The best hikes in the Faroe Islands: our top 6 tips

The best hikes in the Faroe Islands: our top 6 tips

Deep in the North Atlantic, a volcanic archipelago rises from the untamed waters between Iceland and Norway. This remote bracket of 18 basalt rocks make up the Faroe Islands and is home to exciting fjords, dramatic cliffs and sprawling glaciated valleys.

These islands are repeatedly and relentlessly battered by the swells and squalls of the stormy Atlantic. As a result, the Faroe Islands offer some truly exciting hiking trails with equally extraordinary landscapes.

In the Faroe Islands you're never more than 5km from the sea, so steep coastal cliffs, barbed sea stacks and foaming sea spray are a given when hiking. Add turf-roofed villages, cascading waterfalls and an abundance of enchanting birdlife, and the Faroe Islands make an excellent hiking destination.

We didn't miss the opportunity to walk the trail during our visit and found some real hiking gems. Below we take a look at the best hikes in the Faroe Islands.

The best hikes on the Faroe Islands map

The map below shows the best hikes in the Faroe Islands plotted on a downloadable Google map.

1. Gjögv

Distance: 9kmDuration: 2-3 hoursDifficulty: Moderate

Gjógv, the northernmost village on the island of Eysturoy, is named after a 200 m long gorge that leads from the village to the sea. There are several paths in the area that lead to viewpoints, but by far the most beautiful is the steep path that leads along the cliffs into the Ambadalur Valley.

• alt=“Die besten Wanderungen auf den Färöern gjogv“>
• alt=““>
• alt=““>

With the foaming North Atlantic never far away, the dramatic escarpment towers over the village, offering impressive views in every direction. As you turn away from the coast and cross the valley, the huge rocky outcrop of Búgvin appears before the path loops back to the village.

2. Mykines

Distance: 7kmDuration: 2-3 hoursDifficulty: Easy

Mykines is the westernmost island of the Faroe Islands and home to a large colony of Faroese or Atlantic puffins. The carless island, with its colorful dwellings, wave-lashed cliffs, foamy sea views and striking lighthouse, is alluring in its own right. However, it's the charming puffins nestling on the cliffs that really steal the show.

• alt=“Eine Gruppe Papageientaucher auf Mykines, Färöer-Inseln“>
• alt=““>
• alt=“Eine Gruppe Papageientaucher auf Mykines, Färöer-Inseln“>
• alt=“Leuchtturm auf Mykines auf den Färöern „>

We were a little early for the peak breeding season, which runs from mid-June to August, so most of the puffins were still at sea. However, we were thoroughly enchanted by the dozens of puffins we happened upon.

Mykines is the most fragile of the Faroe Islands and visitors must therefore follow strict guidelines when hiking. Would-be hikers must pay a fee of 100 DKK ($15) to use the trail. Read our post on Mykines to find out more about one of the best hikes in the Faroe Islands.

3. Lake Sørvágsvatn

Distance: 9kmDuration: 3-4 hoursDifficulty: Easy

One of the most popular hikes in the Faroe Islands is the hike along the shores of Lake Sørvágsvatn to the viewpoints at Trælanípa and Bøsdalafossur waterfall. The path leads past the largest lake in the Faroe Islands before branching off up the cliffs of Trælanípa.

Trælanípa (Slave Rock) supposedly got its name when the Vikings drove their unwanted slaves into the sea.

• alt=““>
• alt=““>
• alt=““>
• alt=“Wandern am See Sørvágsvatn“>Der berühmte Blick auf „den See über dem Ozean“

Atlas & Boots, Shutterstock

Looking back at the lake from the cliffs of Trælanípa gives the impression that Sørvágsvatn is on the cliffs far above the sea (although in fact it is a little further back and only 30-40 m higher). The route continues around the headland to Bøsdalafossur waterfall, where the lake meets the sea. Next is the characteristic sea stack of Geitisskoradrangur.

Lake Sørvágsvatn is one of several hiking trails on the islands that charge a fee for walking on private land. As of 2019, visitors must pay 200 DKK ($30) per adult to hike the trail.

4. Slættaratindur

Distance: 7kmDuration: 2-3 hoursDifficulty: Moderately difficult

At 880 m, Slættaratindur is the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands. The name translates to “flat peak” and on a clear day all 18 Faroe Islands can be seen from the summit.

alt=“best hikes in the Faroe Islands Slættaratindur”>Alexander Vujadinovic/CC through 2.0On a clear day, all 18 islands can be seen from the summit

It is possible to hike from the village of Gjógv to the summit, which takes about four hours. However, most take the much shorter hike from the roadside parking lot near Eiðisskarð. You can either hike straight to the summit and return the same way (quickest) or go around to the left after the summit to enjoy more of the view to the west.

