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Eysturoy Island
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Eysturoy Island, Faroe Islands: explore mountain trails, sea cliffs, village harbours, Gjógv and Slættaratindur amid dramatic North Atlantic scenery.

A Mountainous Island in the North Atlantic

Eysturoy is the second-largest island in the Faroe Islands, rising between deep fjords and narrow sounds in the north-eastern part of the archipelago. Its landscape is strongly shaped by steep basalt mountains, grass-covered slopes, waterfalls, sea cliffs and small settlements gathered around sheltered inlets. The island's highest summit, Slættaratindur, reaches 880 metres and is one of the defining peaks of the Faroese skyline, while the northern coast looks towards the famous sea stacks Risin og Kellingin, the Giant and the Witch, from viewpoints around Eiði.
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Villages, Harbours and Historic Landscapes

Eysturoy's character is found in its villages as much as in its mountains. Gjógv is known for its dramatic natural harbour, a cleft in the shoreline that provides a distinctive setting for the village. Around the eastern and southern fjords, Runavík, Strendur, Søldarfjørður and Skálafjørður form a chain of working communities, while Fuglafjørður occupies a narrow inlet beneath steep hills. Norðragøta and nearby Syðrugøta preserve strong connections with Faroese history and the saga-era figure Tróndur í Gøtu. Small roads lead towards Eiði, Oyndarfjørður, Funningur and other settlements where turf-roofed houses, boat sheds and open pasture remain part of the local landscape.

Exploring Eysturoy

The island suits visitors who want to combine short village visits with demanding mountain walks, scenic drives and views across the surrounding islands. Routes and conditions vary considerably, and high ground can quickly become misty or windy. The Eysturoyartunnilin now links the island with Streymoy beneath the sea, while bridges, tunnels and roads connect its main communities. Local food is grounded in Faroese maritime and pastoral traditions, although dining and evening entertainment are concentrated in the larger settlements rather than scattered throughout the countryside.

When is the best time to visit Eysturoy Island?

Best: July–September · 14–16°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January7130
February6110
March6110
April790
May980
June1270
July (best)1670
August (best)1680
September (best)1490
October10110
November8130
December7130

Getting to and around Eysturoy Island

How to get there

Most international visitors reach Eysturoy through Vágar Airport, then continue by road across Streymoy and through the subsea Eysturoyartunnilin. The tunnel provides a direct connection between Streymoy and Eysturoy, while other roads and tunnels link the island's villages. Domestic buses connect parts of the Faroese road network, although routes and frequencies vary, so checking current information before travelling is important. Visitors arriving by ferry or cruise ship may use services and ports elsewhere in the archipelago before continuing by road. Eysturoy's settlements are spread along several fjords, and a private car is often the most flexible option for reaching mountain villages and remote viewpoints.

Transportation

Driving is the practical way to explore Eysturoy, particularly if visiting Gjógv, Eiði, Funningur, Oyndarfjørður and the settlements around the Skálafjørður. Roads include tunnels, steep sections and narrow village streets, and conditions may be affected by wind, rain, fog or winter ice. Subsea and other road tunnels may involve toll arrangements, so confirm the current system for a hire car. Buses serve principal communities but do not provide a comprehensive sightseeing network. Walking is appropriate on established village and mountain routes, while cycling requires preparation for gradients, exposed roads and rapidly changing weather.

Best attractions in Eysturoy Island

Eysturoy's attractions range from high mountain country to small coastal communities. Slættaratindur, the Faroes' highest mountain, dominates the island's central skyline and offers a demanding walking objective in suitable conditions, while nearby Eiði provides views towards Risin og Kellingin, the Giant and the Witch, rising from the sea off the northern coast. At Gjógv, a dramatic gorge cuts into the shoreline to form the village's natural harbour, one of the island's most recognisable landscapes. The fjords around Funningur, Oyndarfjørður and the long Skálafjørður are best appreciated through a combination of road journeys and short walks. Norðragøta and Syðrugøta offer historic village character, and the Blásastova open-air museum introduces traditional Faroese domestic life and local heritage. Fuglafjørður adds a working harbour setting beneath steep mountains, while scattered viewpoints reveal changing perspectives towards Kalsoy, Streymoy and Eysturoy's neighbouring islands.

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Best landmarks in Eysturoy Island

Slættaratindur is Eysturoy's defining natural landmark, rising to 880 metres and forming the highest point in the Faroe Islands. Its neighbouring mountain, Gráfelli, contributes to the dramatic highland wall above the northern villages. Offshore from Eiði stand Risin og Kellingin, two distinctive sea stacks embedded in Faroese legend and visible from the coast when weather permits. The natural harbour at Gjógv is another signature feature: a deep cleft in the basalt shoreline that shelters the village's landing place. The long fjord of Skálafjørður, the narrow inlets at Fuglafjørður and Oyndarfjørður, and the steep slopes around Funningur demonstrate how glacial erosion shaped settlement and travel. In the cultural landscape, Norðragøta is associated with Tróndur í Gøtu and Faroese saga tradition, while Blásastova preserves a tangible example of traditional village life.

