Eysturoy Island: The Heart of the Faroe Islands

• HelloHalló
  [ha-loh]
• GoodbyeFarvæl
  [far-vil]
• YesJa
  [yah]
• NoNei
  [nay]
• Please/You're welcomeVælkomin
  [vayl-koh-min]
• Thank youTakk fyri
  [tahk fur-ee]
• Excuse me/SorryFyrirgev
  [feer-ir-gev]
• How are you?Hvussu gongur tú?
  [hvoo-soo gohn-goor too]
• Fine. And you?Gott. Og tú?
  [got oh too]
• Do you speak English?Talar tú enskt?
  [tah-lar too en-skt]
• I don't understandEg skilji ikki
  [ay skil-yee ee-kee]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEg vil síggja matseðilin, vænta
  [ay veal see-yah mat-seh-dil-een vayn-tah]
• I don't eat meatEg eti ikki kjøt
  [ay eh-tee ee-kee chyut]
• Cheers!Skál!
  [skowl]
• I would like to pay, pleaseEg vil gjalda, vænta
  [ay veal yal-da vayn-tah]

• Help!Hjálp!
  [hyowlp]
• Go away!Far út!
  [far oot]
• Call the Police!Ring politi!
  [ring poh-lee-tee]
• Call a doctor!Ring ein læknari!
  [ring ain layk-nah-ree]
• I'm lostEg er týstur
  [ay air toost-ur]
• I'm illEg er sjúkur
  [ay air shoo-kur]

• I'd like to buy...Eg vil keypa...
  [ay veal chee-pah]
• I'm just lookingEg lurki bara
  [ay loor-kee bar-a]
• How much is it?Hvat kostar tað?
  [kvat koh-star tadh]
• That's too expensiveTað er ov dýrt
  [tadh air ohv deer-t]
• Can you lower the price?Kanstu lægga prísin?
  [kan-stoo lay-gah pree-sin]

• What time is it?Hvat er klokkan?
  [kvat air klohk-ahn]
• It's one o'clockTað er eitt
  [tadh air ay-t]
• Half past (10)Hálvgert tíggju
  [hahlv-gert tee-yoo]
• MorningMorgun
  [mohr-goon]
• Afternooneftirmeðgongd
  [eft-eer-meth-gongd]
• EveningKvøld
  [kvul-d]
• YesterdayÍ gjár
  [ee g-yar]
• TodayÍ dag
  [ee dah]
• TomorrowÍ morgin
  [ee mohr-gin]
• 1Eitt
  [ay-t]
• 2Tvey
  [tvay]
• 3Trý
  [tree]
• 4Fýra
  [feer-a]
• 5Fimm
  [feem]
• 6Seks
  [seks]
• 7Sjey
  [shay]
• 8Átta
  [ow-tah]
• 9Niðan
  [nee-than]
• 10Tíggju
  [tee-yoo]

• Where's a/the...?Har er ein/hetta...?
  [har air ain/het-tah]
• What's the address?Hvat er adressan?
  [kvat air ah-dress-ahn]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Kanstu vísa mær (á kortinum)?
  [kan-stoo vee-sah my-ar (ow kort-ee-num)]
• When's the next (bus)?Nær kemur næsta (buss)?
  [nair kay-moor nyst-a (boos)]
• A ticket (to ....)Ein miði (til ....)
  [ain mee-thee (til)]

Eysturoy Island, like much of the Faroe Islands, was settled by Norse Vikings in the 9th century. These seafaring warriors and farmers established small communities, utilizing the island’s natural harbors and fertile land for agriculture and livestock. The Viking legacy is still palpable, with archaeological sites such as ancient ruins and burial mounds dotting the landscape.

One of Eysturoy’s most notable historical events is the Battle of Mannafallsdalur, which took place in the early 11th century. This fierce conflict between rival Viking clans left a lasting impact on the island's culture and history. The exact location of the battle is marked by a series of memorial stones, providing insight into the island's tumultuous past.

In the 11th century, the Faroe Islands, including Eysturoy, underwent a significant transformation with the arrival of Christianity. The establishment of churches and the spread of Christian doctrine gradually replaced the old Norse pagan beliefs. The Kirkjubøur Cathedral, though primarily associated with Streymoy, influenced Eysturoy’s religious landscape, with remnants of ancient churches still visible today.

Eysturoy’s geographical location and natural harbors made it a crucial part of the Faroe Islands’ maritime history. The island's inhabitants have long relied on fishing, whaling, and seafaring for their livelihoods. The village of Eiði, with its picturesque harbor, exemplifies this maritime heritage. Traditional Faroese boats and fishing techniques are still practiced, preserving a way of life that has endured for centuries.

In the mid-14th century, the Black Death reached the Faroe Islands, including Eysturoy. This devastating plague drastically reduced the population and had profound social and economic impacts. Many of the isolated communities on Eysturoy were severely affected, and the island's recovery was slow but resilient, shaping the character of its people.

Eysturoy, like the rest of the Faroe Islands, came under Danish rule in the 14th century. This period marked significant changes in administration, trade, and cultural exchange. The influence of Danish governance can still be seen in the island’s architecture, language, and customs. Historical buildings and records from this era provide a window into the complexities of Faroese-Danish relations.

The 20th century brought modernization and infrastructural development to Eysturoy. The construction of roads, bridges, and tunnels, such as the Norðoyatunnilin connecting Eysturoy to Borðoy, facilitated greater connectivity and economic growth. The island’s towns and villages, like Fuglafjørður and Runavík, have evolved into vibrant communities while retaining their unique cultural heritage.

Eysturoy Island is part of the Faroe Islands and can be accessed primarily via Vágar Airport, the only airport in the Faroe Islands, located on Vágar Island. From Vágar Airport, you can take a domestic flight to Eysturoy or opt for a ferry service. Alternatively, you can drive across the islands using the well-connected roads and undersea tunnels. The journey from Vágar to Eysturoy by car takes approximately 1.5 hours.

Eysturoy Island offers various transportation options. Public buses connect most villages and towns, though schedules can be limited during weekends. Renting a car is a convenient option for exploring the island at your own pace. Taxis are also available but can be expensive. For a unique experience, consider using the extensive network of hiking trails that link many of the island's attractions.

The official currency in the Faroe Islands is the Faroese króna (DKK), which is pegged to the Danish krone. Credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, restaurants, and larger shops, but it's advisable to carry some cash for smaller establishments and rural areas. ATMs are available in most towns, but it is wise to withdraw sufficient cash in larger towns before heading to more remote areas.

Eysturoy Island is generally very safe for tourists, with low crime rates. However, it is always advisable to take standard precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded places and avoiding isolated areas after dark. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists, but it is always best to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings.

In case of emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance, which connects you to police, fire, and medical services. Eysturoy has several medical facilities, and the main hospital in Tórshavn on Streymoy Island is also accessible. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. Pharmacies are available in the larger towns for minor health issues and over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress in layers and wear waterproof clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable. Avoid wearing overly flashy or revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting churches. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a simple 'Halló'. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies such as fermented fish and whale meat. Don't refuse hospitality, as it is considered impolite.

To experience Eysturoy Island like a local, visit the smaller villages and engage with residents who are often friendly and willing to share their culture and traditions. Attend local events and festivals to get a deeper understanding of Faroese culture. Don't miss hiking to the top of Slættaratindur, the highest peak in the Faroe Islands, for breathtaking views. Additionally, try fresh seafood from local markets and enjoy a boat tour to see the island's stunning coastline and birdlife.