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10 Must-Do Hikes in the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are an archipelago of 18 islands in the North Atlantic Ocean between Iceland and Scotland. 

These mountainous islands are unfathomably cinematic, brimming with achingly beautiful nordic landscapes.

Craggy, pyramidal peaks flank serpentine fjords. Frothing waves batter perpendicular cliffs. Grass-roofed cottages cling to coastlines. Puffins, arctic terns, and fulmars sail the winds. And, thereโ€™s not a tree in sight. 

It’s a raw world of water, grass, and rock, forged by the elements: a paradise for hikers and walkers. 

Many hiking trails in the Faroe Islands trace old village paths. Before the construction of tunnels and roads, the Faroese traveled between villages on foot. They used these pathways to visit family, go to church, bury their dead, run errands, and participate in the local parliament (Thing).

The Saksun to Tjรธrnuvรญk Hike and Gรกsadalur Hike are both hikes along ancient village paths. These village trails are open to the public and freely accessible

Many popular hiking destinations in the Faroe Islands traverse private land. In recent years, landowners have restricted access. Some landowners require payment, while others require guided trips only. For example, hikers must pay a fee to hike toย Villingardalsfjall and Trรฆlanรญpa Cliff (Floating Lake Viewpoint).ย ย 

Below, I’ve summarized our favorite hikes, ordered from north to south. Many of these hikes are short. So, itโ€™ll be easy to tackle two hikes per day.

Kallur Lighthouse Hike, Kalsoy, Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands Hiking Map


1. Villingardalsfjall Peak Hike, Viรฐoy Island 

Villingardalsfjall Peak Hike, Viรฐoy Island, Faroe Islands

Villingardalsfjall (841 meters) is a mountain above Viรฐareiรฐi, the northernmost village in the Faroe Islands, on Viรฐoy Island.

The hike to Villingardalsfjall rewards hikers with sweeping views of the cone-shaped Malinsfjall mountain to the south and the islands of Borรฐoy, Kunoy, and Kalsoy to the west. 

The ascent begins moderately, with a mild gradient and grassy terrain. However, as you gain elevation, the mountainside becomes increasingly rugged and rocky. Careful footing and stamina is needed to reach the 841-meters summit. 

The trail is marked initially with blue plastic tubes and later with cairns. 


Villingardalsfjall Trail Stats

Trailhead | Viรฐ Garรฐ Parking Area, Viรฐareiรฐi, Viรฐoy Island | Google Maps

Distance | 4.5 km out-and-back

Time Needed | 3:30 โ€“ 4 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 829 meters

Difficulty | Moderately Difficult

Hiking Fee | 200 DKK per person (cash only)

Guided Hike | If you’re based in Tรณrshavn, you can book this guided Mount Villingardalsfjall hike, or even better this Cape Enniberg guided hike.

Learn More: Villingardalsfjall Hike


2. รrnafjรธrรฐur – Toftaskarรฐ – Katlarnir Circuit Trail, Borรฐoy Island (Free)

รrnafjรธrรฐur - Toftaskarรฐ - Katlarnir Circuit Trail, Borรฐoy Island

The รrnafjรธrรฐur – Toftaskarรฐ – Katlarnir loop hike is the most challenging and off-the-beaten-path trail in this round-up of Faroe Islands hikes. 

Starting in the village of รrnafjรธrรฐur, close to Klaksvรญk, this lonesome route leads northeast to Svartidalur valley and then climbs up steep crags to Toftaskarรฐ pass. 

The trail continues west and eventually drops down a steep mountainside via Uppi รก Gjรณgv pass

Next, the trail steers you to Katlarnir, the historic gathering place for the ancient Thing of the Northern Isles.

From Katlarnir, the trail continues southwest and loops back down to รrnafjรธrรฐur. 

Though extremely exciting, the hike is challenging because of the infrequent waymarking between รrnafjรธrรฐur and Toftaskarรฐ. 


Katlarnir Trail Stats

Trailhead | รrnafjรธrรฐur Church, Borรฐoy Island | Google Maps

Distance | 7.7 km circuit

Time Needed | 4 hours 

Elevation Gain/Loss | 560 meters

Difficulty | Challenging 

Hiking Fee |  None

Learn More: รrnafjรธrรฐur – Toftaskarรฐ – Katlarnir Circuit Trail


3. Klakkur Hike, Borรฐoy Island (Free)

Klakkur Hike, Borรฐoy Island, Faroe Islands

Klakkur (413 meters) is a mountain west of Klaksvรญk in the Northern Isles.

