10 Must-Do Hikes in the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands, an archipelago of 18 islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, 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, there’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 like the Saksun to Tjørnuvík Hike and Gásadalur Hike 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). These village trails are open to the public and freely accessible. 

Many popular hiking trails 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 to Villingardalsfjall, Trælanípa Cliff (Floating Lake Viewpoint), and Kallur Lighthouse. 

Below, I’ve summarized my favorite hikes, ordered from north to south. Many of these hikes are short, so it’s easy to tackle two hikes per day.

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Faroe Islands Hiking Map

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1. Villingardalsfjall Peak Hike

Viðoy Island

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

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

Trailhead | Við Garð Parking Area, Viðareiði, Viðoy Island: Google Maps
Distance | 4.5 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 3:30 – 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 Tórshavn, you can book this guided Mount Villingardalsfjall hike, or even better this Cape Enniberg guided hike.

Learn More: Villingardalsfjall Hike

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2. Árnafjørður – Toftaskarð – Katlarnir Circuit Trail

Borðoy Island

The Árnafjørður – Toftaskarð – Katlarnir loop hike is the most challenging and off-the-beaten-path trail in my round-up of Faroe Islands hikes. 

Starting in the village of Árnafjørður, close to Klaksvík, this lonesome route leads northeast to Svartidalur valley and then climbs up steep crags to Toftaskarð pass. 

The trail continues west and eventually drops down a steep mountainside via Uppi á Gjógv 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 Árnafjørður. 

Though extremely exciting, the hike is challenging because of the infrequent waymarking between Árnafjørður and Toftaskarð. 

Trailhead | Árnafjørður Church, Borðoy Island: Google Maps
Distance | 7.7 km circuit
Time Needed | 4 hours 
Elevation Gain/Loss | 560 meters
Difficulty | Challenging 
Hiking Fee |  None

Learn More: Árnafjørður – Toftaskarð – Katlarnir Circuit Trail

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3. Klakkur Hike

Borðoy Island

Klakkur (413 meters) is a mountain west of Klaksvík 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 Ástarbreytin (“Love Path”). This road brings you to Hálsur, the mountain pass between Klakkur and Hálgafelli.

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

From Hálsur, 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. 

Trailhead | Water tanks car park, Niðan Horn road, Klaksvík: 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

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4. Kallur Lighthouse Hike

Kalsoy Island

The Kallur Lighthouse is located in the very north of Kalsoy Island in the Northern Isles. It’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, it’s one of the most captivating scenes in the Faroes. 

The hike to Kallur Lighthouse starts in the village of Trøllanes. 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. 

Trailhead | Trøllanes: 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.
Guided Hike | If you don’t want to worry about the logistics of getting to Kalsoy Island, you can also join a guided tour like Incredible 8 Hour Guided Tour to Kalsoy & Kallur Lighthouse

Learn More: Kallur Lighthouse Hike

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5. Hvíthamar Viewpoint Hike

Eysturoy Island

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

Starting at the Gjáarskarð mountain pass, between the villages of Funningur and Gjógv, you can hike to the Hvíthamar viewpoint in a mere 10 minutes. 

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

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

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

Trailhead | Gjáarskarð 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: Hvíthamar Viewpoint Hike

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6. Saksun to Tjørnuvík Hike

Streymoy Island

Saksun and Tjørnuvík 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 Tjørnuvík

Starting in Saksun, the trail rises up the mountainside with views of the Pollurin tidal lagoon. There’s a large cairn standing on the crest, which marks the beginning of the waymarked village path to Tjørnuvík. The path climbs up the easterns flank of Frammi í Dal valley to the Tjørnuvíksskarð mountain pass. 

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

Trailhead | Saksun: Google Maps
Distance | 13 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 5:30 – 6 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 1044 meters
Difficulty | Moderate 
Hiking Fee | None
Guided Hike | Hiking from Saksun to Tjørnuvík tour

Learn More: Saksun to Tjørnuvík Hike

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7. Múlafossur Waterfall and Gásadalur Hike

Vágar Island

Múlafossur Waterfall (aka Gásadalur Waterfall), located in the remote village of Gásadalur on Vágar Island. 

The Múlafossur 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 Gásadalur village, dwarfed by Heinanøva (612 meters) and Árnafjall (722 meters), the highest mountain on Vágar Island. 

You can drive to Gásadalur to see the striking Múlafossur Waterfall. Or, you can follow the old village path from Bøur to Gásadalur. 

The hike starts just off Route 45, about 350 meters before the Gásadalstunnilin tunnel entrance. From the trailhead car park, the village path steeply ascends the grassy slopes of Gásadalsbrekkuna (Goosevalley Hill), waymarked with short white poles. The way rises along the cliffs with views of the Drangarnir sea stack and the Tindhólmur and Gáshólmur Islands. 

