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Eysturoy
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Explore Eysturoy in the Faroe Islands for high mountain walks, fjord villages, sea views, Viking heritage and distinctive coastal scenery.

Eysturoy is the second-largest island in the Faroe Islands, a mountainous landmass shaped by steep valleys, sea lochs and a deeply indented coastline. It lies east of Streymoy and is now linked to the capital area by the Eysturoyartunnilin, an undersea road tunnel whose sculptural central roundabout has become an unusual piece of contemporary infrastructure. Despite improved access, Eysturoy remains a place of short settlement roads, exposed slopes and villages gathered close to the sea.
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The island's landscape is dominated by high northern mountains. Slættaratindur, at 880 metres, is the highest summit in the Faroe Islands, while nearby peaks form dramatic backdrops to Eiði, Funningur and Gjógv. The narrow gorge at Gjógv gives the village its name and provides a natural harbour, while the coast near Eiði offers one of the best viewpoints towards Risin og Kellingin, the sea stacks associated with one of the archipelago's best-known legends. Weather can change quickly, and cloud may conceal summits that are clear only a short time later.
Eysturoy's settlements show different sides of Faroese life. Runavík and the communities along the Skálafjørður form an important commercial and transport corridor, with modern services as well as fishing and maritime connections. To the north and east, villages such as Oyndarfjørður, Elduvík and Gjógv are smaller and more secluded. In the west, Norðragøta and Syðrugøta preserve strong links with the Gøta area, whose history reaches back to the Viking Age and whose cultural institutions interpret the island's older rural society.
The island is well suited to visitors who enjoy walking, photography, scenic driving and close observation of village architecture. Turf-roofed houses, brightly painted timber buildings, small churches and boat harbours appear frequently, but the scenery is not merely decorative: cliffs, wind, rain and seasonal daylight continue to shape daily life. Hiking conditions vary from straightforward village walks to demanding mountain routes requiring sound navigation and suitable equipment.
Food on Eysturoy reflects the wider Faroese tradition of seafood, lamb, fermented products, locally baked goods and simple café or dining-room meals. There is no single urban nightlife district; evenings are more likely to centre on a pub, restaurant, community event or quiet walk beside a fjord. Allow time between destinations, since narrow roads, viewpoints and changing weather make the journey itself an important part of exploring Eysturoy.

When is the best time to visit Eysturoy?

Best: June–August · 11–13°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January6160
February6130
March6120
April7100
May980
June (best)1170
July (best)1360
August (best)1390
September12120
October9150
November7160
December6180

Getting to and around Eysturoy

How to get there

Most international visitors arrive at Vágar Airport on the island of Vágar, outside Eysturoy, then continue by road through Streymoy and the Eysturoyartunnilin. Tórshavn, also outside the region on Streymoy, is the principal domestic transport gateway and has onward bus connections. Visitors arriving by the Norröna ferry use Tórshavn as their port of entry before travelling east. Eysturoy is also connected by road to Streymoy via the older bridge across the Sundini strait, while Leirvík provides access to the northern island network through the Norðoyatunnilin.

Transportation

A hire car is the most flexible way to explore Eysturoy's dispersed villages, viewpoints and trailheads, though visitors should be comfortable with narrow roads, tunnels, steep gradients and changing weather. Public buses serve the main settlements and connect the island with Tórshavn and the northern islands, but rural services may be less frequent and require careful planning. Walking is practical within villages and on established trails, not always between settlements. Some roads use one-lane sections with passing places; slow down, use headlights in tunnels and follow local signage.

Top city travel guides in Eysturoy

The cities of Eysturoy, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Destinations in Eysturoy

Resorts, valleys and scenic spots worth a trip of their own.