The Klakkur mountain ridge is long and broad and serves as a bewitching viewpoint of Kunoy Island and Kalsoy Island. 

The hike begins with a leisurely stroll along a gravel road, fondly called รstarbreytin (โ€œLove Pathโ€). This road brings you to Hรกlsur, the mountain pass between Klakkur and Hรกlgafelli.

Along the way, there are fantastic views of Klaksvรญk, wedged between two U-shaped inlets. 

From Hรกlsur, the trail continues north across a boggy area and up a steep hillside to reach the ridge. Pass the transmitter mast and follow the ridge until reaching the obvious viewpoint. 


Klakkur Trail Stats

Trailhead | Water tanks car park, Niรฐan Horn road, Klaksvรญk | Google Maps

Distance | 6.2 km out-and-back

Elevation Gain/Loss | 277 meters

Time Needed | 2 Hours 

Difficulty | Easy-Moderate

Hiking Fee | None

Learn More: Klakkur Hike


4. Kallur Lighthouse Hike, Kalsoy Island 

Kallur Lighthouse and Borgarin, Kalsoy Island, Faroe Islands

The Kallur Lighthouse is located in the very north of Kalsoy Island in the Northern Isles. Itโ€™s a small white-and-red structure set amid untamed landscapes, both majestic and harsh. 

Backed by the fin-shaped Mount Borgarin, Kallur Lighthouse stands proudly on a confluence of falling ridgelines, high above the churning ocean. Undeniably, itโ€™s one of the most captivating scenes in the Faroes. 

The hike to Kallur Lighthouse starts in the village of Trรธllanes. After entering the outfield, the trail climbs up the hillside and then crosses the eastern flank of Mount Borgarin (537 meters). 

When you reach the lighthouse (35-45 minutes), you can continue north along a narrow strip of land to the iconic viewpoint of the lighthouse and Borgarin. Return to the lighthouse and follow the cliffs to the James Bond tombstone. In No Time to Die, James Bond meets his end on Kalsoy Island. 


Kallur Lighthouse Trail Stats

Trailhead | Trรธllanes | Google Maps

Distance |  4.8 km out-and-back 

Time Needed | 1:30 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 327 meters

Difficulty | Easy-Moderate

Hiking Fee | 200 DKK for Adults and 100 DKK for Children. Credit Cards accepted.

Trail Opening Times | Monday – Friday from 9 am – 6 pm, Saturday from 9 am to 5 pm, and Sunday from 11 am to 5 pm.

Guided Hike | If you don’t want to worry about the logistics of getting to Kalsoy Island, you can also join one of these guided tours:

Learn More: Kallur Lighthouse Hike


5. Hvรญthamar Viewpoint Hike, Eysturoy Island (Free)

Hvรญthamar Viewpoint Hike, Faroe Islands

Hvรญthamar is a steep mountain wall above Funningur village on Eysturoy Island. 

Starting at the Gjรกarskarรฐ mountain pass, between the villages of Funningur and Gjรณgv, you can hike to the Hvรญthamar viewpoint in a mere 10 minutes. 

This viewpoint overlooks the Funningsfjรธrรฐur fjord, which flows sinuously to the south between the pyramidal Hรบsafjall and Dalkinsfjall mountains. 

The trail continues another 20 minutes to the higher Skeggjanรธv viewpoint. 

You can hike straight back down to Gjรกarskarรฐ mountain pass to complete the circuit, or follow the ascending route. 


Hvรญthamar Trail Stats

Trailhead | Gjรกarskarรฐ mountain pass | Google Maps

Distance | 2 km out-and-back (circuit possible)

Elevation Gain/Loss | 124 meters

Time Needed | 1 hour

Difficulty | Easy

Hiking Fee | None

Learn More: Hvรญthamar Viewpoint Hike


6. Saksun to Tjรธrnuvรญk Hike, Streymoy Island (Free)

Tjรธrnuvรญk hiking trail, Faroe Islands

Saksun and Tjรธrnuvรญk are two picturesque villages in the north of Streymoy Island. These remote settlements are connected by an old village path. 

You can start this out-and-back hike in either Saksun (only accessible by car), or Tjรธrnuvรญk

Starting in Saksun, the trail rises up the mountainside with views of the Pollurin tidal lagoon. 

Thereโ€™s a large cairn standing on the crest, which marks the beginning of the waymarked village path to Tjรธrnuvรญk. 

