Fossá Falls

Fossá is the definitive landmark of northern Streymoy. Its name translates literally from Faroese as "river with a waterfall." The height of 140 meters (459 feet) is divided into two separate falls caused by the geological layering of hard volcanic basalt and softer tuff. Over millions of years, the water has eroded the softer layers more rapidly; this process created the wide stone shelf that splits the descent. Historically, the waterfall served as a primary visual marker for sailors navigating the sound between Streymoy and Eysturoy because its flow remains consistent even when other falls dry up.

During heavy storms, the width of the waterfall can expand from a few meters to over 30 meters (98 feet).Read more