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Explore Eysturoy Island on the map

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Best restaurants in Eysturoy Island

Dining on Eysturoy is concentrated in larger settlements and visitor bases rather than distributed across the mountains. Runavík, Fuglafjørður and other communities around the Skálafjørður provide the broadest choice of cafés, restaurants and everyday food shops, while smaller villages may have limited options and should not be treated as guaranteed places for an evening meal. Faroese cooking reflects the island's maritime and pastoral economy, with fish, seafood, lamb, potatoes, dairy products and locally produced ingredients appearing in contemporary and traditional forms. Village cafés, guesthouse dining rooms and local hospitality venues can be useful during scenic drives, but opening patterns are seasonal and variable. Travellers exploring Gjógv, Eiði or the mountain roads should plan food and drinks in advance, particularly outside the main visitor season, and use local shops where available rather than expecting restaurants at every attraction.

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Best bars in Eysturoy Island

Eysturoy is not a nightlife destination, and evening life is generally quiet, local and centred on hospitality venues in the larger settlements. Pubs, hotel bars and restaurants around Runavík, Fuglafjørður and the communities of Skálafjørður may provide places for a drink or an informal evening, while village halls and seasonal local events can be more culturally characteristic than commercial entertainment. Smaller communities such as Gjógv and Eiði have little conventional nightlife, so visitors staying there should expect peaceful evenings, coastal views and the atmosphere of a working village rather than bars or clubs. Alcohol is regulated in the Faroe Islands and retail purchasing follows local arrangements. Evening options can vary by season and day of the week, making it sensible to confirm what is open locally rather than relying on a fixed nightlife schedule.

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Best nightclubs in Eysturoy Island

Eysturoy is not a nightlife destination, and evening life is generally quiet, local and centred on hospitality venues in the larger settlements. Pubs, hotel bars and restaurants around Runavík, Fuglafjørður and the communities of Skálafjørður may provide places for a drink or an informal evening, while village halls and seasonal local events can be more culturally characteristic than commercial entertainment. Smaller communities such as Gjógv and Eiði have little conventional nightlife, so visitors staying there should expect peaceful evenings, coastal views and the atmosphere of a working village rather than bars or clubs. Alcohol is regulated in the Faroe Islands and retail purchasing follows local arrangements. Evening options can vary by season and day of the week, making it sensible to confirm what is open locally rather than relying on a fixed nightlife schedule.

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Best shops in Eysturoy Island

Shopping on Eysturoy is practical and locally focused rather than extensive. Runavík and Fuglafjørður have the largest concentration of everyday shops, food stores and services, while smaller villages may offer only limited local retail. Visitors can look for Faroese food products, woollen goods, knitwear, local art and small-scale craft items in established shops, museums or visitor-oriented businesses, although selection and opening arrangements vary. Traditional Faroese wool reflects the importance of sheep farming to the islands, while locally produced food connects purchases with the wider maritime and rural economy. Blásastova in Norðragøta is primarily a heritage attraction rather than a shopping district, but the surrounding area can be useful for understanding local material culture. Anyone travelling into the northern villages should obtain provisions in a larger settlement instead of assuming that every village has a shop.

