Gjógv Travel Guide: What to Do in Eysturoy’s Sea Gorge Village

Before venturing to the Faroe Islands, I knew I wouldn’t be able to leave without doing the famed drive from Eiði to Gjógv that passes over the tallest mountain in the Faroes, Slættaratindur.

Turns out, the village of Gjógv offers just as much beauty as the drive going to it, so I decided to write a small guide to share some photos and thoughts!

In this guide, I will cover some thoughts about making my way to Gjógv, including what to do, where to stay, and some tips for your trip. Let me know if you have any questions in the comments. Thanks!

About Gjógv

Gjógv: Population 19. Despite only having 19 permanent residents, the village on Eysturoy gets about 35,000 visitors a year, which is pretty remarkable. I don’t know anyone who has visited the Faroe Islands and skipped Gjógv, in fact.

The word Gjógv means ‘gorge‘ in Faroese and when you visit, that will be one of the first things you notice when there.

Despite being only 63km from the Faroe Islands’ capital city of Tórshavn, the village can leave you feeling light years away from reality and society.

There is not much happening there; nature is all one needs to keep occupied.

How to Get to Gjógv

The best way to get to Gjógv is by renting a car. You will do the following:

• Drive north of Tórshavn on Route 10
• You will cross the Nordskala Bridge to Eysturoy halfway up Streymoy
• Continue to drive north to Eiði (it changes to Route 62)
• Turn right before you get to Eiði when you see the sign to Funningur and Gjógv
• Continue down the road into the village (stay straight on the road toward Gjógv when it forks)

I recommend making a stop in Eiði (population: 669) on the way there (you can check out the town’s museum, Látrið á Eiði). Eiði is also home to the famous sea stacks, Risin and Kellingin, that you can check out from Tjørnuvík village on Streymoy. There is also a viewpoint on the way to Gjógv.

From Eiði, you can also hike across the highest peak in the Faroes Islands, Slættaratindur, which proudly stands 882 meters high and offers the best view in the entire Faroes. From its peak, you can see all eighteen islands, from Suðuroy in the south to Viðoy in the north.

During the winter, this specific drive is near impossible, and the road can become blocked (for those of you reading this who are planning a winter trip to the islands). Just something to know!

Taking a Tour to Gjógv

Another option you have is to add Gjógv to a tour of the islands. This is best for those who are not planning to rent a car in the Faroe Islands.

This ‘highlights’ tour of the Faroes is my top pick as it goes to Vágar, Streymoy, and Eysturoy, where you’ll see famous sites like Gjógv, Fossá Waterfall, Bøur, Gásadalur, Tjørnuvík, Múlafossur, Saksun, and more.

Leaving Gjógv

You don’t have to take the same route back (in fact, you don’t even have to drive that route there… it is just pretty, so I suggest it!). You can drive the Funningur route back, which doesn’t take you over Slættaratindur.

It is much easier and is the way you’ll want to drive in the winter months (or if the weather sucks).

Things to do in Gjógv

See the fishermen’s memorial in Minnisvarðin í Gjógv.

Gjógv has one of the best natural harbors in the Faroe Islands and has a rich fishing history. But rich history doesn’t come without a tragedy or two, and Gjógv is no exception.

In the village, you will undoubtedly see the memorial dedicated to the many fishermen who lost their lives at sea. The memorial sits in Minnisvarðin í Gjógv and humanizes the place and its history, which hit its population peak in the 1940s but has been on a steady decline since.

The memorial was created by Janus Kamban. His name is well-known across the Faroes for his commemorative statues throughout the islands.

Hit up some of Gjógv’s trails.

Trails are ubiquitous in and around the area. Ambadalur Valley is located to the northwest of Gjógv and offers a view of the highest free-standing sea stack in the Faroes, and is known to locals as Búgvin. Seabirds are in abundance in this area, and Búgvin is a safe haven for them.

To the east of Gjógv, you will find Tyril and Middagsfjall, two tall peaks that offer some worthwhile hikes alongside stunning views of Funningsfjørður (a fjord).  

To see more about the hikes in and around Gjógv, you can check out this link.

Check out Gjógv Kirkja.

Close to the memorial is the village church, Gjógv Kirkja. This church dates back to 1929 and was the first in the Faroes to conduct a sermon in the Faroese language.

Grab an ice cream and coffee at Gjáarkaffi.

Gjaargardur Guesthouse Gjógv has opened an ice cream and coffee spot in the village that definitely wasn’t open when I was last there! But, they have licorice ice cream and espresso, so I think it is most definitely worthy of a stop on your Gjógv itinerary!

Where to Stay in Gjógv

In Gjógv, one can stay at the renowned guest house (and one of the few places to stay around there), Gjaargardur Guesthouse Gjógv. They have had their doors open to guests since 1984 and really do an incredible number for tourism in the village.

The guesthouse offers free wifi, and the owners are extremely knowledgeable about the area and hiking. It also has a seasonal restaurant, table tennis, and bicycle rentals.

Also, be sure to check out my Faroe Islands hotels guide for other places in the islands. Another alternative is to go camping in the Faroes.

I really loved my time in Gjógv and I highly recommend the village to anyone traveling to the Faroe Islands.

If you hve any questions about visiting Gjógv, let me know in the comments. Thanks!

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