikes in the Faroe Islands. It connects two picturesque villages through dramatic mountain landscapes, cascading waterfalls and sweeping coastal views. It is a public trail that is free to hike.

From Tjørnuvík, follow the main road past the church to the information sign at the end of the village. The trail starts to the left of the sign and climbs steeply toward the Tjørnuvíksskarð mountain pass, across several waterfalls.

At the mountain pass, take the cairn-marked trail to the left across open mountain terrain, before descending toward Saksun. Near the village, follow the blue trail markers along the final descent, which ends on Saksunarvegur near the small parking lot.

The hike is 7 kilometres (4.35 miles) and takes 4-5 hours one way. It is a moderate hike with a steep climb up to the mountain pass and several waterfall crossings. Cairns mark the route the whole way. The hike can be done in either direction. To get back to your starting point, you can either hike back, hitchhike or arrange a ride. There is no public bus to Saksun.

Hike to Mount Mýlingur

If you want to experience the iconic cliffs of Mount Mýlingur, it requires a rather steep hike from Tjørnuvík. The first part of the hike follows the cairn trail to Saksun (see above).

Once you reach the Tjørnuvíksskarð mountain pass, leave the main route and follow the trail to the right. It disappears soon after, but just keep going straight for approximately 2 km (1.24 miles) until you get to the viewpoint. Return the same way to get back to Tjørnuvík.

The return hike is 10 km (6.2 miles) and takes around 4-5 hours to complete. It is a moderate hike with a steep climb up to the mountain pass, several waterfall crossings and a long section with no trail.

Hike to Sjeyndir

Find your way to Tjørnuvík. Upon arriving, park your car in the designated lot just before you get to the houses in the settlement. Be sure to dedicate an entire day to fully enjoy this adventure.

With ample time, you can hike to both the serene valley and add the majestic Mount Mýlingur to your adventure. This will give you time to take in the dramatic landscapes at a leisurely pace, free from the pressure of rushing.

There is no official trail leading directly from Tjørnuvík to Sjeyndir. The initial stretch of the hike follows a well-marked path that connects Tjørnuvík to the neighbouring settlement of Saksun.

As you ascend, you will eventually reach a high point overlooking Tjørnuvík. Here, you will leave the official trail and head west into the stunning valley of Sjeyndir.

This section of the hike ventures into unmarked wilderness. There are no cairns, signs, or defined paths to guide you—just pure, untamed nature. The terrain becomes more challenging, with steep inclines, uneven ground, and occasional muddy patches, particularly after rainfall. This is a true backcountry experience, requiring a good sense of direction and a readiness to embrace the unpredictable weather in the Faroe Islands.

To navigate these rugged conditions, sturdy hiking boots are essential. Layered clothing is also crucial. Check out what to pack for the Faroe Islands with the rule of thumb being sunshine, wind, and rain all in the same day.

The effort is well worth it. This experience requires quite an effort, but the reward is a profound connection to a place where time slows down and nature comes first.

For those not planning for a strenuous hike, less effort will also do with spectacular pay-off. If you walk for 10 minutes towards the hillside away from the settlement then you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the place.

This is a really great spot to just soak in the serenity and quietness that the scenery gives you. Tjørnuvík is easily one of the most secluded attractions in the Faroe Islands.

It takes an hour to drive here from the capital, Tórshavn. The secluded hamlet is also an hour’s ride from the airport in the Faroe Islands.

Go to this quaint settlement to feel the remoteness of the isles. The place has a tranquil feel to it.

Services in Tjørnuvík

You need to take into account the small size of the settlement. Keep this in mind before you get there. Some facilities are only available in the village Norðskáli while this is what you find in the remote Tjørnuvík itself:

• Grocery store: No
• Café: No
• Public toilet: Yes
• Parking lot: Yes

It is always worthwhile visiting this secluded place on Streymoy Islands. Walk between the small cluster of houses, then down to the black sand beach. Take in the views of the bay and then turn around for the most impressive views of the steep mountains surrounding the valley.