Klaksvík, Faroe Islands

Description — Klaksvik, Faroe Islands

Klaksvík (Klaksvik) is the second-largest city and harbor in the Faroe Islands (Denmark). It is located on the island of Borðoy, at the end of two bays surrounded by dramatic mountain peaks- the highest in the Faroes. Borðoy is the largest of the sparsely populated and most beautiful north-eastern islands of the Faroe archipelago. The harbor of this city is always full of fishing vessels. The city’s population, according to the latest census, is 4,664 people.

Approximately 10% of the country’s population lives in this city, which accounts for more than 30% of the national fish exports. This is a very important industry because 98% of Faroese imports come from its fishing. In addition, Klaksvík is home to fish processing facilities, as well as one of the largest salmon farms.

The first settlement in this area dates back to Viking times, but a major town only formed in the 20th century, becoming a cultural and economic hub not only for Borðoy, but for the entire Faroe archipelago as well. Klaksvík as a city was formed from four fishing villages in 1938. Today, it is a major industrial port and a popular cruise port.

The main attraction of Klaksvík, besides its nature, is authentic buildings once owned by the Vikings.

The Faroe Islands are a group of islands in the northern part of the Atlantic Ocean between Scotland (the Shetland Islands) and Iceland. They are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, but since 1948 they have independently handled practically all state matters, with the exception of defense and foreign policy.

The Faroe archipelago consists of 18 islands, 17 of which are inhabited. Main islands: Streymoy, Eysturoy, Suðuroy, Vågoy, Sandoy, Borðoy. The largest island is Streymoy (373.5 km²). The total area of all the islands is 1,395.74 km². The capital of the archipelago is the city of Tórshavn.

Climate

The climate of the Faroe Islands is temperate maritime, with a warm winter and a cool, humid summer. The coldest month is January, with temperatures from 0 °C to +4 °C, and the warmest month is July, with temperatures from +11 °C to +17 °C. Annual precipitation is 1,600-2,000 mm; precipitation (mostly as rain) occurs for approximately 280 days per year, with most of it falling from September to January. Fog is common. Thanks to the Gulf Stream, the water around the islands has a temperature of about +10 °C year-round, which softens the climate conditions and provides ideal conditions for the life of fish and plankton.

Klaksvík, Bordoy Island, Faroe Islands, Denmark
Klaxwujka Center
Kriśćyanskirkan Church
Foroya Bjor Brewery
Bordeaux Island

Location on the map

Sights

Christianskirk Church

A Christian church, the first stone of which was laid in 1963 (probably it was built then as well), features quite an unusual architecture. The bell tower is located separately from the church-something you won’t find anywhere in the Faroes. The church was built in an Old Norse style. The roof structure is open. This style was used in ancient Viking dwellings, and in later times it was preserved in the architecture of home kitchens and rural churches. It turned out that this kind of construction is perfectly suited to church buildings: the acoustics in Kristjánskirkjan are better than in many other cathedrals of a similar size. The church interior is also interesting. Once you step inside, you can see a fisherman’s boat hanging from the ceiling. This is a tribute to the islands’ fishing traditions.

What to see

Foroya Bjor Brewery

Once you arrive in the Faroe Islands, it’s impossible not to try the famous beer of the only local brewery, Foroya Bjor, located in Klaksvik. This family brewery, founded in 1888 by Simun F. Hansen, became the sole beer producer in the Faroes after the Restorffs Bryggjari plant closed in 2007. Since its founding, the symbol of the brewery has been a ram. The brewery produces several beer brands, the most popular of which is “Veðrur” (“ram” in Faroese). This light, dry beer has a golden color with a hint of hops and malt, with an alcohol content of 4.6%.

Recommended excursions

Boat trip around the northern islands

During this excursion, you’ll not only get to know the unusual landscapes of the Faroe Islands, but also learn more about the life of birds in this area. From Klaksvík, a sightseeing boat will sail south, through Leirvik Fjord, then along the west coast of Bordoy, to the east of Svínoy via the fjord between Svínoy and Fugloy. After that, the boat will head to the east coast of Viðoy. You’ll see the world’s highest headland, Enniberg, the northernmost point of Kunoy, and sail through the fjord between Kálsoy and Kunoy. The contrast between the black cliffs and headlands with the picturesque green valleys and flocks of sheep is truly amazing. Unexpected changes in daylight, and the beautiful scenery of this region, will make this excursion unforgettable.

Claxvik Sightseeing Tour

Klaksvik is the second-largest town in the Faroe Islands. The town has preserved authentic buildings from the Viking era. You can learn more about the past in a museum housed in the buildings of an old royal monopoly. Take a walk along the trail to Gerdalboour and visit the memorial dedicated to the two greatest avalanches of 1745 and 1765. Finally, be sure to see the magnificent Christianskirkan church. Built in 1963, it is an architectural masterpiece.