Koltur, Faroe Islands Travel Guide

Discover Koltur, the smallest inhabited island in the Faroe Islands, known for its serene landscapes, rich history, and unparalleled natural beauty.

Koltur, the smallest of the inhabited Faroe Islands, offers a unique and serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life. With a population of just two people, it is an ideal destination for those seeking solitude and a connection with nature. The island is known for its rugged landscapes, verdant hills, and breathtaking views that stretch out over the North Atlantic Ocean. The island's rich history and cultural heritage are evident in its traditional Faroese architecture and ancient Viking ruins. Visitors can explore the old farmsteads and learn about the island's agricultural past. The island's name, Koltur, means 'colt' in Faroese and is derived from the shape of the island, which resembles a horse. This small island is also a haven for birdwatchers, as it is home to a variety of seabirds, including puffins, kittiwakes, and guillemots. For the adventurous, Koltur offers hiking trails that lead to the island's highest peak, Kolturshamar, which provides panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the vast ocean. The island's pristine and untouched nature makes it a perfect spot for photography and contemplation. Whether you are a nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply in need of a peaceful retreat, Koltur is a destination that promises a memorable and enriching experience.

From Eve

Know before you go

Hi, I'm Eve. Here are a few practical things to know before exploring Koltur.

Pack warm and waterproof clothing, as the weather can be unpredictable.
Bring your own food and supplies, as there are no shops or restaurants on the island.
Plan your visit during the summer months for the best weather and longer daylight hours.
Arrange transportation in advance, as access to the island is limited and dependent on weather conditions.

Explore Koltur: Things to Do, Places to Eat, Hotels & More

Handpicked recommendations for top attractions, local dining, accommodations, and more

Top Attractions & Sightseeing in Koltur

Top-rated picks

Best Attractions

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Trælanípa

Discover the breathtaking cliffs of Trælanípa in the Faroe Islands, a stunning tourist attraction offering unparalleled natural beauty and serene landscapes.

4.6

Sørvágsvatn

Discover Sørvágsvatn, the breathtaking 'floating lake' of the Faroe Islands, where nature's beauty meets stunning optical illusions.

4.8

Trøllkonufingur Viewpoint

Discover the breathtaking vistas of Trøllkonufingur Viewpoint, a serene escape in the stunning Faroe Islands, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

4.8

Mykines

Discover Mykines, the westernmost Faroe Island, a puffin paradise with dramatic cliffs, a charming village, and the iconic Mykineshólmur lighthouse.

4.6

Best landmarks in Koltur

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Kirkjubømúrurin

Discover Kirkjubøur, an ancient village in the Faroe Islands, where history meets breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural experiences.

4.6

Múlafossur Waterfall

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Múlafossur Waterfall, a stunning natural gem in the picturesque Faroe Islands, perfect for nature lovers and photographers.

4.8

Gjógv Natural Harbour

Discover the breathtaking beauty and rich cultural heritage of Gjógv Natural Harbour, a hidden gem in the Faroe Islands.

4.8

Fossá

Discover the breathtaking beauty of Fossá, the highest waterfall in the Faroe Islands, where nature meets tranquility in a stunning landscape.

4.6

Best restaurants in Koltur

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Irish Pub Torshavn

Discover authentic Irish cuisine and vibrant nightlife at Irish Pub in Tórshavn - where every visit feels like home.

4.1

Katrina Christiansen

Experience authentic Scandinavian cuisine at Katrina Christiansen in Tórshavn – where fresh local ingredients meet culinary creativity.

4.3

Angus Steakhouse

Discover Angus Steakhouse in Tórshavn – where exquisite steaks meet Faroese hospitality for an unforgettable dining adventure.

4.1

THE TARV Grillhouse

Experience exceptional Faroese cuisine at THE TARV Grillhouse in Tórshavn – where tradition meets modern culinary artistry.

4.3

Best bars in Koltur

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Irish Pub Torshavn

Discover the heart of Irish culture at Irish Pub Torshavn, where traditional dishes and local brews create an unforgettable experience in the Faroe Islands.

4.1

Katrina Christiansen

Discover the flavors of the Faroe Islands at Katrina Christiansen, a top Scandinavian restaurant in Tórshavn offering a unique dining experience.

4.3

Angus Steakhouse

Discover the flavors of the Faroe Islands at Angus Steakhouse, where premium steaks and warm hospitality create an unforgettable dining experience.

4.1

THE TARV Grillhouse

Discover the flavors of the Faroe Islands at THE TARV Grillhouse, where local ingredients meet culinary excellence in Tórshavn.

4.3

Best nightclubs in Koltur

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Irish Pub Torshavn

Discover the charm of Irish Pub Torshavn, where hearty meals and a warm atmosphere await you in the heart of Tórshavn.

4.1

Sirkus Bar

Experience the vibrant nightlife of Tórshavn at Sirkus Bar, where delicious cocktails and friendly vibes await.

4.3

Mikkeller Tórshavn

Discover the essence of craft beer in the charming setting of Mikkeller Tórshavn, where local flavors and global brews collide.

4.6

Glitnir

Discover the lively spirit of Glitnir, a top bar in Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, known for its great drinks and vibrant atmosphere.

4.3

Best shops in Koltur

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H. N. Jacobsens Bókahandil

H. N. Jacobsens Bókahandil: A charming bookstore and gift shop in Tórshavn, showcasing the best of Faroese literature, crafts, and unique souvenirs.

