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).

Klaksvík

Klaksvík, the second-largest town in the Faroe Islands, is a charming fishing hub nestled between steep mountains. It offers stunning stories and 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.

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.

Map & Guide