Things to Do in Árnafjørður

October 31, 2026

Árnafjørður sits at the head of a deep fjord on the east side of Borðoy, in the Faroe Islands, part of the Kingdom of Denmark. About 64 people live here, and the village belongs to the municipality of Klaksvík. What it offers is simple and good: two serious hikes, a view over the fjord, a white church and a row of boat houses. Everything else, from lunch to a bed, is in Klaksvík, about 10 minutes away by car.

The two hikes

The walk from Klaksvík over the pass to Árnafjørður is 5 km one way and takes about 1 hour 45 minutes. It climbs 395 m, tops out at 429 m, and is rated difficult because the ground above the village is steep and loose. The route goes through the Áarskarð pass, and the descent on the Ovarustígar path is marked with cairns and reflector posts.

The second route starts in the village and runs to Katlarnir and back. It is 7 km round trip, climbs 653 m and reaches 516 m. The official time is about 2 hours 35 minutes, although some hikers report closer to 4 hours, so plan a long half day. It passes Toftaskarð (466 m) and Uppi á Gjógv and is difficult and not suitable for young children.

Both routes cross the Stórá river and fences that have no gates. Download a GPX track before you go, and do not set out in fog.

Katlarnir

Katlarnir is the old Thing site, where the Faroese held assemblies, and the Thing stones are still there. It is a short detour on either hike and the main reason to walk this valley. On the way down, look for the boulder called Grindasteinur, which is linked to the local pilot whale hunts.

The fjord viewpoint

Between the two new tunnels on route 70, about 500 m apart, there is a roadside pull-off with the best view over the fjord. It is a quick stop if you are driving to Hvannasund and the northern villages. The Árnafjarðartunnilin is about 1.96 km long and the Hvannasundstunnilin about 2.25 km.

The shore

A small beach and a line of boat houses sit at the head of the fjord. The church stands beside the Stórá, with parking next to it and by the tunnels. On Sundays, leave the church parking free between 11:00 and 12:00 while services run.

What is not here

The village has no grocery store, cafe or public toilet, and no tour desk or equipment hire. Buy food in Klaksvík, and take water and a layer for the wind. There are no puffin colonies or whale-watching trips here. For puffins, look to Mykines (open 1 May to 31 August, guide included, about DKK 400 to 500 booked online plus the ferry) or Nólsoy.

Safety

Fog and wind can arrive fast in the Faroes. Tell someone your route, stay on the cairned line, keep away from unfenced edges, and dial 112 in an emergency. Sheep wander onto the roads.

Hiking fees

The Árnafjørður routes carry no fee on the official pages. Some other northern hikes charge, such as Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy (DKK 200 for adults), so check Visit Faroe Islands hiking fees before you set out.

Route details: Klaksvík to Árnafjørður on Visit Faroe Islands . To look at local excursions, try Viator searches for Klaksvík tours .