About Eysturoy
Eysturoy is one of the main islands of the Faroe Islands archipelago, noted for its fjords, steep coastal slopes and scattered settlements. It is among the more populated and geographically varied Faroese islands.
The island features rugged hills and several narrow fjords, with settlements clustered along sheltered shores and valleys. Outdoor activities focus on hill walking, birdwatching and coastal routes that exploit the island’s varied terrain.
Eysturoy’s landscape has been shaped by glacial and marine processes, producing prominent peaks and deep inlets. Infrastructure improvements in recent years have enhanced road connections to other islands and supported local economic activity.
Eysturoy sits in the central Faroe Islands group between Streymoy and other islands, connected by bridge and subsea tunnel links to the Faroese road network and within short driving distance of the ferry and air connections serving the archipelago.
- Highest peak: Contains the Faroe Islands’ highest peak, Slættaratindur, which is a destination for hikers and offers sweeping island views.
- Transport links: Linked to neighboring islands by the Streymin Bridge and a subsea tunnel system, improving year-round road access to the rest of the Faroes.
Best Time to Visit Eysturoy
The best time to visit Eysturoy is summer (June-August) for the mildest weather and longest daylight for outdoor activities.
Weather & Climate near Eysturoy
Eysturoy's climate is classified as Subpolar Oceanic - Subpolar Oceanic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from 1°C to 12°C. Heavy rainfall (2862 mm/year), wettest in November.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | 1° - 4° | -3° | 307 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 5.8h |
| February | Poor | 1° - 4° | -3° | 249 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.2 m/s | 0.0 low | 8.5h |
| March | Poor | 2° - 5° | -2° | 293 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.0 m/s | 0.2 low | 11.6h |
| April | Poor | 3° - 6° | 0° | 208 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.2 m/s | 0.4 low | 14.6h |
| May | Poor | 5° - 9° | 3° | 160 mm | overcast | 84% | 6.1 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 17.5h |
| June | Poor | 7° - 11° | 6° | 125 mm | overcast | 87% | 5.9 m/s | 1.0 high | 19.3h |
| July | Poor | 9° - 12° | 11° | 126 mm | overcast | 90% | 5.5 m/s | 1.0 moderate | 18.4h |
| August | Poor | 9° - 13° | 11° | 162 mm | overcast | 89% | 5.6 m/s | 0.7 moderate | 15.7h |
| September | Poor | 8° - 11° | 6° | 270 mm | overcast | 88% | 6.8 m/s | 0.3 low | 12.7h |
| October | Poor | 6° - 8° | 3° | 322 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.6 m/s | 0.1 low | 9.7h |
| November | Poor | 3° - 6° | -1° | 330 mm | overcast | 84% | 7.8 m/s | 0.0 low | 6.7h |
| December | Poor | 2° - 5° | -2° | 310 mm | overcast | 83% | 7.9 m/s | 0.0 low | 4.7h |
How to Get to Eysturoy
Eysturoy is one of the Faroe Islands and is reached by road from the main town of Tórshavn on Streymoy via the subsea Eysturoyartunnilin (Eysturoy Tunnel) that links Streymoy and Eysturoy. Driving times from Tórshavn to towns on Eysturoy vary by destination but are typically on the order of 10-30 minutes once through the tunnel; local roads and bridges connect settlements across the island. Ferries also serve other island-to-island links, but the tunnel provides the most direct car access from the capital.
Tips for Visiting Eysturoy
- From Tórshavn and Streymoy the fastest way onto Eysturoy is the Eysturoyartunnilin subsea tunnel (the recently opened undersea tunnel with the roundabout), which shortens drive times compared with older coastal routes.
- Plan scenic drives early in the day when weather is often clearest and before tour buses concentrate at popular viewpoints such as Funningur and nearby fjord outlooks.
- Allow extra time for single‑lane mountain roads and stops - many of Eysturoy's best coastal viewpoints and small villages are reached via narrow roads where pulling over for photos is common.