One day on Kalsoy: lighthouses, puffins, and Faroese village charm
Our main reason for visiting Kalsoy Island was to hike to the famous Kallur Lighthouse, but spending a full day here turned out to be one of the best decisions of our Faroe Islands trip. The dramatic cliffs, remote villages, and hidden legends make Kalsoy much more than just a single hike. We were lucky with perfect weather, but even if the skies turn moody, this island has a way of leaving you in awe. Read on to discover why Kalsoy is worth dedicating an entire day of your journey.
How to Get to Kalsoy Island
Reaching Kalsoy is an adventure in itself. We began our journey in Tórshavn, hopped in our rented car, and drove about an hour and a half north to Klaksvík. From there, we boarded the ferry that connects the town to Kalsoy Island. The crossing itself is short and sweet, just about 20 minutes, but it sets the tone perfectly as you glide past dramatic cliffs and open sea.
One of the best decisions we made was taking our car along on the ferry. Kalsoy is long and narrow, with winding roads, tunnels, and villages spread out along its spine, so having your own wheels gives you the freedom to explore at your own pace.
👉 Read more in our detailed guide on Hiking to Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy Island, where we share ferry tips, parking info, and everything you need to know before setting off.
If you’d rather skip driving, there’s a smoother way to reach Kalsoy. We could have taken the bus from Tórshavn all the way to Kalsoy with zero hassle. The journey goes like this: Bus 400 from Tórshavn to Klaksvík, then the Route 56 ferry “Sam” across to Syðradalur, and finally the local Bus 506 all the way to Trøllanes. This route took us roughly 3 hours total, but it was a breeze, with scenic views, no navigation stress, and perfect timing between connections throughout the day.
Where to Book Ferry Tickets to Kalsoy Island
Ferry tickets to Kalsoy can be booked online through Smyril Line’s Strandfaraskip Landsins system (the official Faroese transport site). This is the same ferry that departs from Klaksvík and arrives at Syðradalur on Kalsoy.
🐧 Penguin Pro Tip
Booking in advance not only guarantees your spot but also gives you a better price. We paid 586.00 DKK for one car and four people by reserving ahead of time. When we booked our outbound trip two weeks in advance, everything went smoothly. However, on the way back, we hadn’t booked ahead. We wanted the 4 pm ferry, but only the 5 pm departure still had tickets available. Moral of the story: book at least three weeks in advance to save both money and stress.
Kalsoy Island: The Basics You Should Know
Kalsoy is one of the most fascinating islands in the Faroe Islands. Long, narrow, and full of mystery, it’s often called the “Flute Island” because of its shape and its 11 tunnels connecting scattered villages. It may look quiet at first glance, but Kalsoy hides legends, dramatic landscapes, and some of the most iconic viewpoints in the Faroes.
Quick Facts about Kalsoy Island:
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- Location: Northeastern Faroe Islands, between Eysturoy and Kunoy.
- Villages: 4 (Syðradalur, Húsar, Mikladalur, Trøllanes).
- Population: Around 150 people total.
- Size: About 18 km long and just 1–3 km wide.
- Hikes: Several marked routes, with the Kallur Lighthouse hike being the most famous.
- History & Legends: Known for the tale of the Seal Woman in Mikladalur and for its strategic location during Faroese history.
- Unique Feature: 11 single-lane tunnels connect the island’s villages, giving Kalsoy its “flute-like” nickname.
How to Spend One Perfect Day on Kalsoy Island
We started our day early and caught the second ferry at 8 am from Klaksvík. That gave us plenty of time to explore Kalsoy without rushing. Once we arrived at Syðradalur, we drove straight across the island to its northern tip, reaching the small village of Trøllanes. From there, our adventure truly began.
Things to Do in Trøllanes
Hike to Kallur Lighthouse
The main reason most travelers come to Kalsoy, and we came here as well, is primarily for this hike. The hike from Trøllanes to the lighthouse takes about 45 minutes one way, leading you across grassy hills and ending at one of the most iconic viewpoints in the Faroe Islands. Standing there, with cliffs dropping dramatically on both sides, feels surreal. Read more in our detailed guide on Hiking to Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy Island.
