The Faroe Islands are a chain of geologically impressive Islands situated in the remote north Atlantic Ocean. Not many people know where they are, often overshadowed by its neighbour Iceland, but believe me, they are more majestic and awesome. The Faroe Islands are made up of grass-carpeted sea cliff faces, picturesque villages, one iconic viewpoint after the next, and, of course, many hiking trails. The islands are connected by a series of underground tunnels or accessed by ferry. And they truly captivate its tourists with their rugged beauty and unspoiled landscapes.
These islands offer a unique blend of natural wonder and cultural authenticity, inviting travellers to explore winding roads, discover hidden gems, and connect with a resilient community deeply intertwined with their harsh surroundings.
Hiking routes in the Faroe Islands tend to be suited for the more advanced outdoor lovers but are certainly worth the trouble in elevation gain, steep descent, and great walking distance for the rewarding views at the end. Welcome to a world where lush green sea cliffs plunge into the deep blue sea, a scenic village nestles within fjords, and ever-changing weather creates an ethereal atmosphere.
Arriving to the Village of Gásadalur
Not so long ago, access to and from the small remote village of Gásadalur was only via a strenuous route through the highest mountains on the island of Vágar. It was the last town in the Faroe Islands to be connected by road until a tunnel was blasted through the mountain in 2004. With a striking waterfall at the base of the town, it has since become one of the hallmarks of the Faroe Islands.
We visited Gásadalur twice to capture it in different conditions, but I personally could not help but be drawn instead to the surrounding peaks. With a day left to spare in our itinerary, we spoke to a guide from a previous excursion about taking that arduous old postal route. He insisted that it was his favourite of all Faroe Islands hikes but was also concerned for our safety.
“I have seen your walking skills,” he said to me. “I think you should only do that hike if you have walking sticks.”
Ouch. I thought I had the whole left-foot-then-right-foot thing down pat. (Or maybe it should be right-foot-then-left-foot? I am so confused.)
I did appreciate his blunt honesty, though – I fully acknowledge my own klutziness and the fact that any hike in the Faroe Islands should not be taken lightly. With few signed paths to guide hikers and weather that can turn brutal in a moment, each needs to be taken with care.
Sound daunting? Maybe a bit. But that is what adventure is all about, and each of these excursions are also undeniably worth every effort.
Faroe Island Hikes
Mykines Island Hiking Trails
Another hallmark of the Faroe Islands, we say with confidence that this island offered the most stunning hiking we’ve ever done. Consider also that access to the island of Mykines is only possible by boat or helicopter, and a trip to Mykines Island becomes a truly unforgettable outing.
Head due west from town to hit the lighthouse, walking through fields shared with sheep, down steep steps along a cliffside, and across a bridge through a narrow strait teeming with bird life. This is an excellent place to see puffins when puffins are there – unfortunately low herring populations mean that they haven’t returned for the past two years.
Gjógv Hiking Trail
This was the first hike of our Faroe Islands Hikes, and it gave us an astounding introduction.
In the northern part of the tiny village is a gorge, walking along the outer bank of it will lead you up a sheep path that will give spectacular views back onto the neighbourhood. The going is slow with every few steps offering a photo op as waves crash below and white mist creeps up the cliff.
We continued up until we got to a closed gate with a sign written in Faroese. Estimating that it was a private property sign we didn’t continue on. We later found out that we could have continued on past the gate. It did mean private, but everybody ignores that and continues on their way up the cliff.
Saksun Hiking Trail
A journey to the top of Streynoy Island led us to Saksun. After parking the car, we headed straight down the path toward the water, having read that it was possible to reach the sea. Immediately to our right was a huge veil-like waterfall ending in the lake at the bottom of the valley. The path led us along the western shore, and we eventually made it to the black sand beach at the bottom.
Along this beach, we never felt quite so alone and desolate anywhere else on the islands – the chill of howling winds dug deep while we stepped over partially decomposed animal bones. After exploring more of the beach, we contemplated continuing on around the corner to get a glimpse of the North Atlantic Ocean, but the wind bit so fierce that we opted instead to make our way back to our car.
Kalsoy Hiking Trail – Kallur Lighthouse
We’ve already told this story about Kalsoy Faroe Islands. We made an attempt on this challenging trek to reach the Kallur lighthouse at Kallur on the island of Kalsoy, but a lack of directions, extremely soggy conditions, and the threat of more rain were the excuses we gave for not finding it.
