Church in the settlement Kaldbak

Kaldbak Travel Guide

By Verified Expert

Kaldbak is a small settlement along the Kaldbaksfjørður fjord in the remote Faroe Islands. Located on Streymoy Island, this place is an off the beaten path attraction in the archipelago.

You will find a great example of a traditional turf-roofed church in the settlement. There are 11 churches in the Faroe Islands with grass on the roof. Sod-roofed buildings are a key feature in the archipelago and has been so since the Vikings first settled this far-flung island group.

The settlement lies in the fjord, which you will see from the mountain road Oyggjarvegur. Kaldbak lies a 20 minutes drive from the capital Tórshavn.

Services in Kaldbak

Children in Kaldbak have their own primary school despite the settlement’s very limited number of residents. There is also a nursery and kindergarten in the settlement. When it comes to everyday good, the villagers head to either Tórshavn or the village Kollafjørður for essentials. Here is a list of what to find when in the settlement:

  • Grocery store: No
  • Café: No
  • Public toilet: No
  • Parking lot: Yes

There is a parking lot next to the turf-roofed church. The row of parking spaces are located next to a nice selection of traditional boat houses. These boats are used by the locals when heading out fishing in the nearby fishing grounds. Park here when exploring the settlement.

Church in Kaldbak
The church in Kaldbak with grass cut locally in the settlement.

Just before you reach Kaldbak, you will drive by Týggjará Waterfall. This lovely waterfall flows down the mountain side only minutes before entering the settlement.

While in Kaldbak, you will also see stunning waterfalls on the opposite side of the fjord where the settlement is located. The waterfalls are most impressive on rainy days or on days following a rainy period. You can spot some of the waterfalls on this live webcam from Kaldbaksfjørður fjord.

Sveinur Tróndarson

Sveinur Tróndarson is a prominent figure in the Faroe Islands, known for his multifaceted contributions to local society, particularly in journalism, media, and culture. Born and raised in the settlement Skála on Eysturoy Island in the Faroe Islands, Tróndarson has been actively involved in shaping the public dialogue around everything from sports, politics to preserving local traditions. Sveinur holds a master’s degree in political science from the Univerity of the Faroe Islands. As a journalist, he has worked with key media outlets in the Faroe Islands, including the public broadcasting cooperation Kringvarp Føroya and as both chief editor and CEO at the newspaper Dimmalætting. His insights are valued and he is often used as an expert in news media. His commentary reflects a deep understanding of history, language, and the Faroe Island' place in the world. In addition to his journalistic endeavors, Tróndarson has taken the official tourism course in the Faroe Islands. Today, he also works as a tour guide.

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Other great attractions
Settlement next to coastline

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Vágar Island

Man on wooden bridge

Ásmundarstakkur