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Runavík
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Runavík on Eysturoy pairs fjord scenery, Faroese village life, harbour walks and easy access to mountain roads, islands and North Atlantic culture.

A Harbour on Skálafjørður

Runavík lies on the eastern shore of Skálafjørður, one of the long, sheltering fjords that cut deep into Eysturoy. Rather than presenting a compact historic centre, the town forms part of a continuous ribbon of settlements along the fjord, where houses, workshops, churches and small businesses follow the shoreline and lower mountain slopes. The harbour remains central to local life, reflecting the importance of fishing, marine services and coastal commerce in the modern Faroese economy.
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Villages, Mountains and Open Water

Runavík is a useful base for understanding Eysturoy's varied landscape. Across the fjord, steep ridges descend towards the water, while roads lead north towards mountain passes and the island's scattered villages. Nearby Toftavatn provides a gentler landscape of open heath, low vegetation and birdlife, contrasting with the dramatic peaks elsewhere on Eysturoy. The neighbouring communities of Saltangará, Glyvrar, Søldarfjørður and Nes add churches, viewpoints and local history to the wider coastal experience.

Contemporary Faroese Life

The town's appeal lies in its everyday atmosphere: fishing boats and working quays, brightly painted homes, grass-roofed buildings and views that change with cloud, wind and tide. The Eysturoyartunnilin has strengthened Runavík's connection with Streymoy and Tórshavn, while preserving its character as a small fjord settlement rather than turning it into a conventional resort. Visitors encounter Faroese culture here through the landscape, language, harbour activity and close-knit communities as much as through formal attractions.

When is the best time to visit Runavík?

Best: June–August · 13–15°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January6150
February6120
March6110
April8100
May1190
June (best)1380
July (best)1570
August (best)1570
September1380
October1190
November8120
December7150

Getting to and around Runavík

How to get there

Most international visitors reach Runavík via Vágar Airport, the Faroe Islands' main airport, then continue by road across Streymoy and through the Eysturoyartunnilin. The tunnel provides a direct connection between Streymoy and Eysturoy, although road users should allow for the applicable tunnel charge. Runavík is also connected to Tórshavn and other settlements by the Faroese bus network, while car hire is useful for reaching smaller villages, viewpoints and rural walking areas. There is no railway. Ferry services remain important elsewhere in the archipelago, but they are not normally the principal route into Runavík.

Transportation

Runavík and the neighbouring settlements are manageable on foot, particularly around the harbour and shore road, but the wider urban area stretches along the fjord and includes several villages. Buses connect the area with Tórshavn and other parts of Eysturoy, though rural services are less frequent than urban routes and should be checked before travelling. A car offers the greatest flexibility for Toftavatn, mountain roads and coastal villages, but driving requires care in tunnels, narrow lanes, wind and sudden fog. Taxis exist on the islands but are not as readily available as in a large city.

Best attractions in Runavík

Runavík's principal attraction is the long waterfront of Skálafjørður, where working harbour activity, boats and steep opposing slopes create a distinctly Faroese setting. The shore road leads into Saltangará and Glyvrar, forming a sequence of villages where brightly painted houses, churches and small local facilities reveal how settlement follows the fjord. Nearby Toftavatn provides an accessible change of scene, with open heath, wet ground and birdlife beneath the hills; conditions can be wild, so paths are best explored in suitable weather. The Eysturoyartunnilin is another notable experience, particularly for its underwater roundabout, an unusual piece of road engineering in the North Atlantic. Beyond the town, the roads across Eysturoy open views towards mountain ridges, narrow sounds and scattered coastal communities, making Runavík a useful starting point for landscape-focused sightseeing rather than a destination built around a dense collection of museums.

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Best landmarks in Runavík

Runavík's landmarks are closely tied to its working landscape and modern infrastructure. The harbour and waterfront identify the town's maritime role, with the fjord providing the broad natural setting against which its homes, quays and industrial buildings are arranged. Runavíkar Kirkja, in the urban settlement, represents the town's growth and the continuing importance of Christianity in Faroese community life. Across the connected shoreline, the churches of Glyvrar and nearby villages add older local identities to the modern coastal continuum, although each remains part of its own settlement. The Eysturoyartunnilin and its underwater roundabout form the area's most unusual contemporary landmark, showing how engineering has reshaped movement between Eysturoy and Streymoy. Together these places express a landscape where religion, fishing, village administration and ambitious transport infrastructure coexist within a narrow fjord corridor.

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Best restaurants in Runavík

Runavík's food scene reflects its fjordside setting and the practical, seafood-based traditions of the Faroe Islands. Menus may feature locally caught fish, shellfish, lamb and other ingredients shaped by the islands' cool maritime climate, while everyday cafés and bakeries provide simpler meals and coffee. Because Runavík is a small settlement, dining is concentrated in a limited number of local establishments rather than a large restaurant quarter; nearby villages may offer additional choices, particularly along the connected shore communities. Faroese cuisine often values careful treatment of excellent raw materials, including dried or fermented specialities, though these are not necessarily served everywhere. Supermarkets are useful for self-catering, especially for travellers staying in guest accommodation, and the harbour and fjord provide a fitting backdrop for meals centred on local produce.

