Fossá Waterfall is one of those places in the Faroe Islands where you really do not need to overcomplicate things. You drive past it, park the car and are almost immediately standing by the highest waterfall on the islands. No long hike, no ticket, no big plan. Just stop for a moment and take a look.
We visited Fossá during our route across Streymoy, between Saksun and Tjørnuvík. And honestly: this is exactly the kind of stop the Faroe Islands are so good at. Easy to reach, rugged scenery and yet another view that would probably have a complete visitor centre in many other countries.
In this short blog, I will tell you what to expect at Fossá, how to combine it with Saksun and Tjørnuvík and why you really do not need to think too long about stopping here.
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What is Fossá Waterfall?
Fossá is the highest waterfall in the Faroe Islands. The waterfall is around 140 metres high and drops down the mountain wall on Streymoy in two sections. Especially after rain, it can be quite powerful. And let’s be honest: rain is usually not the hardest thing to find in the Faroe Islands.
The name Fossá basically means something like “waterfall river”, so they did not make it too complicated here. But it is beautiful. You see the water falling from top to bottom, surrounded by green slopes and dark rocks. A typical Faroe Islands scene.
Where is Fossá located?
Fossá is located on Streymoy, along the road towards Tjørnuvík. That makes the waterfall very easy to combine with other places in the north of the island, such as Saksun and Tjørnuvík.
We visited Fossá as a short stop along the way. That is exactly how I would plan it too. Not as the main goal of your day, but as a nice break between two other places. You do not need to make a one-hour detour for it, but if you are nearby: definitely stop.
Parking at Fossá
Parking at Fossá is easy. You will find space along the road to leave your car, and from there you can walk straight towards the waterfall. Do not expect a large car park with a barrier and souvenir shop. It is mainly practical and simple.
That is exactly what we liked about it. Get out for a moment, stretch your legs, take a photo and hear the water crashing down. Then you can simply continue towards your next stop.
Do you have to hike to Fossá?
You do not really have to hike to see Fossá. From the road and the parking spot, you already get a good view of the waterfall. If you want to get closer, you can walk a little towards the base of the waterfall and also climb up slightly. Great for photos!
Fossá is beautiful, easy to reach and impressive because it is so high. But it is not a place where you need half a day. Allow around 15 to 30 minutes, depending on how many photos you take and how close you want to get.
We definitely thought Fossá was worth it, precisely because it takes so little effort. You are already nearby if you drive to Tjørnuvík, so it would be a shame to skip the highest waterfall in the Faroe Islands.
Combining Fossá with Saksun and Tjørnuvík
Fossá works best as part of a route through North Streymoy. We would combine it with Saksun and Tjørnuvík. These are three very different stops, but together they give you a lovely impression of this part of the Faroe Islands.
Saksun is a tiny village with huge views, an old farm, a lagoon and a waterfall. Read our blog about Saksun in the Faroe Islands here.
Tjørnuvík is located on a black bay and looks out towards the famous rocks Risin og Kellingin. This village fits perfectly into the same day route. First Saksun, then Fossá and then Tjørnuvík is a very logical order.
Staying overnight near Fossá
Fossá itself is not a place where you need to stay overnight specifically. It makes more sense to sleep in Tórshavn, Kollafjørður or somewhere central on Streymoy. We stayed in a farmhouse near Kollafjørður, which was conveniently located for a route towards Saksun, Fossá and Tjørnuvík.
Do you want to stay somewhere central for several days in the Faroe Islands? Then Tórshavn is often the most practical choice. You have more restaurants, shops and accommodation there. Prefer somewhere quieter? Then look for accommodation on Streymoy outside the city, for example towards Kollafjørður or North Streymoy.
So, should you stop at Fossá?
Yes, definitely if you are nearby anyway. Fossá is not worth a long blog and it is not a full-day activity either, but it does not need to be. It is a beautiful, easy stop at the highest waterfall in the Faroe Islands.
For us, Fossá fitted perfectly between Saksun and Tjørnuvík. Get out, look at the waterfall, take a photo and continue. Sometimes that is exactly enough.
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