Vestmanna

See also Vestmannaeyjar.
Vestmanna
—  Municipality and village  —
Vestmanna
Location in the Faroe Islands
Coordinates:
State  Kingdom of Denmark
Constituent country  Faroe Islands
Island Streymoy
Population (2009)
 • Total 1,256
Time zone GMT
 • Summer (DST) EST (UTC+1)
Postal code FO 350

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. "West-men's/Irish-men's harbour".

Contents

History

In December 1759, during the Seven Year's 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/971 ft), Økslin (317 m/1,040 ft), Loysingafjall (639 m/2,096 ft), Moskurfjall (624 m/2,047 ft).

Photos from Vestmannabjørgini

Extern Links

See also