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Best bars in Runavík

Runavík does not have a large club district or a nightlife scene comparable with Tórshavn. Evenings are generally low-key, centred on local restaurants, cafés, private social gatherings and occasional community or cultural events. The linked settlements along Skálafjørður may provide places for an informal drink, but opening patterns and entertainment options can vary, particularly outside busier periods. Faroese social life is often closely connected to music, sporting activities and local associations, so a concert, village event or cultural programme may offer a more authentic evening than a conventional nightclub. Visitors should plan transport carefully after dark, as rural buses are limited and roads through the islands can be unfamiliar in rain, wind or fog.

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Best nightclubs in Runavík

Runavík does not have a large club district or a nightlife scene comparable with Tórshavn. Evenings are generally low-key, centred on local restaurants, cafés, private social gatherings and occasional community or cultural events. The linked settlements along Skálafjørður may provide places for an informal drink, but opening patterns and entertainment options can vary, particularly outside busier periods. Faroese social life is often closely connected to music, sporting activities and local associations, so a concert, village event or cultural programme may offer a more authentic evening than a conventional nightclub. Visitors should plan transport carefully after dark, as rural buses are limited and roads through the islands can be unfamiliar in rain, wind or fog.

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Best shops in Runavík

Shopping in Runavík is practical and locally focused rather than centred on a major retail district. Supermarkets and small shops serve residents and provide useful supplies for self-catering, while visitors may find Faroese food products, woollen goods and locally made handicrafts in selected shops or seasonal outlets. The surrounding villages can have small businesses and workshops, but retail opening patterns are limited compared with Tórshavn and may change outside the main season. Traditional Faroese knitwear, including wool garments associated with the islands' cold, windy climate, makes a meaningful purchase when sourced from a genuine local maker. Packaged fish, lamb products and other regional foods are also more useful souvenirs than generic items. The harbour and village roads are better suited to browsing small-scale local commerce than to a dedicated shopping excursion.

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Runavík essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Danish krone, written as DKK or kr. Faroese banknotes circulate alongside Danish notes, while coins are Danish. Visa and Mastercard are commonly accepted in accommodation, supermarkets, restaurants and transport-related businesses, and contactless payment is widespread, although small providers may prefer a physical card or cash. Cash machines are available in the larger settlements but are less frequent in remote areas, so carrying a modest reserve of kroner is sensible. International visitors should check whether their bank applies foreign-exchange or cash-withdrawal charges.
Safety
Runavík is generally quiet, but the main risks for visitors arise from weather, terrain and driving rather than urban crime. Keep valuables secure in vehicles and take normal care around harbours, wet surfaces and unguarded shorelines. Mountain paths can become slippery, indistinct or exposed, particularly in rain, wind and fog; suitable footwear and weatherproof clothing are important. Check forecasts before walking, avoid approaching cliff edges and never underestimate changing visibility. On the road, follow local signs, use headlights where required and allow faster traffic to pass safely on narrow sections.
Emergency Situations
Call 112 for police, fire or medical emergencies in the Faroe Islands. Give the operator the exact location, particularly when calling from a mountain path, tunnel approach, harbour or rural road, and describe visible landmarks if GPS information is uncertain. For non-urgent medical concerns, ask accommodation staff or local services about the appropriate healthcare facility. Visitors should carry travel insurance details and disclose relevant medical information. In bad weather, avoid unnecessary travel and follow official instructions, as wind, landslides, reduced visibility and road closures can affect isolated parts of Eysturoy.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect private land, farm gates and marked walking routes, and close gates after passing through grazing areas. Do not climb fences, disturb livestock or approach nesting birds and cliff edges. Faroese is the national language, but Danish and English are widely understood; a simple greeting and polite conversation are appreciated. Dress practically for churches and community spaces, and ask before photographing people, homes or working facilities. Avoid blocking narrow roads or passing places, and never assume that a grass-covered slope is safe to cross, as fragile vegetation and hidden streams are common.
Local Tips
Use Runavík as a base for exploring the linked shoreline villages rather than limiting your visit to the town's central quay. Toftavatn offers a quieter contrast to the fjord, while the road network makes it possible to combine Runavík with Eysturoy's northern villages in a single day when conditions are favourable. Keep plans flexible because buses, ferries and outdoor activities are weather-sensitive. The most rewarding views often appear unexpectedly along the road, so allow time for safe stopping places rather than treating the journey as a hurried transfer.
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
HelloHalló[ha-lou]
GoodbyeFarvæl[far-vail]
YesJa[ya]
NoNei[nay]
Please/You're welcomeVinarliga[vee-nar-li-ga]
Thank youTakk fyri[tak feer-ee]
Excuse me/SorryFyrirgef mær[feer-ir-gef mire]
How are you?Hvussu gongur tú?[koo-so gon-gur too]
Fine. And you?Gott. Og tú?[got og too]
Do you speak English?Talar tú enskt?[ta-lar too enskt]
I don't understandEg skilji ikki[yeh shil-yi ee-kee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEg vil síggja menyuna, vænta[yeh vil see-ja men-yu-na, vainta]
I don't eat meatEg eti ikki kjøt[yeh eh-tee ee-kee shuht]
Cheers!Skál![skowl]
I would like to pay, pleaseEg vil gjalda, vænta[yeh vil gyal-da, vainta]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjálp![hyawlp]
Go away!Far út![far owt]
Call the Police!Ringi løgregluna![ring-ee lo-gre-gluna]
Call a doctor!Ringi ein læknara![ring-ee iyn ley-knara]
I'm lostEg er týstur[yeh air teest-ur]
I'm illEg er sjúk(ur)[yeh air shooch(ur)]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Eg vil keypa...[yeh vil kee-pa]
I'm just lookingEg leiti bert[yeh ley-tee bert]
How much is it?Hvat kostar tað?[kvaht kos-tar thah]
That's too expensiveTað er ov dýrt[thah air ov deert]
Can you lower the price?Kanstu lætta prísin?[kan-stu ley-ta pree-sin]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hvat er klukkan?[kvaht air kluk-kan]
It's one o'clockTað er eitt[thah air aytt]
Half past (10)Hálvgildi (10)[howl-vil-dee (tayn)]
MorningMorgun[mor-gun]
AfternoonEttermiðdagur[et-ter-mith-tha-gur]
EveningKvøld[kvul]
YesterdayÍ gjár[ee jawr]
TodayÍ dag[ee dah]
TomorrowÍ morgin[ee mor-gin]
1Eitt[aytt]
2Tvær[tvar]
3Tríggir[tree-gir]
4Fýra[feer-a]
5Fimm[fim]
6Seks[seks]
7Seyður[sey-ur]
8Átta[owt-ta]
9Niður[nee-thur]
10Tíggju[tee-gyu]
Transport & Directions
EnglishLocalSay it
Where's a/the...?Hvar er ein/den...?[kvar air iyn/den]
What's the address?Hvat er adressan?[kvaht air ah-dress-an]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kanstu vísa meg (á kortinum)?[kan-stu vee-sa may (owr kort-ee-num)]
When's the next (bus)?Nær kemur næsta (buss)?[nair keh-mur nys-ta (bus)]
A ticket (to ....)Ein miði (til ....)[iyn mee-dee (til)]

