Discovering the Best of Suðuroy in a Campervan

Suðuroy, the southernmost island of the Faroe Islands, is often bypassed by visitors, yet it offers some of the most breathtaking landscapes and authentic experiences in the archipelago. With its dramatic cliffs, charming villages, and a slower, more traditional way of life, Suðuroy is a destination that truly deserves more attention. Exploring it by campervan gives you the freedom to discover its hidden gems at your own pace, from scenic coastal roads to untouched hiking trails, making it a must-visit for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path adventure

Akraberg Lighthouse on Suðuroy, Faroe Islands, perched at the southernmost point with scenic ocean views
Akraberg Lighthouse perched at the southernmost point on Suðuroy, Faroe Islands

Wake Up to Nature's Symphony in Suðuroy

You wake up to the lively calls of oystercatchers, pull on your leisurewear, and step outside—not into a crowded hotel lobby, but onto lush green hillsides dotted with peacefully grazing sheep. With a cup of morning coffee in hand, you stroll down to the lake, sit on a bench, and let the morning breeze wash away the night’s slumber. The gentle hum of a snipe creates a soothing rhythm as you stretch and take a deep breath of the crisp Faroese air before exhaling with a long: Aaaaaahhh.

If this sounds like the perfect start to your day, then a campervan trip to Suðuroy might be just what you’re looking for. Suðuroy stands out as a hidden gem often overlooked by travelers to the Faroe Islands. Since there are no bridges or tunnels connecting the island (yet), getting to Suðuroy requires a scenic two-hour ferry ride. Along the way, you might spot diving gannets or curious seals before the ferry docks in Trongisvágsfjørður.

A Landscape of Contrasts

Suðuroy is renowned for its diverse landscape, ranging from soft valleys to rugged, dramatic cliffs. The eastern coast features deep fjords and bays with green slopes and picturesque villages nestled within. In contrast, the west coast boasts towering, raw black cliffs rising sharply from the sea. Here, you’ll find numerous breathtaking viewpoints to take in the steep mountains, striking basalt columns like “Ásmundarstakki” near Sandvík, and the endless Atlantic Ocean.

Ásmundarstakkur on Suðuroy, Faroe Islands, offering dramatic views of steep cliffs and the Atlantic Ocean

On a late summer evening, a trip to the west coast at “Eggjarnar,” west of the village of Vágur, offers one of nature’s visual masterpieces. At around 200 meters above sea level, the view is an unparalleled panorama of towering cliffs, crashing waves, and soaring seabirds. As the sun sets, the coastline is bathed in a soft golden light, transforming the sky and sea into hues of gold, orange, red, and violet—a perfect moment of reflection and mindfulness.

Beinisvørð Cliffs in Suðuroy, Faroe Islands, featuring towering rock formations and breathtaking ocean views
Beinisvørð, a 469 metres high sea cliff, as seen from Eggjarnar vantagepoint

Camping on Suðuroy

Throughout your journey, you’ll come across countless places that beckon for a stop, offering peaceful and secluded spots with breathtaking views. Despite its modest size of just 165 km², Suðuroy has up to five camping sites to choose from, depending on the season.

Camping Vágseiði provides essential amenities such as electricity, toilets, showers, a kitchen, laundry facilities, wastewater disposal, and free WiFi. The campsite is beautifully situated between a freshwater lake and the towering cliffs of the west coast—the very setting described at the start of this blog. Nearby, you’ll find the scenic viewpoint “Eggjarnar.”

Suðuroy camping site in the Faroe Islands, offering campervan facilities in a stunning coastal setting
Camping Vágseiði is situated next to the lake Vatnið and a five-minute walk from the stunning coastal settings of Vágseiði

For supplies, the town of Vágur is just about 1 km from the campsite, offering supermarkets, cafés, restaurants, and even local woolen products like authentic Faroese sweaters.

If the weather turns rainy or stormy—which is not uncommon even in summer—there’s no need to stay cooped up inside your campervan the entire time. Head over to the multi-arena Marghøll or the swimming pool Páls Høll on the south side of the fjord for some physical activity or relaxation.

Find more details about camping sites on Suðuroy at www.camping.fo

Other attractions in Suðuroy, Faroe Islands

Suðuroy offers more than can be explored in a single trip between ferry arrivals and departures. While the island is only 32 km long from end to end, it’s worth taking your time to soak in its charm and spend a few days camping.

Drive south to Akraberg and enjoy the view from the lighthouse at the southernmost point of the Faroe Islands. From here, you can gaze upon the treacherous sea stacks known as “Munkurin.” Take the mountain road between Sumba and Lopra, offering sublime views of the towering 469-meter-high Beinisvørð mountain and the bustling seabird colonies nesting on its narrow ledges.

The village of Hvalba, Suðuroy, Faroe Islands, with colorful houses and lush green surroundings by the sea
The village of Hvalba, Suðuroy, Faroe Islands, with a view over to the uninhabited Lítla Dímun

In Froðba, you can marvel at the unique hexagonal basalt columns, both vertically standing and fan-shaped formations, before making your way over smooth boulders to explore “Holið í Helli,” a deep cave with striking colors and shapes. On calm days, the sound of gentle waves lapping against the rocks creates a serene atmosphere, while stormy days bring roaring swells and spectacular spray.

Froðba basalt formations on Suðuroy, Faroe Islands, showcasing unique coastal geological structures
Hexagonal basalt columns at Froðba (stabbagrót) - Photo: "Froðba, Suðuroy" by Erik Christensen / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Alternatively, join a guided tour deep into the old coal mines of Hvalba, or learn about the island’s dramatic history, including battles against Ottoman pirates in the 17th century.

Or rent a mountain bike, kayak, or fishing gear to explore the island actively. If hiking is more your style, take on one of the many “bygdagøtur” (village trails). At the Tourist Center in Vágur, you can borrow a Faroese wool sitting mat, making it comfortable to enjoy your packed lunch amidst breathtaking views without getting cold and damp.

Fiinally, make sure to check out the available hiking trails on Suðuroy at Bygdagøtur, where you can filter by length and difficulty level according to your preferences. Note that some trails may require a fee or the accompaniment of a guide, so it’s best to check ahead or visit our blog post “Hiking in the Faroe Islands Without Paying Fees”. Also make sure to check out Visit Suðuroy website on www.visitsuduroy.fo/en.

Campervan parked in Suðuroy, Faroe Islands, with misty mountains in the background for a scenic road trip

Take Your Time to Explore

Head south for a few days and discover Suðuroy’s unique geological formations, Viking settlements, coal mining history, and legendary pirate invasions. We certainly recommend enjoying the untouched Faroese nature in Suðuroy at your own pace in one of our campervans. Read our blog post on why you should travel the Faroe Islands in a Campervan for more information.

Related Articles

Scroll to Top