Free Suðuroy Travel Guide & Mobile App

Explore Suðuroy with free travel guides. Discover regional history, expert tips, proposed trips, and audio guides on web or mobile app.

Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play Download the Free PDF guide
Suðuroy
Suðuroy photo 2
Suðuroy photo 3
All photos

Suðuroy offers Faroe Islands hiking, sea cliffs, historic villages and quiet maritime culture across a dramatic southern island.

Suðuroy is the southernmost of the main islands in the Faroe Islands, a mountainous island shaped by steep basalt cliffs, narrow valleys, exposed headlands and villages gathered around sheltered sounds. It lies well beyond the capital, Tórshavn, and has a more self-contained character than the islands linked by the central road network. The journey by ferry is part of the experience: the island gradually rises from the North Atlantic before the route enters the waters around Trongisvágur and the ferry port at Krambatangi.
Read more about Suðuroy
The island’s settlements reveal contrasting aspects of Faroese life. Tvøroyri and nearby Trongisvágur form the principal urban area, with a long maritime and commercial history. Vágur, on the island’s eastern side, is another important community and a base for exploring the southern districts. Smaller villages such as Fámjin, Hvalba, Sandvík, Porkeri, Hov, Sumba, Akrar and Lopra retain distinct identities, often set between mountains and the sea. Roads, tunnels and mountain passes connect them, although weather can affect journeys and walking conditions quickly.
Suðuroy is particularly rewarding for visitors interested in walking and dramatic coastal scenery. Trails lead towards viewpoints such as Beinisvørð, one of the island’s best-known sea cliffs, while the route to Hvannhagi near Tvøroyri reaches a secluded hollow surrounded by rugged slopes. Around Hvalba and Sandvík, the coastline combines cliffs, sea stacks and evidence of an economy historically connected to fishing, farming and whaling. The island’s terrain is open and treeless, with changing light across slopes covered in grass, moss and heather.
History is present in village churches, old farmsteads, harbour buildings and local museums rather than in a single monumental centre. Fámjin has a special place in Faroese national history as the setting associated with the early display of the Faroese flag, while the Ruth Smith Art Museum in Vágur commemorates one of the islands’ important twentieth-century painters. Tvøroyri’s commercial heritage reflects the growth of trade and fishing in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, when the village became a significant centre in the southern islands.
Food follows wider Faroese traditions: fresh fish, lamb, potatoes, rye bread and preserved or fermented foods are encountered alongside contemporary café and restaurant cooking. Evening life is modest and locally focused, centred on pubs, community events and social gatherings rather than a large club scene. Suðuroy suits travellers who allow time for weather, ferries and unhurried walks, and who value close observation of a working island over a tightly scheduled circuit.

When is the best time to visit Suðuroy?

Best: June–August · 12–13°C
Average daytime high and rainfall by month
MonthHigh (°C)Rainfall (mm)
January6150
February6130
March7140
April7120
May9110
June (best)12100
July (best)13110
August (best)13120
September12130
October9150
November7160
December6170

Getting to and around Suðuroy

How to get there

The principal access is the Smyril Line public ferry from Tórshavn to Krambatangi on Suðuroy, near Trongisvágur. Tórshavn is outside Suðuroy and is normally reached by air through Vágar Airport or by sea from other Faroese islands. Suðuroy also has a heliport at Froðba, near Tvøroyri, with domestic helicopter services subject to current schedules, weather and booking arrangements. There is no airport with a conventional runway on the island, so check ferry or helicopter arrangements before basing a tightly timed itinerary on a connection.

Transportation

Buses connect the ferry terminal with the island’s main villages, but services are limited compared with urban networks elsewhere in Europe. A hire car provides the greatest flexibility for reaching Fámjin, Hvalba, Sandvík, Sumba, Porkeri and smaller southern settlements, although roads include tunnels, narrow sections and exposed mountain routes. Walking is excellent on established trails, but not every attractive ridge or cliff is a formal path. Taxis may be available in the larger communities, while cycling requires fitness and careful planning because of gradients, wind and changing weather.

