Guide to the Kallur Lighthouse Hike

Note: This guide is current as of July 2021. I will do my best to continue to update the information.

Trip date: July 2021

One of the iconic photos of the Faroe Islands is that of the Kallur Lighthouse on the island of Kalsoy. This is a guide to help you navigate getting there, as well as doing the hike itself.

Transportation

You can reach Kalsoy by ferry from Klaksvík. As most tourists stay in Tórshavn, I will outline the options from there, which are:

Car, which is the preferred option
Bus

By Car

By car, take the Eysturoyartunnilin (Eysturoy Tunnel) towards Klaksvík via Runavík, then cross another tunnel before reaching Klaksvík. The ferry terminal will be on your left.

By Bus

You can take Route 400 from Tórshavn to Klaksvík. The route will take approximately an hour and ten minutes. The cost is 90 DKK. Note credit cards are not accepted on this route. That said, you may buy multi-day Travel Cards for 500 DKK for 4 days, which is valid on all buses and ferries, except the one to Mykines.

Taking the Ferry to Kalsoy

First, it is not possible to book your ferry tickets in advance. The ferry schedule is here. Syðradalur is the name of the destination on Kalsoy.

To take your car to Kalsoy, arrive 1.5 hours before the ferry departs so your car can get on the ferry. There are only 12 cars allowed. Should you miss the ferry – and they decide they will run another – you will need to wait approximately one hour.

Once you arrive, you will see three lanes. Lane 1 is for Kalsoy residents only, so visitors are asked to queue in lanes 2 and 3. The lanes are clearly marked, so not to worry.

If you decide to ride as a foot passenger without your car, just wait on the side to pay and board.

Waiting at Klaksvík for the ferry — *Waiting at the ferry terminal*

Return ticket prices are (as of July 2021) 40 DKK for adults and 20 DKK for children (7-15 years old) and pensioners (67+). Cars are 160 DKK for the vehicle plus driver. So if you have two people, it would cost you 200 DKK, as the driver’s ticket is already included.

Arriving in Kalsoy (Trøllanes)

Once the ferry arrives in Kalsoy, foot passengers will be asked to disembark first. A bus (Route 506) will be waiting to meet the ferry. You will be asked to pay in cash or any bus card. You will take the bus all the way to the end station, which is Trøllanes.

If you arrive by car, you simply drive off the ferry out of the small parking lot, and onto the main road. There is only one main road in Kalsoy. Just drive all the way and you will reach Trøllanes.

Once in Trøllanes, simply park your car in the small lot. There is a public restroom nearby. Walk away from the homes and towards the mountain. You will see a gate. Open the gate and begin hiking. Please ensure you have closed the gate properly so the sheep will not escape.

Note on the Single-Lane Tunnels

There are four single-lane tunnels during your drive to Trøllanes. So, should you decide to drive, you need to understand how they work. In addition, check out the video on driving in the Faroe Islands before you drive.

Walking towards the start of the hike — *Walking towards the starting point for the hike*

Doing the Hike

The hike itself is free to do on your own. So, we decided to do the hike with a guide for 448 DKK (60€) per person. It was great to hear a bit about the history of the village, directly from a gentleman whose family owns the mountain – and the mountain next to it. While the hike is labeled as ‘easy,’ there are a few things to remember:

Wear layers. The weather can change quickly on the Faroe Islands. It is important to layer up.
Bring suitable hiking shoes. You will be walking along the side of a mountain, so having good hiking shoes will ensure you have good traction in case you slip.
Watch where you walk. It could be slippery, anywhere.
Respect nature. This is basic enough to not require an explanation.

Lastly, enjoy the hike.