Words and photos by Sabrina Brett at Moon & Honey Travel

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, 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 in the Faroe Islands trace old village paths. Before the construction of tunnels and roads, the Faroese travelled 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 Tjørnuvík Hike and Gásadalur Hike are 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 to Villingardalsfjall and Trælanípa Cliff (Floating Lake Viewpoint).  

In our Faroe Islands hiking guide, we’ve summarized our favourite hikes. Many of these hikes are short. So, it’ll be easy to tackle two hikes per day.

Find out how to string these hikes together in a single trip in our Faroe Islands itinerary.

TOP FAROE ISLANDS HIKING TRAILS

These Faroe Islands hikes are ordered from north to south.

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

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 this 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

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

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 | None. However, this hike traverses private land. 

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

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

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

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+)

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 

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