Norðoyri is a small village on the island of Borðoy. As of December 2024, it has around 156 residents. The village covers 24 merkur of land. Most of it is copyhold land managed by four tenants. Sheep farming remains important, with around 330 sheep in the area.

Norðoyri has a long history. Records mention the village as early as 1463. However, traces of Viking Age settlement still appear in the landscape. You can see ruins and old remains around the village.

In 1745, an avalanche destroyed one of the farms. This shows the challenges of living in this environment.

One notable figure from Norðoyri is Sheriff Samuel Michael Matras. He lived on the Uppistovufestið farm from 1813 to 1857.

During this time, he documented daily life and farm work in detail. His diary gives a rare insight into Faroese agriculture. Today, Tjóðskjalasavnið keeps most of the material. A smaller part remains in the archive in Klaksvík.

Today, Norðoyri offers a quiet and authentic village experience. Mountains and sea surround the area. The village combines history, nature, and tradition in a unique way.

Source: Trap.fo