A long flat stretch brings you to the Á Skarði mountain pass. From here, it’s a steep descent across rugged terrain to Gásadalur village and the Múlafossur Waterfall. 

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

Starting Point | Bøur-Gásadalur Trailhead Car Park: Google Maps
Ending Point | Gásadalur Village 
Distance | 5.3 km point-to-point 
Time Needed | 2 – 2:30 hours
Elevation Gain | 401 meters
Elevation Loss | 521 meters
Difficulty | Moderate – Moderately Difficult
Hiking Fee | None

Learn More: Múlafossur Waterfall and Gásadalur Hike

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8. Lake Sørvágsvatn and Trælanípa Cliff Hike

Vágar Island

Lake Sørvágsvatn (also called Lake Leitisvatn) is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands. However, it’s not famous because of its size, but rather because of its optical illusion.

From the Trælanípa cliff on Vágar Island, Lake Sørvágsvatn 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 Trælanípa cliff starts at a small car park in Miðvágur. After paying the hiking fee (this trail traverses private land), follow the well-trodden trail parallel to Lake Sørvágsvatn in the direction of the coast. 

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

Trailhead | Trælanípa/Bøsdalafossur car park, Miðvágur: Google Maps
Distance | 6.8 km out-and-back
Time Needed | 1:45 – 2 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 110 meters
Difficulty | Easy
Hiking Fee | 200 DKK per person (ages 16+)

Learn More: Lake Sørvágsvatn and Trælanípa Cliff Hike

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9. Ásmundarstakkur Hike

Suðuroy Island

Ásmundarstakkur is a 109 meter-high sea stack along the northwest coast of Suðuroy, the southernmost Island in the Faroe Islands. 

To reach the Ásmundarstakkur viewpoint(s) and the nearby famous footbridge, drive to the village of Sandvík in Northern Suðuroy. 

Park at the parking area on Heiðavegur 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. 

Trailhead | Heiðavegur road, Sandvík: Google Maps
Distance | 5 km circuit
Time Needed | 1:30 hours
Elevation Gain/Loss | 225 meters
Difficulty | Easy
Hiking Fee | None 
Guided Hike | Ásmundarstakkur and Rituskor Tour

Learn More: Ásmundarstakkur Hike

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10. Hvannhagi and Lake Hvannavatn

Suðuroy Island

Hvannhagi is a remote valley on Suðuroy Island.

Starting in the village of Tvøroyri, 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 Lítla Dímun and Stora Dímun. 

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

Trailhead | Tvøroyri: 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

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Where to Stay in the Faroe Islands for Hiking

Tórshavn, Streymoy Island

The capital of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn, makes the most practical base for hiking. From here, you can explore the Saksun-Tjørnuvík trail on Streymoy. A drive through the Vágatunnilin leads to Vágar, where you’ll find hikes to Múlafossur Waterfall and the Trælanípa Cliff. You can also reach Eysturoy via the Eysturoyartunnilin or by crossing the Streymin Bridge.

It’s also possible to reach the Northern Isles, but we found it more efficient to base ourselves in Klaksvík to tackle the northern hikes.

Take a look at these accommodations: City center, Tórshavn (2-bedroom apartment), Traditional Faroese house (cottage), Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands (4-star hotel with on-site restaurant and bar), Hotel Brandan (4-star hotel with restaurant), Havgrím Seaside Hotel 1948 (boutique hotel).

Learn More: Best Faroe Islands Hotels

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Klaksvík, Borðoy Island

Klaksvík, on Borðoy, is the country’s second-largest town and the ideal base for exploring the Northern Isles: Kalsoy, Borðoy, Kunoy, and Viðoy. From Klaksvík, you can hike up Klakkur or head to Árnafjørður for the Toftaskarð – Katlarnir circuit. Ferries from Klaksvík connect to Kalsoy, where you can hike to Kallur Lighthouse. You can also drive (or take the bus) to Viðareiði to summit Villingardalsfjall. I recommend staying two nights in Klaksvík.

Check out Romantic Klaksvik apartment (1-bedroom apartment), Spacious City Center Home by the Sea (3-bedroom apartment), and Panorama boathouse (3-bedroom waterfront converted boathouse).

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Suðuroy Island

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

It only takes 45 minutes to drive the full length of Suðuroy from Sumba in the south to Sandvík in the north. So, wherever you stay on the Island, you’re within easy driving distance to other villages, attractions, and trailheads.

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

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

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Responsible Hiking

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.

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