A Guide to Visiting Leynar in the Faroe Islands (By someone who fell in love with this quiet gem).
The Faroe Islands consist of 18 major islands, but when you actually start exploring them, you’ll quickly realize that many of the villages are so small and remote, they don’t even show up as more than a dot on the map. Enter Leynar — a village that might not ring any bells at first, but absolutely deserves a spot on your itinerary.
Leynar is located on Streymoy, the largest and most populated island in the Faroe Islands (though keep in mind, “most populated” in Faroese terms still means you might see more sheep than people).
It’s about a 30-minute drive from the capital, Tórshavn, and roughly 25 minutes from the airport on Vágar, making it one of the easiest villages to visit — whether you’re coming or going.
What’s Actually in Leynar?
Leynar doesn’t have shops, restaurants, or a bustling town square. What it does have is a level of peacefulness and natural beauty that’s hard to describe — and even harder to forget.
The village is nestled between the mountains and the Atlantic Ocean, with just a scattering of colorful homes, a tiny road, and a whole lot of views.
Yes, There’s a Beach — And It’s Surprisingly Good
One of the more unexpected things about Leynar is that it has a beach. Not a rocky shoreline or cliffside overlook — a real, actual beach with black sand. It’s called Leynasandur, and it’s one of the very few sandy beaches in the Faroe Islands.
Now, don’t expect palm trees and beach bars. This is still the North Atlantic. But what you will get is black sand, crashing waves, steep cliffs on either side, and that haunting, cinematic atmosphere the Faroes do so well.
Fun fact: locals do sometimes swim here in the summer. I did not, because I enjoy having a functioning body temperature, but respect to those who do.
There’s also a small stream that flows into the sea and a charming little footbridge that crosses it — very photogenic, very moody, very Faroese.
Leynavatn: The Lake Above the Village
Just uphill from Leynar is Leynavatn, a lake that looks like it was plucked straight from a nature documentary. It’s surrounded by grassy hills and usually totally still — which makes for some great reflections on a calm day.
If you’re visiting on a rare sunny day, it’s a nice place for a walk or a picnic. And if it’s cloudy or misty (which, let’s be real, it probably will be), it somehow feels even more magical.
There is parking at the entrance of the village as well as further in the village. You will just have to continue driving until you find an open spot.
For the best views of the best I recommend driving to the other side of the street (opposite the village) and pulling off into the gravel parking lot there. You will see a sign about the beach and village there.
Practical Tips for Visiting Leynar
- There’s no town center, so bring snacks, water, or anything you might need. There’s nothing to “do” here in the traditional sense — and that’s kind of the point.
- Parking is available both at the entrance and further into the village — just keep driving until you find a spot. And don’t miss the gravel lot across the road from the village for the best beach views.
- Stay nearby in Tórshavn or check Airbnb for cabins in or around Leynar. A night or two in the area makes a great, peaceful break from faster-paced stops.
Other Spots to Check Out Near Leynar
If you’re already out in this part of Streymoy, there are a few other places nearby that are totally worth a stop.
Norðadalsskarð is one you’ll likely pass on your way to Leynar if you are coming from Torshavn, and it’s worth pulling over — if you can stand upright. It’s known as the windiest place in the Faroe Islands, and that’s not just local legend.
Wind speeds here have reached over 250 km/h (155 mph) — strong enough to tip over vehicles and peel the paint off buildings (seriously).
The pass sits high up between mountains with an epic view down toward the ocean, and on a clear day, you can even spot the islands of Koltur and Hestur in the distance. Just hang onto your car door when you open it.
Kvívík is just a 10-minute drive away and has some of the oldest Viking ruins in the Faroes. It’s a quick visit, but standing among those ancient stone outlines while sheep casually roam around you? Pretty unforgettable.
Vestmanna, about 20 minutes from Leynar, is known for its sea cliffs and bird cliffs boat tours — if the weather’s behaving and the tours are running, definitely go for it. Boat tours are only available in the summer.
You can also loop back toward Tórshavn, and stop by Kollafjørður on the way — it’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it village, but it’s got that classic Faroese charm and a church that looks straight out of a fairytale.
Should You Go?
If you’re looking for action, nightlife, or a checklist of things to do, Leynar probably isn’t going to blow your socks off. But if you want a quiet stop with raw beauty, a stunning little beach, and a lake that just might surprise you emotionally — Leynar delivers.
It’s a village you can see in under an hour, but the feeling it leaves you with might last a whole lot longer.
If you’re building an itinerary for the Faroe Islands and want a stop that feels off the beaten path, Leynar will be the perfect addition to your itinerary.
Let me know if you go — I’d love to hear what you think.