Explore the Village Trøllanes
Trøllanes itself is tiny but worth a wander. With just a handful of houses, surrounded by sheep pastures and mountains, it’s one of the most peaceful spots on the island. Take a few minutes to waddle around and soak up the quiet Faroese village atmosphere before or after your hike. We had our packed lunches here and enjoyed the calm while eating them.
Next Stop: Mikladalur
Even if you’re short on time on Kalsoy Island, make sure to stop in Mikladalur. This small village may not be as well-known as Trøllanes, but honestly, we found it even more charming. With its dramatic coastal setting, peaceful atmosphere, and the legendary Seal Woman statue, Mikladalur left us completely enchanted. It’s one of those places where you have to pause, take it all in, and enjoy the beauty.
Where to Park in Mikladalur
Before we begin, let’s talk parking. There are three main spots where you can leave your car. The first is just before you enter the village, which is handy if you don’t want to drive into the narrow lanes. The other two are inside Mikladalur itself, closer to the main sights. We first parked outside the village, but later decided to move the car into one of the inner spots, which made it easier to reach everything on foot. Once parked, you’re free to wander and enjoy what Mikladalur has to offer.
Explore the village Mikladalur
After parking the car, we took some time to waddle around the village itself. Mikladalur is a small village with approximately 40–50 inhabitants, but it possesses a special charm that makes it unforgettable. Colorful houses sit against steep mountain slopes, offering sweeping views over the North Atlantic. Strolling through its quiet lanes gives you a real sense of Faroese village life. Mikladalur is most famous for the legend of the Seal Woman (Kópakonan), and historically, it has always been a significant settlement on Kalsoy thanks to its fertile land and fishing grounds.
Take a break at Café Eðge
Before heading down to the Seal Woman statue, we paused for a coffee at Café Eðge (Cafe Edge). This little spot only opens seasonally during the summer, and while the prices are on the higher side, the coffee and cakes were delicious. And honestly, you don’t get to sip a coffee with such a view every day—perched above the cliffs, looking out over the Atlantic, it was worth every krone.
Visiting the Seal Woman Statue
From the café, we followed the path and headed down the steep stairs to the shore to see the famous Seal Woman (Kópakonan). The bronze statue was unveiled in 2014 and stands over 3 meters tall, making it an impressive sight against the backdrop of the wild Atlantic Ocean. Standing on a rock at the edge of the sea, she feels both powerful and haunting, as if the legend itself is about to come alive in front of you. The crashing waves, the rugged cliffs, and the sheer scale of the sculpture make this one of the most unforgettable stops on Kalsoy.
Penguin Fact Box About The Seal Woman Statue
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- Unveiled: 2014
- Artist: Hans Pauli Olsen
- Height: 3.25 meters
- Material: Bronze
- Location: Mikladalur, Kalsoy Island, Faroe Islands
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The Legend of the Seal Woman
According to Faroese folklore, seals are believed to shed their skins once a year and take human form. One such seal woman was captured by a man from Mikladalur, who hid her skin and forced her to become his wife. Though she lived with him for years and even bore children, she never stopped longing for the sea. One day, she discovered her hidden skin and escaped back into the ocean, leaving her family behind. The story ends tragically, with the seal woman cursing the men of Mikladalur, a tale that has been passed down for generations.
Chasing the Waterfall Opposite the Seal Woman at Mikladalur
After descending the stairs to the shore, we turned our gaze to the dramatic waterfall (though all the waterfalls on the Faroe Islands are dramatic). Although it doesn’t have an official name, this cascading waterfall is often referred to as the Mikladalur waterfall. The best part? As you stand there, you can turn 180 degrees and usually spot yet another cascade nearby, a double dose of Faroese wonder.
