The Faroe Islands sit roughly halfway between Norway and Iceland, yet they see a fraction of the visitors. What you find here is a landscape so vertical and green it feels constructed: basalt cliffs dropping 400 metres straight into the Atlantic, sheep trails worn into hillsides for centuries, and fog that rolls in without warning. These five hikes reward the traveller willing to book their own ferry and read a topo map.
1. Sornfelli Ridge — Streymoy (5 km, 3–4 h)
The road to the Sornfelli transmitter mast on Streymoy climbs to 740 m and can be driven, but walking from Kirkjubøur village along the ridge line is an entirely different experience. The path runs above the old Viking farmstead Kirkjubøargarður (still inhabited — the world's oldest occupied wooden house) and looks south toward Hestur island across the strait. Summit views stretch over Tórshavn on clear days. Allow 3 hours up and back. No permit needed; park carefully near the village jetty.
2. Kallur Lighthouse — Kalsoy Island (8 km, 3.5 h)
Take the ferry from KlaksvÃk to Syðradalur on Kalsoy (three sailings most days; timetable at ssl.fo). From the ferry ramp walk north through three empty tunnels and two hamlets to reach the lighthouse trail at Trøllanes. The path climbs past nesting puffins and gannets to the red-and-white Kallur lighthouse perched above a 300 m drop. The return is the same route — there is no loop. Bring waterproofs and poles; the ridge can be slick. Last ferry back to KlaksvÃk leaves mid-evening in summer.
3. Enniberg Cliffs — Viðoy Island (4 km, 2 h)
Enniberg is claimed to be one of Europe's highest vertical sea cliffs at roughly 750 m. The trail starts from Enniberg village (fewer than 30 residents) and follows a grassy slope to an unmarked cliff edge. There is no fence. The view drops straight into the sea; on the right day you can watch gannets soaring below you. The village is accessible by road via the northern Viðoy tunnel. Drive from KlaksvÃk (40 min); there is no public transport. Walk early to avoid afternoon mist.
4. Viðareiðið Beach and Headland Loop — Viðoy (6 km, 2.5 h)
Viðareiðið is the northernmost village in the Faroe Islands, sitting on a narrow isthmus with a beach on each side. The loop leaves the village, drops to the eastern beach (black sand, usually empty), climbs the headland past old stone walls and returns via the western shore. It is a gentler walk than Enniberg and ideal for a second half-day on Viðoy. The village bakery is often open; ask locals about the community meeting hall, which has some of the best panoramic views from the upstairs window.
5. Slættaratindur Summit — Esvágoy (6 km, 4 h)
Slættaratindur (880 m) is the highest point in the Faroe Islands. The standard route starts from the road above Eiði village on Esvágoy and climbs the broad ridge to the trig point. On a clear day Iceland is theoretically visible; on a cloudy day the cloud base often sits around 600 m and you walk above it, which is its own reward. The path is well-worn but steep. Take extra food and water — there is nothing on the mountain. Allow 4 hours return.
What is the best time to hike in the Faroe Islands?
June through August gives the longest daylight (up to 19 hours in June) and the best chance of clear weather. July averages 12 °C. The Faroe Islands receive rain on roughly 200 days a year, so good weather is never guaranteed — pack a full waterproof shell and trousers on every outing. Spring (April–May) has fewer visitors and migrating birds; autumn (September) brings storm light and rutting sheep. Winter is for experienced hikers only.
Do I need permits to hike in the Faroe Islands?
Most trails are on common land or traditional rights-of-way and require no permit. A few sensitive areas near nesting colonies are periodically closed during breeding season (May–July) — check the Visit Faroe Islands website (visitfaroeislands.com) before travelling. The Faroe Islands introduced a Closed for Maintenance, Open for Voluntourism programme in recent years; joining it gives access to normally closed areas in exchange for trail repair work.
How do I get around the Faroe Islands without a car?
The islands are connected by a combination of tunnels (including an undersea roundabout linking Streymoy, Esvágoy and Sandoy), free car ferries and paid passenger ferries. The national bus service (ssl.fo) covers most villages but schedules are sparse — especially on Kalsoy and Viðoy. A rental car from Tórshavn gives flexibility and is strongly recommended for the Enniberg and Slættaratindur trails. Taxis are available but expensive. Atlantic Airways flies to Vágar airport from Copenhagen, Edinburgh and Reykjavik.
What to pack for Faroe Islands hiking
- Full waterproof shell jacket and trousers (not optional)
- Trekking poles (cliffs and boggy ground)
- Layers — temperatures can drop 8 °C in an hour
- Navigation: offline maps (Maps.me or Gaia GPS), as phone signal is patchy on ridges
- Cash and card — some ferries and village shops are cash only
- Snacks for a full day; restaurants outside Tórshavn are rare
For more long-distance hiking options in northern Europe, read our guide to the Tatra Mountains 3-day trek from Zakopane. Planning hikes across the continent? Our multi-day hikes in Europe guide covers the full cluster.