As a protective barrier against the roaring waves of the North Atlantic, Nólsoy lies to the east of Tórshavn. Only a 20-minute sail across the strait, and you are in another world. Nólsoy offers a visit to the islands puffin colony, an excursion to one of the world’s largest storm petrel colonies on the east side, or just a quiet stroll among colorful houses, enchanting locals, and a charming harbor.
Peace and Colors
The ferry docks inside the small harbor, while the swells break over the sandy beach; a popular spot for sea bathing. The colorful houses are tightly packed on the north side of the harbor, with the white wooden church out by the pier. On the quay you might find some colorful wheelbarrows provided by the village for free for the locals to transport groceries, fishing gear, or perhaps luggage upon return from Tórshavn.
The Saint Tropez of the Faroe Islands
From the harbor we walk through the village, up to the northern tip of the island, to enjoy the view from the rolling grassland and perhaps spot some puffins and other birds. Along the way, we pass the small white wooden church and next to it, a memorial stone for Nólsoyar Páll, one of the Faroe Islands’ great heroes, who bravely stood up against the trade monopoly established by the Danish king.
On the northeast side of the island, we will discover how narrow the island actually is, right where the village is located, and get a sense of the magnitude of the North Atlantic waves. The local football field lies to the west, nature’s playground to the east, with only a narrow strip of basalt cliffs in between.
As we stroll around the village, where car traffic is a rarity, the guide is likely to talk about another of the island’s heroes, Ove Joensen, who in 1986 rowed from the Faroes to Denmark in a small boat all by himself, and who has given name to the annual festival on the island. At the annual “Ovastevna,” held in mid-August, people sail in from all corners of the Faroe Islands and the streets are filled with food, singing, and dancing. A visit to the newly opened “Ovasavn” museum is also included in the tour.
On Nólsoy, there is a grocery store, cafés, and a music venue, so we can relax for a moment in the cozy surroundings before the ferry takes us back to Tórshavn.
*Please note pick up times might change depending on availability in the boat.
Please note puffins start leaving the Faroe Islands from mid-August.
Nólsoy & Stongin
Included: Ferry transport, Guide, Coffee, entry to Ovasavnið
What to Bring: Warm and Waterproof Clothes, Good Shoes, Camera
Duration: 5-6 hours
Meeting Time: 12.00
Meeting Point: Tórshavn Terminal
Group Size: Minimum 2 / Maximum 7
Difficulty: Easy+
Keep Exploring:
