Tindholmur Faroe Islands

Hiking Adventure in the Faroe Islands

In the middle of the ocean, midway between Scotland and Iceland, at latitude 62 ° N, emerges a mountain archipelago of seventeen islands: the Faroe Islands (Norse Føroyar, "the Sheep Islands "). These magnificent islands out of time have remained inaccessible for a long time. they are a revelation for the few travelers who goes there. Rain and sun, the light is exceptional, the fresh air, the powerful ocean, the innumerable puffins, the vertiginous cliffs, the very green grass, the sheep and the very silky fog, the fishing villages tiny, pretty and colorful, the boats very "vikings", the Faroese very affable ... Nowhere else than on an island, such as Mykines, one does not feel as much the vastness of the ocean, its breathing and the curvature of the blue planet. If this trip allows to discover the great natural beauty of the archipelago and its birds, the accent is also put on the originality of its culture, the history of the Faroese, their language and their customs. This beautiful discovery of the Faroe Islands and its birds in the permanent light of the northern summer is under the sign of Tjaldur, the oystercatcher, the national bird of the Faroese.

Randi Meitil has worked with Fjallabak for almost 20 years organizing and guiding trekking tours and other voyages in the Faroe Islands. She is born and lives in the capital of the islands, Tórshavn. She has been a teaching spanish and faroese in highscool for many years. She is a passionated mediator of faroese nature, culture and history and knows all the legends connected to the landscape of her beloved islands.  She is leading groups to her favorate places in the Faroes. Her aim is to give people an experience that is as authentic and original as posible. Beside the scandinavian languages she is guiding in french, english, german and spanish.

The MS / Noröna from Faroese Smyrill Line provides ferry services between Torshavn to Faroe Islands and Seydisfjördur on the East coast of Iceland.

The airline Atlantic Airways provides daily return flights with Europe (UK and Denmark) and several weekly return flights between Vagar and Reykjavik.

Accommodation at Airbnb facilities at Faroe Trekking´s disposition and meals are included from the afternoon on arrival day and breakfast on departure day. One evening will be left open for participants to visit a restaurant in town instead.

The dates of the scheduled trekking tours will be revealed soon.

The days will be chosen, so it is possible for travelers with Atlantic Airways from Edinburgh to arrive on the first day of the trekking tour without worrying about accommodation and go directly to the airport at the end of the trekking tour.

But early birds, i.e. participants having bought a trekking tour no later than March 15th can get accommodation in Tórshavn for up to four nights at both ends of the tour period. Price 9285 ISK pr. person pr. Night

Prices per person:
8 persons and more 195.000 ISK
6 to 7 persons 228.400 ISK
4 to 5 persons 250.700 ISK

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Day 1:
Arrival. Welcome and dinner in Tórshavn.

Day 2:  
Boarding the Jósup, for the mysterious island of Mykines. We will hike on Mykineshólmur and see sheep and puffin fight over grass slopes. Colonies of gannets, vertiginous cliffs and lighthouse at the end of the world. Nowhere else than on an island, such as Mykines one does feel as much the vastness of the ocean, its breathing and the curvature of the blue planet. (trek 4-5 hours) Dinner and night in private house in Tórshavn.

Day 3:  
Trekking on Vágar following the old postal route across the mountain from Bøur to Gásadal with the astonishing view over Tindhólmur, Drangarnir, Mykines and Múlafossur. Afterward up through the valley of Gásadalur to the beautiful and isolated lake Fjallavatn, the second biggest lake in the Faroes. (trek 5 hours) Dinner and night in private house in Tórshavn. Dinner and night in private house in Tórshavn.

Day 4: 
The Northern Islands. On Viðoy will we hike up to the fourth highest mountain, Villingardalsfjall (841m), with a overwhelming view over all the six Northern Islands, Borðoy, Fugloy, Svínoy, Viðoy, Kunoy and Kallsoy. (the trek is about 3-4 hours) On our way back we will stop in Klaksvík, the second biggest town, an walk up to the mountain top Klakkur from where there is a beautiful overview over Kunoy, Kallsoy and Eysturoy. (trek 2 hours) Dinner and night in private house in Tórshavn.

Day 5: 
In the morning: Hike on the black sand of the Saksun lagoon to the open sea where we have lunch. In the afternoon we head back to the mountain following the old pass of antic cairns. Steep descent on the tiny village of Tjørnuvík, where there are tombs from the Viking age. Spectacular views of Sundini Sound, and the impressive reefs of Risin, "The Giant", and Kellingin, "The Witch". These two Icelandic trolls had the crazy idea of towing the Faroe Islands to Iceland. Fortunately and justly the first rays of the spring sun petrified them for eternity. (trek 6 hours) Dinner and night in private house in Tórshavn.

Day 6:
We take the bus to Hundsárabotnur where we start for the beautiful hike of Fyri Vestan (4 hours), to the west of Streymoy Island among the mountains with an immense view on the Island of Vágar. An interesting route geologically because one can observe the "Streymoyarsyllin" - a great volcanic intrusion (a dike) that splits and crosses the whole landscape. Arrived at the village of Norðradalur.

