Eysturoy

Introduction

View inland from Gjógv: the first snow of the year!

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Eysturoy is the second largest of the Faroe Islands. It holds the Faroes football stadium. Eysturoy is located north of the main island Streymoy (where Tórshavn is) and is the second largest island. It also has has the highest mountain of the Faroe Islands (Slættaratindur, 882 metres high) and a great mountain road can be taken between Eiði, in the northwest of the island and Gjógv, a village with a sheltered harbour. Other fantastic roads include roads in the northeast leading to Elduvik and Oyndarfjordur. The villages are picture perfect as well, with it's dramatic backdrops. The south of the island is less dramatic but has a lake near Nes great for birdwatching: the Lake of Toftavatn.

Geography

Eysturoy is joined with Streymoy by a bridge and with Borðoy by undersea tunnel - the grandest tunnel to date on the islands. The northern part of the island has the grandest scenery and there is a plethora of hanging valeys, raised beaches and cirques.

Towns and Villages

• Eiði - attractive village with fine seascapes looking south down the coasts of Streymoy and Eysturoy.
• Elduvík - a small village in the north-east, apparently without a straight track but with turf-roofed houses. Wonderful views of the island of Kalsoy.
• Gjógv - about the nearest the Faroe Islands comes to a 'tourist trap', but basically that means nothing here. The name means a cleft and it's obvious why it is called Gjogv. The cleft forms a natural port and there are boat trips to the stacks of Risin and Kellingin off Eiði.
• Oyndarfjørður - on the northeast coast. There are rocking stones in the sea by a road junction just before reaching the village but they don't compete with the seascapes and the wonderful road too the village, unles you are a geologist.

Sights and Activities

• Risin and Kellingin - doubtless you will realise immediately that these were a witch and a giant until they were caught out of doors by the dawn! They were sent by the giants of Iceland to bring back the Faroes Islands. It must be true because there is a split in the mountains where Risin had attached the rope for Kellingin to pull!
• Mountain road from Eiði to Gjógv - with a free telescope to view Risin and Kellingin beside the road.

Events and Festivals

• Gjógv Music Festival, held in a natural harbour with great sounds!

Weather

Eysturoy isn't the first place that comes to mind for its nice weather. Actually, you should consider yourself very lucky if you don't have any rain, even if you just visit for a few days. Even the somewhat drier months of June to August still have 20 to 22 rainy days a month! From October to March it rains on all but a few days a month. Temperatures are never hot but it rarely gets really cold as well. Winter (December to March) night time temperatures average around 2 °C while average summer (July-August) temperatures hoover around a chilly 12 °C.

Getting There

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Getting Around

By Plane

By Train

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

Eat

Cafe in Gjogv - also see below (sleep).

Drink

Sleep

One of the nicest places to stay anywhere in the country is the Gjaargarður guesthouse in Gjógv, with good rooms, good food and great views in one of the most pittoresque and most beautifully located villages anywhere on the Faroe Islands.