Resting place of legendary Viking chieftain

Skúvoy is a remarkable place in many ways. The village features a 'lundaland', a grassy area by the sea inhabited by puffins, just a short distance away. The area boasts steep bird cliffs, beautiful valleys (including the valley named Fagridalur), historical sites, colourful houses, boathouses, and boats. A visit to the church and the graveyard Ólansgarður, where Chieftain Sigmundur Brestisson is buried, is recommended. Local guides in Skúvoy are well-versed in the island's tales and are happy to share them with visitors.

Whether for a day trip or a longer stay, Skúvoy offers holiday houses for rent and a B&B. Additionally, there is a grocery shop in the village that stocks regular convenience goods, and special items can be arranged with advance notice. For those who prefer not to cook, Elisabeth & Tummas Frank and Inga offer heimablídni (dining with a local).

The population of Skúvoy is around 30 people.

SCHOOL:
The former school building in Skúvoy now serves as a village hall. It can accommodate 25 people and has a kitchen equipped with modern amenities.

CHURCH:
The church in Skúvoy was consecrated in 1937 and was designed by H.C.W. Tórgarð. Its unique orientation, facing south and north rather than the typical east and west, stands out. The first church in the Faroe Islands was built in Ólansgarður í Skúvoy around the year 1000.

HISTORY: SIGMUNDUR
According to the Færeyinga Saga, chieftain Sigmundur Brestisson (961-1005) is credited with christening the Faroe Islands. His grave is located in Ólansgarður just outside the village. Sigmundur built the first church in the Faroe Islands in Skúvoy around the year 1000, while the present church dates back to 1937.

BIRDS:
Situated west of Sandoy, the small island of Skúvoy is home to a large colony of puffins, providing a charming welcome for visitors. Skúvoy is named after Skúgvur, the Faroese name for Great Skua – some even say that the bird might be named after the island. The island is also home to one of the largest colonies of Great Skua in the Faroe Islands. Visitors are advised to exercise caution when walking through the Skua colonies, as the birds may swoop down to protect their breeding grounds. The heathland is also inhabited by various bird species, such as Arctic Skua, Oystercatchers, golden plover, Common Snipe, Whimbrel, and Rock Pipit. Skúvoy is also home to the largest colony of Manx Shearwaters in the Faroe Islands, observable in large flocks off the coast during summer evenings as they prepare to fly to their breeding grounds. Toward the northwest of the island lies Høvdin, where thousands of Guillemots breed on the steep sea cliffs.

HISTORY
Skúvoy narrowly escaped ruin on two occasions, first during the Black Death in the 14th century and later during a smallpox outbreak in the 18th century.