Funningur is a picturesque village located along the Funningsfjørður fjord on the Faroe Islands’ Eysturoy island. It is believed that Funningur was the site where the first Viking, Grímur Kamban, settled at the beginning of the 9th century. A village with a rich history indeed! It’s definitely a place worth visiting, especially when you’re on your way to the nearby Gjógv.
The beautiful setting of Funningur
Many villages on the Faroe Islands are located in breathtaking spots and Funningur, with its 70 inhabitants, is no exception. The village sits in a wide valley, surrounded by towering mountains, including Blámansfjall (792m), Grafelli (856m), Vaðhorn (780m) and Slættaratindur; the highest mountain in the archipelago at 882 meters. Funningur is located on the shores of the deep Funningsfjørður, with its residents enjoying views of the eastern part of Eysturoy and the impressive neighboring island of Kalsoy. Truly, it doesn’t get much more beautiful than this!
Gjáarskarð Mountain Pass
The road along the Funningsfjørður fjord turns into Gjáarskarð after the turnoff to Funningur, the mountain pass between the Slættaratindur and Middagsfjall mountains. From the top of the mountain pass, you get a beautiful view of Funningur, the start of the pass and the neighboring islands. At the highest point of the mountain pass, you can take a short walk to the Hvíthamar viewpoint. Here, it is said that you have the best view of Funningsfjørður, Kalsoy and all the surrounding mountain peaks. Unfortunately, in our excitement, we simply drove past it. Looks like we’ll have to go back again!
Colorful Houses along the Stórá River
The Stórá River flows through Funningur, emptying into the Funningsfjørður fjord. Around this river, which might appear more like a babbling brook in drier seasons, colorful houses have been built. Despite Funningur being one of the oldest villages on the archipelago, there are hardly any traditional Faroese houses here. Right on the fjord’s shore, on the northern side of the river, stands the Funningur church. On the southern side of the river is the (new) cemetery, although there are gravestones next to the church that belong to the old cemetery.
Funnings Kirkja
The church of Funningur, Funnings Kirkja, was built in 1847 on the former small island of Niðri í Hólma, replacing the old church (from the late 17th century). The church is one of the 10 remaining original wooden churches on the Faroe Islands. For a long time, Funnings Kirkja served as the church for nearby villages. Inhabitants of the neighboring village of Gjógv would walk to Funningur to attend church services, until the Gjáarkirkja church was built in Gjógv in 1929. Funnings Kirkja certainly belongs on the list of the most beautiful churches on the Faroe Islands, if only for its breathtaking location by the fjord. A church with a view!
Funningur, a picturesque village on the Faroe Islands’ Eysturoy Island
As you can see, Funningur is a village where you should definitely take a moment to stop. Take a walk through the village streets, along the river towards Funningur Kirkja. Sit on the grassy bank by the water and enjoy the stunning view of the fjord and the neighboring island of Kalsoy. And after that? Off you go to the equally beautifully situated Gjógv!