Granted we did make the most of our day by exploring other parts of the island. But reaching the Kallur lighthouse is one of many reasons we are vowing to return to these islands.
Kirkjubøur Hiking Trail
Why drive to this important cultural spot when you can walk 7km of hiking trails over a mountain to it? Our destination was the small village of Kirkjubøur, the spiritual center of the Faroese society in the Middle Ages, and we were led by a local hiking guide directly up one side of the mountain and down the other to get there.
Along the way we passed cairns (pyramids of stones built to guide the way), and rocks carefully arranged as “speakers chair” and used as a meeting place for the Faroese over a century ago. Wind and fog prevented us from lingering for long on the hill.
Sørvágsvatn Hiking Trail
Beguiling images online brought us to this destination. Twice. A miscommunication with our local guide meant that we actually walked right past the desired spot the first time, and so we knew we must return as our days wound down.
Walking up a specific cliff would give us the perspective of the largest lake (Lake Sørvágsvatn) in the Faroe Islands as an infinity pool, and that shot was not one we were going to miss.
To start, find the “old houses by the biggest lake” (you really do need no further instructions than that). Walk along the east side of it and trek as far as you can go to see a waterfall cascade over the edge into the North Atlantic Ocean below.
On the way back, climb up the highest cliff to get the infinity perspective looking back. The whole trip should take 3-4 hours.
More Tips for Hiking in the Faroe Islands
There are a few things to keep in mind when venturing out hiking in the Faroe Islands.
1.Tell somebody what your plans are. Nobody will probably know you are gone, and most likely, you will not see too many other people on your hike. If something goes wrong at least somebody might have an idea where you might be. Another option is to higher a local guide if you can find one.
2.Be prepared. Bring extra clothing, food and water. Weather can change very quickly, and people have been known to get caught in storms. Likewise, bring proper hiking boots. Always check the local weather forecast, and don’t assume that it will stay as predicted. In short, expect the unexpected.
3.Don’t expect there to be a map or even a path. Your shoes will get soaked (waterproof is recommended) and they will be caked in mud and sheep shit. Basically everywhere on the islands is a walking path. Don’t be afraid to explore, but be aware of your surroundings.
4.Don’t get too close to the edge. The Faroe Islands are raw beauty, and they don’t put up guard rails. So be smart and stay a safe distance from the edge. And there is a rock on top of the Island of Mykines, which is a memorial to those who have gone over the edge.
5.It is recommended to bring a partner. Everyone likes their quiet time, and I even like to climb mountains on my own. But this is one destination where having someone else there to keep our limits in check certainly helps. Again, if anything should go wrong (and it can), having a second person there will always help.
Planning on Visiting the Faroe Islands
Where to Stay in the Faroe Islands
There are plenty of places to stay and hotels on the Faroe Islands.
Hotel Foroyar
Hotel Foroyar is about a 5-10 minute drive from the Tórshavn city center, but the distance provides fantastic views over the city, harbor, and islands! Breakfast here is included.
Hotel Hafnia
Hotel Hafnia is located in the Tórshavn city center, and has amazing views and great food! The rooms are chic and comfortable and the staff is extremely pleasant. It’s highly rated for these reasons.
visitHOMES Faroe Islands
visitHOMES Faroe Islands is great spot for budget-seekers. This guesthouse is located in Leirvík and provides everything needed to have a wonderful stay on the Faroe Islands. It’s the perfect base for exploring Eysturoy and the other islands, but just be aware about the tunnel tolls.
Tours in the Faroe Islands
Tours make it easy to experience some of the best things to do when visiting the Faroe Islands.
Getting Around the Faroe Islands
The best way around the Faroe Islands is by rental car. To find a rental car and the best rates we use RentalCars.com
From freely exploring remote locations to setting your pace, a rental car empowers you to uncover the archipelago’s dramatic landscapes on your own terms. There isn’t really much of a beaten path here, so it’s not hard to get off of it.
With the flexibility to adapt to changing weather, the convenience of personal space, and the chance to connect with locals, a car enhances your adventure, ensuring you make the most of every moment of life out in the swelling North Atlantic Ocean.
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