Day 4 - A Spectacular Finale in Suðuroy

Our second and final day on Suðuroy was as eventful as it was exhilarating. With alarms set for 6:30 AM, we packed our gear, grabbed breakfast to-go, and headed out into the crisp Faroese morning. The goal? To catch the sunrise at one of Suðuroy’s most iconic spots: Akrabyrgi Lighthouse.

Sunrise at Akrabyrgi Lighthouse

Our gamble to revisit Akrabyrgi paid off in spades. Arriving 20 minutes before sunrise, we were greeted by a sky painted with fluffy clouds and glowing hues. The lighthouse stood as a perfect foreground for this breathtaking scene. The excitement was palpable as we scrambled to find the best compositions.

While the strong winds made flying my DJI Mini 2 impractical, Richard’s more robust DJI drone took to the skies, capturing sweeping footage of the sunrise and the dramatic coastal landscape. For two hours, we immersed ourselves in the moment, chasing the perfect shot before reluctantly moving on.

Jurassic Views at Eggjarnar

Next, we drove north to Vágur, following a winding road that led us to the cliffs of Eggjarnar, a hidden gem on the island’s west coast. Here, the view was like something out of Jurassic Park: jagged cliffs and towering sea stacks stretching southward in rugged majesty.

Descending back into Vágur, we paused to photograph picturesque boathouses lining the shoreline. Of course, no stop in Vágur would be complete without indulging in Richard’s newfound Faroese favorite—a French hotdog from the local gas station!

Trøllagjógv and Rituskor: Adventure on the Edge

From there, we made our way to Sandvík, navigating the bumpy farmer’s road once again to revisit Trøllagjógv (Troll Gorge). The wooden bridge spanning the gorge, with its precarious 289-meter drop, offered an adrenaline-pumping experience. Buffeted by 20 m/s (44 mph) winds, we cautiously crossed the bridge, using the steel wire handrails for stability while photographing each other mid-crossing.

Richard launched his drone for some dramatic aerial shots, even using me as a model walking across the bridge. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans. A sudden wind gust out of nowhere sent his drone crashing into the rugged terrain. After a brief search, we found it upside down, with its camera shattered—ending drone operations for the remainder of the trip.

Despite the setback, we made the most of our time at this extraordinary location before moving on.

Hvalba’s Hidden Gem: Fiskieiði

Our next stop was the charming village of Hvalba, where we explored a secluded area known as Fiskieiði. This spot, with its dramatic coastal scenery, was a delight to photograph until rain forced us to retreat to the car.

Waiting Out the Rain in Tvøroyri

Back in Tvøroyri, we made yet another stop for French hotdogs and waited out the persistent rain. Determined to make the most of our time, we donned waterproof gear and ventured out to the local plantation—one of the few wooded areas in the Faroe Islands. Though a stark contrast to the island’s usual open landscapes, it provided a unique opportunity to capture woodland scenes in this windswept archipelago.

A Memorable Farewell to Suðuroy

The Smyril ferry departed at 5:30 PM, marking the end of our Suðuroy adventure. Back home, my wife welcomed us with a hearty dinner of salmon, complemented by a sampling of traditional Faroese delicacies: rye bread with dried sheep meat, air-dried fish, and whale meat with blubber and potatoes, all paired with Faroese beer and snaps.

Reflections on a Remarkable Weekend

The weekend on Suðuroy was nothing short of magical. From the fiery sunrise at Akrabyrgi to the raw, windswept drama of Trøllagjógv, and even the woodland surprise in Tvøroyri, the island had offered a treasure trove of photographic opportunities and unforgettable memories.

As we reviewed our shots and reflected on the experience, it was clear that Suðuroy had set a high bar for the rest of the trip. This incredible weekend will undoubtedly inspire our preparations for the 2025 Faroe Islands Landscape Photography Tour.

Stay tuned for more adventures as we continue exploring the Faroe Islands!