Discovering Sandoy in a Campervan
Winding single-track roads leading to picturesque villages, rolling white sand dunes, abundant birdlife, and unique endemic plants—these are just some of the wonders that Sandoy has to offer. A paradise for nature lovers and an ideal destination for exploring in a campervan.
An Underwater Art Journey to Sandoy
Until recently, Sandoy was a secluded island, only accessible by sea. Today, you can drive to this serene and unique island in no time, thanks to the nearly 11-kilometer-long Sandoyartunnil. But don’t worry about a long, dull, and dark drive—like other underwater tunnels in the Faroe Islands, this one is also adorned with Faroese art. Along the way, you’ll pass ten modern cave paintings created by the renowned Faroese artist Edward Fuglø, illuminated to enhance the experience.
Exploring Sandoy by CamperVan
If you just want to check Sandoy off your list, you can drive around the entire island in just a couple of hours. However, that would be a missed opportunity. Sandoy is a perfect place to slow down, connect with nature, and enjoy the freedom of campervan travel.
Many of Sandoy’s roads are single-track, narrow, and winding, making them unsuitable for large tour buses. With only about 1,200 residents on the island, you’ll easily find a peaceful spot where nothing but nature fills your senses.
For an unforgettable drive, head west from the village of Sandur toward Søltuvík. The single-track road first passes a freshwater lake before winding along a steep mountainside with the roaring ocean below. Soon, the landscape changes into green valleys with grazing sheep and nesting birds. You might even have to stop for playful hares on the road or a lamb eagerly feeding from its mother. The road eventually leads to an untouched bay, where underwater cliffs form a lagoon—a favorite spot for seals. Take a moment to enjoy the view of Sandoy’s dramatic bird cliffs rising above the sea to the west.
Camping in Sandoy with Your CamperVan
While it may be tempting to set up camp in a remote, scenic spot like Søltuvík, it’s important to follow Faroese camping regulations — camping is only permitted at designated campsites.
Sandoy has four designated camping sites, located in the villages of Skopun, Sandur, Skálavík, and Dalur. You can find more information about these sites and their facilities at www.camping.fo. You can choose to stay at one campsite and take day trips from there or move between different sites depending on your itinerary.
The camping site in Dalur is particularly scenic. Although it requires a drive along a single-track road clinging to the mountainside high above the sea, the reward is a stunning location in the picturesque village of Dalur, nestled in a valley surrounded by towering cliffs.
For more tips on campervan travel in the Faroe Islands, check out our blog: How to Plan Your CamperVan Trip
A Birdwatcher’s Paradise
With lush green valleys, heather-covered moorlands, shimmering lakes, wetlands, and dramatic bird cliffs, Sandoy is a haven for bird enthusiasts. The island hosts a rich variety of bird species, some of which are rarely seen elsewhere.
During particularly harsh winters in the north, Arctic birds may migrate to Sandoy in search of milder conditions. Occasionally, tiny exotic sparrows, carried across the sea by fierce storms, make unexpected appearances. And in spring and autumn, thousands of migratory birds stop on the island to rest and refuel on their long journeys to and from their breeding grounds.
Beyond these seasonal visitors, Sandoy is home to a wealth of breeding birds in the summer, as well as resident species that can be spotted year-round, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching in any season.
A short ferry ride away, Skúvoy Island is a must-visit for bird enthusiasts. The island is famous for its large great skua colony and also hosts puffins, guillemots, Arctic terns, and many other seabirds. Due to its rich wetlands and biodiversity, Skúvoy has been designated as a Ramsar site, meaning it is an internationally protected nature reserve.
Ferries from Sandoy’s Sandur village depart regularly for Skúvoy. You can find the schedule at www.ssl.fo but be mindful of the weather. Since Skúvoy has no dedicated harbor as such, ferry arrivals are highly dependent on favorable sea surface conditions in order to land and can be canceled at short notice if the weather changes.
Activities on Sandoy
If you enjoy hiking, Sandoy offers a variety of scenic trails. A complete list of marked trails, difficulty levels, and distances can be found on bygdagøtur.fo. You should also check out our blog “Travel the Faroe Islands Without Paying Hiking Fees” for essential tips before heading out on the trails.
For a different adventure, you can rent a kayak and paddle on Sandsvatn lake, rappel down a cliffside, or even join an evening of traditional Faroese food and chain dancing. The local tourist office (www.visitsandoy.fo) can provide up-to-date information on current activities and events.
Or simply slow down and embrace nature—take a peaceful stroll, sit by the ocean, listen to the crashing waves, the calls of seabirds, and the distant sound of sheep grazing. Breathe in the fresh sea air and feel completely at peace.
Sandoy is pure nature—best explored in a campervan.
If you’d rather sit back and let an expert guide you through Sandoy’s rich history and stunning landscapes, you can also join a guided tour with our sister company, Experience Faroe Islands. Their “Sagas of Sandoy” tour offers a hassle-free way to explore the island’s hidden gems, folklore, and breathtaking nature. Book your tour here and experience Sandoy without the need to plan every detail yourself.
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