Essentials
- City
- Runavík, Eysturoy, Faroe Islands
- Population
- Approx. 4,100 (municipality)
- Internet Speed
- Excellent fiber-optic network; typical speeds 100-500 Mbps via Føroya Tele
- Currency & Banking
- Faroese Króna (DKK pegged) 1 USD ≈ 6.85 DKK, 1 EUR ≈ 7.45 DKK
- Tap Water
- Drinkable, high-quality mountain water from every tap
- Power
- 230V, 50Hz, 🔌 Type C/E/F/K sockets
- SIM Card
- Føroya Tele or Hey; starter packs approx. 199 DKK with 20GB at the SMS shop in Saltangará
- Banking for Expats
- BankNordik and Betri Banki; Revolut works widely but local accounts required for long-term residencies
- Accommodation
- Managed houses and Airbnbs; Hotel Runavík is the primary hotel
- Cashless Friendly
- Yes, nearly 100% cashless; cards and mobile pay accepted everywhere
- Short Term Rentals
- Airbnb (Avg. $120/night), Booking.com, and local portal visitrunavik.fo
- Budget Accommodation
- Skótahúsið við Løkin (Scout House/Hostel style) - approx. 250 DKK/night
- Best Area to Stay for Tourists
- Harborside Runavík for views of the Skálafjørður fjord
- Best Area to Stay for Digital Nomads
- Saltangará (central commercial strip) for proximity to shops and the library
Working and Networking
- Best Coworking Space
- Hugskotið (Tórshavn - 20 mins via sub-sea tunnel); local: Visit Runavík office offers desk space on request
- Best Cafe for Work
- Café Cibo in Saltangará; reliable Wi-Fi, good coffee, and ample seating
- Networking Events
- Vinnuhúsið (House of Industry) events usually held in Tórshavn
- Social Events for Expats
- Expats in Faroe Islands Facebook group; local football matches at Við Løkin stadium
Transportation
- Best Taxi/Ride App
- No ride-sharing apps; call Auto Taxi (tel: +298 212121)
- Bike/Scooter Rental
- Rentabike.fo (based in Tórshavn, delivery to Runavík available)
- Best Beach Nearby
- Æðuvík beach - rocky but scenic, 10 mins drive south
- Top Regional Airline
- Atlantic Airways (Connects to Vagar Airport)
- Top International Airline
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) via Copenhagen
- Highway Access
- Eysturoyartunnilin (Subsea tunnel) connects Runavík to Tórshavn in 15-20 minutes
- Main Train/Transit Hub
- None; main bus hub is the Saltangará terminal for SSL Bus 400
- Public Transport Passes
- Strandfaraskip Landsins (SSL) 7-day Travel Card for 700 DKK
- Regional Travel
- Buses (SSL) and Ferries; Bus 400 connects to Tórshavn and Klaksvík
Health and Wellness
- Best Hospital
- Landssjúkrahúsið (The National Hospital) in Tórshavn; Local clinic in Runavík: Kommunulæknamiðstøðin
- Yoga & Wellness Centers
- Vælvera Fitness (includes spa facilities and group classes)
- Gyms & Fitness Centers
- Burn Fitness in Saltangará - modern equipment, approx. 499 DKK/month
- Laundry Services
- Hotel Runavík offers guest laundry services for a fee
Food and Drink
- Best Food Delivery App
- None; order directly from restaurants like 'Gullhornið' via phone
- Best Local Dish to Try
- Skerpikjøt (wind-dried mutton) and Ræst (fermented fish)
- Vegan/Vegetarian Options
- Café Cibo offers veggie burgers and salads; limited specialized vegan spots
- Best Dessert Spots
- Bakaríið hjá Jórun (Jórun's Bakery) in Saltangará - famous for pastries
- Affordable Shopping Spots
- Bónus or FK Supermarket in Saltangará
- E-commerce/Online Store
- Hopla.fo (local marketplace); Amazon delivers but with high import duties
- Grocery Delivery
- No standard service; some local supermarkets offer senior delivery
- Bar/Nightlife Area
- Local pub 'Gullhornið'; major nightlife requires heading to Tórshavn
- Local Brewery
- Føroya Bjór (Store and distribution center in Akranes nearby)
- Wine Bars
- No dedicated wine bars; available at high-end restaurants in Tórshavn
- Street Food Stalls
- Fish & Chips van often parked near the harbor on weekends
