Stretched along the shore of Skálafjørður — the longest fjord in the Faroe Islands — Runavík is the islands' most welcoming cruise port: ships dock pier-side and passengers walk straight into a living Faroese town with zero tourist-trap energy.
Runavík is a pier port — ships dock at King's Harbour (Kongshavn) and passengers walk ashore directly.
💡 Pro move: Expedition ships sometimes tender to nearby villages (Elduvík, Funningur, Oyndarfjørður) — check your daily programme.
Most cruise ships dock pier-side at King's Harbour; only small expedition vessels tender to remote villages.
| Cruise Line | Typical Berth / Arrival | Dock or Tender |
|---|---|---|
| Most cruise lines (Holland America, MSC, etc.) | King's Harbour (Kongshavn), Runavík📍 | Docked |
| Small expedition ships | Elduvík / Funningur / Oyndarfjørður📍 | Tendered |
The Faroes reward explorers — prioritise a scenic drive to Gjógv or a guided village walk if you can only do one thing.
A 30-minute walk from port leads to the largest continuous heather area in the Faroe Islands, wrapped around a still freshwater lake. Stunning on any weather. Free and self-guided.
Explore Toftavatn walks →The most photographed village in the Faroes sits at the northern tip of Eysturoy. A 200-metre sea-carved gorge slices through the cliffs beside turf-roofed houses and dramatic sea stacks.
Find Gjógv day tours →The 11.2 km Eysturoy Tunnel connects Runavík to Tórshavn via the world's first underwater roundabout, illuminated with art by Tróndur Patursson and a custom soundscape on a dedicated FM frequency.
Book Faroe Islands driving tours →Faroese 'home hospitality' — sit down with a local family for coffee, homemade waffles, and traditional fermented lamb or dried fish. Intimate, authentic, and unlike any shore excursion in Europe.
Book Heimablídni experience →A scenic 40-minute walk (or short bus ride) along the fjord shore brings you to the 1843 wooden church at Nes, one of the most atmospheric historic churches on Eysturoy, with its distinctive red shingle roof.
Explore Nes village walks →Runavík is linear and flat along the fjord — easy to explore on foot, with a rewarding hill walk to Lake Toftavatn just south of town.
Walk the flat fjord-front promenade from the pier into the town centre. Pass the small marina and local boat sheds before reaching the main shopping street with the bakery, Navia wool shop, and Café Cibo.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Head south from the town centre on the marked footpath to Lake Toftavatn, the Faroes' largest heather area. A clear gravel path circles the lake with open views back across Skálafjørður. Return the same way or loop around to the south shore.
🗺️ See full route in Maps →Climate normals for Runavík, Eysturoy, Faroe Islands (2014–2023 averages). Pack for the month you sail — highs, lows, and how many rainy days to expect.
| Month | Avg High | Avg Low | Rainy Days | Sunrise | Sunset |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 41°F / 5°C | 35°F / 2°C | 18 | 9:32 AM | 3:40 PM |
| Feb | 42°F / 6°C | 35°F / 2°C | 17 | 8:12 AM | 5:10 PM |
| Mar | 43°F / 6°C | 36°F / 2°C | 21 | 6:44 AM | 6:28 PM |
| Apr | 45°F / 7°C | 37°F / 3°C | 16 | 6:02 AM | 8:52 PM |
| May | 48°F / 9°C | 41°F / 5°C | 17 | 4:32 AM | 10:16 PM |
| Jun | 53°F / 12°C | 47°F / 8°C | 15 | – | – |
| Jul | 56°F / 13°C | 49°F / 9°C | 18 | 4:09 AM | 10:54 PM |
| Aug | 56°F / 13°C | 49°F / 9°C | 17 | 5:31 AM | 9:29 PM |
| Sep | 53°F / 12°C | 47°F / 8°C | 18 | 6:53 AM | 7:49 PM |
| Oct | 49°F / 9°C | 43°F / 6°C | 20 | 8:12 AM | 6:11 PM |
| Nov | 45°F / 7°C | 40°F / 4°C | 19 | 8:40 AM | 3:42 PM |
| Dec | 42°F / 6°C | 36°F / 2°C | 20 | 9:47 AM | 2:56 PM |
Source: Open-Meteo ERA5 (10-yr daily averages)
Transport options from the pier — taxis, shuttles, transit passes, and whether ride-share apps work here.
The cruise dock at King's Harbour is approximately 400 meters from Runavík town center — a flat, easy 5–7 minute walk.
The Port of Runavík provides complimentary shuttle buses (two per ship) on request to transport passengers to the town center.
Local taxis are available but limited and often based in Tórshavn. Expect a minimum fare around 400 DKK (~$58 USD) for on-call service; short in-town trips start around 75 DKK for 5 km.
Strandfaraskip Landsins (SSL) operates public bus routes connecting Runavík to other Eysturoy villages and Tórshavn. Check ssl.fo for current schedules and fares.
Renting a car is the best way to explore the wider Faroe Islands in a day. Several rental companies serve the Faroe Islands; pre-booking is strongly recommended.
Upcoming cruises that call at Runavík, Eysturoy, Faroe Islands. Dates, prices, and ports of call change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking.
Itineraries and prices change — always confirm with the cruise line before booking. Some links are affiliate links that may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you.