Guide to Hiking the Klakkur Mountain Ridge, Borðoy, Faroe Islands
Klakkur is a distinctive mountain rising above Klaksvík on Borðoy in the northern Faroe Islands, overlooking the narrow sound between Borðoy and Kunoy. Its rounded summit and steep grassy slopes create a natural lookout above the town, offering clear sightlines toward Kalsoy and the surrounding fjords, shaped by the region’s rugged terrain and exposed coastal climate.
Klakkur Mountain Ridge Hike
Hike Overview and Map
Trailhead: Follow signs from the carpark | Google Maps
Parking: upper parking location | Google Maps
Total Hiking Distance: 1.2 km | one way
Total Hiking Duration: 35 minute walk | one way
Difficulty: Moderate
Altitude: 406 meters above sea level
Price: Free entry
Highlights: Wide-open views across Klaksvík, the narrow strait separating Borðoy and Kunoy, and the rugged mountain ridges of the northern Faroe Islands.
Getting There
From Tórshavn:
Hire Car
All generic hire car companies (Avis, Budget, Europcar) are available from Vágar Airport (Vágar) or Tórshavn city centre (Streymoy)
Car hire costs vary substantially and it is usually one of the most significant costs of a trip to the Faroe Islands so it is best to check and compare prices at the time of booking
The roads are well surfaced the entire way so a 2WD is fine for the journey
The drive takes around 45 minutes one-way to Klaksvik
The total distance is around 40 km one-way
Overall a hire car is the best way to get around the Faroe Islands if its within your budget
Public Bus
It is possible to get to Klaksvik from Tórshavn via public bus on the line 400
More information can be found on the Strandfaraskip Landsins website including timetables
View of Kalsoy from Klakkur Hike
General Tips
Rather than driving to the upper carpark there is also the option to hike directly from Klaksvik town center if you were arriving by bus or wanting to leave directly from your accomodation.
Note that the total distance if you were to hike from the center of town would extend out to around 9.2 km and to be honest it doesn’t add much to the view.
Beyond the carpark the hike can get extremely muddy and most of it is on somewhat unmarked trails so be sure to wear sturdy waterproof footwear.
In general the weather is extremely unpredictable in the Faroe Islands so always prepare for rainfall with a rain/windproof jacket.
Ensure you take enough food and water for the hike as there are no facilities once you leave Klaksvik.
Allow yourself some time at the summit to take in the views as they tend to change constantly with the light and cloud movement.
Start of Klakkur Hiking Trail
Views of the Leirvík
Views of Kalsoy and Trøllanes
View of Kunoy at the end of the Klakkur Hike
Where to Next
Kallur Lighthouse Hike: A short boat ride from Klaksvik to Kalsoy Island can allow you to visit potentially the most iconic site in the entirety of the Faroe Islands, the Kallur Lighthouse.
Mylingur Sea Cliff Hike: If you are up for an adventure the Mylingur Sea Cliff Hike commences from the small town Tjørnuvík located on Streymoy approximately 50-minutes drive away by car from Klaksvik. The trail is steep and exposed in sections, following dramatic cliff edges above the North Atlantic toward one of the Faroe Islands’ most striking viewpoints.
Related Posts:
Discover the wild beauty of the Faroe Islands on an unforgettable 7-day self-drive itinerary. Begin on Vágar, chasing dramatic landscapes from the thundering Múlafossur Waterfall and the sculpted Drangarnir sea stacks to the optical illusion of Lake Leitisvatn hovering above the Atlantic. Venture offshore to Mykines for puffins and sweeping ocean views, then explore rugged coastal formations like Trøllkonufingur and Dúnnesdrangar. Cross to Streymoy to wander the grass-roofed village of Saksun and tackle the remote Mýlingur hike, before heading north to Borðoy and settling into Klaksvík. From here, journey to Kalsoy to hike to the iconic Kallur Lighthouse, perched high above sheer cliffs and endless sea, a fitting finale to one of the world’s most dramatic island road trips.