Funningsfjørður, located on the Faroe Islands’ Eysturoy, is one of the deepest fjords in the archipelago. You’ll likely drive past this stunning fjord on your way to the village of Gjógv, unless you opt to take the route through Eiði. The views of the fjord are breathtaking, even just from the car. The road meanders gently along the slopes of surrounding mountains, making the drive a true delight!
At the end of the fjord lies the village of Funningsfjørður. It takes about half an hour to drive from Tórshavn to the village. While there isn’t much to do in this small village with fewer than 70 inhabitants, the views alone make it worth a visit.
Funningsfjørður and Whaling History
Funningsfjørður was founded in 1812 and thrived in the early 20th century due to the whaling industry. Norwegian Conrad Evensen took over the whaling ship Emma and established a whaling station also named Emma in the village. The station produced whale oil and bone meal. Emma was particularly successful as it was the only whaling vessel that hunted in Skopunarfjørður, the fjord north of the islands of Suðuroy and Sandoy.
With the outbreak of World War I, the whaling industry in Funningsfjørður came to an end. By the mid-20th century, the station was partially demolished and its materials were repurposed to build a shipyard. The last remnants of the station were removed only in 2018.
The roads along Funningsfjørður
On both sides of the fjord, there are well-maintained roads. The road on the eastern side takes you to the small village of Elduvík, with just 23 inhabitants. It’s a quiet place, although it gets a bit busier in the summer due to the local campsite. Along the coast, you’ll find the natural harbor, Gjógvin í Elduvík. The view on the way to Elduvík is breathtaking, but I personally find the view from the western side of the fjord even more impressive. Funningsfjørður starts narrow but gradually widens. After passing the angular coastline of Elduvíksnes on the opposite side, the steep mountain slopes of the neighboring island Kalsoy appear before you. The scenery only gets more beautiful as you continue toward the village of Funningur!
The best view of Funningsfjørður
The best view of Funningsfjørður can be enjoyed from the Hvíthamar viewpoint, which you pass on your way to Gjógv. After the village of Funningur, you need to cross the Gjáarskarð mountain pass and not long after, you’ll have the chance to park your car. It’s a short walk to the viewpoint, where, if you’re lucky (read: clear weather), you can catch a glimpse of the highest mountain of the Faroe Islands, Slættaratindur.
