Streymoy is the largest of the islands and the western and northern coasts are almost perpendicular bird cliffs, while the eastern coast is more open with deep fjords and villages that have grown up by where the rivers run into the sea. Inland, there are high mountains, deep valleys, lakes and rivers.

Kvívík and Leynar are typical of the villages that have grown up by the estauries. Vestmanna is situated by a deep, wide fjod, which forms a safe natural harbour. The many rivers in Vestmanna have been dammed and provide hydroeletric power for most of the islands. On the eastern coast, by the deep fjords, you find Kaldbak and Kollafjørður, which are now part of Tórshavn Municipality. Both here and in Hvalvík you find black-tarred churches. Hvalvík is the oldest, built in 1829. In the following 20 years, a total of 12 timber churches were built with almost identical turf roofs, little with bell towers and unpainted timber inside with carved choir walls. The only octagonal church in the Faroe Islands is to be found in Haldarsvík. Tjørnuvík is the most northerly town and is surrounded by mountains so high that in winter the sun's rays do not reach into the village. Tjørnuvík continues the tradition of "kingosalmer", which are psalms that are sung in a very distinctive style and melody without musical accompaniment.

A well-developed road system links the villages and Streymoy is connected to Eysturoy by a bridge and to Vágar by a tunnel. The age-old network of trails between the villages still exists in most places, however, creating interesting opportunities for walks on the island. When you follow the network of paths, you will experience a sense of history as well as outstanding nature, because you will be walking along the old paths that connected villages throughout the country.

More than 1,200 years ago the Vikings sailed across the sea to these distant islands and if you arrive by boat today you can imagine their excitement as they saw the blue islands appear on the horizon. Approaching Tórshavn by boat still carries overtones of an epic voyage, but the country waiting is not the same as the one the Vikings found.

However, there is much more to Streymoy than Tórshavn. On the southern tip of the island, you will find Kirkjubøur, the medieval culture and ecclesiastical centre until the Reformation. Today, Kirkjubøur is a must for all tourists, as its former grandeur still impresses visitors. The ruin of the St Magnus Cathedral, which dominate the village, is the Faroe Islandsð most important historical site. The parish church is the Faroe Islands oldest church and the so-called King's Farm with its medieval timber farmstead is built on the foundations of the bishop's residence.

From Kirjubøur you can see the two islands of Hestur and Koltur, which are both worth a visit. There is daily ferry service to Hestur, while you have to take the helicopter to visit Koltur, which is inhabited by just one family. Nólsoy, which lies off the coast of Tórshavn and protects it against the southeasterly wind is another of the small islands with only one village. It has a rich bird life and has the world's largest colony of storm petrels.

People now live in these islands; there are ports, roads, small villages and large towns. You arrive at Tórshavn, the capital, with its bustling harbour. The city spreads out before you like a colourful fan from the harbour up towards the surrounding mountains.

The Faroese prime minister has his offices on Tinganes. The national parliament, the Løgting, has moves into town and, along with the town hall, forms the heart of the city. As the capital city, Tórshavn has many of the Islands' most important museums and art centres adn offers entertainment to suit every taste.

A lively modern town that has managed to preserve traces of a Viking court or parliamentary Ting in the middle of the harbour itself. Here, on a small peninsula known as Tinganes, the vestiges of the medival market place are preserved and kept alive for the enjoyment of those.