Viðoy

Introducing Viðoy

Hvannasund The small, nondescript port of Hvannasund (pronounced kwana-sund) guards a crossfjord causeway. It’s the starting point for timewarp mail-boat trips to Fugloy and for Alpha Pilot tour-cruises (tel:220849; Dkr250, 3pm daily, Jul-Aug) that circumnavigate Fugloy or round Enniberg (see below) according to currents and weather.

Viðareiði The boxy homesteads of Viðareiði (pronounced vee-ar- oy-ye) are scattered across a lovely green swale between perfectly pyramidal Malinsfjall (750m) and the soaring amphitheatre of Villingadalsfjall (841m). Especially when viewed from Fugloy, the resultant U-shaped valley looks like God’s skateboarding ramp. Climbing part-way up Villingadalsfjall reveals some magnificent views across the headlands of Borðoy, Kunoy and Kalsoy. Climbing further you’ll encounter steep scree but when fog and low clouds allow, experienced trekkers can scramble over the summit, along a knife-edge ridge and on to Enniberg, one of Europe’s highest sea-cliffs. For something much gentler just stroll to Viðareiði’s dainty, 1892 church and pretty old jetty area at the western end of the village.

Presentable if windlashed, the central Hotel Norð (tel:451244; fax 451245; s/d Dkr600/800; Jun-Aug) offers sweeping views from south-facing rooms. The expansive restaurant (mains 175-205; noon-8pm Sun-Thu, noon-9.30pm Fri & Sat) has an eerily deserted Marie Celeste atmosphere when no groups are in. Opposite is a grocery and four doors away the eight-table house-restaurant Mastovan Elisabeth (tel:451275; mains Dkr155-185; noon-9pm) serves roasted puffin in season (July) if you prebook.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009