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Discovering the Faroe Islands by bicycle
Regional guide
Northern Islands
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The Northern Islands are not one island but six in total - Fugloy, Svínoy, Viðoy, Borðoy, Kunoy, and Kalsoy, collectively known as the Northern Isles. Although rough oceans and tall mountains divide these communities, they are connected by a shared history and identity.
The Northern Islands are immediately different from the rest. The mountains here are higher, the cliffs more rugged, and the weather even more unpredictable (if possible) – in short, the Northern Islands are unique, and it’s worth making a trip out here as you’re about to find out. Moreover, the opening of the Eysturoy tunnel has dramatically shortened journey times, meaning that the Faroes’ second town, Klaksvík, is now barely 45 minutes from the capital (a whole half an hour less than before the tunnel).
Kósabrúgvin, Klaksvík
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Klaksvík, Borðoy
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Klaksvík
Klaksvík, the second-largest town in the Faroe Islands, is a charming fishing hub nestled between steep mountains. It offers stunning views and is a gateway to exploring the northern islands. Indeed, Klaksvík is the ideal place to base yourself for exploring the northern islands, with its convenient selection of accommodations, cafes, and restaurants. Klaksvík is also the hub of all communication in this part of the islands, and it's from here that buses, roads, and one of the two ferry routes in the north radiate.
Café Fríða
Lovely cosy cafe with delicious coffee and tempting treats in a relaxing environment
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King Christians church
One of the first major modern churches in Scandinavia that is inspired by the old Nordic style
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Klakkur
Exceptional panorama view
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Norðoya heimavirki
We sell a wide range of homemade knit and crafts
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The kiosk at the end of the world
Locally run kiosk in Trøllanes selling snacks and goods from the farm
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Kallurin
The lighthouse at the end of the world
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Café Eðge
Café on the edge
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Kópakonan - the Selkie statue
The seal woman is based on one of the most famous legends in the Faroe Islands
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Svínoy, hike
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Old postal route, Fugloy
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Northern islands
Speaking of ferries, the one trip that everyone wants to make is aboard Ritan, the sturdy boat that plies the choppy waters across to the Faroes’ most northerly and exposed islands: Svínoy and Fugloy. Neither big nor plush, the ferry is very much the workhorse of the Northern Islands, delivering mail, supplies and people to these two outposts whose existence is at the mercy of the whims of the North Atlantic. Once on land (be prepared to leap ashore in stormy seas), hiking is the main attraction on both islands – and a combination of quiet lanes and paths is waiting to be explored. Always be prepared for the weather to take a turn and the ferry to be cancelled or rescheduled.
Both Svínoy and Fugloy captivate like nowhere else – the modern world untrammels rural life here – a desirable quality that’s increasingly hard to find.
The region is known for its imposing and towering mountains, which cast long shadows over its idyllic villages.
The Faroes specialise in dramatic scenery – and the Northern Islands won’t fail to impress there. The highest sea cliff anywhere in Europe (when measured as the sheer drop to sea level), Enniberg, rises vertically out of the North Atlantic Ocean to a height of 754m and marks the most northerly point of another of the Northern Island group, Viðoy. A handful of serious hikers make it out here, but most people are content with an impressive line for their postcards home!
The farm á Stórheygnum
Welcome to ‘Heimablídni’ and guided tours on our farm in Svínoy
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Kalalon
Immerse yourself in the essence of island life at Kalalon B&B on Fugloy. Experience overnight stays, dining options, and guided tours
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The old Postal Route
Reaching remoteness
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Ein dropi í lívsins havi
The monument is in honour of Svínoy locals who have died in accidents
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