Eysturoy
Island Second-largest Faroe Islands island with dramatic fjords
Eysturoy, a Faroe Island of steep fjords and peaks like Slættaratindur, attracts walkers for coastal hikes, small fishing villages and birdwatching along dramatic shorelines.
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.
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.
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.
January
January is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (307 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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February
February is the coolest month with highs of 4°C and lows of 1°C. Heavy rain (249 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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March
March is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (293 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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April
April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (208 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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May
May is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 5°C. Significant rainfall (160 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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June
June is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 7°C. Significant rainfall (125 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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July
July is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (126 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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August
August is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (162 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
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September
September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (270 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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October
October is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (322 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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November
November is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 3°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (330 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
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December
December is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (310 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.