Sandoy, the island of beaches and lakes
Sandoy has been linked to Tórshavn by a subsea tunnel since 2023. What to see: Sandur, Líraberg, Lake Sandsvatn, easy walks and the ferry to Skúvoy.
Sandoy is flatter and greener than its neighbours, with rounded mountains, sandy beaches and lakes. It is good for cycling and for easy walks, and since 2023 you can drive there from Tórshavn.
How to get there
The Sandoyartunnilin subsea tunnel, 11 km long, opened in December 2023 and replaced the ferry. It runs from Gamlarætt (Streymoy) to the north of Sandur. It has a toll: check the official rates. Visit Faroe Islands suggests it as a day trip from Tórshavn.
What to see
- Sandur: the main village, with a beach. In 1863 a hoard of 98 silver coins, probably buried around the year 1100, was found in its churchyard. Today it is in the National Museum in Tórshavn.
- Listasavnið á Sandi: an art museum with almost a century of Faroese contemporary work.
- Líraberg: sea stacks, cliffs and birds.
- Søltuvík: a bay on the west coast where seals are sometimes seen, with a memorial to an 1895 shipwreck.
- Lake Sandsvatn: you can go kayaking.
Walks
| Route | What you will see |
|---|---|
| Skálavík - Skálhøvdi - Skálavík | An easy walk of about 2 km |
| Skopun - Lírabergshálsur | Cliffs, lakes and views of the west coast |
| Guðrunarløkur - Skarvanes - Dalur | Southern villages and peat bogs |
Skúvoy, 20 minutes away
The ferry to Skúvoy leaves from Sandur and takes about 20 minutes. The island has 400-metre cliffs, is a Ramsar protected site and has a large puffin colony. There are no shops or cafés, so bring food.
Where to eat
There is a hotel with a restaurant on the east coast, Café á Mølini at the harbour, and a kiosk at the Sandur bakery with sandwiches to take away.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Sandoy?
Through the 11 km Sandoyartunnilin subsea tunnel, opened in December 2023. It replaced the ferry and links Gamlarætt, on Streymoy, with the north of Sandur. It has a toll.
Can you visit Sandoy in a day?
Yes. Visit Faroe Islands suggests it as a day trip from Tórshavn.