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Eysturoy Island essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Danish krone, written DKK. Faroese banknotes are also used locally and have the same value as Danish notes, although they may be unfamiliar outside the islands. Cards and contactless payments are widely used in established businesses, accommodation and transport, but small rural facilities and informal transactions should not be assumed to accept every payment method. Cash machines and banking services are more likely to be found in larger communities such as Runavík and Fuglafjørður than in small villages. Carrying some Danish or Faroese cash is sensible when travelling through remote parts of Eysturoy.
Safety
Eysturoy's open mountains and coastal roads require respect for North Atlantic conditions. Fog can remove visibility quickly, while strong wind and rain make exposed ridges, wet grass and cliff edges hazardous. Check forecasts locally, use suitable footwear and avoid approaching unstable edges or unfamiliar steep ground. Mountain routes may be poorly marked compared with urban paths, so navigation and an honest assessment of experience are important, particularly around Slættaratindur. Keep well away from nesting birds and do not assume that every coastal ledge, stream or slope is safe to access. When driving, allow for narrow roads, livestock and sudden weather changes.
Emergency Situations
Dial 112 for police, fire and ambulance emergencies in the Faroe Islands. In a remote outdoor incident, give responders the clearest possible information about the island, village, road, trail, mountain or shoreline, and share a map location if available. Do not rely solely on mobile coverage in high or isolated terrain. If conditions deteriorate, move to a known safe location rather than continuing towards an exposed summit or cliff. For non-urgent medical advice or treatment, use current local health-service information and ask accommodation staff or a nearby settlement for guidance, as healthcare facilities are concentrated outside the smaller villages.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect private homes, working farms and village roads, and ask before entering land or crossing areas that are not clearly open to visitors. Close gates, keep dogs controlled and leave sheep and other livestock undisturbed. Stay on established paths where possible, avoid disturbing seabirds and take all litter away with you. Do not climb fences, walk close to cliff edges or treat grass-covered slopes as harmless terrain. In villages, park without blocking access for residents or emergency vehicles. Faroese communities generally value quiet, considerate behaviour, so photography should not intrude on homes, workplaces or religious settings.
Local Tips
Runavík and Fuglafjørður are useful practical bases, while Eiði, Gjógv, Funningur and Norðragøta provide different perspectives on Eysturoy's landscape and heritage. Plan routes by region rather than trying to cover the entire island in a short outing, allowing time for tunnels, weather delays and village stops. The northern viewpoints around Eiði are particularly effective in clear conditions, but visibility can disappear without warning. Mountain walks are best started early with a route plan and spare layers. Ask locally about current path conditions, especially after heavy rain, strong winds or winter weather.
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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
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]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
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]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
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)]

History of Eysturoy Island

Basalt Foundations and Glacial Landscapes

Eysturoy's mountains are part of the extensive basalt succession formed by volcanic activity in the North Atlantic during the early Tertiary period. Later erosion and repeated glaciation carved the island into steep valleys, ridges and fjords, leaving the pronounced relief that defines its modern geography. Sea action has further shaped the coastline, cutting clefts such as the natural harbour at Gjógv and forming cliffs and stacks around the northern shore. These geological foundations are not simply scenic background: they determine where roads and settlements can be built, how pasture is divided and why many communities developed around narrow, sheltered inlets.

Norse Settlement and Village Origins

Like the rest of the Faroe Islands, Eysturoy was settled by Norse communities during the Viking Age, although earlier monastic activity elsewhere in the archipelago is also recorded in historical sources. Farming, fishing and boat-based travel shaped settlement patterns, with villages growing beside fjords and natural landing places. Norðragøta is especially associated with Tróndur í Gøtu, a prominent figure in the Faroese saga tradition, while the name Gøta itself reflects the area's long-established identity. The old village landscapes, common grazing areas and traditional house forms preserve elements of a society organised around small-scale agriculture and the sea.

Farming, Fishing and Coastal Communities

For centuries, Eysturoy's inhabitants combined sheep farming with fishing and seasonal work connected to the sea. The island's narrow fjords provided landing places, while steep uplands offered summer grazing but limited opportunities for cultivation. Villages such as Fuglafjørður, Eiði, Gjógv and the settlements around the Skálafjørður developed distinct local identities while remaining linked by boats, footpaths and later roads. Fishing gradually became more commercially important, and harbour infrastructure altered several shorelines. Even where modern buildings and roads are now prominent, turf-roofed houses, boat sheds, grazing land and working harbours continue to show how closely settlement has remained tied to the island's terrain.

Modern Roads and Protected Landscapes

Improved roads and tunnels transformed movement across Eysturoy, reducing the isolation of villages separated by mountains and fjords. The island became increasingly connected to the wider Faroese road network, most notably through the Eysturoyartunnilin, which opened in 2020 and links Eysturoy with Streymoy beneath the sound. At the same time, greater visitor interest has brought renewed attention to fragile mountain paths, bird cliffs and village environments. Tourism now sits alongside fishing, aquaculture, farming and public services, while local access customs and environmental care remain important in a landscape where weather and terrain can quickly limit movement.

Eysturoy Island in Photos

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Cities in Eysturoy Island

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

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Welcome to Eysturoy Island, the heart of the Faroe Islands, where stunning landscapes and rich culture await your exploration. Evendo is your ultimate travel companion, offering detailed information on the island's best attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, hotels, tours, experiences, and activities. With Evendo, you can easily discover famous spots like the striking Slættaratindur Mountain, the historic village of Gjógv, and the breathtaking Funningur Church.

Craving culinary delights? Evendo guides you to top dining spots such as the renowned KOKS restaurant and the cozy Café Cibo. Whether you're looking to hike the rugged terrains, explore local history, or simply relax, our app provides curated local tips, maps, images, and contact details to enrich your journey.

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