Climbing Eggjarklettur, the highest mountain on Nólsoy

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On my first full day in Nólsoy, where I’m currently staying for six weeks, I decided to go for a hike to the top of Mt. Eggjarklattur, the highest mountain on the island. I’d been to Nólsoy four times before and done several hikes on the island, but I’d never before stood on the summit of this mountain.

Eggjarklattur is only 372 meters high, and it’s not the toughest mountain to climb on the Faroe Islands. At all. In fact, it was way easier than I thought it would be, and way easier than it looks with all of its steep basalt cliffs.

I set off after a nice and relaxing morning in my new home and headed out of the village towards the mountain. I followed a muddy path that I’d walked during one of my previous trips, so I knew the way. But since that path doesn’t lead to the summit, but instead to the lighthouse at Borðan, I had to just start walking up once I got to a less steep part.

The upwards climb was tough, but it was short so it didn’t take me long to get to the summit. And what a view I was rewarded with! I could see at least seven islands from there; Streymoy, Sandoy, Hestur, Koltur, Eysturoy, Borðoy and of course Nólsoy, where I was standing!

But my adventures that day didn’t end there. I wanted to check out the nearby Mt. Uppi á Manni at 352 meters as well, which was more like a little hill in comparison to Eggjarklettur. But there I found an even better view, one that I didn’t even expect to find! I could see the incredible cliff formations of Bolstaður and Skriðutangi, home to thousands of birds, although I had to crawl and lay down near the edge to actually see the cliffs because of the strong winds.

The wind started to get even stronger, so it was time to head back home. I had to run against the wind to get some heat back into my cold body, and it didn’t take me long to get back down and onto the path towards the village. Soon, I was back in the cozy and warm house, feeling thankful for having such a beautiful first day on Nólsoy.

Hiking to the summit of Eggjarklettur

The hike begins past the village on Nólsoy, going south towards the highest mountain, Eggjarklettur at 372 m. Follow the road out to its end, past the old ruins of Korndalur, and then you’ll see the cairns leading you halfway up the mountain. At one point, you’ll have to abandon the cairns to climb the last part up to the summit of the mountain. There is supposed to be a trail but I haven’t found it yet – maybe you’ll have more luck than me! But off-trailing here really isn’t an issue. This is the steepest ascent of the entire hike but it’s short and quite easy.

Once at the top, take some time to enjoy the views, and then continue if you want to the little hill you see in front of you, right at the edge of the cliff. This is Uppi á Manni, the second-highest peak of Nólsoy at 352 m. It’s a small descent and then an even easier ascent to the top. Reverse the hike to return back to the village.

The hike is ca. 5 km, takes 2-3 hours return and is of moderate difficulty.

Interested in exploring Nólsoy by boat?

Enjoy a unique trip around Nólsoy by boat where you’ll get to see the many hidden caves of the islands. It’s the perfect way to spot the seals, puffins and other seabirds that thrive on and around Nólsoy. The two-hour tour is available from April to October. The price starts at 2,100 DKK for 1-3 people. Read more here!

Alternatively, you could take a summer trip on the historic scooner Norðlýsið, where the captain will sail you around the island before stopping in the village. The three-hour tour is available from May to August. The price is 850 DKK per person for adults and 425 DKK for children. Read more here.