Best attractions in Eysturoy

Eysturoy's attractions are primarily landscape-led, with human history closely woven into the mountains and fjords. The village of Gjógv is known for its dramatic natural gorge and harbour, while Eiði provides access to highland scenery and views towards the sea stacks Risin og Kellingin. Oyndarfjørður has unusual rocking stones moved by the sea, and the Gøta area offers cultural interpretation of Faroese Viking and rural heritage through local museums and historic buildings. Around Funningur and the northern valleys, scenic roads lead between steep peaks, pasture and small settlements. Walkers can choose from village paths and coastal routes to demanding mountain ascents, including approaches towards Slættaratindur for experienced hikers in suitable conditions. Birdlife, sheep farming and open views across the North Atlantic are part of the experience, although conditions can be exposed. The Eysturoyartunnilin adds a contemporary attraction: its underwater roundabout and illuminated artwork demonstrate how modern engineering has become part of the Faroese travel landscape. Visitors should regard the island as a collection of journeys rather than a single attraction, allowing time for weather, photography and brief stops at harbours, churches and viewpoints.

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Best landmarks in Eysturoy

Slættaratindur is Eysturoy's most significant natural landmark and, at 880 metres, the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands. Its profile dominates views across the northern part of the island, although cloud and weather can conceal it. From the coast near Eiði, the sea stacks known as Risin og Kellingin rise offshore and are among the archipelago's most recognisable geological forms, linked to a well-known Faroese legend. Gjógv's narrow sea gorge is both a natural landmark and the defining feature of its village, where it forms a sheltered harbour between high slopes. In the Gøta area, the village churches, historic houses and cultural sites express the continuity of Faroese settlement from older farming communities to modern island life. The old church at Funningur stands in a valley framed by mountains, while Oyndarfjørður's rocking stones demonstrate the force of waves acting on the coastline. The Eysturoyartunnilin's central roundabout, decorated with an illuminated sculptural installation, provides a striking modern counterpoint to turf-roofed houses, cliffs and traditional harbours.

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Explore Eysturoy on the map

Plan your trip on one map. See where the top cities, national parks and sights are, and book hotels and experiences in a few clicks.

Best restaurants in Eysturoy

Dining on Eysturoy reflects the wider Faroese food culture while remaining closely connected to local communities and the sea. Fish and shellfish are central, and menus may include cod, salmon or other North Atlantic catches, alongside lamb, potatoes, seasonal vegetables and traditional baked goods. Fermented foods, including ræst meat or fish, belong to an older preservation tradition and are usually encountered as part of a considered local meal rather than casual fast food. Runavík and the settlements around Skálafjørður offer the broadest choice of cafés, restaurants and everyday dining, while smaller villages may have limited or seasonal provision. Rural inns, guesthouses and community-oriented cafés can be useful places to try Faroese dishes without expecting a large restaurant scene. Local beer and coffee commonly accompany meals, and some accommodation providers can arrange or recommend evening dining. Because distances are short on a map but services are dispersed, check availability and book ahead where possible, particularly outside the busiest summer period.

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Best bars in Eysturoy

Eysturoy does not have a large, concentrated nightclub scene; evening life is more closely associated with pubs, restaurants, cafés and community events. Runavík and the communities along Skálafjørður provide the greatest choice for an evening drink, while smaller settlements such as Eiði, Gjógv and Oyndarfjørður are generally quieter and may depend on accommodation-based dining or occasional local events. Traditional Faroese pubs offer a setting for conversation, beer and televised sport, and some venues may host live music or cultural gatherings rather than operate as late-night clubs. The Gøta area has particular importance in Faroese music culture, although events and venue arrangements vary over time. Craft beer and Faroese spirits may appear on drinks lists, but alcohol is not the sole focus of local evening culture. Plan transport before going out, especially when staying in a rural village, since late public transport can be limited and driving after drinking is not an option.

