Sandur – Søltuvík

A gentle and scenic ride from Sandur to the remote pebble beach of Søltuvík.

Sandoy is the flattest of the 18 islands in the Faroe Islands, making it an ideal destination for biking enthusiasts. This route from Sandur to Søltuvík is particularly favoured by locals and visitors alike for its excellent terrain, which is characterised by smooth surfaces. As you pedal along this picturesque route, you'll be treated to open views that stretch across the landscape, offering a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding hills, lakes and valleys.

Route facts

Difficulty level: for moderately experienced cyclists (level 3)

Max incline: 8%

Distance: 8.06 km

Duration: 1 hour

Max altitude: -

Elevation gain: 137 m

Description of the route

This trip begins at Sandoyar Meginskúli, the local school in Sandur. If you’ve arrived by bus (as cycling through the Sandoyartunnilin is not permitted), this is a convenient starting point since the bus stops here. You’ll cycle along Sandsvatn, the largest lake on the island, and through Sandsbygd, one of the oldest villages in the Faroes. Soon, the road leads you to Gróthúsvatn, a small coastal lake beside the sea. Here, you ride along a narrow strip of land with the ocean on one side and the lake on the other—a unique and peaceful passage. Watch for unusual rock formations and plenty of birdlife.

One stop by Gróthúsvatn not to miss is the Knitted Stone, a unique and heartwarming annual community project created by a dedicated group of mainly local women. Over the years, they have transformed this large rock into a vibrant tapestry of colours and patterns, all crafted through the art of knitting.

The route continues across open, grassy flats with little elevation until you reach Søltuvík, a remote bay on the island’s west coast. Watch for a sign marking a short hike to the viewpoint Út í Egg, where you’ll be rewarded with coastline views. At the end of the road, you can roll down to the dramatic black-sand beach. Søltuvík is known for driftwood that washes ashore—a rare sight in the Faroe Islands. Be sure to visit the memorial to the shipwreck of the Principia, a poignant reminder of the sea’s power.

Inspiration / Alternative routes

Take a loop through Sandsbygd, one of the island’s oldest villages, for a longer ride. As the name Sandoy suggests, the island is known for its sandy soil and fertile farmland. Along the way, you may come across small roadside stalls where local farmers sell fresh vegetables—perfect for a spontaneous snack. Don’t miss visiting Spruttsholið, a coastal cave with local lore. On your way back, choose the opposite side of Sandsvatn for a fresh perspective and a quiet, scenic finish to your ride.

Elevation profile

The route begins mostly flat, climbs steeply to around 90 m, dips briefly, then ascends steadily to just over 120 m before gradually descending back to the starting elevation.

Child-friendly?

Suitable for children over 15 years, accompanied by adults.

Road conditions

Smooth asphalt road the entire way.

Special note

E-bikes make riding accessible for more people, including beginners. You can rent e-bikes on the island!

GPX ROUTE
Sandur - Søltuvík
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