Gjógv, the village of the gorge

Gjógv is at the northeastern tip of the island of Eysturoy, and its name says it all: in Faroese it means gorge. Next to the village, a cleft in the rock about 200 metres long runs down to the sea and forms one of the best natural harbours in the islands.

The gorge

It is the reason to come. Boats cannot stay in the water because of the swell, so they are hauled up a ramp inside the gorge. A path leaves the village along the top, with views of the sea and the northern islands.

A fishing village

Gjógv is first mentioned in 1584, although it is older. For centuries it lived from fishing and from dried and salted fish: as many as 13 fishing boats once sailed from here. Today about 20 people live in the village.

How to get there

• By car from Tórshavn: about 63 km. There are two ways:
  • through the Eysturoy subsea tunnel, faster, with a toll;
  • over the bridge across the Sundini strait, free and a little longer.
• There is no supermarket in the village: the nearest one is in Eiði.

What to do nearby

• Hiking: there is a classic route between Funningur and Gjógv on the old path between villages.
• Slættaratindur, the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands (880 m), is on the road between Eiði and Gjógv.
• Funningur, one of the oldest villages in the country, in the neighbouring fjord.

Respect the village: these are the houses and boats of people who live here. Park in the marked areas and do not go down the ramp if boats are working.

Frequently asked questions

What does Gjógv mean?

It means gorge in Faroese, after the cleft in the rock that forms the village’s natural harbour.

How long does it take from Tórshavn?

Gjógv is about 63 km by road from Tórshavn. You can go through the Eysturoy subsea tunnel (with a toll) or over the bridge across the Sundini strait (free), which is a little longer.

Are there shops in Gjógv?

There is no supermarket. The nearest one is in Eiði.

Sources

• Wikipedia: Gjógv
• Visit Faroe Islands: hiking trails