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Best nightclubs in Eysturoy

Eysturoy does not have a large, concentrated nightclub scene; evening life is more closely associated with pubs, restaurants, cafés and community events. Runavík and the communities along Skálafjørður provide the greatest choice for an evening drink, while smaller settlements such as Eiði, Gjógv and Oyndarfjørður are generally quieter and may depend on accommodation-based dining or occasional local events. Traditional Faroese pubs offer a setting for conversation, beer and televised sport, and some venues may host live music or cultural gatherings rather than operate as late-night clubs. The Gøta area has particular importance in Faroese music culture, although events and venue arrangements vary over time. Craft beer and Faroese spirits may appear on drinks lists, but alcohol is not the sole focus of local evening culture. Plan transport before going out, especially when staying in a rural village, since late public transport can be limited and driving after drinking is not an option.

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Best shops in Eysturoy

Shopping on Eysturoy is modest and practical rather than centred on large retail districts. Runavík and the surrounding settlements provide the widest selection of supermarkets, everyday shops, outdoor supplies and services, while smaller villages have fewer permanent outlets. Visitors looking for regional products can seek out Faroese woollen goods, knitwear, locally produced food, books, ceramics, handicrafts and small art pieces, although availability varies by season and location. Markets and community events may offer homemade baking, preserves or crafts, but they are not always held on a fixed schedule. Faroese wool products make useful souvenirs suited to the climate, while packaged seafood, sweets and locally made drinks are easier to transport than fresh or fermented foods. Independent galleries and craft sellers are more likely to be found in larger settlements or through accommodation recommendations than in dedicated shopping quarters. For a broader retail selection, Tórshavn, outside Eysturoy, is the main shopping centre of the Faroe Islands and can be visited as a separate excursion.

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Eysturoy essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Danish krone, DKK. Faroese banknotes are issued alongside Danish notes and have the same value within the Faroe Islands, although Faroese notes may be unfamiliar outside the archipelago. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in hotels, shops, petrol stations and restaurants, particularly in larger settlements such as Runavík. Carry some cash for small purchases, rural services or situations where card connectivity is unavailable, and do not assume that every remote parking or honesty facility accepts cards.
Safety
Eysturoy is generally calm for visitors, but its terrain demands care. Mountain paths can become slippery, fog can arrive quickly and strong wind makes exposed ridges hazardous. Keep well back from cliffs and sea edges, especially where grass overhangs unstable ground. Driving requires patience on narrow roads, in tunnels and at passing places; sheep may enter the carriageway. Check weather and trail conditions before walking, avoid starting ambitious hikes late in the day, and take extra care during winter when daylight is limited.
Emergency Situations
Dial 112 for police, fire and ambulance emergencies throughout the Faroe Islands. State your location clearly, including the nearest village, road, tunnel, trail or visible landmark, and explain whether you are on foot or travelling by vehicle. If an incident occurs in the mountains or along the coast, provide the last known position and do not move unnecessarily if conditions are dangerous. Downloading an offline map and sharing your intended route with accommodation staff or companions can help rescuers locate you.
Do's and Don'ts
Ask permission before photographing people closely, private homes or community activities, and respect churches and local gatherings. Keep gates closed, do not disturb sheep or nesting birds, and follow any restrictions on cultivated land or marked paths. At passing places, use them to let traffic through rather than parking in them. Tipping is not generally compulsory in the Faroes, though rounding up or rewarding notably good service is accepted. In villages, keep noise modest and remember that scenic-looking land may be privately managed farmland.
Local Tips
Runavík is the most useful base for everyday supplies and services, while the northern villages are better approached as scenic excursions or short stays. Allow more time than the map suggests because viewpoints, weather and one-lane roads slow journeys. Gjógv, Eiði and Oyndarfjørður each reward an unhurried visit, but facilities are limited compared with the capital area. Learn a few Faroese place-name pronunciations, check whether restaurants require advance booking, and ask locally about current access conditions before setting out on a mountain route.
Eve, your Evendo local guide

