The Postman’s Trail is a hike on the island of VĂĄgar that takes you along a winding track over clifftops with views over the sea and the uninhabited islet of TindhĂłlmur, before descending to the the village of GĂĄsadalur overlooking the majestic MĂşlafossur waterfall.
The Postman's Trail, VĂĄgar
The Postman’s Trail: my favourite hike in the Faroe Islands. So, you’ve heard all the hype. You’ve seen the photos of otherworldly Faroese landscapes. And you’ve finally taken the plunge and booked flights to the remote Atlantic archipelago that is the Faroe Islands.
But what next? Planning a trip to these isolated islands can be tricky. You need to navigate ferry timetables and car rentals in order to reach sites spread out over 18 separate islands. Some islands are only accessible by boat or helicopter.
(Read: How to Book a Helicopter Ride in the Faroe Islands)
But did you know that one of the best hikes, the postman’s trail, is on the island of VĂĄgar? The same island as the airport? Read on for the perfect introductory hike in the Faroe Islands: The Postman’s Trail: my favourite hike in the Faroe Islands.
How to Hike The Postman's Trail
A large section of the hike is referred to as the postman’s trail because it is the route that the old postman used to take to deliver the post to the tiny isolated village of GĂĄsadalur. Nowadays you can reach the village by driving through a tunnel cut into the hillside (only built in 2004). Before this was built you could only get there by walking over the hills. This is what the postman did daily, no matter what the weather! (They must have had thighs of steel!).
Where is the Postman's Trail?
The hike to GĂĄsadalur is on the island of VĂĄgar, in the west of the Faroe Islands. This is one of the biggest islands. It is very well-connected because of the airport. There is a regular bus between the airport and the capital TĂłrshavn, on the east coast of Streymoy island).
(Read more about the island of VĂĄgar: What to See on the Island of VĂĄgar, Faroe Islands)
Route
If you take the bus from the airport in the other direction (away from TĂłrshavn) you’ll eventually reach the small town of SørvĂĄgur where you can begin the hike. You can then walk along the road, past the picturesque village of Bøur on your left, with its traditional grass-roofed houses, and continue on towards the tunnel. (DO NOT WALK THROUGH THE TUNNEL). Just before you reach the tunnel there is a track marked out that branches off the road and leads up over the cliffs. (There is parking here if you’d rather skip the walk from SørvĂĄgur).
This section of the hike is quite steep, but it’s well marked out by wooden markers in the ground. The views during the ascent are absolutely stunning, as you look out over the cliffs and raging sea below. If you look out over the water you’ll see the islets of TindhĂłlmur and GĂĄshĂłlmur. During the walk you’ll most likely find yourself joined by a few woolly faroese sheep. There are stone cairns set out at regular intervals along the path to help you find your way.
As you reach the crest of GĂĄsadalsbrekkan hill, you’ll suddenly see the village of GĂĄsadalur below you. Now you’ll catch your first glimpse of the remarkable MĂşlafossur waterfall. It’s not over yet though. The descent down the other side of the hill is incredibly steep and rocky, so go slowly.
Eventually you’ll reach the tarmac road the the bottom, and from here you can walk to GĂĄsadalur. Make sure you stop off at the viewing platform opposite MĂşlafossur for one of the most famous views in the Faroe Islands. It’s even better in real life.
Preparation
The key to an enjoyable hike is definitely in the preparation! Read on for my top tips before hiking the postman’s trail in the Faroe Islands:
Weather: Make sure you check the weather before setting out on this hike. Conditions on the Faroes change quite quickly. You do not want to get caught out in thick fog or rain.
What to bring:
- Sturdy hiking boots are a must.
- Always pack extra layers and a waterproof. It will be colder on the exposed cliffs (top tip: a bright-coloured jacket allows you to be easily spotted by mountain rescue if you do get into trouble).
- I also recommend packing snacks as you’ll need the energy!
- Don’t forget water. In the cold you can sometimes not realise when you’re getting dehydrated.
- Believe it or not, suncream is also essential in summer. You can get quite sunburned!
Distance and Timings
Distance: 10-11km (with a lot of steep ups and downs)
How to get back: You can either hike back the same way you came, or you can hitch a lift. There are usually plenty of people who drive along to see the waterfall. (Always allow enough time just in case you do end up having to walk back). (If the weather changes and it’s too dangerous to hike back, you can (as an absolute last resort) walk back along the road through the tunnel. Obviously this should be avoided if possible as it is unsafe).
Timings: How long you need will depend on whether you walk back or hitch a lift. I’d allow around 6 hours for the whole thing. This allows 3 hours each way, just in case you do need to walk back. In the Faroes it’s generally best to plan hikes for the mornings. This is so you never get caught out by running out of daylight (especially in winter).
Guided Hiking
If you’d rather hike the Postman’s Trail as part of a group, you can organise this via Guide to Faroe Islands. Book the Epic 6 Hour Postman’s Trail Hike to GĂĄsadalur here and experience this classic route with an experienced local mountaineer guide.
More Faroe Islands
Read my other posts about the Faroe Islands
đ What to See on the Island of VĂĄgar, Faroe Islands
đ Island Hopping by Helicopter: Your Faroe Islands Bucket List
For the most up-to-date information on visiting the Faroe Islands, see their official tourism website.
Plan Your Trip to the Faroe Islands: Useful Travel Resources
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