Welcome to Runavík!

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Since you’re here for a few hours, it’s the perfect time to explore. All routes begin at Visit Runavík, and here you can dive into more information about every stop along the way. Scroll down and find your route.

A) OUT IN THE HEATHER - km 2,5 (One way)

1. Visit Runavík

Visit Runavík is the town’s tourist information centre, welcoming visitors to Runavík Municipality and its 15 villages across Eysturoy. Here we’re ready to offer local tips, suggest viewpoints and walks, share what’s happening nearby, and welcome you to the Faroe Islands.

2. The Old Shop & Boat House

The old shop, known as Gamli Handil, was built in 1866 by Niels Joensen (Ytri Niels) and became the first shop in the area, serving as an important centre for trade on both land and sea. Located down by the fjord, the shop and its boathouse played a key role in the growth of the local community. Today, Gamli Handil is preserved as a cultural venue, hosting art exhibitions and events that keep its history alive.

3. Doktaragarðurin

Doktaragarðurin - The Doctor’s Garden - is a small green spot in the heart of Runavík, used today as a quiet place to sit, gather or enjoy a break in the open air. It also hosts public events such as Urtagarðsdagurin, which celebrates gardening, plants and local produce. The garden is named after Einar Djurhuus, the local doctor who once lived in the house that stood on this site. He served the area known as Heiðarnar - the settlements spread across the heathland above Runavík - from 1930 to 1968.

4. Hotel Runavík

Hotel Runavík is the only hotel in town, centrally located with its own café and restaurant.

5. Við Løkin

At the end of the brook flowing from Lake Toftavatn lies a small green area called Við Løkin, where a restored corn mill stands. The mill, once used to grind grain using the power of the stream, was rebuilt in recent years and now serves as a quiet historical spot.

6. School & Løkshøll Culture House

Skúlin við Løkin - the school in Runavík - was finished in 2008 and serves students from 4th to 10th grade. It replaced the older Runavíkar skúli, which had stood on the same site since the 1970s. The cultural house Løkshøll is part of the school itself, providing a modern space for concerts, theatre and other cultural events.

7. Bylgjan Sports Centre

Bylgjan sports centre in Runavík has expanded over the years. In 2014, a new sports hall was added next to the original hall from the eighties, which was renovated at the same time. In late 2025, the swimming hall also became part of the complex. Today, Bylgjan hosts a wide range of sports, including gymnastics, handball, badminton, archery and swimming. Sports are an important part of the community here, especially among children and young people, and Bylgjan plays a central role in supporting that active lifestyle.

8. Scout´s house

The Scout’s House in Runavík was finished built in 2013 and is specially designed for scouting activities in the area. Situated right beside open nature, it offers easy access to outdoor programmes and nature-based activities - something that comes naturally when living on these remote islands, where nature is always close. Over the years, the house has hosted family camps, youth gatherings and a variety of scouting events, making it an active meeting place for young people and the local community.

9. Lake Toftavatn

Lake Toftavatn is one of the country’s largest lakes, known for its calm atmosphere and the soft heather-covered hills surrounding it. A path circles the smaller part of the lake, offering an easy walk close to birdlife, still water and open nature. The lake is also tied to old Faroese sagas - including the story of Nykurin, the water spirit said to rise from the water in the shape of a horse. Along the route you’ll also encounter Nature’s Artwork, a series of small installations that draw attention to the often-overlooked creatures of the landscape and offer a creative, close-up perspective on Faroese nature.

Nature’s Artwork: Nature’s Artwork highlights lichens - tiny organisms formed through a partnership between algae and fungi. These small life-forms grow on rocks, trees and soil, creating delicate patterns and colours across the landscape. By bringing attention to these subtle details, Nature’s Artwork invites visitors to see Faroese nature through a more attentive lens, where even the smallest forms of life become works of art.
The Legend of the Nicks: One summer day, a large black dog with a golden-shining tail wandered into a farmhouse. When a child grabbed its tail, he couldn’t let go - and neither could anyone who tried to help. Soon the creature was dragging almost the entire village toward the lake. Out at sea, the farmer of the household felt something was wrong and went ashore. Hearing the cries, he ran home and saw Nykurin pulling the villagers toward the water. In desperation he tore up a clump of earth, marked a cross on it, and threw it at the creature’s tail. The spell broke instantly. Nykurin vanished into the lake, and the villagers, frightened but unharmed, made their way back home.

