Satellite map of Gjáarvegur

Eysturoy · Faroe Islands

Gjáarvegur

61Eiði to Gjógv

Distance8.1 mi13.0 km
Drive time16 minon the road
DifficultyModeratetightness 5 of 10
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Gjáarvegur climbs from coastal Eiði over the flanks of Slættaratindur, the Faroes' highest peak at 880 m, before a spectacular hairpin descent into Gjógv, grass-roofed houses at the head of a 200 m sea gorge.

Leaving Eiði the road ascends onto open moorland, the fells growing as the tarmac narrows; the Gjáarskarð pass at around 300 m is the turning point, ahead only ocean and sky, before switchbacks drop into the gorge village. Gjógv’s natural harbour is a crack in the basalt cliffs; the return via Funningur makes a loop.

Scenery

MountainCoastGorge

Best seasons

SpringSummerAutumn

In these collections

Gjáarvegur on the map8.1 mi · point to point

EiðiStart · Eysturoy
GjógvEnd · Eysturoy

Character

Corners13bends
Tightness5of 10
Max gradient11%≈ 1-in-9
Hairpins4bends over 150°
Climb376 mtotal ascent
Summit447.5 mhighest point of the line · 1,468 ft

Corners

busiest around mile 6
2.04.06.1 mi

Elevation

under 4%4–8%over 8%67.1 – 447.5 m
summit · 447.5 m 100200300400 m 0.04.08.1 mi

Points of interest3 stops

  • Risin og Kellingin viewpointViewpoint
    1.0 mi in
  • SkeggjanøvViewpoint
    6.1 mi in
  • HvíthamarViewpoint
    5.7 mi in

Hazards

  • Closed or impassable in winter snow
  • Narrow with roadside ditches on the descent
  • Unpredictable Atlantic weather

Sources

Verified route: mapped from real road geometry and fact-checked by a human editor. How roads get checked

Driving the Gjáarvegur: quick answers

How long does it take to drive the Gjáarvegur?
Gjáarvegur runs 8.1 miles (13.0 km) and takes about 16 min to drive without stops.
How difficult is the Gjáarvegur to drive?
We rate it moderate: 13 corners including 4 hairpins, a maximum gradient of 11%, and a tightness of 5 out of 10.
When is the best time to drive the Gjáarvegur?
Spring and Summer and Autumn are best.

Nearby roads

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