Day 3 - Suðuroy’s Stunning Landscapes

The third day of Richard Watson’s visit began with an early start as we set out to explore Suðuroy, the southernmost island of the Faroe Islands. This two-day excursion promised a wealth of unique photographic opportunities, beginning with the ferry Smyril, which departed from Tórshavn at 7 AM.

The two-hour crossing provided a perfect chance to plan our day over breakfast onboard. Our accommodations were arranged at Hotel Tvøroyri, giving us a comfortable base for our Suðuroy adventure.

Arrival at Tvøroyri and Akrabyrgi Lighthouse

We docked at Tvøroyri at 9 AM and wasted no time, heading straight to the island’s southern tip to visit the iconic Akrabyrgi Lighthouse. Surrounded by rugged cliffs and dramatic seascapes, this spot offered stunning visuals, despite the relentless wind that made tripod setups a challenge.

The weather was a mix of gray clouds and occasional sunlight, with dramatic sunbeams breaking through the skies, adding a striking element to our photos. We stayed for about two hours, battling the elements to capture the dynamic atmosphere of this breathtaking location.

Pit Stop at Sumba’s Harbor

A short five-minute drive took us to the harbor in Sumba, where the power of nature was on full display. Days of strong winds had stirred up massive waves, crashing into and over the harbor pier in spectacular fashion.

Adding to the experience, we spotted two adult seals taking refuge in the harbor, a rare and delightful sight. Nearby, a picturesque black sand beach added to the location’s allure. The combination of natural action and serene beauty made this stop a highlight of the day.

Waves and Sea Stacks in Vágur

Our next stop was the town of Vágur, where we grabbed a quick meal - french hotdog - at the local gas station before venturing to the island's west side. Parking near the cliff edge, we were greeted by awe-inspiring views of waves breaking over sea stacks and colliding with the cliffs.

We spent about an hour wandering through the windswept landscape, marveling at the raw power and beauty of the ocean. This location perfectly embodied the untamed nature of Suðuroy.

Sandvík: Ásmundarstakkur and a Sketchy Bridge

As the day progressed, we drove to Sandvík, the northernmost village on Suðuroy. This area is home to two iconic photography spots:

1. Ásmundarstakkur
   A towering 100-meter sea stack nestled beside an immense cliff face. The dramatic scale and isolation of this natural feature made it a standout subject.

2. The Sketchy Gorge Bridge
   A manmade bridge constructed from two massive round wood logs and timber decking, spanning a deep gorge. While the bridge provided a thrilling photographic subject, it also required cautious navigation due to the sheer drop below.

Reaching these spots required driving up a rough gravel road typically used by sheep farmers. The 10-minute drive felt much longer due to the bumpy terrain, but the payoff was worth it.

We dedicated the rest of the daylight to Ásmundarstakkur, capturing incredible photos and even catching a hint of sunset colors. Richard was finally able to fly his drone here, capturing spectacular aerial footage of the sea stack and surrounding cliffs.

Evening Reflections

As night fell, we checked into Hotel Tvøroyri, freshened up, and headed to the hotel’s pizzeria for a well-earned dinner of pizza, fries, and beer. The meal was a perfect reward after a long day braving the wind and rain.

Over dinner, we reviewed our photos, sharing edits and reflecting on the day’s highlights. We wrapped up by planning our second day on Suðuroy, eager for more adventures to come.

Stay tuned for more as we continue to uncover the dramatic beauty of Suðuroy and prepare for our 2025 Faroe Islands Landscape Photography Tour!