Villingardalsfjall (also spelled Villingadalsfjall) is a mountain above Viðareiði village on Viðoy Island in the Faroe Islands. Rising to an elevation of 841 meters, it’s also the third highest mountain in the Faroes.
It’s a strenuous and relentless climb to Mount Villingardalsfjall, which should only be tackled on fair-weather days. Low-hanging clouds and fog can make route-finding very difficult.
Throughout the ascent, hikers enjoy sweeping views of the cone-shaped Malinsfjall mountain to the south and the islands of Borðoy, Kunoy, and Kalsoy to the west.
From the Villingardalsfjall hiking trail, you can also better appreciate Vidareidi’s extraordinary location on an isthmus. An isthmus is a slender strip of land that connects two larger landmasses and separates two bodies of water.
Cradled between two mountains and flanked by two seas, Vidareidi village looks both vulnerable and magical. You have to wonder who decided to settle here in the 1300s: a romantic, a daredevil, or a genius.
Despite the steep hiking fee and the out-of-the-way location, Villingardalsfjall is still a worthy hike. Pack sufficient water and snacks with you, as there are no cafés, gas stations, or stores on Viðoy Island.
If you’re traveling without a car, you can book this Mount Villingardalsfjall tour starting in Tórshavn.
Important: The hike can be extended to Cape Enniberg (754 meters), one of the highest sea cliffs in the world. However, it’s mandatory to hire a professional guide, as route finding is difficult. If you’re based in Tórshavn, check out this guided hike to Cape Enniberg.
- Where: Viðoy Island
- Trailhead: Við Garð Parking Area, Viðareiði | Google Maps
- Distance: 4.5 km out-and-back
- Time Needed: 3:30 – 4 hours
- Elevation Gain/Loss: 829 meters
- Difficulty: Moderately Difficult
- Minimum Elevation: 81 meters
- Maximum Elevation: 841 meters
- Hiking Fee: 200 DKK per person (cash only)
- Recommended Itinerary: Faroe Islands Road Trip
- Where to Stay in Klaksvík: Romantic Klaksvik apartment (midrange), Spacious City Center Home by the Sea (midrange), or Panorama boathouse (luxury)
Villingardalsfjall Hiking Map
Villingardalsfjall Trail Difficulty
The hike to Villingardalsfjall peak is moderately difficult because of the steep gradient. The path leads straight up the mountain, with very few switchbacks.
Moreover, the terrain gets increasingly rockier and uneven with elevation gain. You have to navigate boulders and loose rocks underfoot. Though challenging going up, the descent is probably more tricky, because it’s easy to slip.
Take it slowly and cautiously.
If the weather turns for the worst during your ascent, please don’t hesitate to turn around and head down. The summit of Villingardalsfjall is a barren rockland and it’s easy to get lost up there.
Expect strong winds, even on beautiful days.
Villingardalsfjall Hiking Fee
The trail to Villingardalsfjall traverses private property. It’s mandatory to pay a hiking fee before accessing the trail. Place 200 DKK per person in the mailbox by the gate at the trailhead.
Learn more about hiking fees and restrictions in the Faroe Islands.
Where to Start the Villingardalsfjall Hike
Við Garð, Viðareiði
The Villingardalsfjall hike starts in Vidareidi village, the northernmost town in the Faroe Islands.
The trailhead is located at the end of Garðsvegur road in Við Garð, the northern part of the village.
There’s no car park directly at the trailhead.
The closest parking area (8-9 cars max) is located just down the road from the trailhead. Exact Location: Google Maps.
If this car park is full, park in the village near the church.
Vidareidi to Villingardalsfjall Hiking Trail Description
Við Garð Parking Area to Villingardalsfjall Trailhead (3 minutes)
Simply follow Garðsvegur Road in the direction of Villingardalsfjall.
It dead ends at the Villingardalsfjall Trailhead, where there’s a gate, sign, and honesty box, where you can deposit your hiking fee (200 DKK/person).
The sign instructs hikers to not hike when there’s snow, or fog.
Villingardalsfjall Trailhead to Plateau Viewpoint (1:35 hours)
Follow the paved path through farmland.
Soon the trail turns to grass and ascends between a rock wall and a stream.
After a few minutes, pass through the metal gate and enter the outfield.
You can see the trail ahead, clearly etched across the grassy mountainside. Follow the blue plastic poles.
The trail angles northwest up the mountain.
Looking west, you’ll see the mountainous islands of Bordoy and Kunoy, which look like semi-submerged sea dragons with razor-sharp spines.
