It also refers to the largest region of the country that also includes the islands of Hestur, Koltur and Nólsoy.

The island is mountainous (average height is 337 meter [2]), especially in the northwest, with the highest peak being Kopsenni (789 metres (2,589 ft)).

Like the rest of the Faroe Islands there are numerous short streams and minor lakes.

The other important towns include: Vestmanna, the former ferry port in the west, Kollafjørður at the centre and the picturesque villages of Saksun and Tjørnuvík in the north.

From a historic point of view the village of Kirkjubøur near the southern tip of the island is very important as it was an episcopal center during the Middle Ages.

The main entry road to Tórshavn passes through a 2.8 kilometres (1.7 mi) long tunnel.