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics
EnglishLocalSay it
HelloHallo[ˈhɑːloʊ]
GoodbyeFarvæl[ˈfɑːrvæl]
YesJa[jɑː]
NoNei[neɪ]
Please/You're welcomeVinaliga[ˈviːnəˌliːɡə]
Thank youTakk fyri[tɑkː ˈfɪri]
Excuse me/SorryUm leið og[ʊm leɪð ɔɡ]
How are you?Hvussu gongur?[ˈhʊsʊ ˈɡɔŋʊr]
Fine. And you?Gott. Og tú?[ɡɔt ɔɡ tu]
Do you speak English?Tú tosa enskt?[tu ˈtɔsɑ ɛŋskʧt]
I don't understandEg skilji ikki[eɪɡ ˈʃɪljɪ ˈɪki]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEg vil gita matseðilin, vinarliga[eɪɡ vɪl ˈɡɪtə ˈmɑtseðilɪn ˈviːnɑrliɡə]
I don't eat meatEg ét ikki kjöt[eɪɡ ˈet ˈɪkɪ ˈkʲʌt]
Cheers!Skál![skɔl]
I would like to pay, pleaseEg vil gita at greiða, vinarliga[eɪɡ vɪl ˈɡɪtə ɑt ˈɡreɪðɑ ˈviːnɑrliɡə]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjálp![jaʊlp]
Go away!Far burtur![fɑr ˈbʊrʊr]
Call the Police!Ring til løgregluna![rɪŋ tɪl ˈlœrɛɡlunɑ]
Call a doctor!Ring til lækna![rɪŋ tɪl ˈlæknɑ]
I'm lostEg eri týddur[eɪɡ ˈɛri ˈtʊðʊr]
I'm illEg eri sjúkur[eɪɡ ˈɛri ˈɕʊːkʊr]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Eg vil keypa...[eɪɡ vɪl ˈkɛɪpɑ]
I'm just lookingEg eri bara at leita[eɪɡ ˈɛri ˈbɑːrɑ æt ˈleɪtɑ]
How much is it?Hvat kostar tað?[kvat ˈkɔstɑr θɑð]
That's too expensiveTað er ov dýrt[θɑð ɛr ɔv ˈdyːrt]
Can you lower the price?Kanni tú lækka prísin?[ˈkɑnni tu ˈlɛkɑ ˈpriːsɪn]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hvat tíð er tað?[kvat tiːð ɛr θɑð]
It's one o'clockKlokkan er eitt[ˈklɔkɑn ɛr ɛɪt]
Half past (10)Fimm minuttir yvir (10)[fɪm mɪˈnʊttɪr ˈiːvɪr (10)]
MorningMorgun[ˈmɔrɡʊn]
AfternoonSeinnapart[ˈsɛinˌpɑrt]
EveningAftan[ˈɑftɑn]
YesterdayÍ gjár[i jɑːr]
TodayÍ dag[i dɑːɡ]
TomorrowÍ morgin[i ˈmɔrɡɪn]
11[1]
22[2]
33[3]
44[4]
55[5]
66[6]
77[7]
88[8]
99[9]
1010[10]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvar er ein/tey...?[hvar ɛr eɪn/teɪ...]
What's the address?Hvat er adressan?[kvat ɛr əˈdrɛsən]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kanni tú vísa mær (á kortinum)?[ˈkɑnni tu ˈviːsɑ mɛr (ɔ ˈkɔrtɪnʊm)]
When's the next (bus)?Nær kemur næsta (buss)?[nɛr ˈkɛmur ˈnɛstɑ (bʊs)]
A ticket (to ....)Ein miði (til ....)[eɪn ˈmiːðɪ (tɪl ....)]

History of Eysturoy

Viking Settlement and Norse Society

Norse settlement in the Faroe Islands began during the Viking Age, following earlier periods of possible Irish or Scottish monastic activity. On Eysturoy, the Gøta area is particularly associated with early settlement and later became an important local centre. Traditional accounts connect the island with powerful Viking-age figures, although saga material combines history and legend. The pattern of compact villages, pasture, boat access and shared mountain resources developed over centuries, and many modern communities still occupy sites whose importance derives from this early Norse landscape.

