Leynar
One of the few sand beaches in the Faroes, in a sheltered bay on the western coast of Streymoy.
Updated 2 September 2026
Leynar has something rare in the Faroes: a proper sand beach, in a sheltered bay on the western side of Streymoy, which makes it one of the few places in the islands where people swim from the shore in summer. The water is cold, around ten to twelve degrees at its warmest, and most swimming is done in wetsuits. A campsite sits behind the beach and a river runs into the bay.
Highlights
- The sand beach - a rarity in a country of rock and boulder shorelines.
- The sheltered bay - the inlet that makes swimming possible here.
- The campsite - the summer camping ground behind the beach.
- The river mouth - the stream running into the bay.
When to go
June to August is the swimming season, such as it is. The water stays cold in any month. Winter storms rearrange the sand.
Practical notes
The water is around ten to twelve degrees at best and a wetsuit is realistically necessary. There are few facilities beyond the campsite. Faroese summer weather makes beach days rare.
Nearby
Kvivik is south, and Vestmanna is north.
What to pack for Leynar
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Reef-safe sunscreen - High SPF that will not bleach the coral you are swimming over. Find on Amazon
- Shelter suited to the place - Tent, tarp or hut booking - match it to the terrain and rules. Find on Amazon
- Quick-dry towel - A microfibre towel packs small and dries in minutes. Find on Amazon
- A warm sleeping bag + mat - Rated a little colder than you expect the nights to be. Find on Amazon
Some links on this page are Amazon affiliate links - if you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if Leynar is going on the list.
Booking links on this page are affiliate links - if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. It never changes what we write about a place.
Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