Top city travel guides in Suðuroy

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

Destinations in Suðuroy

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

Best attractions in Suðuroy

Suðuroy’s attractions are primarily landscape-based and community-scaled. Walking routes provide access to high viewpoints, secluded valleys and dramatic coast, with Beinisvørð and Hvannhagi among the best-known destinations for experienced walkers. The terrain around Hvalba and Sandvík combines open mountains, sea cliffs and offshore stacks, while the southern villages offer quieter roads and broad views across the Atlantic. Historic and cultural interests are well served by the Suðuroy Museum in Tvøroyri and the Ruth Smith Art Museum in Vágur, which connect local life with wider Faroese history and art. Fámjin is significant for its association with the early Faroese flag, and village churches, harbour areas and older houses add context to the island’s settlement history. Visitors can also explore working fishing communities, observe traditional farm landscapes and take short walks between villages, provided they respect private land and local access guidance. The appeal lies less in a long list of formal attractions than in the relationship between the island’s villages, mountains, maritime economy and exposed southern setting.

Show more attractions

Best landmarks in Suðuroy

Beinisvørð is Suðuroy’s most recognisable natural landmark, a high sea cliff on the western side of the island whose profile and elevated views express the exposed character of the southern Faroese coast. Hvannhagi, reached by a walking route from the Tvøroyri area, is a notable geological and scenic landmark: its sheltered hollow contrasts with the open slopes and ocean-facing ridges around it. In Fámjin, the church and village setting are closely associated with the early history of the Faroese flag and carry symbolic importance beyond their modest scale. Tvøroyri’s harbour and historic commercial environment represent the island’s development as a trading and fishing centre, while Vágur’s waterfront reflects the continuing importance of maritime work. The coastal formations around Hvalba and Sandvík, including sea stacks and steep cliffs, demonstrate how erosion has shaped the island’s visual identity. These places are best understood as parts of a living landscape, where farmland, roads, homes and working waters remain close together.

Show more landmarks

Explore Suðuroy 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 Suðuroy

Suðuroy’s food scene reflects the practical traditions of a Faroese fishing and farming island. Fish and seafood are central, while lamb, potatoes, rye bread and seasonal local produce appear in home cooking, cafés, restaurants and community gatherings. Visitors may encounter preserved or fermented Faroese foods, including ræst preparations and dried lamb known as skerpikjøt, although these belong to the wider culinary culture of the Faroe Islands rather than being exclusive to Suðuroy. Tvøroyri, Trongisvágur and Vágur offer the broadest choice of places to eat, while smaller villages have fewer services and may require advance planning. Harbour-side meals, informal cafés and traditional-style dining provide a more realistic picture of the island than an expectation of a large fine-dining industry. Local shops can be useful for picnic supplies before a walk, particularly when travelling to remote viewpoints or villages where food options are limited.

Show more restaurants

Best bars in Suðuroy

Nightlife on Suðuroy is modest and locally oriented. Traditional pubs, cafés and social venues in Tvøroyri, Trongisvágur and Vágur are the main places for an evening drink or informal conversation, while occasional live music and community events may provide more activity at particular times of year. The island does not have a substantial nightclub district, and smaller villages become quiet after their daily services finish. Evening entertainment is often linked to restaurants, local gatherings and the social life of the settlements rather than a permanent programme of venues. Opening arrangements can vary, especially outside the larger communities, so visitors should check locally rather than assume late service. As elsewhere in the Faroe Islands, responsible drinking and respect for residents are important in compact villages where accommodation and homes may be close to evening venues.

Show more bars

Best nightclubs in Suðuroy

Nightlife on Suðuroy is modest and locally oriented. Traditional pubs, cafés and social venues in Tvøroyri, Trongisvágur and Vágur are the main places for an evening drink or informal conversation, while occasional live music and community events may provide more activity at particular times of year. The island does not have a substantial nightclub district, and smaller villages become quiet after their daily services finish. Evening entertainment is often linked to restaurants, local gatherings and the social life of the settlements rather than a permanent programme of venues. Opening arrangements can vary, especially outside the larger communities, so visitors should check locally rather than assume late service. As elsewhere in the Faroe Islands, responsible drinking and respect for residents are important in compact villages where accommodation and homes may be close to evening venues.