The path climbs up the easterns flank of Frammi รญ Dal valley to the Tjรธrnuvรญksskarรฐ mountain pass. 

From the pass, the trail descends through another high valley, before dropping steeply down to Tjรธrnuvรญk village. As you near the village, youโ€™ll see northern Eysturoy and the Risin and Kellingin (Giant and Witch) sea stacks.


Saksun – Tjรธrnuvรญk Trail Stats

Trailhead | Saksun | Google Maps

Distance | 13 km out-and-back

Time Needed | 5:30 โ€“ 6 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 1044 meters

Difficulty | Moderate 

Hiking Fee | None

Guided Hike | For a guided experience, check out this Hiking from Saksun to Tjรธrnuvรญk tour starting in Saksun, or Tรณrshavn (add-on service).

Learn More: Saksun to Tjรธrnuvรญk Hike


7. Mรบlafossur Waterfall and Gรกsadalur Hike, Vรกgar Island (Free)

ร Skarรฐi Trail View of Gรกsadalur, Faroe Islands

Mรบlafossur Waterfall (aka Gรกsadalur Waterfall), located in the remote village of Gรกsadalur on Vรกgar Island. 

The Mรบlafossur Waterfall spills over the edge of a grass-carpeted sea cliff into the swelling North Atlantic Ocean below. This dreamlike scene is enhanced by the magical backdrop of Gรกsadalur village, dwarfed by Heinanรธva (612 meters) and รrnafjall (722 meters), the highest mountain on Vรกgar Island. 

You can drive to Gรกsadalur to see the striking Mรบlafossur Waterfall. Or, you can follow the old village path from Bรธur to Gรกsadalur. 

The hike starts just off Route 45, about 350 meters before the Gรกsadalstunnilin tunnel entrance. From the trailhead car park, the village path steeply ascends the grassy slopes of Gรกsadalsbrekkuna (Goosevalley Hill), waymarked with short white poles.

The way rises along the cliffs with views of the Drangarnir sea stack and the Tindhรณlmur and Gรกshรณlmur Islands. 

A long flat stretch brings you to the ร Skarรฐi mountain pass. From here, itโ€™s a steep descent across rugged terrain to Gรกsadalur village and the Mรบlafossur Waterfall. 

You can return to the starting point along the same route, or hitchhike a ride through the tunnel (what we did).


Gรกsadalur Trail Stats

Starting Point | Bรธur-Gรกsadalur Trailhead Car Park | Google Maps 

Ending Point | Gรกsadalur Village 

Distance | 5.3 km point-to-point 

Time Needed | 2 โ€“ 2:30 hours

Elevation Gain | 401 meters

Elevation Loss | 521 meters

Difficulty | Moderate โ€“ Moderately Difficult

Hiking Fee | None

Learn More: Mรบlafossur Waterfall and Gรกsadalur Hike


8. Lake Sรธrvรกgsvatn and Trรฆlanรญpa Cliff Hike, Vรกgar Island

Trรฆlanรญpa Cliff Hike, Faroe Islands

Lake Sรธrvรกgsvatn (also called Lake Leitisvatn) is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands.

However, itโ€™s not famous because of its size, but rather because of its optical illusion. From the Trรฆlanรญpa cliff on Vรกgar Island, Lake Sรธrvรกgsvatn appears to be floating over the ocean.  The surrounding sea cliffs create the impression that the lake is hundreds of meters above sea level. In reality, the elevation difference between the lake and the ocean is only 30 meters. 

The hike to Trรฆlanรญpa cliff starts at a small car park in Miรฐvรกgur. After paying the hiking fee (this trail traverses private land), follow the well-trodden trail parallel to Lake Sรธrvรกgsvatn in the direction of the coast. 

When the path splits at the cliff edge, turn left and climb up to the top of Trรฆlanรญpa. From this perpendicular sea cliff, you will see the lake above the ocean. 


Trรฆlanรญpa Cliff Trail Stats

Trailhead | Trรฆlanรญpa/Bรธsdalafossur car park, Miรฐvรกgur | Google Maps

Distance | 6.8 km out-and-back

Time Needed | 1:45 โ€“ 2 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 110 meters

Difficulty | Easy

Hiking Fee | 200 DKK per person (ages 16+)

Guided Hike | Inspiring 5 Hour Lake Above the Ocean Tour starting in Tรณrshavn, or The Classic 4 Hour Tour of Vรกgar Island starting in Miรฐvรกgur

Learn More: Lake Sรธrvรกgsvatn and Trรฆlanรญpa Cliff Hike


9. รsmundarstakkur Hike, Suรฐuroy Island (Free)

รsmundarstakkur Sea Stack Hike, Suรฐuroy, Faroe Islands

รsmundarstakkur is a 109 meter-high sea stack along the northwest coast of Suรฐuroy, the southernmost Island in the Faroe Islands. 