The Medieval Church and Parish Landscape

After the Christianisation of the Faroes around the turn of the second millennium, churches and parish organisation became central to settlement life. Medieval communities on Eysturoy combined farming, fishing and the management of common grazing land. Later churches, including those at villages such as Funningur and Eiði, stand within landscapes shaped by this long religious and agricultural history. Parish boundaries also influenced local identity, routes and community institutions long before modern roads connected the island's fjords.

The Royal Monopoly and Maritime Trade

From the seventeenth century until the mid-nineteenth century, Faroese commerce was constrained by the Danish royal trade monopoly. Islanders relied heavily on subsistence farming, fishing and the exchange of wool, fish and other goods through tightly controlled channels. Eysturoy's fjords provided natural landing places, but difficult terrain limited overland travel. The ending of the monopoly in 1856 encouraged wider commercial activity and helped create the conditions for a more outward-looking maritime economy.

Fishing, Farming and Village Development

During the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, fishing became increasingly important beside traditional sheep farming and hay production. Motorised boats, improved harbour facilities and later roads altered settlements along the Skálafjørður and around the island's east coast. Runavík grew as a service and commercial centre, while smaller villages retained close connections with local pasture, boat landings and community life. The built environment consequently combines older timber houses with later industrial, residential and civic development.

The Faroese Home Rule Era

The Faroe Islands became a self-governing community within the Kingdom of Denmark under the Home Rule Act of 1948. This arrangement gave Faroese institutions substantial responsibility for domestic affairs while Denmark retained areas such as defence and some aspects of foreign policy. Eysturoy participates in this broader Faroese political and cultural framework through its municipalities, schools, churches and local associations. Faroese language and cultural expression, once under considerable pressure, are now central to public life across the island.

Modern Roads and Undersea Connections

For much of Eysturoy's history, sea routes and narrow mountain roads determined how villages communicated. Twentieth-century road building improved links around the fjords, while ferries and bridges connected the island to neighbouring parts of the archipelago. The Eysturoyartunnilin, opened in 2020, created a direct road connection beneath the sea to Streymoy and included a distinctive roundabout installation by Faroese artist Tróndur Patursson. The tunnel represents the latest stage in a long transformation from isolated coastal communities to an integrated island network.

Eysturoy in Photos

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Neighbouring regions of Eysturoy

The closest regions to Eysturoy, if you have time for more than one.

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Faroe Islands
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Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Eysturoy, Faroe Islands

Discover Eysturoy with Evendo, the 100% free app-based travel guide covering attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more. Plan your perfect trip effortlessly.

  • Detailed information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities
  • Images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details for each location
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Explore Eysturoy like never before with Evendo, your all-in-one travel guide app. Discover attractions, book hotels, find top restaurants, and enjoy curated local tips—all for free!

  • History of Eysturoy and travel essentials
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • Easy navigation through the app and the city
  • 'Near me' feature to discover nearby attractions
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases

Welcome to Eysturoy, the heart of the Faroe Islands, where natural beauty meets cultural richness. Whether you're planning a hike up Slættaratindur, the highest peak in the Faroes, or a visit to the picturesque village of Gjógv, Evendo has you covered. Our app provides detailed information on all the best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities in Eysturoy.

With Evendo, you can easily plan and organize your trip with the rich set of information provided for each location, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details. Discover the charm of the Norðagøta village, explore the historical Norðoyri Church, or enjoy a meal at the renowned KOKS restaurant. Our app also allows you to book hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences directly, making it your one-stop solution for all travel needs.

No more need to search for what to see, what to do, or how to get there. Evendo's easy navigation and 'Near me' feature ensure you won't miss out on anything. Experience Eysturoy like a local with curated tips and travel essentials, all at your fingertips. And the best part? Evendo is 100% free with no in-app purchases or additional costs.

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