At first, the trail is mostly grass and mud. As you gain elevation, the path gets steadily steeper and rockier.
After 1:35 hours, you’ll land at a plateau viewpoint area, encircled with propped-up pointed stones and cairns. Though it looks like a pagan ritual site, these stones mostly tell stories of local pranks.
Plateau Viewpoint to Villingardalsfjall Peak (25 minutes)
Continue ascending for about 4-5 minutes (82 meters) to a trail junction, where you’ll turn right to Villingardalsfjall. The trail straight ahead leads to Enniberg cliff.
A mobile trail app (Maps.me works just fine) will help you tremendously.
This final stretch to Villingardalsfjall cuts across a slope strewn with rocks. This rugged slope stretches all the way to the summit and takes about 10 minutes to climb.
The scenery is desolate and barren. Everything looks the same, so it would be easy to get lost if the weather turns.
Note: I’ve read on multiple online sources that there are no cairns leading up to Villingardalsfjall (only cairns leading to Cape Enniberg). That’s no longer true. As you can see in the photo above, there are cairns leading up to the peak.
Villingardalsfjall Peak
The Villingardalsfjall peak is marked with a post and a circle of cairns. It’s a bit unceremonious, but strong winds likely prevent the construction of something more substantial.
The summit area isn’t a sharp pinnacle with little surface area, but rather a dome-shaped plateau. There’s a lot of room to wander about and take in the various vistas.
The Villingardalsfjall summit overlooks Villingadalur valley, Fugloy and Svinoy islands, and Cape Enniberg, the 754 meters vertical sea cliff.
Villingardalsfjall Peak to Vidareidi (1:30 – 2 hours)
Return along the same route. It’s slippery going down with all the crumbling rocks. Take extra care.
Where to Stay near Villingardalsfjall
Vidareidi, Viðoy Island
Vidareidi Village is an ancient settlement, dating back to around 1350. There’s very little tourist infrastructure in the northern outpost. Hotel Norð is the only accommodation on the Island and there are no places to eat.
Klaksvík, Borðoy Island
Klaksvík, located on Borðoy island, is the second largest town in the Faroe Islands. Klaksvík is the best base for exploring the Northern Isles. We recommend staying here for 2 nights, so that you can hike to Villingardalsfjall Peak and Klakkur Ridge and visit Kalsoy Island, home to the famous Kallur Lighthouse. Experienced hikers with excellent trail intuition ought to tackle the Árnafjørður – Toftaskarð – Katlarnir circuit trail.
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 Klaksvík, close to Fríða Kaffihús, 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 Klaksvík 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.
Tórshavn, Streymoy Island
Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, is located on Streymoy Island. Not surprisingly, it’s also the largest and liveliest city in the Faroes, with the highest concentration of accommodations, restaurants, and bars.
Many travelers decide to base themselves in Tórshavn for the full duration of their trip and take day trips to various destinations across the archipelago.
From Tórshavn, you can also take ferries to Nólsoy Island, Sandoy Island, and Suðuroy Island.
It’s a 1-hour drive form Tórshavn to Vidareidi Village.
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 | Havgrím 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 Tórshavns 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 Tórshavn (Á Reyni) and Luxurious House in Downtown Tórshavn
City Center Apartments: City center, Tórshavn (2-bedroom apartment), Central apartment in Tórshavn (1-bedroom apartment), Penthouse Apartment in Downtown Tórshavn (3-bedroom/5 people apartment)
Look for accommodation in Tórshavn.
More Faroe Islands Travel Guides
Hiking Trails
Read Best Hikes in the Faroe Islands for a summary of the top hiking trails across the archipelago. Our favorite Faroe Islands hiking trails (north to south):
- Villingardalsfjall Hike, Viðoy Island
- Árnafjørður – Toftaskarð – Katlarnir Circuit Trail, Borðoy Island
- Klakkur Hike, Borðoy Island
- Kallur Lighthouse Hike, Kalsoy Island
- Hvíthamar Viewpoint Hike, Eysturoy Island
- Saksun to Tjørnuvík Hike, Streymoy Island
- Múlafossur Waterfall and Gásadalur Hike, Vágar Island
- Lake Sørvágsvatn and Trælanípa Cliff Hike (Floating Lake Viewpoint), Vágar Island
- Ásmundarstakkur Hike, Suðuroy Island
- Hvannhagi and Lake Hvannavatn, Suðuroy Island
Trip Planning Guides
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