Norðoyar

Norðoyar is one of the traditional geographic districts of the Faroe Islands, located in the northern part of the archipelago. The name translates to “Northern Islands.” The district comprises a cluster of islands around the Norðoyarfjørður, most notably Borðoy, Kunoy, Kalsoy, Viðoy and Svínoy, with numerous small settlements along the coast.

The regional center and largest settlement in Norðoyar is Klaksvík, situated on Borðoy. Klaksvík serves as the economic and service hub for the district and the wider northern area, offering shops, schools, and maritime services that support local communities across the islands.

Geography and economy define the district, which features rugged coastlines, steep mountains, and deep fjords. Traditional economic activities include fishing, fish processing, and related services, with tourism playing an increasingly important supporting role. The islands are connected primarily by inter-island ferries and local roads on the larger islands; travel between the islands relies on boat links and scheduled services.

Historically, Norðoyar has been inhabited since the medieval period, and its communities maintain cultural traditions tied to the sea and local parish life. The district forms a distinct part of the Faroe Islands’ cultural and geographical landscape, contributing to the diversity of settlements, landscapes, and maritime industries found across the archipelago.