To reach the รsmundarstakkur viewpoint(s) and the nearby famous footbridge, drive to the village of Sandvรญk in Northern Suรฐuroy. 

Park at the parking area on Heiรฐavegur Road, and follow the gravel road to the northwest coast. 

A trail branches off the road and ventures across boggy fields to the cliffs. If visibility is poor, you can stay on the road. 

The views of the sea cliffs are phenomenal. If the weather gods are obliging, come here for golden hour to witness a colorful show. 


รsmundarstakkur Trail Stats

Trailhead | Heiรฐavegur road, Sandvรญk | Google Maps

Distance | 5 km circuit

Time Needed | 1:30 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 225 meters

Difficulty | Easy

Hiking Fee | None 

Guided Hike | รsmundarstakkur and Rituskor Tour is a 4-hour tour starting in Tvรธroyri on Suรฐuroy Island.

Learn More: รsmundarstakkur Hike


10. Hvannhagi and Lake Hvannavatn, Suรฐuroy Island (Free)

Lake Hvannavatn, Havannhagi Hike, Faroe Islands

Hvannhagi is a remote valley on Suรฐuroy Island.

Starting in the village of Tvรธroyri, it takes 1:25 hours to reach Lake Hvannavatn in Hvannhagi. 

We walked along Ovari Vegur Road to reach the trailhead and outfield. 

Clearly marked with posts, the path leads northwest and later northeast to a wide pass, where views extend to the small uninhabited islands of Lรญtla Dรญmun and Stora Dรญmun. 

After the gate, itโ€™s a slippery descent to Hvannhagi on a rugged path. Follow the obvious footpath to the lake, ringed by steep mountains. 


Lake Hvannavatn Trail Stats

Trailhead | Tvรธroyri | Google Maps

Distance | 7.7 km out-and-back

Time Needed | 3 hours

Elevation Gain/Loss | 278 meters

Difficulty | Moderate

Hiking Fee | None 

Learn More: Hvannhagi and Lake Hvannavatn


Where to Stay in the Faroe Islands for Hiking


Tรณrshavn, Streymoy Island

Hotel Brandan, Faroe Islands. Photo By Andri Gerdisa
Hotel Brandan | Photo Credit: Andri Gerdis

Tรณrshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, is the most practical base for hiking in the Faroe Islands. Tรณrshavn offers the most in terms of accommodations and dining, so it makes a lot of sense to stay in the capital for a few nights.

While based in Tรณrshavn, you can hike the Saksun and Tjรธrnuvรญk trail, also located on Streymoy Island.

You can drive through the Vรกgatunnilin sub-sea tunnel to Vรกgar Island to hike to Mรบlafossur Waterfall and Trรฆlanรญpa Cliff Trail.

You can reach Eysturoy Island by either driving through the Eysturoyartunnilin sub-sea tunnel or crossing the bridge in Sundini. When visiting Eysturoy, we recommend hiking to the Hvรญthamar viewpoint on the way to Gjรณgv. From the idyllic village of Gjรณgv, follow the coastal cliff trail to see nesting Puffins (summer only).

From Tรณrshavn, it’s also possible to reach the Northern Isles. However, we think it’s a more efficient to stay 2 nights in Klaksvรญk to tackle the hikes in the north.

TOP CHOICE – Midrange-Luxury | Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands is a fresh-faced hotel set in a quiet location, 1.6 km from the city center (20 minute walk, or 4 minutes drive). Stay here for the impeccably-designed rooms with comfortable beds, the on-site restaurant and bar, great breakfast buffet, and fitness center. Free on-site parking. 

Luxury | Hotel Brandan is a 4-star hotel with quiet rooms, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, a sauna, and on-site parking. Guests love the breakfast and the hotel bar, which serves local craft beers. The hotel is located 1.4 km from the city center (15 minute walk, or 3 minute drive).

Luxury | Havgrรญm Seaside Hotel 1948 is a boutique hotel set on the seashore, walking distance to the city center (10 minutes). A fantastic breakfast is included. Free parking is available on-site. Guests can also enjoy the garden hot tub facing the sea. 

