Tjørnuvík is the northernmost village on the Streymoy island. Tjørnuvík is nestled in a deep vally with no other villages in sight. This iconic village has a direct view to the sea stacks Risin & Kellingin (The Giant and the Witch), a must-see spot to visit on the Faroe Islands.

A legend tells how, once upon a time, the giants in Iceland were envious and decided that they wanted the Faroes. So the giant and the witch (his wife in some versions of the story) were sent down to the Faroe Islands to bring them back. They reached the north-westernmost mountain Eiðiskollur (see map), and the giant stayed in the sea while the witch climbed up the mountain with a heavy rope to tie the islands together so that she could push them onto the giant's back. However, when she attached the rope to the mountain and pulled, the northern part of the mountain split. Further attempts were also unsuccessful, and they struggled through the night, but the base of the mountain was firm and they could not move it. If the sun shines on a giant or witch, it turns to stone. So, as they continued to struggle they didn't notice time passing, and as dawn broke a shaft of sunlight put a stop to their efforts by turning them to stone on the spot. They have stood there ever since, staring longingly across the ocean towards Iceland.

In 1956 graves were escavated containing a woman from the Viking age and a bronze ring-needle of Celtic orgin.

Tjørnuvík is also known for its long tradition for singing hymns by Thomas Kingo. During our visit we came across Karin María Torvadal, who invited us for coffee and a fresh baked speciality from the Southernpart of Jutland called “Gode råd” (sønderjyske småkager) Se also happened to have a very impressive collection of the most famous Faroese painters. A visit we will never forget!