Church in Saksun

Streymoy Island Travel Guide

By Verified Expert

Streymoy is the largest island of the 18 islands that make up the Faroe Islands. The island is situated in the middle of the archipelago.

The island makes up 24% of the total land area and 50% of the entire population. All villages on the island are linked together with high-quality paved roads.

You will find stunning sights on Streymoy Island such as the remote villages Saksun and Tjørnuvík. The island is also home to the tallest waterfall in the Faroe Islands, Fossá.

The capital in the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, is located on Streymoy Island as well as the best restaurant in the country, KOKS (The restaurant is closed in 2022, 2023, 2024). Moreover, you will find most of the quality restaurants in the capital.

Faroe Islands map

Koppenni (789 m) is the island’s highest summit. An easy to reach mountain is Sornfelli. In addition, the mountain comes with a beautiful view of surrounding peaks and fjords.

Sornfelli can be reached by car after driving on a narrow road for a while. The road will lead you to a plateau where you will park the car. This is where you will enjoy spectacular views.

The Vestmanna Sea Cliffs

Cliffs on Streymoy Island
The west coast of Streymoy Island. Photo by @jdubcaptures on Instagram.

The best known nature attraction on the island is the Vestmanna Sea Cliffs. Tours to the amazing cliffs on the island’s west coast are made from April to October.

The only way to experience the sea cliffs is in a boat. All boats to the cliffs depart from the village Vestmanna. Explore the rugged coastline, caves, and cliffs on the Vestmanna Sea Cliffs Boat Tour.

Vestmanna sea cliffs
Views you get when joining a boat tour to the Vestmanna Sea Cliffs. Photo by Mads Fyllgraf.

Streymoy Island is connected by roads to three neighbouring islands. Vágar Island is linked to Streymoy Islands with a 5 kilometre (3.1 miles) sub-sea tunnel. Another underwater tunnel links Streymoy Island to Sandoy Island through the 10.8 kilometre (6.7 miles) long Sandoyartunnilin.

Eysturoy Island is connected to Streymoy Island by a 250 metres (820 feet) bridge. The underwater tunnel Eysturoyartunnilin also connects Streymoy to Eysturoy. The tunnel is a 11.2 kilometre (6.9 miles) underwater tunnel network with the world’s first under-sea roundabout.

Home to 22 villages

Houses in Faroe Islands
The less visited village Haldórsvík located on the route to the much visited Tjørnuvík. Photo by Lucas de França known as @lucasdefranca_ on Instagram.

There are a total of 22 villages on Streymoy Island. From very small hamlets such as Norðradalur and Syðradalur with only a couple of families to the most populated area in the archipelago, Tórshavn.

Some places on the island are almost never visited by travellers. You rarely find any visitors stopping by the sandy settlement Leynar. The place is worth a visit for its peaceful surroundings.

Mum and child in Saksun
A sunny moment in the unspoiled settlement Saksun. Photo by @colinandmeg on Instagram.

Haldórsvík is another less visited village. The reason why most people bypass this settlement along the Sundini strait is due to two major attractions lying on each side of Haldórsvík.

Just before entering the village, you will have the mighty Fossá Waterfall and just after passing the village, you reach the secluded Tjørnuvík with all its picturesqueness. Nevertheless, stopping in Haldórsvík will let you enjoy a peaceful moment in uncrowded settings.

Fossá waterfall on Streymoy Island
Fossá waterfall is the tallest waterfall in the archipelago.
Other great attractions

Sørvágsfjørður Fjord

Kalsoy Island aerial view

Kalsoy Island

Beinisvørð cliffs

Beinisvørð