Streymoy is the largest island of the Faeroe on which also the capital city of Thórshavn is situated. The mountains on Streymoy are among the highest on the Faeroe and they can cause interesting weather situations like fog on the one side and clear skies on the other.
There is a lot to see on Streymoy when it comes to nature and landscape photography. But also for hikers there are amazing routes trough the highlands and mountains. And even while driving I had to pull over every other time to make pictures of the enormous vistas the island provides. Be careful with driving on the Faeroe though, there are a lot of sheep and they walk everywhere and might just decide to cross the road right in front of your car.
One other thing that can happen while driving is thick fog all of the sudden, especially in the mountains. And of course while hiking that can happen too. It could be dangerous not knowing where to go. The Faeroe has some steep mountains and high drops straight into the ocean.
Sandoy
From Streymoy you can take a boat to the island Sandoy, which is a bit south of Streymoy. The ferry won't take long and during the trip there are stunning views over the coastlines. Or you might get lucky and see whales or dolphins.
The island of Sandoy is quite small, there are some great hikes you can do in the northern part. I went hiking towards a viewpoint that should have provided a stunning view alongside the coastline of the whole island with massive sea stacks. But I ended up in the fog and never saw anything. I could hear the sea below but could not see it. I waited an hour or more but nothing changed.
While driving over the island exploring a bit more I passed this small house at the lake side. I thought it looked cute and the picture I took of it became one of my favorites from my trip to the Faeroe Islands. Just by it's simplicity.
Going to Sandoy and returning to Streymoy you will pass the harbor near the village of Kirkjubøur. This is the most important historical site of the Faeroe, dating back to the Viking Age. The ruins of the medieval cathedral date back from the 11th century.
In the western part of Streymoy you'll find the place Saksun and Tjørnuvik. Saksun is beautifully located at a lagoon between high mountains and a waterfall flowing into the lagoon. The old church overlooking the lagoon is beautiful. The area is popular by hikers who hike all the way down to the lagoon.
When driving to Tjørnuvik you'll pass the biggest waterfall of the Faeroe, called Fossá. During my visit it had not rained for a while and the waterfall was not very wild. Tjørnuvik is a lovely place at the beach in another lagoon. It is popular by locals to go for a swim. To give you an idea of the vastness of the landscape, the tiny sea stacks you see in the background this picture are 80m in height.
I think Streymoy is a popular island to stay while exploring the Faeroe. It has a lot to offer including the capital city and there are many accommodations to be found. Like these cute little houses. Wouldn't you love to stay there?
Thanks for reading! In my next post about the Faeroe we travel up north.
Cheers,
Thijs