The clue’s in the name – Eysturoy, the east island, was named by the islands’ original Viking settlers as it is, indeed, located east of Tórshavn – the first and main settlement. And that proximity to the Faroese capital has never been handier. Although Eysturoy is a separate island, it’s now connected by a new subsea tunnel to neighbouring Streymoy and journey time to Tórshavn is now as little as 20 minutes. 

It’s barely 45km from here to Tórshavn, routing via the first subsea tunnel in the islands, which links Vágar with neighbouring Streymoy. However, you’d be doing the island an injustice if you raced immediately off to the capital – there are several things to check out before you leave the island.

 A detour worth taking

Gjógv, Slættaratindur & Hellurnar

From there on continues the steep descent down to Funningur, possibly the oldest village in the Faroe Islands (first settled in ca. 825 AD), where you pass the route to the iconic Hvíthamar viewpoint, and not forgetting the mountain pass through which the road to nearby Hellur (another great place for photos) winds its way, are both equally stunning.

Tradition & innovation in wool

If you’re after fantastic sea views, head for the southern tip of Eysturoy, where you’ll be treated to breathtaking open ocean vistas across to Tórshavn and the northern tip of Nólsoy. In fact, there’s even a special shelter close to the shore where you can sit and admire the view – out of the wind – what a good idea! Before you leave Eysturoy, though, be sure to check out the innovative & sustainable knit brand Navia at their store and main craft studio in Toftir, located barely a kilometre or two from the exit from the tunnel from Streymoy, where you might just pick up that Faroese jumper you’d been promising yourself! 

Fluffy sheep are ubiquitous in the Faroes, as are the stylish sweaters made from their thick wool…inspired by the fog-draped landscape.   

Jeanine Barone, The New York Times

Legend of Eiðiskollur

The tale of Risin and Kellingin, the giant and the witch from Iceland who set out to steal the Faroe Islands, is one of the more famous local legends. Like any good story passed down through generations, it has taken on different forms over time. But the gist is always the same: in their grand heist, they tried to secure the islands by tying a rope around Eiðiskollur mountain. In true mythological fashion, they got a little too caught up in the moment and forgot to check the time. As the first rays of sunlight hit, the pair was turned to stone, doomed to stand frozen in the Atlantic Ocean next to Eiðiskollur forever. Classic rookie mistake.

Map