Luxury | Traditional Faroese house in Tรณrshavns city center is a 4-bedroom turf-roofed house with stylish, renovated interiors, two bathrooms, and a well-equipped kitchen. Free on-site parking. 3 nights minimum stay.

More Charming Holiday Homes: Cosy house in the heart of Tรณrshavn (ร Reyni) and Luxurious House in Downtown Tรณrshavn

City Center Apartments: City center, Tรณrshavn (2-bedroom apartment),  Central apartment in Tรณrshavn (1-bedroom apartment), Penthouse Apartment in Downtown Tรณrshavn (3-bedroom/5 people apartment)

Look for accommodation in Tรณrshavn

Learn More: Best Faroe Islands Hotels


Klaksvรญk, Borรฐoy Island

Klaksvรญk, located on Borรฐoy island, is the second largest town in the Faroe Islands. It’s the best base for exploring the Northern Isles: Kalsoy, Borรฐoy, Kunoy, and Viรฐoy.

While based in Klaksvรญk, you can hike up to Klakkur Mountain and head to nearby รrnafjรธrรฐur village to hike up to Toftaskarรฐ and Katlarnir.

You can take the ferry from Klaksvรญk to Kalsoy Island in order to hike to Kallur Lighthouse.

And, you can drive (or take the bus) all the way to Viรฐareiรฐi village on Viรฐoy Island to summit Villingardalsfjall.

We recommend spending 2 nights in Klaksvรญk.

Midrange | The welcoming and cozy Romantic Klaksvik apartment is a one-bedroom apartment with a fully-equipped kitchen, living room, garden, and private parking. The apartment is walking distance to the Kalsoy ferry. 

Midrange | Spacious City Center Home by the Sea is located in the heart of Klaksvรญk, close to Frรญรฐa Kaffihรบs, tourist office, Kalsoy ferry terminal, and grocery store. This roomy and bright 3-bedroom apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen (with dishwasher and microwave), a washing machine, balcony, and free parking. 

Top Choice – Luxury | Set along Klaksvรญk bay, Panorama boathouse stands out with its crisp, modern aesthetic, new furnishings, and idyllic setting. This beautifully converted boathouse has 3 bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a washing machine, a spacious dining area, and a living room. 

Look for accommodation in Klaksvรญk.


Suรฐuroy Island

Suรฐuroy is the southernmost island in the Faroe Islands. Because, it’s a 2-hour ferry ride from Tรณrshavn to Tvรธroyri, Suรฐuroy, we recommend spending 1-2 nights on the island.

It only takes 45 minutes to drive the full length of Suรฐuroy from Sumba in the south to Sandvรญk in the north. So, wherever you stay on the Island, youโ€™re within easy driving distance to other villages and attractions. 

During your visit, prioritize the hikes to รsmundarstakkur viewpoint and Hvannhagi valley.

We stayed in BRIM B&B, which is a darling bed and breakfast in Vรกgur. Another option in Vรกgur is Lovely Holiday Home in Vรกgur with Hot Tub and Sauna.

You can also stay in Tvรธroyri at this Nice one-story house in Suduroy (2 nights minimum stay). 


Responsible Hiking

hikers nera Kallur Lighthouse, Kalsoy, Faroe Islands

While hiking in the Faroe Islands, please adhere to these rules of conduct:

1. Follow carins and other trail markers and stay on designated paths only.

2. Do not disturb sheep, birds and plants. Maintain a respectful distance from all animals.

3. It’s illegal to pick plants, or take stones, eggs, or chicks.

4. Close outfield gates behind you.

5. Pick up loose wool that sheep have shed. You can dispose of the wool in a garbage, or keep it. Wool endangers birds, because it gets tangled around their bodies. The weight of the wool makes it difficult, or impossible to fly, and can also cut off the circulation from their legs.

6. Dogs are not allowed in the outfield. Since all hikes in the Faroe Islands lead to the outfield, where dogs are not allowed, hiking with dogs in the Faroe Islands is basically impossible.

7. Do not litter.

8. It’s prohibited to bicycle, or drive any type of motor vehicle into the outfield, or along any cairn path.

9. Do not start a hike when there’s fog, or in the dark.



Best Hikes in the Faroe Islands

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Sabrina Brett

Hello! Iโ€™m a spirited traveler on a quest to hike in the most picturesque alpine and coastal destinations across Europe. In 2016, I left my home and job in San Francisco, California, to move to Germany, and later Austria. The following year, I created this blog to help like-minded travelers experience new and exciting ways to travel authentically. I travel to hike, and I hope to inspire your next adventure.

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