The Northernmost town in The Faroe Islands - Viðareiði
Viðareiði is the northernmost village on the island of Viðoy of the Faroe Islands. The village is situated on an isthmus between two high mountains: on the north side Mount Villingdalsfjall rises 844 meters high above sea level. This is also the highest mountain in the northern islands and the third highest in the entire Faroe archipelago.
Getting to Viðareiði
Viðareiði is connected to the rest of the islands by a dam and tunnel system that allows easy access to the regional center of Klaksvík on Borðoy. The road to Viðareiði goes largely along the west coast of Viðoy with beautiful views of the fjord, where you can also see the many "fish circles," in which mainly salmon are farmed.
In the 17th century, the old church was destroyed in a storm. It is said that a part of the cemetery was washed away by the sea and that coffins from the cemetery were recovered in Hvannasund and reburied in Viðareiði. The current church was built in 1892. On the northern wall of the church hangs an altar plate, one of the oldest church treasures in the Faroe Islands. Thomas Koppen from Hamburg, who obtained the monopoly on Faroese trade in 1533, donated the altar plate to the church
Viðareiði is known as a good starting point for hikes to Viðoy's northernmost point, Cape Enniberg, which, at 754 meters, is the second highest sea cliff in Europe. The breathtaking view, especially in clear weather, alone makes the trip to Viðareiði worthwhile.
Viðareiði is a true paradise for the landscape photographer. Walk down by the church towards where the ocean waves are crashing on the rocks for some dramatic seascapes. Keep in mind though that the ocean can get very wild and rough here. Often the waves splash all the way up into town. So be sure to judge and respect the weather and conditions the right way.
Check out this drone video that I shot in Viðareiði in February 2022.
The Faroe Islands Photography Workshop and Tour - April 2023
Feeling like visiting and experiencing Viðareiði yourself? You can join my friend Páll Jökull from Iceland and myself in April 2023 on a 7 day workshop. Viðareiði is for sure part of the program, and we spend a decent amount of time here for you to capture this amazing place. Interested in the workshop?
Click the button below, and we look forward to see you in April.