Walking in the Faroe Islands

Our adventure begins today in Vagar (airport code - FAE). Our first hotel is just a 10-minute walk from the airport. If you arrive after dark, you may prefer to take a taxi as the route is not well-lit. For those arriving during daylight hours, exit the terminal building, turn left, and walk past the car rental office. Continue down the gravel track for about 5 minutes, then turn right up another gravel path, which will lead you to the hotel car park and reception. There are no activities planned today so you're free to arrive at any time. If you arrive earlier in the day, you might want to walk to the village of Sorvagur, located two kilometres away. It is considered one of the oldest villages in the Faroe Islands, with a small sandy beach and numerous fishing boats. The fishing industry still plays a crucial role in the local economy. Each group will vary, but if everyone arrives today, the introductory briefing will be held at 9:00 pm. If some guests arrive after that time, the briefing will instead take place at 9:00 am tomorrow morning.

This morning, we'll meet our leader at 9am for a welcome meeting (if not done last night) and to get excited about the plans for the week. We'll begin our day with a short drive to Sorvagur Harbour where we'll board a ferry for a scenic 45-minute ride across the Atlantic to the remote island of Mykines. Known for its rugged beauty, Mykines is often described as one of the most breathtaking islands in the Faroes, with dramatic cliffs and a vibrant puffin colony. Once we dock on Mykines, we'll embark on a moderate grade hike, ascending 200 metres as we head toward the islet of Mykinesholmur. This adventure includes crossing a spectacular footbridge that connects the main island to Mykinesholmur, where we will make our way to the iconic lighthouse perched at the cape's end. Along the way, we will have the opportunity to search for puffins, as this island is known for being a prime puffin-watching spot in the summer months. After a few hours of exploration, we'll take the ferry back to Sorvagur on the island of Vagar. From there, we'll drive to one of the Faroe Islands' most iconic natural attractions - Mulafossur Waterfall. Nestled in the small village of Gasadalur, this stunning waterfall dramatically cascades into the Atlantic Ocean, offering one of the most picturesque scenes of the trip. Next we make the short drive back to the hotel, where you'll have the rest of the evening free to relax. Today's circular walk covers 10 kilometres/6.2 miles and is graded as moderate. It has a total ascent and descent of 200 metres/656 feet. We expect it to take around 3.5 hours.

This morning we drive to Vestmanna for an delightful boat trip to the Vestmanna Bird Cliffs, one of the Faroe Islands' most magnificent natural sites. On this boat tour, we'll navigate through deep grottoes, narrow straits, and past the towering 700-metre-high cliffs that rise dramatically from the ocean. These cliffs serve as vital nesting grounds for thousands of seabirds, including puffins, razorbills, guillemots, and fulmars, especially during the summer months. In times past, locals would scale these sheer cliffs to collect bird eggs, a delicacy in Faroese cuisine. The route we take today will depends on the weather conditions. After our wonderful adventure at sea, we set off to visit the famous 'floating lake,' Sorvagsvatn, where we'll hike along the shore to the towering cliffs. From here, we'll witness the remarkable optical illusion that makes the lake appear to float above the ocean below - a natural phenomenon that's sure to leave a lasting impression. We'll complete the loop with a visit to the impressive Bosdalafossur waterfall, which flows directly into the Atlantic Ocean, before returning to our starting point. Today's circular walk covers 5.5 kilometres/3.5 miles and is graded as moderate. It has a total ascent and descent of 350 metres/1150 feet. We expect it to take around 2.5 hours.

