Tjornuvik

Tjørnuvík sits at the head of a bay enclosed by steep slopes on three sides, the northernmost settlement on Streymoy, with a beach of black sand at its foot that draws surfers despite the temperature. Looking northeast from the shore, the sea stacks Risin og Kellingin stand off the Eysturoy coast. Viking-age graves were excavated above the village, and a path climbs from it over the ridge towards Saksun.

Background

The village belongs to Sunda Municipality, and in Danish it is called Tjørnevig. The only way in is route 594, a single-lane dead-end road 5 km long from Haldórsvík. Summer tourists used to clog it, until a traffic control system improved matters in 2022, and funding has been approved for early studies on a tunnel. Villagers graze sheep on the Stakkur sea stack, which they reach by cable car. The population was 71 at the 2006 census and 44 in September 2025.

Source: Wikipedia, "Tjørnuvík"

The landscape

• The black sand beach - a dark beach at the head of the bay, used by surfers.
• The Risin og Kellingin view - the two sea stacks seen across the water.
• The enclosed bowl - steep slopes rising on three sides of the village.
• The Saksun path - the walking route over the ridge to the west.

When to go

May to September is the season for the road and the walk. Surf is best in autumn and winter but the water is cold year round. Fog frequently closes the view of the stacks.

Things to know

The water is around eight to ten degrees and swimming without a wetsuit is not sensible. The road in is narrow and winding. Facilities in the village amount to almost nothing.

Nearby

Saksun is southwest over the ridge, and Haldarsvik is south.

Key facts