Explore hidden treasures, modern cave paintings, and stories of influential men and women linking Kirkjubø and Sandoy, two gems of the Faroe Islands. This tour offers a mix of geological features, archaeological sites, beautiful white sandy beaches with dunes, and steep cliffs where birds nest.
Kirkjubøur – the Medieval Cultural Center
The excursion starts at 9 AM, heading north through Havnardal. If the weather is clear, you’ll enjoy great views of Vágar, Koltur, Hestur, and Sandoy as we cross the ridge.
Our first stop is Kirkjubø, the old cultural center of the Faroe Islands and one of the few places that can make you feel as if you’ve stepped back into the Middle Ages. We’ll take a short walk around this charming village and share stories about its historical events, myths, and legends that have connected Kirkjubø and Sandoy through the ages.
New Subsea Tunnel with Cave Paintings
After Kirkjubø, we head to the old ferry port, the starting point for Sandoy. We’ll go through an almost 11-kilometer-long tunnel, 155 meters below sea level at its deepest. Driving through the tunnel won’t be dull as several visual artworks by the famous Faroese artist, Edward Fuglø, are revealed along the way. In the form of modern cave paintings, Edvard has visualized excerpts of Faroese history, myths, legends, and other artworks that will capture your attention as we drive through.
The underwater tunnel leads out into a valley, about midway on Sandoy island, and from there, we can decide which villages to visit and in what order, along with the island’s attractions.
The Village that Entered the Guinness Book of Records
Skopun, only 9 km2, is the smallest municipality in the Faroe Islands. It was once famous for having the world’s largest mailbox. The record has been broken since, but the big 7.42-meter-tall blue mailbox is still a sight to see. It stands out in the village with its narrow streets. Before the tunnel, the harbor was the main connection between Streymoy and Sandoy. On a clear day, you can see the ferry port on Streymoy and Kirkjubø.
Irish Hermits and Unique Nature
Between Sandsvatn, the third-largest lake in the Faroe Islands, and the sea, there’s a beautiful white sandy beach covered by mystical dunes. The area is home to several rare plants and insects not discovered elsewhere in the Faroe Islands. It’s a protected area, but we can still walk around. Research and excavations around Sandur suggest it could be the oldest village in the Faroe Islands, dating back to 200-300 AD, perhaps even earlier. On clear days, it is possible to see the island Skúvoy, known for its rich and varied bird population and designated a Ramsar area.
Peaceful, Majestical, and Dangerous
On the west side of the island, there’s a secluded and peaceful cove often occupied by seals. But when the weather turns bad, the waves crash fiercely against the bird cliffs. Several ships have run aground on the reefs off Søltuvík. On the single-lane road between Sandur and Søltuvík, we’ll encounter some interesting sights, like petrified imprints of bark and tree trunks in the basalt stone and a large rock dressed in colourful knitwear. This is just one of many breathtaking stops on our tours in the Faroe Islands.
The Cradle of Faroese Art
A 5-kilometer drive on a narrow road takes us to Skarvanes, Sandoy’s smallest village with about 10 residents. People have lived here since the 1400s, working the land and collecting driftwood. It’s also where Faroese visual art was first taken up. The view west towards Skúvoy and south to Stóra and Lítla Dímun are quite extraordinary, accompanied by rich bird life.
Along Steep Mountain Sides
The small village of Dalur lies beautifully in an isolated valley, surrounded by high mountains. To get there, we must again navigate about 5 kilometres along a long, narrow, single-line road high up on the steep mountainside. Sometimes, however, the road is closed due to rockslides. It’s a beautiful place, but visiting depends on the weather and road conditions.
The Cinderella of the Faroe Islands
Long before we can see the village of Húsavík, we are greeted by its hallmark stone walls that mark the boundary between infields and outfields. In the village we find several old, stone-built houses, ruins, and plots that testify to settlements dating back to the Viking Age. In the centre there are remains of the farm that belonged to the powerful Guðrun Sjúrðardóttir, who also owned land as far away as Shetland. The village also has a charming east-facing beach, a popular playground for both the young and the old.
Summer Holiday Idyll
Skálavík is known for its large fields and scattered houses. It has a boarding school and will soon have a big salmon hatchery. The harbor area has a cozy café in an old building that used to be a store and post office. In summer, the village gets busier with people staying in caravans, summer houses, or the guesthouse, and kids playing along the stream.
Sagas of Sandoy
This extensive one-day excursion will cover most of the beautiful island of Sandoy. It is tailor-made for smaller groups as we focus on creating personal experiences you won’t find anywhere else. Our local guides are knowledgeable and well-prepared. Along with their commentary along the way, they will be happy to take your questions and engage in conversation to make sure you get the most out of your tour.
Price Adult: 1.995dkk
Price Children: 995dkk
Included: Transport, Guide, Lunch, Beverages, Pick-Up, Drop Off
What to Bring: Warm and Waterproof Clothes, Good Shoes, Camera
Duration: 5-7 hours
Pick-up: Starts at 9h00
Group Size: Minimum 2 / Maximum 8
Difficulty: Easy
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