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Eysturoy

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Overview

Eysturoy (lit. East Island) is part of the Faroe Islands in the North Atlantic. Eysturoy, meaning "east island" (pronounced ['estroi]), is the second-largest island in the Faroe Islands, both in size (286.3 km2 (110.5 sq

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Island rhythm beyond the capital

While most visitors focus on Tórshavn, Eysturoy offers a quieter pulse that reflects the Faroes’ agricultural roots. Small villages cling to the cliffs, and daily life revolves around sheep‑shearing festivals and communal fish‑drying platforms. Timing a stay to coincide with a local kvøldsmatur – a community dinner often held in a village hall – grants a glimpse of how the island’s rhythm blends work and celebration. These gatherings are rarely advertised, yet the locals welcome curious travelers who bring a willingness to share a plate and a story.

Routes for the adventurous pedal

The island’s network of rugged tracks makes it a cyclist’s playground, especially the stretch linking the villages of Gjógv and Norðskáli. The route threads past dramatic sea arches and offers occasional shelters where you can pause for a steaming cup of locally brewed coffee. Unlike the more tourist‑focused bus routes, these paths are marked by simple wooden posts, and navigation relies on a good map or a reliable GPS app. Pack a waterproof layer; the weather can shift from bright sun to mist in minutes, adding both challenge and charm to the ride.

Why the eastward view matters

Eysturoy’s position across the Skálafjørður sound creates a visual dialogue with the capital’s skyline. From the western cliffs, the silhouette of Tórshavn’s harbour emerges against the setting sun, a perspective that local photographers cherish. This vista is best captured from the modest hill above the village of Fuglafjørður after an early‑evening walk. The view underscores the islands’ interconnectedness: despite separate administrations, the shared horizon reminds travellers that each settlement contributes to a collective maritime identity.

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Introduction

Island in Faroe Islands, Kingdom of DenmarkEysturoy Østerø (Danish)IslandLocation within the Faroe IslandsCoordinates: 62°13′N 6°53′W / 62.217°N 6.883°W / 62.217; -6.883StateKingdom of DenmarkConstituent countryFaroe IslandsRegionEysturoyArea • Total286.3 km2 (110.5 sq mi) • Rank2Population (12-2018) • Total11,490 • Rank2 • Density40.13/km2 (103.9/sq mi)Time zoneUTC+0 (GMT) • Summer (DST)UTC+1 (EST)Calling code298590683 Eysturoy (Faroese pronunciation: ['ɛstroi], meaning 'East Island') is a region and the second-largest of the Faroe Islands, both in size and population.

Description

[edit] Eysturoy is separated by a narrow sound from the main island of Streymoy. Eysturoy is extremely rugged, with some 66 separate mountain peaks, including Slættaratindur, the highest peak in the archipelago at 880 metres (2,890 ft). The country's two longest fjords, Skálafjørður in the south and Funningsfjørður in the north, almost split the island in two halves. The isthmus in between, Millum Fjarða, is one of the flattest areas in the country. Important settlements on Eysturoy are Fuglafjørður in the north and the densely populated area of the municipalities of Runavík and Nes in the south. Eysturoy is connected with Streymoy by the Streymin Bridge over the Sundini. Leirvík on the east coast of the island is the gateway for transport connections to the north-eastern islands, particularly Klaksvík on the island of Borðoy, which is the Faroes' second-largest town. In December 2020, the sub-sea Eysturoyartunnilin (the Eysturoy Tunnel) was opened, creating a direct link between Runavík, Strendur, and Tórshavn. Sites of interest on Eysturoy include the villages of Eiði and Gjógv, the latter having a small natural port in a rock column; the Blásastova historical museum in the village of Gøta; and the 18 °C (64 °F) varmakelda (thermal springs) of Fuglafjørður. Off the northern tip of the island are the basalt sea stacks Risin og Kellingin. The town of Glyvrar on the eastern coast of Eysturoy is the home base for Bakkafrost, the largest company in the Faroe Islands. Bakkafrost is the eighth-largest fishing company worldwide. Four out of ten Premier league football clubs are in Eysturoy: IF (Fuglafjørður), NSÍ (Runavík), Skála ÍF and Víkingur (Leirvík). There are regional rowing festivals in Fuglafjørður (Varmakelda), Runavík (Eystanstevna), and one that alternates between Skáli, Strendur, and Vestmanna (Fjarðastevna). Accepted grind beaches are in Fuglafjørður, Funningsfjørður, Norðra- and Syðragøta, Norðskáli and Skálafjørður.