We live in a culture of results. We like it when we achieve our goals relatively quickly and with minimal effort. Following this notion, we have coined the phrase “work smart, not hard” – for some, it sounds like an unfair shortcut, while for others, it is the key know-how. This post is not about the validity of that concept but rather about being inspired by it to create a list of… hiking trails! Trails where you don’t have to work too hard to enjoy spectacular results!
Nicely simple, relatively short, and outrageously satisfying views! These are the perfect options when you don’t know where to go, don’t have much time or energy, or simply want some beautiful scenery and that’s it.
- THE BEST OF FAROES: Bøur – Vatnsdalsvatn – Snældansfjall
The first time I did this trek was early spring, with my then-boyfriend. It was all very nice. The second time, though, was in the height of summer, as a newly minted single. And guess what? It was EPIC. Easier, too—not just because there was no boyfriend to lug around, but the conditions were way better. The Faroes in summer are like a five-year-old with watercolors—color explosion is an understatement. Plus, I had the wisdom from my first hike to guide me. So, lucky you, you’ll be getting a well-tested version of the trail (not the boyfriend).
The trek starts off pretty unremarkably, from a bit of a random spot if I’m honest. There’s no signpost, arrow, or anything. Just a waterfall and a fence alongside it. Looks like any other view. But that’s exactly where the trek to the lake begins. You can park your car along the road right by the entrance to the trail. Once you go through the gate (don’t forget to close it behind you!), just follow the path. It might look like a faint shadow of a trail at times, but trust me—like a local once said, “just follow the river.” After about 20 minutes of trekking along the waterfall, you’ll reach a point where there’s a waterfall to your right and a small river to your left. Head towards the river—following it will help you skip a steep climb. I have to give credit to that guy, even though I initially thought his advice was just, well, Underberg-talking. Turns out, he was right!
After tackling what isn’t so much a steep as it is a slippery incline, you’ll find yourself on a flat plain that looks as barren as a dry pancake—enough to kill even the most adventurous spirit. But just wait a few minutes… the lake appears. The third largest in Faroes, Vatnsdalsvatn.
This is the perfect moment for a break. Enjoy the vibrant green landscape, watch rabbits hopping among the rocks or sheep lazily grazing like fluffy clouds on the hills. That’s why I love this trail: the peace, the quiet, the tangible serenity. And it only gets better! Sure, you could turn back here and retrace your steps, but you could also…
Head to the left side of the lake and climb up the mountainside to the top. Be careful—the stones can slip under your feet, and the ground is slick! Just because the sheep here leap around like gravity doesn’t exist doesn’t mean that’s actually the case. XD Fortunately, this climb, while steep, isn’t long. It requires more attention and patience than any kind of superhuman fitness. The views from the top? On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of Drangarnir, Tindhólmur, and Mykines! And from the other side of the plateau, you can see the peaks of Streymoy, and if you squint hard enough, even the tiny island of Koltur!
- Where: Bour, Vagar
- Time: 3 hours (round trip)
- Difficulty: Moderate
- OF MONSTERS AND MEN: Witch’s Finger, Sandavágur – Trøllkonufingur
This is a perfect trail for those of you traveling with kids or dogs! The entire route is well-marked, with signs pointing the way and benches scattered throughout. Properly done, from A to Z! It starts in Sandavágur, on the island of Vagar. There’s a small parking lot at the beginning, but I wouldn’t get my hopes up—better to leave the car in town and walk the extra few meters.
The trail winds picturesquely through hills, but don’t worry—there are no steep climbs or tricky stones, just plenty of stunning views! You’ll see the sea sparkling in the sun, the coastline of the neighboring island of Streymoy, the tiny island of Koltur in all its glory, and Hestur peeking out from behind.
According to the legend, Koltur Island is the head of a witch who sailed over from Iceland. When she reached out her thieving hand to steal the island, the sun rose and turned her to stone. Thus, Trøllkonufingur—the Witch’s Finger, a 313-meter-tall sea stack—was born. It’s just another of many Faroese formations credited to Iceland’s supposed thieving tendencies, at least according to Faroese folklore. Wherever that perception came from, one thing is for sure: The Faroes haven’t lost a thing to their northern neighbors’ sticky fingers. All 18 islands are still there, and they’ve even gained a few cool rock formations! Almost being robbed pays off!