Cliff Waddle
On the other side of the Seal Woman statue, you can waddle across the cliffs and take in even more stunning views. We found a secluded spot overlooking the endless Atlantic and ended up sitting there for almost an hour, simply soaking in the sound of the sea and the dramatic coastline. To make it even more magical, we got lucky and spotted a few puffins flying around the cliffs—an unforgettable bonus to an already beautiful stop in Mikladalur.
Our time in Mikladalur became a lesson in slow travel, as we wandered through the village, paused by the cliffs, sipped coffee, and enjoyed the rhythm of life there. It wasn’t about rushing from one landmark to another, but about letting the place sink in. From here, we continued our exploration of Kalsoy, ready to see what else this island had in store for us, but Mikladalur remains our favorite settlement here.
Stopping at Húsar
Our next stop was Húsar, another small settlement on Kalsoy. We didn’t actually go into the village itself, as there wasn’t an obvious place to park, but we pulled over at the edge of the village, where we found a simple bench with a beautiful view. It turned out to be the perfect spot to pause, breathe in the fresh sea air, and admire the surrounding mountains and coastline. There were even friendly cows that came to say hello, which made the stop even more memorable.
Although we didn’t wander into the village, we learned that Húsar has a small church and a handful of houses, making it one of the oldest settlements on Kalsoy. For us, it was a quiet and peaceful break on our way back through the island.
Returning to Syðradalur
Our final stop before leaving Kalsoy was Syðradalur, the southernmost settlement on the island and the place where the ferry connects Kalsoy with Klaksvík. The village is tiny, home to fewer than 10 people, but it holds a quiet charm, surrounded by steep mountains and the sea.
We parked in the official parking lot, which also features a public toilet and offers an overlook of the harbor. From here, it was easy to see the ferry dock and watch as cars lined up for departure. While waiting, we walked into the village itself and came across a memorial stone, a simple yet moving reminder of those lost at sea, a common theme in many Faroese coastal villages.
Syðradalur might be small, but it feels like a fitting end point to a day on Kalsoy: peaceful, reflective, and with views stretching back across the water toward Klaksvík.
We arrived about an hour before our ferry departed, so we sat down on the stones and enjoyed the calm atmosphere. Watching the shifting light on the mountains and then seeing the ferry slowly approach across the fjord felt like the perfect, peaceful way to wrap up our day on Kalsoy.
Amenities and Facilities on Kalsoy
Kalsoy might feel remote, but you’ll still find a few handy amenities scattered across its villages. Don’t expect shops or supermarkets, so bring snacks and water with you, but these little stops can make your day much easier (and more comfortable):
- Guesthouses / Beds. Each of the four villages (Syðradalur, Húsar, Mikladalur, and Trøllanes) has a handful of places where you can stay overnight if you’d like to extend your trip or missed the ferry.
- Food in Trøllanes. There’s a small seasonal spot in Trøllanes where you can grab a bite, perfect if you need something before or after the Kallur Lighthouse hike.
- Coffee in Mikladalur: Café Eðge (Cafe Edge) is open in summer, serving coffee and cakes with a fantastic cliffside view.
- Public Toilets: Each settlement on Kalsoy has its own public toilet.
That’s pretty much it: no gas stations, no grocery stores, no ATMs. Which makes Kalsoy all the more special: it’s a place to slow down, enjoy what’s there, and prepare ahead.
Spending a full day on Kalsoy felt like stepping into a slower, more relaxed rhythm of life. From the windswept hike to Kallur Lighthouse to the quiet lanes of Mikladalur and Húsar, every stop revealed a different side of the island. Legends, dramatic cliffs, puffins, waterfalls, and peaceful villages all came together in one unforgettable day. Kalsoy may be small, but it’s packed with experiences that stay with you long after you’ve left. For us, it was a reminder that the Faroe Islands aren’t just about the significant sights; they’re about slowing down, listening to the stories, and letting each place leave its mark.
Pack your bags and get ready to explore Kalsoy Island.
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