For detailed information, including a map and practical hiking tips, please visit:
https://whatson.fo/hiking/hike/arnafjordur-katlarnir-arnafjordur?lang=en
There you will find everything you need to prepare and navigate the route safely.
This roundtrip hike both starts and ends in the village of Árnafjørður. Along the way, you’ll experience magnificent mountain views, visit the ancient thingstead Katlarnir, and follow a historic village path back to the fjord.
The mountains in the Northern Isles are high and rugged. The cliffs are steep and dramatic. Near the peaks, vegetation is sparse. Parts of this hike cross rough terrain, especially around Toftaskarð, so expect challenging sections.
The trail begins in Árnafjørður. Follow the new lane or cattle track west of the house at Viðurbyrgi 23.
At first, the path is easy to follow. However, as you move further into the valley Svartidalur, it becomes less visible. Cairns guide the way through the valley. The walk through the lower and middle slopes is peaceful and scenic. Eventually, you reach Toftaskarð.
From here, you may walk a few metres toward Norðtoftir for a better view of Hvannasund. Be careful, as the ground is loose and stony.
From Toftaskarð, continue straight toward Katlarnir, descending through the steep pass Uppi á Gjógv.
Katlarnir once served as the spring assembly site for the men of the Northern Isles. The ground here is relatively even, with exposed bedrock and scattered stones around the large boulder known as Tingsteinurin (The Moot Boulder). It is easy to imagine gatherings taking place here centuries ago.
Continue diagonally upward toward Niðari Snæhjalli on your way to Áarskarð. Cairns mark the route, although some can be difficult to spot.
Head toward the scout hut further down the slope. From there, find the path leading to the road between the two tunnels. Follow the cairns carefully. The terrain is steep in places.
On your way, you will pass a boulder named Grindasteinur (Pilot Whale Boulder). According to local history, villagers once shouted news of pilot whale hunts from this rock down to Árnafjørður.
The descent continues along Ovarustígar, also called uppi í Jørnunum. The path runs beside an iron fence, and some steps are carved directly into the rock. Cairns and reflective markers guide the way.
You will eventually reach the road between the tunnels. From there, it is about one kilometre back to Árnafjørður.
Between the tunnels and the village, there are no posts marking the route. Walk close to Minhúsið, a shelter built during World War II to protect villagers from drifting sea mines. From there, follow Válagøtan along the ridge down toward the village, east of the river Stórá and the church.
Árnafjørður is one of the oldest villages in the Northern Isles. Today, many residents work in salmon farming. The fjord is also known for good lobster fishing.
There are no gates in the outfield fences. You must carefully find suitable places to climb over them. Using a GPX file is strongly recommended to stay on the correct route.
This hike combines dramatic landscapes, ancient history, and traditional village paths — a rewarding journey through the heart of the Northern Isles.
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