Things To Do
in Skopun

Skopun is a small harbor village on Sandoy in the Faroe Islands, perched on the southern coast with views of the sea and surrounding hills. Its brightly painted houses and working fishing harbour reveal a long maritime heritage in a compact, walkable setting. The village serves as a gateway to Sandoy's quieter landscapes, with coastal trails and distant views of rugged cliffs.

Visitors experience a serene Faroese atmosphere, where seafood, wind, and sea breeze define daily life.

Day Trips

Spend a day exploring around

day 1
Arrival in Skopun
morning
:

Arrive in Skopun and settle into your accommodation. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at a local café, sampling traditional Faroese bread and fresh fish. Take a stroll along the coastline to take in the stunning views of the surrounding fjords.

afternoon
:

Explore the charming village of Skopun, visiting its colorful houses and local craft shops. Don’t miss the chance to learn a bit about the island's history at the local museum. Enjoy a light lunch featuring locally sourced ingredients at a cozy bistro.

evening
:

As the sun sets, take a peaceful walk along the beach, letting the sounds of the waves accompany your thoughts. For dinner, savor a meal of fresh seafood at a waterfront restaurant. Wind down with a nightcap at your accommodation while enjoying the tranquility of the island.

day 2
Hiking Adventures
morning
:

Start the day early with a hearty breakfast before setting out on a guided hike to the nearby Slættaratindur, the highest peak in the Faroe Islands. The morning light casts beautiful shadows over the rugged terrain as you ascend. Enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding islands from the summit.

afternoon
:

Return to Skopun and indulge in a well-deserved lunch, perhaps trying traditional lamb stew. Spend the afternoon exploring the scenic coastal paths, keeping an eye out for seabirds and other wildlife. Don’t forget to capture the stunning landscapes with your camera.

evening
:

As dusk approaches, find a nice spot overlooking the water to relax and reflect on the day’s adventures. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, experiencing Faroese cuisine like fermented fish and root vegetables. Spend the evening mingling with locals and travelers alike at a nearby pub.

Cost Guide

Prices

ItemPrice
🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant$10-15
🍽️Meal for two at mid-range restaurant$40-60
🛏️Night in a mid-range hotel$100-150
🚗Car rental per day$50-90
🥦Groceries for a week$60-120

Strengths and Weaknesses

  • Stunning sea scenery and a peaceful pace
  • Genuine Faroese culture and fishing heritage
  • Limited nightlife and services in the village
  • Weather can be unpredictable and some attractions are seasonal
  • "Halló" - Hello
  • "Takk fyri" - Thank you
  • "Vinarliga" - Please
  • "" - Yes
  • "Nei" - No
  • "Hvar er TOALETIN?" - Where is the bathroom?

Places to Visit in Skopun

Visit one of these nice places.

Skopun Harbour at dawn

Soft morning light over boats and calm water with reflections perfect for long exposures.

Colorful houses along the quay

Row of bright houses lining the waterfront with the sea beyond and hills in the distance.

Skopun Church with sea backdrop

White church framed by the harbor and expansive skies, ideal for composition with movement of people and boats.

Coastal viewpoint along the shoreline

Rugged coast, rocks, and waves providing dramatic seaside imagery.

Culinary Guide

Food in Skopun

Faroe Islands cuisine centers on seafood, lamb, dairy, and seasonal produce, prepared simply to highlight natural flavors. Fresh catches, smoked fish, and hearty rye breads are common, with a strong reliance on local farms and coastal herbs. Expect modest portions, robust flavors, and a tactile, rustic dining experience. In Skopun, meals are often an interplay of the sea’s bounty and the island’s pastoral traditions.

Skopun Famous Food

Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food

Skerpikjøt

Wind-dried mutton, a Faroese specialty; thin slices are best with rúgbrauð (rye bread) and a splash of local culture.

Must-Try!

Fresh cod or haddock

Often served grilled, steamed, or lightly fried with potatoes and parsley sauce.