Show more nightclubs

Best shops in Suðuroy

Shopping on Suðuroy is concentrated in the larger settlements rather than in a dedicated retail district. Tvøroyri, Trongisvágur and Vágur have the most useful everyday shops, with groceries and practical supplies important for visitors planning walks or travelling to villages with fewer services. Local food products, woollen goods, knitwear and Faroese-designed crafts can provide meaningful souvenirs, although availability varies and smaller businesses may follow limited opening patterns. Village shops and community events sometimes offer a more direct connection with island-made goods than formal tourist retail. Visitors interested in art should look for local exhibitions and the work associated with Suðuroy’s artistic heritage, including the Ruth Smith Art Museum in Vágur. Market-style opportunities are occasional rather than a permanent feature, so check locally for seasonal sales, craft events or fresh produce. Bring reusable bags and plan purchases around ferry days if carrying supplies between settlements or back to other islands.

Show more shops

Get your free copy of our complete guide to Suðuroy, delivered straight to you.

Everything on this page, from attractions and restaurants to essentials and local phrases, in one PDF you can read offline, print or share.

Already have an account? Sign in

By clicking Create account, you accept the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Suðuroy essentials

Currency and Payment
The currency is the Faroese króna, issued at parity with the Danish krone; both use the currency code DKK and are used within the monetary system of the Faroe Islands. Cards and contactless payments are widely accepted in established businesses, accommodation and transport, particularly in Tvøroyri, Trongisvágur and Vágur. Carry some cash for small purchases, rural services or unexpected interruptions to card networks, and do not assume that every small village facility accepts payment in the same way.
Safety
Suðuroy is generally calm for visitors, but its cliffs, steep ground and rapidly changing North Atlantic weather require care. Keep well back from unguarded edges, avoid approaching unstable turf and do not rely on dry conditions continuing throughout a walk. Follow local advice on routes, especially after heavy rain or strong winds. Driving demands concentration in tunnels and on narrow roads, and sheep may be present near the carriageway. Sea swimming and boating should be approached cautiously because of cold water, currents and swell.
Emergency Situations
Dial 112 in an emergency for police, fire or ambulance assistance in the Faroe Islands. Tell the operator your village, road, trail, tunnel or visible landmark, as remote coastal locations can be difficult to identify. For a serious incident at sea, coastguard assistance is coordinated through the emergency system. On remote walks, mobile coverage may be intermittent, so leave an itinerary with your accommodation and carry suitable clothing, water and a charged phone rather than relying solely on connectivity.
Do's and Don'ts
Respect private land, gates, nesting areas and local signs, and remain on established paths where routes cross farmland or fragile ground. Do not climb fences, disturb sheep or approach cliff edges for photographs. In villages, keep noise low and avoid blocking narrow roads. Ask before photographing people, homes or working boats at close range. Faroese customs broadly follow Danish and Nordic norms: queue politely, pay promptly, tip only for genuinely good service rather than treating it as an obligatory regional custom, and dress warmly for churches and outdoor visits.
Local Tips
Use the ferry crossing as part of the itinerary rather than trying to arrive and leave on the same day, since weather and limited connections can reduce useful time on the island. The northern area around Tvøroyri and Trongisvágur is convenient for heritage and the Hvannhagi walk, while Vágur is a practical base for the island’s eastern and southern districts. Visit smaller villages during daylight, when their setting and architecture are easiest to appreciate, and ask locally about trail conditions before setting out.
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[hahl-loh]
GoodbyeFarvæl[fahr-vahl]
YesJa[yah]
NoNei[nay]
Please/You're welcomeVinaliga[vee-nah-lee-gah]
Thank youTakk fyri[tahk fee-ree]
Excuse me/SorryUrsaka[oor-sah-kah]
How are you?Hvør ert tú?[hvur airt too]
Fine. And you?Bárður. Og tú?[bahr-thur. ohg too]
Do you speak English?Tú tosar enskt?[too toh-sar en-skt]
I don't understandEg skilji ikki[eg skeel-yee ee-kee]
Eating & Drinking
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEg vil sjá matseðilin, vinaliga[eg vil shao maht-seh-dil-in, vee-nah-lee-gah]
I don't eat meatEg etti ikki kjöt[eg et-ee ee-kee kyot]
Cheers!Skál![skahl]
I would like to pay, pleaseEg vil gjalda, vinaliga[eg vil gyahl-dah, vee-nah-lee-gah]
Emergencies
EnglishLocalSay it
Help!Hjálp![hyaalp]
Go away!Fara burtur![fahr-ah boor-tur]
Call the Police!Ring til politii![ring til poh-lee-tee]
Call a doctor!Ring til lækna![ring til lehk-nah]
I'm lostEg eri týndur[eg eh-ree teend-ur]
I'm illEg eri sjúkur[eg eh-ree shoo-kur]
Shopping
EnglishLocalSay it
I'd like to buy...Eg vil keypa...[eg vil kay-pah]
I'm just lookingEg eri bara at hyggja[eg eh-ree bah-rah aht higg-yah]
How much is it?Hvat kostar tað?[kvaht koh-stahr tahd]
That's too expensiveTað er ov dýrt[tahd air ohv deert]
Can you lower the price?Kanst tú lækka prísin?[kanst too lay-kah pree-sin]
Time & Numbers
EnglishLocalSay it
What time is it?Hvat tíð er tað?[kvaht teed air tahd]
It's one o'clockKlokkan er eitt[klok-kahn air eyt]
Half past (10)Halv tíggju[halv teeg-yoo]
MorningMorgun[mor-gun]
AfternoonEftirmiddag[ef-teer-mid-dahg]
EveningKvøld[kvoeld]
YesterdayÍ gjár[ee gyahr]
TodayÍ dag[ee dahg]
TomorrowÍ morgin[ee mor-ghin]
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/te ...?[hvar air ayn/te ...]
What's the address?Hvat er adressan?[kvaht air ah-dress-ahn]
Can you show me (on the map)?Kannst tú vísa mær (á kortið)?[kanst too vee-sah mair (aw kor-tid)]
When's the next (bus)?Nær kemur næsti (bussur)?[nair keh-mur nai-stee (boos-sur)]
A ticket (to ....)Ein billett (til ...)[ayn bee-lett (til ...)]