Day 7:
Today the cairn path will lead us to the hamlet of Kirkjubøur, former cultural and religious center of the Faroe Islands, pre-reform episcopal residence. Visit the ruins of the Sct. Magnus cathedral and the imposing medieval tarred and grass roofed timber farm, representative of the traditional Norse habitat. Magnificent view of the islands of Sandoy, Hestur and Koltur. Rest of the day on your own to enjoy all the charm of the small capital: Narrow streets and tiny tarred timber houses with multicolored doors and windows and grass roofs in the Tinganes district on the old fishing port of Tórshavn, the beautiful modern architecture that also uses traditional materials, local cafés, woolen shops and marine equipment. Dinner on your own in Tórshavn. Night in private home.

Day 8: Departure.

The MS / Noröna from Faroese Smyrill Line provides ferry services between Torshavn to Faroe Islands and Seydisfjördur on the East coast of Iceland

The airline Atlantic Airways provides daily return flights with Europe (UK and Denmark) and several weekly return flights between Vagar and Reykjavik

Itinerary and safety:
The day-to-day program can be changed or even reversed. Rare but unpredictable in advance, these modifications can be imposed for safety reasons due to natural phenomena specific to these territories: Fog, rivers flooding, exceptionally unfavorable weather ... Your guide knows perfectly the terrain and will ne the only Master on board to take the necessary decisions with our base when it is necessary to interpret the whims of nature almighty on this volcanic earth and under these high latitudes.

Average level: Accessible to all average hikers. Travel on board a small comfortable bus. The duration of the walks depends on the weather conditions of the day and the level of the group. They can be lengthened or shortened. A person not wishing to do all the hikes can of course take part in this journey.

Group size: Multi-national group of 6 to 12 (+/-1) participants (Note: for group sizes of 6-7 persons a small group surcharge applies) Fjallabak’s staff or Fjallabak’s representatives accompanying professionals (e.g. photographers, journalists etc.…) and other discounted travelers such as children, are excluded from the participant count (minimum and maximum)

Small group surcharge: Additional small group surcharge below 6 participants (not commissionable) +to come ISK (ca.+ €) for 5 participants // +to come ISK (ca.+€) for 4 participants

Composition of the group: In general, participants on our trips come from several countries. We generally have French, Swiss, Scandinavians, Germans, Canadians, Americans, Australians, New Zealanders, Japanese and even Icelanders. Your Icelandic guide is fluent in English and often speaks one or two other languages. Traveling with Fjallabak is also a chance to meet, exchange ideas and socialize with friendly people from other countries that otherwise you may never have known and it is therefore a unique opportunity to make friends around the world and wring the neck of certain prejudices and misconceptions.

To privatise this trip: On other dates that might suit your holiday, it may be possible to privatize this trip. Below 8 participants the price per person is increasing. Above 8 participants the price decreases. Contact us for a quotation!

Vehicle: Taxi or small bus depending on the size of the group.

Accommodation during the trip: Sleeping bag accommodation in country hostels in double-twin and in mountain huts (usually one comfortable, mixed bunkhouse). Dining room and well equipped kitchen, running water, toilet outside, showers. Possibility to recharge your electrical appliances (220V electrical outlets European standards)

Comfort option with extra charge: in made up bed, in double-twin or double room or single room with or without private facilities. More info will come soon

Food: We pride ourselves on providing the best cuisine possible!

Breakfast is Scandinavian-style, with muesli, breads, jams, fish and cheese.
Packed lunch, with a variety of sandwich fillings, from smoked meats and fish to local cheeses and salads.
Dinners involve fresh, local fish and meat dishes, with pasta, rice or potatoes, fresh vegetables and salad. Vegetarians and those with food allergies can be fully catered for with a range of tasty options. It is essential that you inform our office of any special food requirements at the time of booking!
For usability, but no obligation, you can bring with you a little specialty of your home country to share with your companions as well as a flask of some thing for a short drink in the middle of nowhere.

Special diets, food allergies, vegetarians, vegans ...
We are aware of the dietary changes, due to exaggerated industrialisation of our time and we are able to satisfy special requests, as far as possible
If you are vegetarian or if you have a particular diet, if you are allergic to certain foods, please let us know in the comments of the registration form and specify the details by email. We are used to meeting the demand of vegetarians, but vegans will have to bring from home some of their own supplements

Recommended Travel Gear

Try to go as light as possible and take only essentials. Excess baggage can be a burden to you and to our support personel. Keep in mind that there are limits on how much your duffel bag can weigh because the weight restrictions on international and domestic flights is usually 20 kg (70lbs).

For quantities or quality for each item listed, use your own judgement, based on the expected weather conditions and overall packing/weight restrictions for your luggage.


