7-hour Ghost Town Tour in the Northern Isles

Step into the Faroese past and explore three abandoned villages in the Northern Isles, each shaped by dramatic events and changing times. Guided by a local archaeologist, you’ll discover what rural life in the Faroe Islands was like from the late 18th century to today – while gaining insight into how the Industrial Revolution and the Little Ice Age influenced settlement patterns and continue to impact remote communities.

Your journey begins in Klaksvík, the Faroe Islands’ second-largest town. Here, you’ll visit the abandoned neighbourhood of Gerðar, deserted in 1765 after a devastating tragedy. Walk among the ruins as you hear the story of a once-thriving community whose promising future was cut short by natural forces.

Next, travel along a scenic, winding road to the remote village of Múli. Surrounded by dramatic landscapes, Múli was abandoned in 2002, though some houses remain in use as holiday homes. In 1970, it became the last village in the Faroe Islands to receive electricity – an effort to halt depopulation that ultimately came too late. Learn why life here proved unsustainable despite modern intervention.

The final and most adventurous stop is the deserted village of Skarð on the island of Kunoy. Abandoned after a tragic accident in 1919, Skarð can only be reached by a stunning 2,5-hour hike along Kunoy’s rugged east coast. Along the way, you’ll pass old outbuildings and a small dock tied to the village’s history. Upon arrival, enjoy a packed lunch by the ruins or in a nearby shelter, depending on the weather, before exploring the remains of this once-isolated community.

Towering above Skarð lies one of the Faroe Islands’ most striking natural features – the largest gorge in the archipelago. Across the water on Borðoy, you’ll also spot the remains of Skálatoftir, another abandoned settlement and a reminder of the region’s gradual depopulation. After time to explore, you’ll hike back along the coast and return to Klaksvík.

The hike to Skarð is considered moderate, but requires around five hours of walking in total. Sturdy hiking boots and appropriate outdoor clothing are essential.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to uncover the hidden stories of the Faroe Islands’ ghost villages – brought to life by a knowledgeable local guide.

Additional Information

• Transport to the starting point (Klaksvík)