Hiking from Árnafjørður to Katlarnir
The paths above Árnafjørður are the best reason to visit, and they are demanding. Both official routes are rated difficult, both cross the Stórá river, and the village has no shop, cafe or toilet at the trailhead. Allow time for planning before you walk.
Compare the two routes
| Klaksvík to Árnafjørður | Árnafjørður to Katlarnir loop | |
|---|---|---|
| Distance | 5 km one way | 7 km round trip |
| Official time | 1 hour 45 minutes | 2 hours 35 minutes |
| Ascent | 395 m | 653 m |
| High point | 429 m | 516 m |
| Passes | Áarskarð | Toftaskarð (466 m), Uppi á Gjógv |
| Suitable for | Fit adults, children over 8 with adults | Fit adults, not young children |
Hikers on the loop have reported about 4 hours, so use the longer figure if you like to take your time.
Trail notes
Above Árnafjørður the ground is steep and loose, and you should place your feet carefully on the descent. The Ovarustígar section down to the village is marked by cairns and reflector posts. Katlarnir, the old Thing site, is an optional detour from the Klaksvík route, and the Thing stones are still there. A boulder named Grindasteinur stands on the way and is linked to pilot whale hunts.
Both routes cross fences that have no gates, so you step over them rather than open them. Visit Faroe Islands advises downloading a GPX file, and the hills are not for fog. If cloud drops, walk back down.
Getting back
The Klaksvík route is one way. Choose a method before you start: leave a car at the end, ask for a lift from Klaksvík or use the bus. The official hike page names route 500 as serving both ends, yet the published timetable lists only Klaksvík, Hvannasund and Viðareiði, so look at ssl.fo and expect some departures to run only on phone request an hour ahead.
Fees and permission
Neither Árnafjørður route carries a fee on the official pages. Several other northern routes charge, and Faroese rules on these fees may change. Check the Visit Faroe Islands fee page before you set out.
- Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy: DKK 200 adults, DKK 100 ages 13 to 17, free under 13, card accepted
- Villingadalsfjall from Viðareiði: DKK 200 into the mailbox at the gate
- Enniberg: a guide is required
With a guide
No commercial guided walk starts in the village. The Visit Faroe Islands event listing has included a guided Klaksvík, Katlarnir and Árnafjørður hike, so ask the Klaksvík tourist information office what is running.
Short walks
If you do not plan a mountain day, walk from the church to the shore, past the boat houses to the beach. Cars can use the space by the church, except on Sundays from 11:00 to 12:00, when services take place.
Safety rules
- Take a GPX track, water, food and a windproof layer.
- Leave your route plan with your host.
- Keep to the cairns and away from unfenced cliff edges.
- Never walk after dark, and dial 112 if you need help.
Read more: Sightseeing in Árnafjørður and Adventure tours .
Official description of the loop: Visit Faroe Islands hike entry . For a guided option try GetYourGuide hiking search for Klaksvík .