Faroe Islands > Things to do in Faroe Islands > Suðuroy
Beginning in Tórshavn
Every journey south to Suðuroy begins at the car ferry terminal in Tórshavn. The terminal, known locally as Farstøðin, sits just off Havnargøta road, a short walk from the city center. It is here that the large passenger and car ferry MS Smyril departs several times each day, linking the capital on Streymoy Island with Tvøroyri on Suðuroy.
For those bringing a vehicle, advance booking is essential. Reservations secure space for the car and driver, but not for additional passengers. Foot travelers are considered walk‑on passengers and do not require pre‑booking. Arriving 25–30 minutes before departure is strongly advised; late arrival risks forfeiting the reservation. Inside the terminal building, travelers find a waiting area and restrooms, a practical pause before boarding.
Foot Passengers and Fares
The system for foot passengers is straightforward. Southbound travel to Suðuroy is free of charge. On the return voyage northbound to Tórshavn, fares are paid at the kiosk on deck 5. Tickets are collected upon disembarkation in Tórshavn as proof of payment. Boarding procedures differ slightly: foot passengers enter through the terminal building, while drivers embark with their vehicles.
This arrangement reflects the ferry’s dual role. It is both a lifeline for locals commuting with cars and a convenient passage for visitors exploring the islands without one. Yet, while traveling without a car is possible, it is not recommended. Bus services on Suðuroy are limited, with some routes operating only upon request. A car provides freedom to explore the island’s remote villages and dramatic landscapes.
The Ferry MS Smyril
The MS Smyril entered service in 2005 and remains the backbone of transport to Suðuroy. She is a large, modern vessel capable of carrying 200 cars and 975 passengers. The crossing takes two hours, a journey long enough to feel substantial yet short enough to fit comfortably into a day trip itinerary.
Onboard, the Smyril offers amenities that make the voyage pleasant. A cafeteria serves breakfast on morning sailings and dinner later in the day. Large windows frame views of the surrounding islands, turning the meal into a scenic experience. The ferry is spacious, rarely sold out, and well maintained. The ride is generally smooth, with little risk of rough seas.
The Route South
Departing Tórshavn harbor, the ferry passes the rocky promontory of Tinganes, the historic heart of the capital. As the vessel turns south, passengers see Nólsoy to the east and Sandoy to the west. Further along, the ferry passes the remarkable Lítla Dímun, the smallest of the Faroes and the only privately owned island, often shrouded in cloud. Nearby lies Stóra Dímun, larger but equally dramatic.
The voyage is a moving panorama of the archipelago. Meadow hills, sea cliffs, and isolated islands drift past the windows. For many travelers, the ferry ride itself is a highlight, a chance to absorb the geography of the Faroes from the water.
Arrival in Suðuroy
After two hours, the Smyril turns west into Trongisvágsfjørður, a fjord three kilometres long. The ferry docks at Krambatangi port, located on the south side of the fjord opposite Tvøroyri. This central location makes Krambatangi an ideal gateway to the island.
From here, travelers can drive directly into Tvøroyri or continue to other villages. Without a car, options are limited to the sparse bus network or guided tours. With a car, the island opens up: dramatic cliffs, bird colonies, and remote settlements become accessible.
Booking and Schedule
Tickets can be pre‑booked online at ssl.fo by selecting “Route 7 Suðuroy – Tórshavn.” Depending on the day, there are two or three daily departures. Holiday schedules deviate from the standard timetable, particularly on Whit Day, 2nd Whit Day, Jóansøka (St John’s Day), St. Olaf’s Eve, and St. Olaf’s Day.
During some visits, pre‑booking may not be available. In that case, fares are paid onboard during the return voyage. The system is flexible, but planning ahead remains wise, especially for drivers.
Practical Advice
Travelers should treat the ferry as both transport and experience. Arrive early, secure a window seat, and enjoy the views. The cafeteria is worth visiting, not only for the food but for the vantage point it provides. The crossing is rarely rough, but bringing a jacket is sensible; decks can be windy.
For those planning a day trip, consider the timing carefully. With two or three departures daily, it is possible to spend several hours on Suðuroy before returning in the evening. Overnight stays are also rewarding, allowing deeper exploration of the island’s villages and landscapes.
The Experience in Detail
The Smyril is more than a vessel; it is a lifeline. For locals, it provides essential connection to the capital, enabling commerce, commuting, and social ties. For visitors, it is the only practical way to reach Suðuroy. The ferry embodies the Faroese relationship with the sea: reliable, necessary, and woven into daily life.
Boarding the ferry is orderly. Cars line up in lanes, foot passengers enter through the terminal, and staff guide the process. Once onboard, travelers settle into lounges or head to the cafeteria. As the ferry leaves Tórshavn, the city recedes, replaced by open water and distant islands.
The two‑hour crossing is long enough to relax. Some read, others watch the scenery, and many simply enjoy the rhythm of the voyage. The cafeteria offers hot meals, snacks, and drinks. The atmosphere is casual, with families, tourists, and locals mingling.
Approaching Suðuroy, the fjord narrows, and the ferry slows. Villages appear on the hillsides, and the port of Krambatangi comes into view. Disembarkation is efficient, with cars driving off and passengers walking ashore.
Why a Car Matters
Suðuroy is large enough that exploring without a car is challenging. Bus services are limited, and some routes require advance request. A car allows access to remote areas, including dramatic cliffs and bird colonies. For visitors seeking independence, renting a car is strongly recommended.
Beyond the Crossing
The ferry is the beginning of the Suðuroy experience. From Krambatangi, travelers can explore villages such as Tvøroyri, Vágur, and Hov. Hiking trails lead to cliffs and viewpoints. Guided tours provide local insight. The island is less visited than others, offering a quieter, more authentic atmosphere.
The journey to Suðuroy is defined by the ferry Smyril. Practical, reliable, and scenic, it connects the capital with the southern island. For travelers, it is both transport and highlight. The crossing offers views of Tinganes, Nólsoy, Sandoy, Lítla Dímun, and Stóra Dímun, culminating in arrival at Krambatangi.
With careful planning—booking in advance, arriving early, and bringing a car—the voyage becomes seamless. More than a means of travel, the Smyril embodies the Faroese spirit: resilient, maritime, and deeply connected to the landscape.