Today, we embark on a spectacular sea cliff hike, showcasing the rugged beauty of the Esturoy. After breakfast, we head to the historic village of Eidi, which dates back to the Viking era. Our visit begins with Eidi Church, established in 1881, before we set off on a rewarding hike along the cliffs of Eidiskollur. With a moderate ascent of 750 meters, this hike rewards us with breath-taking views of the towering sea stacks Risin and Kellingin, two dramatic pillars rising from the ocean. Next, we drive to the picturesque village of Gjogv, we explore the village's famous gorge and admire the surrounding landscapes. Finally, we drive to our destination, Klaksvik, on the island of Bordoy. Klaksvik, is the second-largest town in the Faroe Islands and serves as the capital of the northern islands. The town is nestled between two fjords and surrounded by steep, towering mountains, creating a stunning natural setting. The harbour is a central feature, and fishing boats are a common sight, reflecting the town's maritime heritage. We spend two nights here while we explore the northern part of the archipelago. Today's walk covers 9 kilometres/5.6 miles and is graded as moderate. It has a total ascent and descent of 750 metres/2460 feet. We expect it to take around 3 hours.

Today's adventure begins with a scenic drive to Vidoy, one of the northernmost islands of the Faroes. Upon arrival, we'll visit the charming church, which holds a piece of fascinating history - the silverware gifted by the British government in 1847 as a gesture of thanks for Faroese assistance during a shipwreck rescue. We hope to go inside the church but this is not always possible. Next we drive back to Klaksvik and after lunch, we'll lace up our hiking boots for an exciting walk up Klakkur Peak. Standing at 413 meters, Klakkur is a moderate hike with an ascent of 300 meters, rewarded with panoramic views of the dramatic landscape below. From the peak, we'll be able to gaze out at the rugged islands and surrounding fjords - a breathtaking scene on a clear day. After the hike there will be time to explore and soak up Klaksvik's small-town charm, shops, cafes, and the Christianskirkjan, an architecturally significant church that blends modern and traditional design, built in the 1960s. Today's circular walk covers 6 kilometres/3.7 miles and is graded as moderate. It has a total ascent and descent of 277 metres/908 feet. We expect it to take around 2 hours.

Today begins with a drive to Torshavn then a ferry ride to the tranquil island of Nolsoy, a journey of about 50 minutes across 6.5 km of open water. Nolsoy is known for its charming village, colourful houses, and rugged terrain. Upon arrival, we set off on a moderate hike through the northern part of the island, where we'll experience stunning coastal scenery, grassy landscapes, and perhaps spot some of the local wildlife. The island is the lowest of the Faroes Isles and has the largest colony of Storm Petrels. We will explore the north part of the island on foot. Waterproof walking boots are essential today as it can be a little boggy in parts if there has been a lot of rainfall. After completing the walk, we board the ferry once again for our return journey to Torshavn, where you can enjoy some free time to relax or explore Torshavn. Today's walk covers 7 kilometres/4.3 miles and is graded as moderate. It has a total ascent and descent of 485 metres/1591 feet. We expect it to take around 3 hours.

This morning, we set off on a scenic hike from Torshavn to Kirkjubour, the southernmost village on Streymoy and one of the Faroe Islands' most historically significant locations. The route is one of the few marked trails on the islands, with stony terrain and gentle climbs along the hillside, offering spectacular views on clear days. As we descend into Kirkjubour, we'll explore the atmospheric ruins of Magnus Cathedral, Saint Olav's Church, and Roykstovan, a 900-year-old log house still inhabited today. After our visit and time to take photos we take the bus back to Torshavn. Upon our arrival in Torshavn, with its quaint blend of turf-roofed houses and narrow streets, we'll take a guided tour through Tinganes, the historic peninsula where the Faroese parliament, Alting, established in 825. Torshavn, founded in the 10th century and one of Northern Europe's oldest capitals, is home to around 19,000 residents and perfectly balances its rich history with modern Faroese life. After our orientation walk, we'll have free time to explore the city, including its fort, lighthouse, and cozy cafes and bars. Later in the evening, we'll gather for a final dinner together to celebrate the end of our unforgettable week in the Faroe Islands. Today's walk covers 7 kilometres/5.6 miles and is graded as moderate. It has a total ascent and descent of 278 metres/ 175 feet. We expect it to take around 2.5 hours.

The trip ends after breakfast in Torshavn. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Torshavn at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Vagar International Airport (FAE) which is a one-hour drive from Torshavn.