10. Statue of the Shepherd with his dog

The Statue of the Shepherd withhis Dog was raised in 2009 and stands facing the mountain, honouring the close connection between Faroese people, their land and their animals. Shepherding here is rarely a full-time job - most people keep sheep as a hobby or side activity - yet it remains a strong cultural tradition. With over twice as many sheepas people living in the Faroe Islands, sheep are an important part of daily life, from gathering on the hills to being a central part of Faroese food culture.

11. Svangaskarð

Svangaskarð sits on the hill above Lake Toftavatn and was the Faroe Islands’ first international football stadium. It is home to B68 Toftir and has also hosted the Faroe Islands national football team for several major matches - including their early international fixtures. A short walk up from the lake brings you to this historic spot, where the view from the top is truly magnificent.

B) LIVIN' LA VIDA LOCA - km 2,5 (One way)

1. Visit Runavík

2. Main Shopping Street

The shopping street lies in the middle of Runavík and brings together a variety of shops and services. Here you can buy clothes, books, souvenirs, Faroese handicraft and much more. The street also includes banks and the Visit Runavík information office, making it a convenient and lively centre for both locals and visitors.

3. Gula Smiðja

Gula Smiðja, the iconic yellow building that once housed a mechanical workshop - and has always carried its distinctive colour - is today a modern activity house for youth. The space has been transformed into a creative hub where young people can meet, take part in workshops and enjoy social activities. It also hosts concerts and cultural events, giving the old workshop a new life at the heart of the community.

4. City Council

The city council of Runavík Municipality serves a community spread across 15 villages along Skálafjørður. The municipality was established in 1967 and has grown steadily since, bringing these villages together under a shared vision for local development.

5. Statue of the Local Pioneer

Símun á Høgabóli (1877–1947) was a key figure in the early industrial life of Runavík, a town built on fishing, trade and hard work from the very beginning. As a ship owner who also ran both a fish factory and a grocery store, he helped shape the area’s growth in its formative years. His contribution is honoured with a statue made by sculptor Andreas Andreassen, unveiled in October 2012.

6. Old Corn Mill

Right below the main road through Runavík lies an old corn mill, now used as a sheep shed. In earlier times, Faroese families brought their grain here to be ground for flour - an essential part of daily life before imported goods became common. What stands there today may look humble, but it once played a vital role in how people survived on these islands.

7. Old Glyvrar School

The Old Glyvrar School was the first local school in the area and was in use until 1958. The small building still stands today beside the newer Glyvrar School, which now hosts students from 1st to 3rd grade.

8. Old Glyvragjógv Bridge

The old stone bridge, which also serves as the logo of Runavík Municipality, crosses a small river and stands as one of the area’s most recognisable landmarks.

9. Icehouse Gallery

The Icehouse Gallery on Bakki is a bright and welcoming art space filled with the work of Faroese painter Sonja I. Jacobsen. Today it serves as her colourful studio, but the old stone building has a long history. Built in 1912, it once stored blocks of ice mixed with salt to keep bait fresh for the local fishing boats before freezers existed. Sonja happily shares stories about this past while her paintings bring warmth, texture, and life to the room. It’s a peaceful place where Faroese history and creativity come together.

10. Marina, Glyvrar Beach, Sauna & Sea Swimming

Small fishing boats and leisure boats are moored in the marina, where the boat club also has its clubhouse. The rowing club is also located by the marina. Next to the marina is Glyvra beach, where people seaswim all year round, and there is also a small site for sauna and dipping.

