The sixth "Closed for Maintenance, Open for Voluntourism" event will take place from May 2 to May 4, with the following projects scheduled for 2024:

1. Tjørnuvík

Tjørnuvík is a popular village that attracts both locals and tourists every year. One of its distinguishing features is the black sand beach, which offers a breathtaking view of the scenic 'Giant & the Witch'. On a sunny day, you will witness many people enjoying the always fresh breeze. However, the path down to the beach is affected by the forces of nature, making it difficult to access. Therefore, we are restoring the path to ensure that everyone, including those with prams or wheelchairs, can easily access the beach.

2. Nólsoy

When you're in Tórshavn, the best view you can get is of Nólsoy, the island that protects the capital from the biggest storms from the sea. But I promise you, being there is even better! In the middle of the island lies Nólsoy village, and from there, the most popular hike is towards the scenic lighthouse. The hike is relatively flat (remember, it's a Faroe Islander speaking!), but it's quite a long distance. The path has been a part of the Closed for Maintenance project before, but it's still in need of some mending. Luckily for you, because it's not often you can get to be a ‘Nólsoyingur’ for a weekend!

3. Vágur

In the town of Vágur, on the island of Suðuroy, one part of the project involves repairing a section of an existing path that leads to a viewpoint overlooking Vágur. This walk is relatively short, and you will quickly feel isolated and enjoy the views in peace. Another part of the project aims to enhance the starting point of a village path by installing signage, making it easier to locate, and ensuring that it is safe to hike.

4. Skálavík

The island of Sandoy has just opened its new under-sea tunnel, providing a great opportunity for visitors to explore the island even more! Skálavík village is a must-visit spot, boasting the island's only café and guesthouse. The village has seen an increase in visitors over the last few years, and as a result, it requires more signage. We will be marking and signing a path to Skálhøvdið, a magnificent viewpoint located at the far end of the village. Expect to see plenty of fulmars flying past!

5. Kambsdalur

Fuglafjørður is a charming fishing town on the east side of Eysturoy Island. The town is surrounded by a small bay that protects it from the open sea. In the past, an ancient village path connected Fuglafjørður to Kambsdalur, which shepherds now use. Recently, the path from Kambsdalur to Trælavatn was restored through maintenance projects. This year, we plan to connect Kambsdalur to Fuglafjørður using the old path so that hikers can use it instead of the busy main road.

During your stay, we will focus on working on the path from River Breiðá towards Fuglafjørður. We will place markers and mend the path where needed to make it easier for hikers to navigate. Additionally, we will explore the local area and enjoy the town's creative and cultural offerings. You will stay in Fuglafjørður during the working days.

Fun fact: Kambsdalur is home to one of the few grammar schools in the Faroe Islands, which enrols young students from northern Northern Streymoy, Eysturoy, and the Northern Islands.

6. Vestmanna

Vestmanna has been (and arguably still is) a pioneer in developing water electricity on the Faroe Islands. Situated in a small fjord, the village is home to one of the largest dams in the country that generates electricity throughout the year. The pathway leading to the dam is a popular walking route for both locals and tourists. The project aims to reorganize and repair the pathway.

7. Tórshavn

Lendisbati is a project of the Faroe Islands National Museum that aims to restore degraded landscapes in the Faroe Islands by preventing soil erosion, improving biodiversity, and restoring wetlands for carbon storage. The Faroese nature is fragile, and climate change is an increasing risk.

As part of the Closed for Maintenance project, we aim to properly initiate the 'Sundshagi' project. The area is located above Kaldbaksbotnur, spans approximately 400,000 square meters, and is situated between 150 to 250 meters above sea level. The field will be fenced to prevent sheep from entering.

Future plans for the area involve conducting vegetation studies by Lendisbati. In cooperation with Landgræðslan in Iceland, native plant species such as juniper and willow will be planted to restore biodiversity in the area. This will also make natural areas more accessible to the public. Additionally, footpaths and common areas will be designed in collaboration with a landscape architect.

Read more about the full Lendisbati project here.

8. Vágar

On the beautiful island of Vágar, there are several scenic hiking routes that both locals and tourists enjoy. While some of these hikes are more well-known than others, most of them offer a peaceful experience with only the sounds of birds and sheep to keep you company. This year, the Closed for Maintenance team will mend the path to Slættanes, north of Sandavágur, which is one of the quieter routes, even though it is a relatively popular hike spanning over 25km from the village of Sandavágur to Slættanes and back to the town of Gásadalur.In Slættanes, a shelter/restroom will be constructed to increase the comfort of overnight stays in the abandoned village.

Find information on the hike here.