Nólsoy, the island facing Tórshavn
Nólsoy is a short ferry ride from Tórshavn. How to get there without a car, the 14 km hike to the 1893 lighthouse and when to see puffins.
Nólsoy is the long island you see from Tórshavn harbour. You get there on a short ferry ride and it is an easy trip to do without a car.
How to get there
- SSL route 90 ferry from Tórshavn. Timetables on ssl.fo.
- Do not bring the car. Leave it in Tórshavn: there are 8-hour parking zones, and outside the marked zones there is no time limit.
- In bad weather the ferry may change its timetable or be cancelled.
The hike to Borðan lighthouse
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Distance | 14 km |
| Duration | About 4 hours |
| Ascent | 410 m of climbing |
| Difficulty | Difficult because of its length, steep up to Hvíliplássið |
| Start | The path heading south from the village of Nólsoy |
The path is grass with stone cairns, with stony stretches and wet areas. On the way you will pass the ruins of Prinsessutoftir, linked to the legend of a Scottish princess who fled to the island.
The lighthouse
Nólsoy lighthouse, at the place called Tumbin, was built in 1893 of dressed stone. Its lens, 2.82 metres high and weighing about four tonnes, was one of the largest of its kind. Next to it are the remains of decoy houses from the Second World War, built by the British.
Heading down towards the Stallurin landing there are usually puffins on the cliff edge in summer.
Fee
Individuals walk for free. Only tours organised by companies pay a fee. More information in hiking fees.
Frequently asked questions
How do you get to Nólsoy?
On SSL route 90 ferry from Tórshavn. Do not bring the car: leave it in Tórshavn and cross on foot.
Do you have to pay to hike on Nólsoy?
Individuals walk for free. Only tours organised by companies pay.