Víkar

Víkar is an abandoned hamlet in the wild Faroe Islands. Located far away from nearby settlements on the airport island of Vágar, this place comes with incredible views and true remoteness.

Víkar was abandoned in 1914, just 77 years after it was founded by settlers that came to take advantage of the fertile soil in the valley. However, the villagers were always very isolated and this ultimately led to the abandonment. The nearest village is Gásadalur, which requires a 5 km (3.11 miles) hike over a steep mountain pass to reach. Many house ruins are still visible in the landscape, alongside three modern buildings; a shed and two shelters.

Hiking to Víkar

Getting to Víkar requires a long hike either from Vatnsoyrar or Gásadalur. The two routes can be combined for an epic full-day hike to and from Víkar.

Hike from Vatnsoyrar to Víkar

The easiest way to reach Víkar is from Vatnsoyrar. Walk through the main road of the village until you reach Lake Fjallavatn, the second-largest lake in the Faroe Islands.

Follow the trail along the lake’s northeastern shore. At the end of the lake, the trail reaches a river that you must cross. Heavy rainfall can make it difficult to pass, so be prepared to take off your shoes and socks and wade through.

From here, make your way toward the river Reipsá and follow it downstream until it disappears into a narrow gorge, where it forms Reipsáfossur Waterfall.

From Reipsáfossur, continue toward the cliff edge. Below you, a secluded black sand beach lies beneath the steep slopes. The people of Víkar once collected driftwood here. Beyond the beach, you can see the abandoned village.

Many hikers return to Vatnsoyrar at this point, but you can continue to Víkar. Backtrack to where Reipsá meets the river Gullringsá. Cross the wide Reipsá River, removing your shoes if necessary, and follow the northeastern bank of Gullringsá until you reach a cairn-marked trail. Follow the trail past Lake Hvilvtkinnavatn. After another 700 metres (2296 feet), leave the cairn trail and take the path to the right, which descends to Víkar.

This hike is of moderate difficulty. The first part along Lake Fjallavatn is fairly easy without much elevation gain, but the river crossings can be difficult and the hike down to Víkar is steep. The hike is 12 km (7.5 miles) and takes around 5 hours one way.

Hike from Gásadalur to Víkar

The most beautiful route to Víkar starts in the famous village of Gásadalur. From the parking lot, head inland along a dirt track that crosses the valley. Continue up the footpath, which climbs steadily toward the mountain pass at the far end of the valley.

At the top, there are two trails marked by cairns. Take the trail to the left, which leads down to Víkar. Carefully descend the steep, rocky slope and aim for the grassy sections where possible. Use the rocky gorge to get past the steepest part of the cliff. Once you reach the bottom, continue across flat ground to Víkar.

After exploring the abandoned village, cross the river Stórá that runs through the village and hike up the cliff, keeping the river to your right. There is a trail but it is not well marked. Once at the top, you will meet the cairn trail between Gásadalur and the abandoned village of Slættanes. Take a right turn and follow the cairn trail back up to the mountain pass. Then descend along your original route to Gásadalur.

This hike is challenging and is only suitable for experienced hikers. The descent into Víkar and the climb out involve steep, exposed terrain, loose rocks and scrambling. The route is 12 km (7.5 miles) and takes around 6 hours return.

Mads Fyllgraf

Mads Fyllgraf is an adventurous explorer, photographer, and videographer. Born in western Jylland in Denmark, the fresh waves hitting the shore and the winds blowing in from the north, has seen him indulge in the Faroe Islands. Mads holds a Bachelor in International Hospitality Management and has years of experiences from the outdoor recreation sector.

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