A Quiet Fjord Evening at Árnafjørður

Árnafjørður is quiet in the plainest sense. About 64 people live at the head of a deep fjord on Borðoy, with a white church, boat houses and a small beach. There is no restaurant, cafe, lodge or shop, so a romantic stay here is built around views and a walk, with dinner and a bed in Klaksvík, about 10 minutes away by car. That suits couples who would rather have the fjord to themselves than a table with a view.

An afternoon at the fjord

Park by the church and walk the short shore path past the boat houses to the small beach. The white church with its red roof sits beside the Stórá river and photographs well in low evening light. Parking is by the church and by the tunnels. On Sundays, keep the church parking free from 11:00 to 12:00 while services run. The village has no public toilet, so plan a stop in Klaksvík first.

The viewpoint between the tunnels

Drive north on route 70 through the Árnafjarðartunnilin and look for the roadside pull-off between it and the Hvannasundstunnilin. The two tunnels are about 500 m apart, and this stop has the best view across the fjord. It is a good place to watch the light change at the end of the day. Bring a warm layer because wind comes off the water.

A hike for two

The walk from Klaksvík over the Áarskarð pass to Árnafjørður is 5 km one way and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. It climbs 395 m, reaches 429 m and is rated difficult, with steep, loose ground above the village. The Árnafjørður to Katlarnir loop is 7 km, climbs 653 m, reaches 516 m and takes an official 2 hours 35 minutes. At Katlarnir you reach the old Thing site, where the Thing stones still stand. Both routes cross the Stórá river and fences with no gates. Use a GPX track, tell someone your route, and do not set out in fog or after dark.

Dinner and a bed in Klaksvík

Klaksvík has the restaurants and the places to stay, along with a swimming hall with a 25 m pool, a slide and a wellness area for a slower morning. Opening hours change, so check before you go. Look for stays on Booking.com for Klaksvík and check what each listing includes. The Christianskirkjan, built in 1963 in an Old Norse style, is worth a short visit while you are in town.

A day out together

The ferry from Klaksvík to Syðradalur on Kalsoy takes about 20 minutes. It is a small ferry for about 12 cars, so book ahead and check ssl.fo for fares. Kallur Lighthouse costs DKK 200 each for adults, and the Kópakonan statue stands at Mikladalur.

Practical points

  • The water in the fjord is cold all year, so keep to the shore.
  • Fog and wind arrive fast. Turn back when the cloud drops.
  • Cliff edges are unfenced, and sheep wander onto the roads.
  • Dial 112 in an emergency.

Read more: Couple activities near Árnafjørður and Sightseeing .

Route notes: Árnafjørður to Katlarnir on Visit Faroe Islands .