History of Runavík

Settlement Around the Fjord

The communities around Skálafjørður belong to the older settlement pattern of the Faroe Islands, in which farms and fishing villages occupied narrow strips of habitable land between the sea and steep uplands. Runavík itself is a comparatively modern settlement within this older coastal landscape. Its position on Eysturoy's eastern shore connected it with neighbouring villages such as Glyvrar, Saltangará and Søldarfjørður, where farming, seafaring and local exchange shaped community life for generations. The fjord was not merely scenery: it provided a sheltered route for boats and a dependable source of food, while the surrounding mountains supplied grazing land and seasonal resources.

The Rise of a Modern Harbour

Runavík expanded particularly during the twentieth century as improved boats, fishing methods and harbour facilities changed the economic geography of the fjord. A settlement that had once been small and dispersed developed stronger commercial and administrative functions, serving maritime activity on the eastern side of Eysturoy. Fishing brought employment and investment, while roads and communications linked the fjord communities more closely with the rest of the island. The resulting townscape remains practical rather than monumental, with quays, industrial buildings, homes and public facilities reflecting the importance of the sea to modern Faroese prosperity.

Churches and Community Identity

Religious and communal life developed through the separate village communities along Skálafjørður, each retaining its own local identity despite increasing urban continuity. Churches in Runavík and the surrounding settlements remain important visual and social landmarks, while older village traditions continue through language, seasonal gatherings and close family networks. The modern Runavík church belongs to the period when population growth and new housing made additional local facilities necessary. Together, the churches and village buildings illustrate how Faroese society adapted its historic settlement pattern without abandoning the distinctions between neighbouring communities.

Municipal Cooperation on Eysturoy

Runavík's development is also tied to the wider municipality, which brings several settlements and extensive rural landscapes under one local administration. This arrangement reflects the practical need to manage roads, schools, harbours and public services across a scattered population. As the coastal settlements grew together, the boundaries between them became less obvious to visitors, although local people continue to distinguish their home villages. The surrounding landscape, including Toftavatn and the mountains above the fjord, remains closely connected to the town's history of grazing, travel and outdoor use.

The Eysturoyartunnilin Era

The opening of the Eysturoyartunnilin in 2020 marked a major change in Runavík's accessibility. The subsea road tunnel links Eysturoy with Streymoy beneath the sound between the islands and includes a distinctive underwater roundabout. For Runavík, the project shortened the road connection with Tórshavn and altered travel patterns across the Faroese road network. It also placed the town within a more integrated regional transport system, while its harbour, fjord setting and dispersed village character continued to reflect the older history of life around Skálafjørður.

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