Kunoy (Island)

Kunoy painted by the artist Zacharias Heinesen in 1998. The rock formations on the island of Kalsoy can be seen on the other side of the sound. JAKOB SKOU-HANSEN/NATIONAL GALLERY OF DENMARK

With an area of 35.46 km², Kunoy is the third largest island in Norðoyggjar and has three markatal settlements, Kunoy, Skarð and Haraldssund. Kunoy, which has been an independent municipality since 1931, has a total population of around 145. This number has remained largely the same since 1966.

Kunoy is on average the highest island in the Faroe Islands, where the highest mountain, Kúvingafjall, at 830 m is the fourth highest in the Faroe Islands. Of the ten mountains that exceed 800 m, seven can be found on Kunoy. The island’s landscape is characterised by deep cirque valleys, which, especially on the eastern side, cut into the continuous mountain ridge.

There is a tunnel connection between Kunoy and Haraldssund and an embankment from Haraldssund to Borðoy.

Further reading

Read more about The islands, towns and settlements

  • Hans Andrias Sølvará

    (b. 1962) PhD in History and MA in History and Philosophy. Professor and dean of the Department of History and Society at the University of the Faroe Islands.