Hiking in Faroe Islands
Including Kalsoy and Gasadalur Cliff Trails and Mykines Hólm Trail. On the map.
The vibe
Walking here feels like traversing the edge of the world, where the terrain is raw, unmanicured, and dominated by dramatic vertical shifts rather than groomed paths. You will want to visit during the longer, brighter days of midsummer to avoid the most treacherous mud and fog. It is a deeply independent experience where you navigate by cairns and intuition, feeling like a solitary explorer in a landscape that remains indifferent to your presence.
you sort a visitor permit for certain popular trails
Kalsoy and Gasadalur Cliff Trails
Norðoyar region
Michael Dam michaeldam / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)
Dramatic coastal ridgelines dropping straight into the Atlantic Ocean offer world-class hiking across soaring sea cliffs. Hikers navigate rugged terrain to reach iconic viewpoints like the Kallur Lighthouse and the Mulafossur waterfall gorge.
Access. Access Kalsoy via a short passenger and car ferry from Klaksvík to Syðradalur, then drive to Trøllanes. Gasadalur is reached by road through a single-lane mountain tunnel or via the historic old post trail over the mountain from Bour.
Notes. Weather changes instantly in the Faroe Islands; heavy fog and high winds can make cliffside trails hazardous. Always check conditions before setting out.
Mykines Hólm Trail
Mykines
Stefan Wisselink / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
A breathtaking coastal trek across green grassy slopes and a narrow footbridge suspended over a roaring sea chasm to reach Mykineshólm. The route is famous for nesting colonies of Atlantic puffins and dramatic cliffside ocean panoramas.
Access. Reach Mykines via a scheduled ferry or helicopter from Sørvágur on Vágar Island. Hiking permits and trail fees are required during the summer season.
Notes. Access is strictly regulated during the summer breeding season to protect wildlife, and ferry sailings are frequently cancelled due to rough ocean swells.