Viðareiði is a small village located on the island of Viðoy, in the northern part of the Faroe Islands. Like all the other Faroe Islands, Viðoy is breathtakingly beautiful, yet it has its own unique charm. Despite the island’s remote feel and location, you can actually reach it from the capital, Tórshavn, in just about an hour.
The best view of Viðareiði
Viðareiði is nestled on a narrow isthmus between two majestic mountains. To the north, the imposing Villingdalsfjall rises more than 844 meters above sea level. It is the highest mountain on the northern islands of the Faroe Islands and the third highest in the entire archipelago. To the south of Viðareiði lies the 751-meter high, conical-shaped Malinsfjall. To catch a glimpse of this peak, you’ll need some luck, as a large part of the mountain is often shrouded in mist.
For a spectacular view of Viðareiði and Malinsfjall, you can follow part of the trail leading to Villingdalsfjall. The path is marked with posts starting from the village. If you’re up for a longer hike, you can take the trail to Cape Enniberg. Cape Enniberg is the northernmost point of the Faroe Islands and, at 754 meters, also the highest sea cliff in Europe. The hike can be done independently, but it is only recommended for experienced hikers. The safest way to reach Cape Enniberg is, of course, with a guide.
Stunning views from Viðareiði
Unfortunately, both Malinsfjall and Villingdalsfjall were shrouded in mist during my visit to Viðareiði. However, even then, the island of Viðoy does not disappoint! Viðareiði has several beautiful spots perfect for photography and the views from the edge of the village are simply breathtaking. When you look west from Viðareiði, you’ll see the steep cliffs of the nearby islands Borðoy, Kunoy and even Kalsoy. Looking east, on a clear day, you’ll have a view of the neighboring island Fugloy.
Church of Viðareiði (Viðareiði Kirkja) in Viðareiði on Viðoy
The village church, Viðareiði Kirkja, is beautifully located along the coastline. Like many other churches on the Faroe Islands, it is a photogenic building in an idyllic spot. The church was built at the end of the 19th century and was inaugurated as a replacement for the old church from 1831. Inside the church, you can find British silver, a gift from the British Royal Navy in 1847. That year, a British merchant ship, the Marwood, ran aground off the coast of Viðareiðiafter drifting aimlessly at sea for three weeks. The people of Viðareiði received the silver as a token of thanks for rescuing the crew.
Viðareiði viewpoint after Viðareiðistunnilin
In 2016, the nearly 2-kilometer long Viðareiðistunnilin was opened on Viðoy. This Faroe Islands tunnel was built through the mountain range in the center of the island, making Viðareiði no longer dependent on road 70 along the west coast, which had previously been frequently affected by landslides, mudslides and other natural disasters. Once you exit the tunnel, you will quickly reach Viðareiði viewpoint. From here, you have a beautiful view (on clear days) of Viðareiði, located on the peninsula and the towering Villingadalsfjall behind it.