- Popular International Cuisine
- Thai Style (Takeaway Thai) in Saltangará
Culture and Attractions
- Must-See Landmarks
- Lake Toftavatn and the heather-covered hills surrounding it
- Museums & Art Venues
- Løkshøll (Cultural Center) for concerts and art exhibitions
- Historical Sites
- The Forni Local History Museum in Glyvrar
- Religious Sites
- Glyvra Kirkja (Modern church with unique architecture)
- Annual Events
- Eystanstevna (Town festival) held in mid-June
- Cultural Districts
- The harbor front and the commercial district of Saltangará
- Theater Venues
- Løkshøll hosts theatrical performances and cinema nights
- Local Markets
- Occasional Christmas markets at Løkshøll
- Music Scene
- Live folk and rock at local community events in Løkshøll
- Street Art
- Minimal; some small murals near the sports hall
- Cooking Classes
- Occasional seasonal workshops at the local evening school (Kvøldskúlin)
- Art Galleries
- Gallarí Ribarhús in nearby Fuglafjørður (15 min drive)
- Historic Buildings
- Søvnin á Toftum (historic house museum)
- Local Heritage
- Strong salmon farming and maritime heritage centered at Bakkafrost HQ
Nature and Outdoor Activities
- Nearby Nature Escapes
- Hiking trails around Lake Toftavatn (approx. 2 hour loop)
- National Parks Nearby
- No official National Parks, but the entire interior is open hiking terrain
- Cycling/Walking Paths
- Paved paths along the shoreline of Skálafjørður
- Scenic Viewpoints
- The 'Windmill Hill' (Húsareyn) overlooking the fjord and wind farm
- Birdwatching Locations
- Lake Toftavatn is known for Whimbrels and Arctic Skuas
- Bonfire-Friendly Spots
- Regulated; usually only allowed during Jónsøka or organized events
Other Services and Amenities
- Parcel Delivery Service
- Posta (Faroese Postal Service) located in Saltangará
- Tech Repair Services
- Nema (in Tórshavn) is the main authorized repair center for Macs/PCs
- Table Tennis Spots
- Runavíkar Borðtennisfelag (local club at the sports hall)
- Language Classes
- Evening classes (Kvøldskúlin) for Faroese for foreigners starting every Sept
- Libraries & Study Spots
- Bókasavnið við Løkin (Runavík Public Library) - quiet and free
- Community Centers
- Gula Húsið (The Yellow House) for youth and community gatherings
- Gaming Lounges
- None; strictly home-based or private clubs
- Casino & Gaming Halls
- Illegal in the Faroe Islands; only small amusement arcades exist
Business
- Studio Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 40,000 DKK per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 1,600,000 DKK)
- Studio Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 30,000 DKK per m² (e.g., 40 m² = 1,200,000 DKK)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 38,000 DKK per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 2,280,000 DKK)
- 1-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 28,000 DKK per m² (e.g., 60 m² = 1,680,000 DKK)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (City Center)
- Approx. 35,000 DKK per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 2,800,000 DKK)
- 2-Bedroom Purchase Price (Outside City)
- Approx. 25,000 DKK per m² (e.g., 80 m² = 2,000,000 DKK)
- Corporate Tax
- 18% flat rate
- Dividend Withholding Tax
- 35%
- Tax System
- Residence-based, worldwide income for permanent residents
- Highest Income Tax Bracket
- Approx. 50% (combining state and municipal tax)
- VAT
- 25% (Standard rate)
- Controlled Foreign Company (CFC) Rules
- Yes, managed under Faroese/Danish tax cooperation
- Property Tax
- None (No annual property tax for individuals, only municipal income tax)
- Property Transaction Tax
- 1% stamp duty plus registration fees
- Attractive Tax System for Digital Nomads
- Special tax scheme for foreign experts/scientists at 25% (if qualifying)