Lamb roast or stew

Slow-cooked Faroese lamb with root vegetables, reflecting the island’s pastoral traditions.

Smoked fish and shellfish

Smoked haddock or salmon varieties, commonly paired with rye bread and dill.

Food Markets

Explore local food markets

Skopun Harbour Market

Small harbor-side market offering fresh seafood, smoked fish, and homemade snacks when open.

Climate Guide

Weather

Skopun has a subpolar oceanic climate with mild, damp winters and cool summers. Weather can change rapidly with wind and rain common year-round; bring layered clothing and a waterproof jacket.

How to Behave

Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior

Greetings

A polite greeting and handshake are typical; address people politely, often by surname.

Photography etiquette

Ask for permission before photographing people or private homes.

Public conduct

Keep noise modest and respect quiet rural areas; dress appropriately for churches and indoor spaces.

Environment

Respect farmland and livestock; pack out trash and stay on marked trails.

Safety Guide

Safety

Skopun is generally very safe with low crime rates. Weather and sea conditions can be hazardous; check forecasts before coastal trips and avoid exposed areas during storms. Exercise caution on narrow roads and during ferry crossings.

Tipping in Skopun

Ensure a smooth experience

Tipping Etiquette

Not mandatory; a small tip for exceptional service is appreciated but not expected.

Payment Methods

Credit/debit cards widely accepted; cash is still useful in smaller shops; contactless payments common.

Best Time to Visit

And what to expect in different seasons...

Summer

Long daylight hours and relatively milder seas; ideal for outdoor activities and photography, though winds can be variable.

Autumn

Cooler temperatures with changing colors; migratory birds and changing sea conditions offer dynamic scenes.

Winter

Short days and strong winds; plan for indoor activities, warm layers, and potential rough seas.

Spring

Rising daylight and blooming coastal flora; winds can be persistent but hikes become more accessible.

Nightlife Guide

Skopun at Night

The nightlife in Skopun is low-key, with a few pubs and social venues where locals gather after work. Expect relaxed evenings, occasional live music, and friendly conversations rather than a bustling club scene.

Hiking in Skopun

Immerse in an unforgettable hike.

Coastal trail around Sandoy

Scenic route along the coast with sea views and occasional cliffs; suitable for a moderate hike.

Hiking loop through farmland and coastline

A gentle inland-to-coast loop offering farmland scenery and ocean panoramas.

Airports

How to reach Skopun by plane.

Vágar Airport (FAE)

The nearest international gateway, located on Vágar island near Sørvágur; frequent connections to Copenhagen and domestic inter-island flights.

Getting Around

Walkability

Skopun is compact and walkable, with most sights accessible on foot. Some nearby areas and trails require a short drive or bike ride; sidewalks exist in the village, but roads can be narrow.

Demographics

Explore demographics in this area.

Faroese residents

Core population; primarily families involved in fishing and farming; close-knit communities.

Seasonal visitors

Tourists and hikers who visit in spring and summer, contributing to the local economy.

Popular Sports

Explore popular sports in region.

Football (soccer)

The most popular sport in the Faroe Islands, with local clubs and matches across the islands.

Handball

A common indoor sport with local teams and community events.

Transportation

Traffic

Traffic is light with well-maintained roads. Public transport is limited; a car is convenient for exploring Sandoy. In winter, weather can affect travel and road conditions.

Accomodations

Find the best place to stay when visiting Skopun.

Dietary Restrictions

Tips for restricted diets.

Vegetarian

Choose vegetable dishes, dairy, and eggs; request meat-free options and ask for rye bread or potatoes as sides.

Health & Medical

Healthcare

Healthcare is provided through the Faroe Islands Health Service; there are local clinics and emergency services, with more comprehensive hospital care in Tórshavn or Vágar. Visitors should have travel insurance; check coverage if applicable.

Discover Faroe Islands

Read more in our Faroe Islands 2025 Travel Guide.

Faroe Islands Travel Guide