What is much needed after hiking? Lunch break, duh! Since we are in Sandavágur, the answear is FISKASTYKKIÐ! It’s a restaurant-cafe with decor inspired by its location in Sandavágur, a village that still smells of tradition. Literally! The faint scent of dried fish suggests not only the local customs but also the restaurant’s specialty. But FISKASTYKKIÐ isn’t just about fish—it also offers fantastic homemade cakes and all sorts of rhubarb delights: cakes, jams, even drinks, and lemonades! My personal favorite? The best fish soup I’ve ever had and rhubarb gin! Basically, whatever your soul and body needs : exceptional example of Faroese cuisine!
Where: Sandavágur
Time: 2/2,5 hours (both ways)
Difficulty : easy like a piece of rhubarb cake
- EVERYONE FORGET ABOUT THIS ONE: Hestur
For some reason, this trail—and the island it’s on—seems to slip through the cracks of most visitors’ itineraries. I’d even bet the locals have forgotten about it too. Is it because the island of Hestur—yes, that’s the one—only has a whopping 18 residents, or is it that the island itself is treated like the first pancake (what is it with me and pancakes today, anyway)? It’s there, but let’s not look too closely at how it turned out.
Flat as a pancake once you get past those steep cliffs — and believe me, they are really steep. The only thing that comes to an abrupt end there is the asphalt road, definitely not your enthusiasm from an overload of excitement. Or so it might seem!
Today, let’s focus on the trail winding through the twists and turns of Hestur, much like a politician weaving through their promises — it lures you in with the promise of the summit, then drags you away from it. But unlike any head of state, this trail is actually trustworthy…
Basically, once you’re up, it’s all downhill from there, not like literally but you know what I mean :d The trail is actually quite well-marked, and it’s worth sticking to. As always, that’s a good idea in the Faroes—you don’t want to freestyle it here. The Hestur trail, though it seems like the creation of a whimsical (or drunk…) shepherd, winding its way through Hestur’s twists and turns, is in fact, strategically designed. After about 40 minutes of somewhat exhausting walking, you’ll find yourself at the top of Hestur.
In front of you lies a view not only of neighboring islands but also of countless lakes, big and small. It’s the perfect time for a picnic!
Where: Hestur
Time: 1,5 hours (both ways)
Difficulty: easy
How to get there?
The ferry departs from Gamlarætt and costs 40 DKK for a round trip — so it’s quite wallet-friendly! You can catch a bus (number 5) to the port. You can bring a car on the ferry if you like, though it’s pretty pointless — there are no roads on Hestur.
- THE FOOTSTEPS OF HISTORY: Torshavn – Kirkjubøur
This is the perfect trail for a lazy Sunday afternoon! Why? Because on the way back, you can be chauffeured to Havn! Okay, by bus, not a carriage, but still a good deal, right? The trail starts by a farm and is very well-marked! It’s not difficult, although it does require some attention as the beginning winds through rocks.
It’s a great option for a hike with a dog or kids. It meanders nicely through the hills of Streymoy, revealing Koltur and Hestur, and on a clear day, even Vagar, only to hide them again as you’re treated to the sight of sheep lazily wandering among the hills.
Your destination, Kirkjubøur, is almost like stepping into a living history! The remains of homes on the tiny island of Kirkjubøhólmur, and the village itself, including the oldest still-inhabited wooden house in the world, Kirkjubøargarður, dating back to the 11th century! Add to that the 12th-century church of St. Olav and the ruins of Magnus Cathedral from the same period. No wonder the trail sets such a mood—it’s marked by stone cairns, leading through places where assemblies once took place. With minimal effort, you can soak up quite a bit of Faroese history!
If you don’t feel like walking back, just hop on the free city bus number 5, which will take you back to the capital. Just in time for dinner at Barbara or pizza at Skeiva Pakkhus 🙂
Where: Torshavn
Time: 1,5h (both ways)
Difficulty: relatively easy
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Do let me know what you think of this post; I’d love to inspire you to explore in YOUR own style — it doesn’t have to be about crazy multi-hour hikes or complicated trails. Travel in a way that lets you reminisce with pleasure and satisfaction about your adventures. I’ll do my best to provide you with diverse inspirations for the many ways you can go about it 🙂
xoxo, Alex
