Vestmanna

Vestmanna (Danish: Vestmannahavn) is a town in the Faroe Islands on the west of the island of Streymoy.

It was formerly a ferry port, until an undersea tunnel was built from Vágar to Kvívík and Stykkið. The cliffs west of Vestmanna, Vestmannabjørgini, are very popular for excursions by boat.

A 'Vestmann' was a "Westman", or Gael in Old Norse. The original name was Vestmannahavn, i.e. "Westmen's/Irishmen's harbour".

History

In December 1759, during the Seven Years' War, François Thurot's squadron sheltered from stormy conditions at Vestmanna. The lack of supplies available from the islanders motivated the subsequent raids by the squadron on the north Irish coast.

Geography

It is surrounded by the mountains of Hægstafjall (296 m or 971 ft), Økslin (317 m or 1,040 ft), Loysingafjall (639 m or 2,096 ft), Moskurfjall (624 m or 2,047 ft).

Tourism

Vestmanna is often called the tourist village on the Faroe Islands. The main tourist attraction is Vestmannabjørgini. In 2012 a camping site was established at Inni á Fjørð with a capacity of 120 caravans in addition to tents.