If you find yourself in the Faroe Islands during the summer solstice (the longest day of the year between June 20th and 22nd), consider joining the Faroe Islanders who traditionally climb to watch the sun set late in the day and rise again shortly afterwards.

5. Saksun to Tjørnuvík

Distance: 14km Duration: 5-6 hours Difficulty level: Moderately difficult

The remote village of Saksun is a popular destination on the island, but few visitors make the hike up and over the Tjørnuvíksskarð pass to the neighboring village of Tjørnuvík.

• alt=““>
• alt=““>
• alt=““>

Set on a lagoon in a natural amphitheater, the tiny and remote village of Saksun, with its grass roofs, a solitary church and just 14 residents, is known for its tranquil atmosphere and dramatic surrounding mountains. Most visitors will simply stroll down to the sandy beaches and visit the unique, free-standing church.

However, the easy hike along a series of cairns to Tjørnuvík is very rewarding. The descent to the village offers excellent views of the needle-like pinnacles of Eiðiskollur at the tip of the adjacent island of Eysturoy.

If you can arrange transport, this can be done as a one-way hike, cutting the distance and time in half. It can also be done in the opposite direction from Tjørnuvík, although the best views will always be behind you.

6. Drangarnir

Distance: 12 kmDuration: 3-4 hoursDifficulty: Medium

The famous rocky pinnacles at Drangarnir and the small island of Tindhólmur are some of the most famous landmarks (seamarks?) in the Faroe Islands. Images of them are used in countless promotional materials, from the national airline's in-flight magazine to local salmon farms.

alt="Drangarnir is one of the best hikes in the Faroe Islands">Swen Stroop/ShutterstockThe two rocky pinnacles and the five-peaked island of Tindhólmur

Drangarnir consists of two rocky pinnacles - the domed Stóri Drangur and the Lítli Drangur - which can be translated as a large and small rocky pinnacle. They are bordered by the imposing five-peaked island of Tindhólmur.

The hike must be undertaken with a guide as the trail passes through private land, which is an important feeding and breeding area for livestock and wildlife. Guided walks take place from April 1st to October 1st at 12:00 on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays and cost 550 DKK (85 USD) per person. Book via Hiking.fo.

The best hikes in the Faroe Islands: the most important thing

What: Discover the best hikes in the Faroe Islands.

Where: We stayed at The Old Millar House, a charming cottage 1km from the city center. The cottage is warm and cozy with a traditional turf roof and access to a grotto-like garden.

There is a beach just a few meters away (although it might be too cool for swimming!) and the Sandá River flows practically on the doorstep. If you want to experience the Faroe Islands' nightlife, you may want to stay closer to the center, but for those who like to retreat to cozy evenings, the Old Millar House is an excellent option.

Click here to get a discount on your first Airbnb stay or find alternative accommodation on Booking.com.

    Booking.com

When: The best time to travel to the Faroe Islands is from May to September. Late spring brings longer days (perfect for hiking), wildflowers, and of course puffins. From mid-June to mid-August, puffins flock to land to nest. For two weeks on either side you'll probably see a few more.

How: We rented a car from 62°N Car Rental and navigated our way around the island using Google Maps and the built-in navigation device. Driving in the Faroe Islands is straightforward, the roads are in good condition, easy to navigate and rarely busy. There is free parking at all major attractions. Read our guide to driving in the Faroe Islands for more information.

To visit Mykines you need to take a ferry from Sørvágur harbor (on Vagar). Check mykines.fo for the timetable ('itinerary') and book your tickets in advance.

A handful of hiking trails in the Faroe Islands have implemented restrictions on access to the area and either charge a fee or require a guide. You can find an overview of these locations here.

Visit Faroe Islands has also produced a walking guide which covers 23 walking routes and contains lots of practical information. It can be accessed online or downloaded as a PDF.

Finally, Wandern.fo is an excellent resource with many suggested routes and several guided hikes for many of the popular routes.

We flew to the Faroe Islands with Atlantic Airways. Book flights via Skyscanner.

old=““>

Lead image: Swen Stroop/Shutterstock

      .