Árnafjørður Hikes, Views and Next Steps
Three questions settle most plans for Árnafjørður, a village of about 64 people on the east side of Borðoy in the Faroe Islands. How long do you have, how much effort do you want, and where will you eat? The last answer is easy: in Klaksvík, 10 minutes away by car, because the village has no shop, cafe or public toilet.
If you have an hour
Drive north from Klaksvík on route 70 and go through the Árnafjarðartunnilin, a tunnel of about 1.96 km that opened in 2024. Once through, stop at the lay-by that sits between that tunnel and the Hvannasundstunnilin, which is about 2.25 km long. This spot has the best outlook along the fjord. Then continue down to the water, where a row of boat houses and a small beach sit at the head of the inlet. The white church with its red roof stands beside the Stórá river.
If you have half a day
Walk the 5 km route between Klaksvík and the village. It takes about 1 hour 45 minutes, climbs 395 m to a high point of 429 m and is rated difficult. The path runs through the Áarskarð pass, and cairns and reflector posts mark the Ovarustígar descent. Arrange the return in advance, because the route is one way.
If you have a full day
Take the Katlarnir loop from the village, 7 km in total with 653 m of climbing. The official time is 2 hours 35 minutes. Plan on longer if you stop often. The loop passes Toftaskarð at 466 m and Uppi á Gjógv, and it reaches the old Thing site at Katlarnir, where the Thing stones remain. It is not suitable for young children.
Rules of the trail
- Both hikes cross the Stórá river and fences that have no gates.
- Walk with a GPX track on your phone.
- Skip the hills when fog (mjørki) sits on them.
- Leave a route plan with your host, and call 112 if you get into trouble.
Where to go next
Klaksvík is the base for everything else. The Kalsoy ferry on route 56 takes about 20 minutes, and Hvannasund, about 8 km on from the village, has the ferry to Svínoy and Fugloy. If you are after puffins, the places are Mykines and Nólsoy, not this fjord.
Read more: Where else to go in a day and trail notes for walkers . Planning a longer stay? See the Faroe Islands 3-day itinerary .
Official trail page: Árnafjørður to Katlarnir on Visit Faroe Islands . If you want a guide, you can compare options on GetYourGuide for Faroe Islands hikes .