Nólsoy

Island Faroe Islands island near Streymoy

Nólsoy, a short ferry ride from Tórshavn, offers a single village, steep coastal cliffs and notable puffin colonies; birdwatchers and day-trippers visit for guided walks and close views of seabird nesting sites.

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Nólsoy is a small inhabited island just off the east coast of Streymoy in the Faroe Islands, with a single principal village of the same name. It is known locally for its birdlife and small‑community character.

The island’s cliffs and coastal areas support seabird colonies and attract nature-minded visitors and photographers. A regular ferry connection links the island with Tórshavn, making day visits and short stays common.

Nólsoy has been continuously inhabited and retains traditional Faroese settlement patterns and landscape use. Its economy and culture reflect small-island life within the Faroes archipelago.

Geographically the island sits immediately east of Streymoy, opposite the capital Tórshavn, and forms part of the central cluster of islands in the Faroe archipelago.

  • Access: Accessible by a short ferry from Tórshavn and visible across the inlet from the capital.
  • Wildlife: Important breeding grounds for seabirds, noted for colonies that attract birdwatchers.
Nólsoy
61.9806, -6.6478

How to Get to Nólsoy #

Passenger ferries depart Tórshavn (Streymoy) for Nólsoy regularly; crossing time is short (around 15-25 minutes). Check the municipal ferry timetable for exact departure times.

Tips for Visiting Nólsoy #

  • Catch the ferry from Tórshavn - crossings are frequent and brief (about 15-25 minutes).
  • Walk the island trails for puffin colonies and quiet coastal views; local guides can point out nesting seasons.
  • Try the small café near the harbour for local fish dishes and watch for returning fishing boats.

Best Time to Visit Nólsoy #

Summer months provide the easiest access and the best weather for walking and wildlife; ferry timetables are most frequent then.

Summer
June-August · 8°C to 14°C
Best time for boat access, birdwatching and walking in long daylight hours.
Late spring/early autumn
May, September · 6°C to 12°C
Fewer tourists and good chances for seabird activity; weather more changeable.

Weather & Climate near Nólsoy #

Climate

Continental climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and cold winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from 2°C to 12°C. Heavy rainfall (2709 mm/year), wettest in November.

Best Time to Visit
JulyJuneAugust
Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
15°
Warmest Month
-4°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (298 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

298 mm
Rainfall
9.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.1h daylight

February

February is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (240 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

240 mm
Rainfall
9.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
8.7h daylight

March

March is the coolest month with highs of 6°C and lows of 2°C. Heavy rain (272 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
82%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

272 mm
Rainfall
8.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.2
UV Index
Low
11.6h daylight

April

April is cold with highs of 6°C and lows of 3°C. Significant rainfall (187 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

34 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

187 mm
Rainfall
7.8 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.5
UV Index
Low
14.5h daylight

May

May is cold with highs of 8°C and lows of 6°C. Significant rainfall (144 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

36 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

144 mm
Rainfall
6.6 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.8
UV Index
Moderate
17.2h daylight

June

June is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 8°C. Significant rainfall (117 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

46 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
10°
87%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

117 mm
Rainfall
6.3 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.1
UV Index
High
18.9h daylight

July

July is cool with highs of 11°C and lows of 9°C. Significant rainfall (120 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

48 Poor

Comfort

10°
Feels Like Cool
10°C
Temperature
11°
90%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

120 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
1.0
UV Index
High
18.1h daylight

August

August is cool with highs of 12°C and lows of 10°C. Significant rainfall (155 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

44 Poor

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
10° 12°
89%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

155 mm
Rainfall
6.0 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.7
UV Index
Moderate
15.6h daylight

September

September is cold with highs of 10°C and lows of 8°C. Heavy rain (255 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°
88%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

255 mm
Rainfall
7.4 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.4
UV Index
Low
12.7h daylight

October

October is cold with highs of 9°C and lows of 6°C. Heavy rain (301 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

40 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
85%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

301 mm
Rainfall
8.5 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.1
UV Index
Low
9.8h daylight

November

November is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 4°C. The wettest month with heavy rain (318 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

32 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
84%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

318 mm
Rainfall
8.7 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
6.9h daylight

December

December is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 3°C. Heavy rain (302 mm), mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.

30 Poor

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
83%
Humidity
Very Humid

Weather

302 mm
Rainfall
9.1 m/s
Wind
Breezy
0.0
UV Index
Low
5.1h daylight

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