History of Suðuroy

Norse Settlement and Early Farming

Like the other Faroese islands, Suðuroy was settled during the Norse period, when farming communities established themselves in valleys and beside sheltered bays. The island’s steep terrain limited arable land, so households depended on a combination of sheep raising, fishing and the seasonal use of surrounding waters. Many present-day village locations reflect this early pattern: settlements developed where pasture, freshwater and access to the sea could be combined. The landscape still preserves the basic relationship between clustered homes, outlying fields and open mountain grazing.

Medieval Parishes and Village Communities

During the medieval period, Christianity became embedded in the island’s settlement structure, with parish churches and local communities providing important centres of worship and administration. Churches were rebuilt or replaced over time, but the surviving religious heritage in places such as Fámjin and Hvalba helps visitors understand the scale of historic Faroese villages. Life remained strongly local, governed by farming seasons, kinship, customary rights and the demands of an unpredictable North Atlantic environment. Suðuroy’s distance from the northern islands reinforced the importance of community cooperation.

Royal Trade Monopoly and Maritime Exchange

From the late sixteenth century until the nineteenth century, Faroese trade was controlled by the Danish royal monopoly, restricting overseas commerce and channelling much economic activity through regulated trading arrangements. Suðuroy’s communities nevertheless remained connected to the wider North Atlantic through fishing, small-scale exchange and maritime travel. The eventual ending of the monopoly opened greater commercial possibilities, helping ports such as Tvøroyri develop more substantially. The island’s later trading history is visible in harbour areas, merchant buildings and the urban form of its larger settlements.

