It was formerly a ferry port, until an undersea tunnel, the Vágatunnilin, was built from Vágar to Kvívík and Stykkið further south on Streymoy. 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), and Moskurfjall (624 m or 2,047 ft).

Tourism

Vestmanna is often called the tourist village of 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.

Photos from Vestmannabjørgini and Vestmanna

• 
  Boat trip to Vestmannabjørgini (Cliffs of Vestmanna).
• 
  Vestmannabjørgini (Cliffs of Vestmanna).
• 
  A Sea Stack West of Vestmanna.
• 
  The Viking Wax-museum in Vestmanna.
• 
  Fjarðastevna Cup 2012 in Vestmanna (kappróður)
• 
  VÍF is the sports club from Vestmanna. Here they play handball in yellow and blue.

See also

• List of towns in the Faroe Islands