Katlarnir and Klaksvík Trail Notes

These notes cover the two official hikes at Árnafjørður, a village of about 64 people on Borðoy. Both are rated difficult and run on open hillside, so treat them as mountain days rather than village strolls. The trailheads have no shop, cafe or toilet, and Klaksvík, 10 minutes away by car, is where you prepare.

Before you set off

  • Download a GPX file. The Visit Faroe Islands pages recommend one for both routes.
  • Check the forecast for fog (mjørki) and wind. If the cloud is low, choose another day.
  • Pack water, food and a windproof layer, and plan to be off the hill before dark.
  • Tell your host which route you have chosen and when you expect to be back.
  • Sort out the return. The walk from Klaksvík ends at a different place than it starts.

Route A: Klaksvík to Árnafjørður

This is the one-way route. It runs 5 km, climbs 395 m to a high point of 429 m and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. The path goes through Áarskarð. Above the village the ground is steep and loose, so go slowly there. On the Ovarustígar descent, cairns and reflector posts show the way. You may add a detour to Katlarnir, the old Thing site. Children over 8 can try this route with adults, since the pages call it partly child-friendly.

Route B: Árnafjørður to Katlarnir and back

This loop covers 7 km, climbs 653 m and reaches 516 m. The official time is 2 hours 35 minutes, though some walkers report nearer 4 hours, so decide which pace is yours. It passes Toftaskarð at 466 m and Uppi á Gjógv. The loop is not suitable for young children.

What both routes share

  • You cross the Stórá and meet fences with no gates.
  • Cairns mark the line, and the cloud can hide them.
  • The Grindasteinur boulder sits along the way and has links to pilot whale hunts.

Getting back from Route A

Look at ssl.fo for bus options. Route 500 is named on the official hike page as serving both ends of the hike, but the timetable lists Klaksvík, Hvannasund and Viðareiði, so confirm any stop before you rely on it. Some departures run only on request an hour ahead. A second car or a lift from town is the dependable choice.

Guides and fees

Neither village route carries a fee on the official pages. Other hikes nearby do. Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy costs DKK 200 for adults and DKK 100 for ages 13 to 17, with under 13s free. Villingadalsfjall costs DKK 200 at the gate in Viðareiði, and Enniberg needs a guide. A guided Klaksvík, Katlarnir and Árnafjørður hike has been listed by Visit Faroe Islands, and the Klaksvík tourist information can say whether one is running. Fee rules may change, so read the hiking fee page first.

On the trail

  • Follow the cairns and give unfenced cliff edges a wide berth.
  • Turn back if fog comes in.
  • Dial 112 for help.

Church services on Sundays run from 11:00 to 12:00, so leave the parking by the church to worshippers.

Read more: Sightseeing without the climb and outdoor activities nearby . Planning more days? Try the Faroe Islands 3-day itinerary .

The route A page: Visit Faroe Islands, Klaksvík to Árnafjørður . Guided walks can be searched on Viator for Klaksvík hikes .