The Growth of Fishing and Tvøroyri

Commercial fishing expanded strongly in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries, transforming Suðuroy’s economy and population patterns. Tvøroyri became an important trading and fishing centre, while Vágur and other coastal communities supported fleets, processing and related work. Fishing brought new buildings, improved harbour infrastructure and closer links with markets beyond the Faroes, but it also exposed the island to the volatility of maritime industries. The commercial streets and harbour environments of the northern and eastern settlements retain traces of this period of economic change.

Fámjin and the Faroese Flag

Fámjin is associated with a decisive moment in modern Faroese national history. In 1919, the Faroese student Jens Oliver Lisberg, who came from Fámjin, helped create and raise the flag known as Merkið while studying in Copenhagen. The flag later became an official national symbol, and Fámjin is remembered as part of that story. The event belongs to the broader Faroese movement for cultural and political recognition within the Danish realm, rather than representing a separate state history for Suðuroy. The church and village provide a tangible setting for this important chapter.

Modern Autonomy and Island Change

The twentieth century brought expanded roads, tunnels, harbour improvements, public services and stronger political institutions to the Faroes, while Suðuroy continued to face the challenges of distance and a changing population. Home rule was established in 1948, and the Faroe Islands now govern many internal matters while remaining within the Kingdom of Denmark. Improved infrastructure has made the island easier to explore, yet ferry dependence and the decline or restructuring of traditional industries continue to shape daily life. Contemporary Suðuroy combines working communities with a growing interest in heritage, walking and nature-based travel.

Suðuroy in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

0 / 0

Neighbouring regions of Suðuroy

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

Explore more

Faroe Islands
More of the region

Explore more of Faroe Islands

Discover the Faroe Islands: A land of rugged beauty, rich history, and tranquil villages, perfect for nature lovers and adventurers seeking an off-the-beaten-path destination.

Explore Faroe Islands
The Evendo app on two phones

Evendo: Your Ultimate Travel Guide to Suðuroy, Faroe Islands

Download Evendo, the 100% free travel guide app for Suðuroy. Discover attractions, landmarks, restaurants, tours, and more with rich, detailed information.

  • Comprehensive information on attractions, landmarks, shops, bars, nightclubs, restaurants, and hotels
  • Detailed descriptions, images, local tips, maps, and contact details
  • Easy booking for hotels, tours, tickets, and experiences
Download on the App Store Get it on Google Play
More about the Evendo app

Explore Suðuroy like never before with Evendo, the comprehensive, free travel guide app that covers attractions, landmarks, restaurants, and more.

  • History of Suðuroy and essential travel information
  • User-friendly navigation and 'Near Me' feature
  • Curated local tips for an authentic experience
  • 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs

Welcome to Evendo, your ultimate companion for exploring Suðuroy, the southernmost island in the Faroe Islands. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Evendo ensures you make the most of every moment in this picturesque destination. From the rugged cliffs of Beinisvørð to the tranquil sands of Vágur Beach, our app provides exhaustive details on all the must-see attractions, landmarks, and hidden gems in Suðuroy.

Discover local favorites like the Hvannhagi hike, the historical Akraberg lighthouse, and the fascinating Hov Caves. With Evendo, you can easily find top-rated restaurants such as Café MorMor and renowned bars like Pubbin í Vági. The app also features detailed information on hotels, shops, nightclubs, tours, and experiences, making it your one-stop shop for all your travel needs.

The app offers rich, immersive content, including images, descriptions, local tips, maps, and contact details, streamlining your planning process. You can effortlessly book hotels, tours, tickets, and various experiences directly through the app. Say goodbye to the hassle of searching for what to see, do, and experience—Evendo has it all in one place.

Featuring a 'Near Me' function, curated local tips, and an easy-to-navigate interface, Evendo makes it simple to explore Suðuroy like a local. And the best part? The app is 100% free with no in-app purchases or hidden costs. Plus, Evendo covers over 7,000 destinations worldwide, so your travel adventures don't have to end in Suðuroy.

Get the latest from Evendo

Hand-picked travel deals, new destination guides and trip ideas, straight to your inbox.