Village on Fugloy

About the village

The picturesque church on Kirkja is an icon of the village, that has inspired faroese artwork and poetry. In the village you can enjoy the magnificent view, visit the historic shop in Geil, and immerse yourself in the enchanting tales of the village. Kirkja is the Faroese word for church.
Kirkja is mentioned in Hundabrævið (The Dog Letter) (1350-1400), but for how long before this period people have lived in the village, it is not known. The name originates from the period when the only church in Fugloy was in Kirkja. The population was at its highest in the 1920s when up to 150 people lived here. The number of villagers who relocated accelerated in the 1960s. Now fewer people live in Kirkja than in 1801, when there were 31 inhabitants in the village. Agriculture, fishing and the abundant bird cliffs have formed the life in Kirkja for centuries, and now tourism has become a supplement to the intricate work pattern.

Source: visitnordoy.fo