Nólsoy Island

Nólsoy Island Travel Guide

By Verified Expert

Nólsoy is an outback island in the wind-swept Faroe Islands. Wherever you are in the capital, Tórshavn, you will see this island.

Marooned in the middle of the 18 island archipelago, Nólsoy Island is something else. Visiting the island is always rewarding.

Nólsoy map

In order to get to Nólsoy, you will take the ferry route 90 from Tórshavn. The ferry operates several times a day. The ferry crossover takes 20 minutes.

Nólsoy Island protects the capital, Tórshavn, from huge sea waves. On stormy days, the inhabitants every now and then experience waves that crash across the island just next to the houses on the island.

Puffins
You will find puffins on Nólsoy during the summer months. Photo by Mad Fyllgraf.

Once you arrive on the island, you are only minutes away from the terrific nature. You can even see puffins on the island from early May to August.

There is only one settlement on the island. Nólsoy comes with a local grocery store. You will also find a café on the island. The atmosphere here is always very relaxed.

Nature Walks on the Island

Nólsoy grass field
The views you get when heading from the village in Nólsoy to the northern end of the island. Photo by Mads Fyllgraf.

There are some great hiking options on the island. One easy walk will take you from the only village on the island and to the northern tip called Stongin. You will have beautiful ocean views from this location.

It will take you less than an hour to get to the northernmost end of the island. There is an unpaved road leading to the end of the island towards north.

Nólsoy Lighthouse
The remote Nólsoy Lighthouse is a 2 hour hike away from the settlement on Nólsoy Island. Photo by Jon Combe on Flickr.

The highest peak Eggjarklettur elevates 372 metres (1220 feet) above sea level. The summit can be reached by foot and offers you grandiose views of the wide ocean and nearby islands.

For those visiting the Faroe Islands with the main aim of hiking, it gets no better than hiking to Nólsoy Lighthouse. What you will hike to is one of the lighthouses in the Faroe Islands in the most jaw-dropping settings. This out-and-back hikes takes more than 2 hours in each direction. The scenery along the route is great and the views you get from the lighthouse are spectacular.

Services on Nólsoy Island

Signs in Nólsoy
This sign on Nólsoy Island will guide you to the services available on the island. Photo by Mads Fyllgraf.

Despite its fairly small size, Nólsoy Island has most basic services that you need when exploring the island. Here is a list with services available.

  • Grocery store: Yes
  • Café: Yes
  • Public toilet: Yes
  • Indoor ferry terminal: Yes

Even though the ferry to Nólsoy takes vehicles, there is no need to bring your car to the island. It is much easier and convenient to just park your car next to the ferry in Tórshavn and walk onboard and then walk around the island once you disembark the ferry.

Browse Activities Starting on Nólsoy Island. With lots of local culture, the island will make sure to give you an authentic experience whenever you visit.

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