11. Bakkafrost Salmon

Bakkafrost is the leading producer of top-quality salmon from the Faroe Islands. The company was founded in 1968, beginning with the processing of herring from the local fjord. Since then, Bakkafrost has grown into one of the country’s strongest industries, known for its high standards, sustainable focus and deep roots in Faroese coastal culture.

12. Church of Glyvrar

The Church of Glyvrar was originally designed by Vilhelm Nielsen, who served as priest in Nes from 1917 to 1927, when the church was first built. Years later, the building was extended by the Faroese architect J.P. Gregoriussen and underwent a major renovation in 1981, giving it the form it has today.

Christianity has played a central role in Faroese history for over a thousand years. The Faroe Islands officially converted to Christianity around the year 999, and ever since, the church has been a cornerstone of community life, shaping traditions, holidays, and the cultural rhythm of everyday life. Parish churches like Glyvra Church continue this long-standing connection between faith and Faroese identity.

Today, the congregation gathers for Sunday service every week at 11:00, continuing the tradition of the church as a meeting place for the local community.

C) LET'S GET LOST - km approx. 5 (Start to end)

1. Visit Runavík

2. The Old Shop & Boat House

3. Doktaragarðurin

4. Hotel Runavík

Hotel Runavík is the only hotel in town, centrally located with its own café and restaurant.

5. Við Løkin

6. Bylgjan Sports Centre

7. Scout's house

8. Outfield & View Point

- The expansion of the town is getting further and further out into the outback. These new houses have a fantastic panoramic view of the fjord.

9. Old Corn Mill

10. Statue of the Local Pioneer

Símun á Høgabóli (1877-1947) was a key figure in the early industrial life of Runavík, a town built on fishing, trade and hard work from the very beginning. As a ship owner who also ran both a fish factory and a grocery store, he helped shape the area’s growth in its formative years. His contribution is honoured with a statue made by sculptor Andreas Andreassen, unveiled in October 2012.

11. Gula Smiðja

12. Main Shopping Street

D) HOP ON HOP OFF - km 8,5 (Shuttle route)

1. Visit Runavík

2. Lake Toftavatn

Nature’s Artwork: Nature’s Artwork highlights lichens - tiny organisms formed through a partnership between algae and fungi. These small life-forms grow on rocks, trees and soil, creating delicate patterns and colours across the landscape. By bringing attention to these subtle details, Nature’s Artwork invites visitors to see Faroese nature through a more attentive lens, where even the smallest forms of life become works of art.
The Legend of the Nicks: One summer day, a large black dog with a golden-shining tail wandered into a farmhouse. When a child grabbed its tail, he couldn’t let go - and neither could anyone who tried to help. Soon the creature was dragging almost the entire village toward the lake. Out at sea, the farmer of the household felt something was wrong and went ashore. Hearing the cries, he ran home and saw Nykurin pulling the villagers toward the water. In desperation he tore up a clump of earth, marked a cross on it, and threw it at the creature’s tail. The spell broke instantly. Nykurin vanished into the lake, and the villagers, frightened but unharmed, made their way back home.

3. The Memorial Monument in Rituvík

Petur Højgaard from Toftir and his wife, Nikolina Torkilshøj, are remembered as the founders of Rituvík. They settled in the area on December 24, 1873, marking the beginning of the village. In 1975, a statue of the couple - created by sculptor Fridtjof Joensen - was erected by the church to honor their legacy.

4. Marina & Glyvrar Beach

5. Church of Glyvrar

Today, the congregation gathers for Sunday service every week at 11.00, continuing the tradition of the church as a meeting place for the local community.

6. The Village of Lamba

Lamba is a small and scenic village, home to around 130 people. It is an old farmer township, first mentioned in the Faroese Saga in 1350, though it may be even older. The village is shaped by narrow roads, traditional houses, and a strong connection to the sea.

Norske Løve: Lamba is closely linked to the story of Norske Løve, a Danish East India ship that wrecked at Lambavík on New Year’s Eve 1707 after heavy storm damage. Around 100 sailors survived, and the ship’s legacy lives on in Faroese songs, legends, and in the church bells and ship models found in Tórshavn and Eiði.