An Eysturoy road trip takes you along winding mountain roads and through colourful villages across the Faroe Islands. Rent a car in the Faroe Islands and collect it at Vágar Airport. From there, you will travel through tunnels and bridges into Eysturoy’s dramatic landscape. The island has the Faroe Islands’ highest peaks and scenic villages such as Eiði, Gjógv, Funningur, and Elduvík. Our guide covers the best places to visit in Eysturoy.
Driving from Vágar Airport includes an undersea tunnel and two route choices into Eysturoy. Check your chosen route before leaving the airport, especially when weather conditions change.
Follow the terminal signs to the car hire collection area after landing. Keep your full driving licence, passport, booking details, and payment card ready. Complete your booking and payment at least 24 hours beforehand.
Drivers must be at least 22 with 1 year of driving experience. EU licences are accepted when current and valid. Drivers from the United States, Canada, and Australia do not need an international licence. Other licences need one when they do not use Roman or English letters.
Drive east through the 4.9-kilometre Vágatunnilin to reach Streymoy. Then follow the main road north towards the bridge across Sundini. The bridge has no toll and connects Streymoy with Norðskáli in northern Eysturoy. This route gives you easy access to Eiði and the mountain road towards Gjógv.
The Eysturoy Tunnel links Streymoy with Runavík and Strendur through an underwater roundabout. This route saves driving time when visiting southern Eysturoy or returning towards Vágar Airport. The tunnel stretches for about 11 kilometres and opened in December 2020.
The Vágar tunnel costs 100 DKK for a return crossing under the provided rental terms. A 490 DKK option covers unlimited Vágar and Norðoyar tunnel use during the rental. Eysturoy Tunnel charges range from 185 to 245 DKK each way, depending on your route. These charges may be taken from your deposit, so confirm the payment process before collection.
This Eysturoy road trip follows a loop from Norðskáli through the northern mountains and down towards Runavík. The route limits backtracking while covering the main places to visit in Eysturoy.
Turn into Norðskáli after crossing the bridge and stop near the waterfront or church. The village is located beside Sundini and offers wide views towards Streymoy. Use marked parking spaces and avoid blocking the narrow local road.
Continue north along the coast towards Eiði. Across the water, you may see Fossá falling down Streymoy’s cliffs. Eiði is between the sea, mountains, and Lake Eiðisvatn. You can visit the church, walk through the village, or view the surrounding slopes.
Leave Eiði on the mountain road towards Eiðisskarð. A roadside viewpoint offers clear views towards Risin, Kellingin, and Lake Eiðisvatn. Slættaratindur rises beside the pass and reaches 880 metres. It is the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands.
Continue over the pass and turn towards Gjógv. The road descends through a steep valley towards the village. Gjógv is known for its natural sea gorge, turf-roofed homes, and high basalt cliffs. Walking into the gorge is among the best things to do in Eysturoy. Check local opening hours before relying on the village café.
Drive south from Gjógv towards the Hvíthamar trail above Funningur. The short climb usually takes about 15 to 20 minutes. The viewpoint overlooks Funningsfjørður and the sloping fields surrounding Funningur. Park safely before walking and avoid stopping in passing places.
You can continue through Funningur and take an optional detour towards Elduvík. This quiet coastal village has traditional homes and open views of the fjord. Return to the main road and continue towards Runavík. Lake Toftavatn lies nearby and offers an easy final stop before your return drive.
Runavík has fuel, food, shops, and waterfront areas for a longer break. Book a car rental for Eysturoy with Final Rentals for unlimited mileage and winter tyres during your island drive.
Driving around Eysturoy requires steady speeds and close attention on mountain and village roads. Simple planning improves driving, especially in rain, fog, or strong winds.
Slow down before sharp bends and watch for sheep near the road. Sheep may move suddenly when traffic approaches. Use passing places only for oncoming traffic and never treat them as parking spaces. Be ready to reverse when the nearest passing place is behind you.
Check weather and road updates before crossing Eiðisskarð or other exposed areas. Fog can reduce visibility within minutes, while wind may affect exposed sections. Delay the mountain route when conditions become unsafe. Always stay on paved public roads because off-road driving voids insurance coverage.
Park only in marked areas or suitable gravel spaces. Never stop on bends, outside homes, or across village access points. Check every parking sign and set the dashboard disc where time limits apply. Do not assume every open space allows parking.
Fuel is available around Skáli, Strendur, and the Runavík area. Food shops are available in larger settlements, including Norðskáli, Eiði, and Saltangará. Fill the tank early and carry snacks when exploring smaller villages. The full-to-full policy means returning the car with the original fuel level.
Driving from Runavík to Vágar Airport takes about 1 hour in clear conditions. Weather, tunnel traffic, and stops can extend the journey. Plan a generous return window and check your scheduled drop-off time. There’s no grace period for the return, so request any change beforehand.
Inspect the car before departure and again before returning it. Record the body, wheels, glass, cabin, fuel level, and existing marks. The rental includes collision, theft, and third-party cover, but excess charges still apply. Tyres, rims, glass, keys, the undercarriage, and damage from wrong fuel are not covered.
Additional drivers are allowed for a fee and must meet the same licence rules. A deposit is authorised before collection. Ferry travel is permitted, but cross-border travel is not allowed.
An Eysturoy road trip is a great way to explore remote villages beneath the Faroe Islands’ highest peaks. Modern tunnels make this wild landscape easy to reach from Vágar Airport. Weather can change quickly near Eiðisskarð and Gjógv, so keep your plans flexible. Check your return route from Runavík before driving back to the airport.
Rent a car in the Faroe Islands with Final Rentals to get included cover and pick up your vehicle at Vágar Airport. Ferry travel is also permitted when your wider island plans require it. Book and manage your car rental at any time. Download the Final Rentals app on Google Play and the App Store.
A full day is enough to complete the main Eysturoy road trip route, including Eiði and the Eiðisskarð mountain pass. You can also visit Gjógv, Funningur, Runavík, and Lake Toftavatn. Start early and stay flexible because fog, rain, photography stops, and short walks can add extra time to your journey.
A rental car is the most convenient option because several scenic villages and mountain viewpoints have limited public transport links. Having your own car also lets you stop at viewpoints and adjust the route when the weather changes. You can travel more freely between Eiði, Gjógv, Funningur, and smaller coastal communities during the same day.
Yes. The route from Vágar Airport passes through the tolled Vágatunnilin. Travellers using the Eysturoy Tunnel will pay another charge. Tunnel crossings are usually recorded through the car’s licence plate. Payment arrangements can differ, so confirm tunnel charges, subscriptions, and deductions with the car hire company before leaving the airport.
