Norðoyar

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Introduction

Viöareiöi Church

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Norðoyar is the name for a group of six islands, those of the north-east Faroe Islands, that have long formed a single administrative region.

Geography

Two islands, Svinoy and Fugloy are well out in the Atlantic Ocean and the ferry service is subject to weather and sea conditions.
The largest of the six, Borðoy is connected by undersea tunnel with Eysturoy, with Viðoy and Kugloy by causeways and with Kalsoy by ferry from Klaksvik. There are numerous other tunnels on Borðoy, Viðoy and Kalsoy.

Cities

• Klaksvik - Borðoy - the main fishing port of the Faroe Islands.
• Hvannasund - Borðoy - ferry port for Svinoy and Fugloy Islands.
• Viðareiði - Viðoy - as far from Torshavn as you can get without using a ferry - see under sights.
• Syðradalur - Kalsoy - ferry to Klaksvik (above.)

Sights and Activities

• Viðareiði has far more than its share of sights. It is situated below a mountain horseshoe that separates it from the tip of the island. It is easy to walk to either coast as the island is very narrow at this point. On the west coast, the view over te church to northern headlands is terrific and the sea here can be very calm. Over to the east coast and what a difference! Here the Atlantic looks like - the Atlantic! Given reasonable weather Svinoy and Fugloy are visible. An interesting article in the church is a silver platter presented by the government of the United Kingdom in the 19th century to the residents of the village for their support to British sailors involved in a ship wreck nearby.
• Kalsoy Ferry - It is well worth taking this trip as a passenger, even if you return on the same boat!

Events and Festivals

Weather

Norðoyar 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 degrees Celsius while average summer (July-August) temperatures hoover around a chilly 12 degrees.

Getting There

By Plane

There are some helicopter services from Torshavn

By Car

From Eysturoy via the undersea tunnel.

By Bus

From Eysturoy via the undersea tunnel.

Getting Around

By Car

By Bus

By Boat

• Hvannasund to Svinoy and Fugloy.
• Klaksvik to Kalsoy.

Eat

Drink

Sleep