Luggage for overland journeys 

  • Extra bags clearly marked with your name can be kept in the Reykjavik hotel or in our store local office for pick-up at the end of the trip
  • Large duffel bag (60/80 liters) sturdy and water-resistant, not exceeding 15 kg
  • Daypack (30 to 50 liters)

Clothing

You’ll need to bring comfortable and adequate clothing to protect you from cold and wet weather, such as polypropylene, capilene, or pile. Wool and wool/synthetic blends are also suitable – though wool, if wet, dries slowly compared to synthetic fabrics. We discourage the use of cotton in wet conditions it dries very slowly. 

When layering, the innermost layer should be long underwear. The middle layer can be a synthetic turtleneck or wool shirt, and pants. The outermost layer must be a breathable waterproof jacket such as a good quality Gore-Tex wind/rain parka and over-pants.


Clothing and travel Accessories all the year around

  • Regular underwear. Synthetics are easier to wash and dry
  • Short-sleeved synthetic or cotton/synthetic T-shirts
  • Synthetic thermal underwear
  • Full-length pants, quick-drying synthetic fabric
  • Long-sleeved, synthetic or wool shirt
  • Wool or synthetic socks
  • Synthetic fleece sweater or jacket
  • Gore-Tex rain/wind parka
  • Gore-Tex rain/wind pants
  • Wool hat
  • Gloves (wool or pile)
  • Down jacket from September to May (optional)

Accessories

  • Swimsuit and towel for hot spring bathing and swimming pool
  • Toiletry kit—soap, toothbrush, and so on.
  • Personal first aid kit
  • Moisturising lotion. (The air in Iceland is very dry)
  • Sunglasses
  • Swiss Army-type pocket knife (Must be kept in duffle bag, not in hand luggage, when flying !)
  • Half liter capacity unbreakable water bottle or thermos
  • Binoculars for bird watching, seals and whales (from March to September)
  • Hiking poles. Highly recommended
  • Optional but recommended
  • Repair kit with needle, thread, and safety pins
  • Reading and writing material
  • Your favorite snack food such as raisins or chocolate
  • Protein supplements for vegetarian

Specific equipment for summer (May to September)

  • Hiking boots, medium-weight, all leather, with padded ankle, good arch support, and a lug sole traction. Your hiking boots should be waterproof, well broken in, and suitable for rocky terrain or possibly snow
  • Short gaiters easy to put on Highly recommended.
  • Hiking shorts, quick-drying synthetic fabric
  • Hiking trousers, quick-drying synthetic fabric
  • Medium-weight synthetic fleece sweater or jacket
  • Sun & rain hat
  • Sunscreen and lip protection (The sun in Iceland is much more intense than you probably imagine)
  • Teva-type sandals for river crossing. Absolutely recommended!
  • Spare pair of prescription glasses, prescription sunglasses, or contact lenses (but not only lenses, as wind-blown dust can make them very uncomfortable)
  • Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries (from August only)
  • Netting hood, head net or bug bucket hat * (optional, can be purchased in Iceland / see explanation bellow)

Specific equipment for winter (Oct. to April)

  • Canadian winter boots or warm trekking shoes
  • Cleats for snow and ice adaptable to your shoes
  • Warm synthetic fleece sweater or jacket
  • Warm fleece trousers
  • Silk socks (optional)
  • Silk gloves (specially recommended for photographers)
  • Warm waterproofed shell gloves or mitt
  • Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries
  • Ski goggles

When lodging in Hotels and Inns (Comfort Discovery)

  • Casual elegant sportswear for evenings at the hotels
  • Moccasin type shoes or lightweight sports shoe or slipper

When lodging in hostels and huts (Rustic Discovery)

  • Hiking shoes are not allowed inside accommodation
  • Moccasin type shoes or lightweight sports shoe. But your Teva-type sandals for river crossing can also be used inside
  • Comfortable sleeping bag +5°C to +15°C / 32°F to 60°F which can be opened all the way to be used also as comforter
  • Cotton sheet for hut’s mattress
  • Pillow if you can’t sleep without one (optional)
  • Towel and flannel for toileting and shower (or high density synthetic-chamois
  • Eye shades. Highly recommended from April to July!
  • Pile/fleece pants, ideal for around the camp
  • Headlamp or small flashlight with spare batteries (no need from May to July included)
  • 1 or 2 good bottles of wine or a bottle of something stronger (can be bought at duty free at arrival in Iceland and in few places around the country)

Camera, tablets, smart-phones

  • Camera bag
  • Light telescopic tripod and cable release for camera (Longs exposures for Northern Lights from mid-August)
  • Replacement batteries for electrical devices
  • Additional memory card
  • Adapter for electrical plug (European standard)

*About netting hood    There are no mosquitoes in Iceland (yet), but at the beginning of summer midges swarms invade the lowlands rivers banks and lakes as Lake Mývatn “lake of midges”. With global warming midges begin to colonize now some wet areas of higher ground covered by vegetation. The outbreak periods are short but not really accurate. It is hell for the hapless hiker who found a windless day in clouds of these very angry bugs You will not regret to have brought with you, gloves, a long-sleeved shirt and above a netting hood that you put on over your head rain hat or sun hat. You probably will not have to use it, but you’ll be relieved to have it just in case … and it’s not a huge investment.

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