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Regional guide
NORTHERN ISLANDS
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.
Café Fríða
Café Fríða offers a cosy atmosphere with delicious coffee and treats, plus a unique Faroese cultural experience in Klaksvík.
Norðoyggjar
King Christians church
Discover King Christians church in Klaksvík, the largest Faroese church with unique Viking-inspired architecture and weekly Sunday services.
Norðoyggjar
Klakkur
Discover Klakkur, a 413m peak with spectacular panoramic views over Klaksvík and nearby islands in the Faroe Islands.
Norðoyggjar
1912
Discover 1912 - homemade knit and crafts in Klaksvík, Faroe Islands. Explore unique handmade sweaters and local artisan products.
Norðoyggjar
The kiosk at the end of the world
The kiosk at the end of the world in Trøllanes offers local snacks, ice cream, coffee, Faroese cold cuts, and homemade farm goods.
Norðoyggjar
Kallurin
Discover Kallurin, the iconic lighthouse on Kalsoy’s northern tip, offering breathtaking coastal views and popular hikes.
Norðoyggjar
Café Eðge
Café Eðge in Mikladalur offers cozy vibes, stunning views of the Selkie statue, and the only café on Kalsoy island.
Norðoyggjar
Kópakonan - the Selkie statue
Discover Kópakonan - the Selkie statue in the Faroe Islands, inspired by a captivating local legend of the seal woman.
Norðoyggjar
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
The farm á Stórheygnum in Svínoy offers authentic home hospitality with local food and guided island tours.
Norðoyggjar
Kalalon
Experience authentic island life at Kalalon B&B on Fugloy with cozy rooms, local dining, and guided tours in scenic Kirkja.
Norðoyggjar
The old Postal Route
The old Postal Route offers a unique ferry journey through remote Faroe Islands, with stunning islands, rich history, and scenic stops.
Norðoyggjar
Ein dropi í lívsins havi
Ein dropi í lívsins havi memorial honors Svínoy locals lost at sea or in accidents, reflecting on their legacy.
Norðoyggjar
Kunoy
Discover Kunoy in the Faroe Islands: charming village, lush forest, great mountains, and stunning hiking trails with breathtaking views.
Norðoyggjar
Cape Enniberg
Experience Cape Enniberg, Europe’s highest sea cliff, with breathtaking views and rich birdlife in the Faroe Islands.
Norðoyggjar
Árnafjørður
Árnafjørður offers the Northern Isles’ only beach, a peaceful summer spot and gateway to historic hikes in rugged nature.
Norðoyggjar
Church of Viðareiði
Discover the Church of Viðareiði, a historic stone-built coastal church consecrated in 1892 in the Faroe Islands’ Norðoyggjar region.
Norðoyggjar