Hvalba between Coal Mining and Mountain Lakes

Hvalba lies in the north of Suðuroy and is a historic village set in a striking landscape of mountains and lakes. The village also tells the story of a long mining history: coal mining played an important role here for centuries. Those wishing to combine nature and local history on their trip will find several points of interest in Hvalba—from the coal mine to old village paths.

Mountains, Lakes and a Historic Village

The landscape around Hvalba shapes the character of the village. Mountains and lakes surround it; Hvalba is counted among the oldest villages in the Faroe Islands. A visit is therefore an opportunity not only to take in the surroundings, but also to encounter a place whose past is closely connected with coal mining. When planning your visit, you can consider whether you would like to devote more time to the mine, the paths or the landscape.

Experience Coal Mining Up Close

A coal mine in Hvalba is open to visitors and offers insights into the history of Faroese coal mining and into geology. However, visits are only possible with a guide, and tours must be booked in advance. As visitor arrangements may change, you should confirm the booking details with the tourist information offices on Suðuroy before your trip. This allows you to include a focused look at Hvalba’s defining mining tradition in your travel plans.

Hvalba is particularly well known for its coal mines. A visit to the mine and the history of coal extraction are directly connected, but appeal to different interests: the guided tour focuses on insights into mining history and geology, while the long-standing importance of coal mining helps explain the village’s historic character. If both interest you, you can see them as related parts of a stay.

Old Village Paths and Lake Heygsvatn

Old village paths lead from Hvalba to Sandvík and Trongisvágur. They offer a different way to explore the area from a visit to the mine, focusing on the connection between the villages via historic routes. Local access conditions may vary; check them before setting out.

Lake Heygsvatn is also a landmark in Hvalba: Camping Hvalba is right beside the lake. When choosing a holiday apartment in Hvalba, your travel interests may guide your decision: would you mainly like to learn about the mining history, explore the old village paths, or focus on the landscape and its lakes?

A Building History with a Changing Design

Another historical detail concerns a church design by Jens Paula við Sílánna. He initially submitted a design for a wooden church on the old church site in Skálum. The committee later moved the site to Skeljalagi and had the design adapted for a concrete church. The plans called for approximately 300 seats; the stated dimensions are about 25 × 10 metres. The sequence shows how the site and plans changed over the course of the project.

Hvalba thus offers different ways to shape your stay: a guided encounter with mining history and geology, paths to Sandvík and Trongisvágur, and the landscape around the village and lake.

Discover more destinations: Trongisvágur, Klaksvík, Norðragøta.

Return to the main travel overview: Faroe Islands.