4.7

Miklagarður

Discover a local shopping gem in Tórshavn, Miklagarður offers a delightful selection of Faroese products and international groceries to enhance your travel experience.

4.5

Bónus

Discover the heart of Faroese culture at Bónus, your go-to grocery store in Sandavágur for local flavors and friendly service.

4.4

Navia (yarn)

Explore Navia Yarn Shop in the Faroe Islands for exquisite yarns, handmade products, and a cozy atmosphere reflecting local craftsmanship.

4.6

Explore Koltur on the Map

A handpicked selection of must-see spots in Koltur, mapped for you.

Koltur Essentials

Koltur is one of the smaller islands in the Faroe Islands, and access is primarily by boat. There are regular ferry services from the capital, Tórshavn, which can be booked in advance. Alternatively, private boat tours also operate and can be arranged through local tour operators. There is no airport on Koltur, so air travel to the island is not an option.
Koltur is a very small island and does not have a developed public transportation system. The best way to explore the island is on foot or by bicycle. There are no car rentals available on the island. Most visitors prefer to walk, as the island’s compact size makes it easy to cover on foot.
The official currency in the Faroe Islands is the Faroese króna (DKK), which is pegged to the Danish krone. Credit cards are accepted in most places, but it is advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller establishments. There are no ATMs on Koltur, so ensure you withdraw sufficient cash before arriving on the island.
Koltur is generally a very safe destination with low crime rates. There are no specific high-crime areas targeting tourists. However, as always, keep an eye on your belongings and practice standard safety precautions. The natural environment can be rugged, so be cautious when hiking or exploring remote areas.
In case of an emergency, dial 112 for immediate assistance. Medical facilities are limited on Koltur, so for serious medical issues, evacuation to a larger island or the mainland may be necessary. It is highly recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuation. For minor health issues, carry a basic first aid kit.
Fashion: Dress in layers and wear sturdy footwear suitable for hiking. The weather can change rapidly. Religion: Respect local customs and traditions, even though Koltur has no active religious sites. Public Transport: There is no public transport on Koltur. Be prepared to walk or cycle. Greetings: Greetings are informal; a simple 'hello' or 'hej' is sufficient. Eating & Drinking: Try local Faroese dishes if available, and always clean up after yourself to preserve the pristine environment.
To experience Koltur like a local, engage with the island's few permanent residents. Visit the old farmsteads to get a sense of traditional Faroese life. Hiking is one of the best ways to explore the island’s natural beauty. Be sure to check out the bird cliffs, which are home to numerous seabird species. Respect the natural environment by sticking to marked paths and taking your litter with you.

When is the best time to visit Koltur?

With Eve

Useful Local Phrases for Koltur

You don't need to speak the language perfectly. Even learning a few simple words can make conversations warmer—and locals usually appreciate the effort.

— Eve

6 phrase groups English + pronunciation

Here are the phrases I use most often in Koltur. Try a few—you'll be surprised how far they go! 😊
❤️

- HelloHey
  [hei]
- GoodbyeFarvæl
  [far-vail]
- YesJa
  [ya]
- NoNei
  [nay]
- Please/You're welcomeVinaliga
  [vin-ah-li-ga]
- Thank youTakk
  [tahk]
- Excuse me/SorryUrsäkta
  [ur-sek-ta]
- How are you?Hvernig hevur tú?
  [kver-nig ha-vur too]
- Fine. And you?Bara gott. Og tú?
  [ba-ra got. og too]
- Do you speak English?Talar tú ensk?
  [ta-lar too en-sk]
- I don't understandEg skilji ikki
  [eg skili i-ki]
- I'd like to see the menu, pleaseEg vil gita um matseðilin, vinaliga
  [eg vil gi-ta um mat-se-dil-in, vin-ah-li-ga]
- I don't eat meatEg etti ikki kjöt
  [eg et-ti i-ki kyot]
- Cheers!Skál!
  [skawl]
- I would like to pay, pleaseEg vil gita at gjalda, vinaliga
  [eg vil gi-ta at yal-da, vin-ah-li-ga]
- Help!Hjálp!
  [yahlp]
- Go away!Far burt!
  [far burt]
- Call the Police!Ring til løgregluna!
  [ring til lur-e-gri-luna]
- Call a doctor!Ring til lækna!
  [ring til lake-na]
- I'm lostEg eri lost
  [eg e-ri lost]
- I'm illEg eri sjúkur
  [eg e-ri shoo-kur]
- I'd like to buy...Eg vil keypa...
  [eg vil kay-pa]
- I'm just lookingEg eri bara at leita
  [eg e-ri ba-ra at lay-ta]
- How much is it?Hvør nógv kostar tað?
  [hvor nock kost-ar tha]
- That's too expensiveTað er ov dýrt
  [tha er ov dyrt]
- Can you lower the price?Kann tú lækka prísin?
  [kan too lai-ka pri-sin]
- What time is it?Hvat tíð er tað?
  [hvat teed er tha]
- It's one o'clockKlokk 1
  [klock 1]
- Half past (10)Halv 11
  [halv 11]
- MorningMorgun
  [mor-gun]
- AfternoonEftirmiddag
  [ef-ter-mid-dag]
- EveningKvøld
  [kvold]
- YesterdayÍ gjár
  [ee gyar]
- TodayÍ dag
  [ee dahg]
- TomorrowÍ morgin
  [ee mor-gin]
- 11
  [1]
- 22
  [2]
- 33
  [3]
- 44
  [4]
- 55
  [5]
- 66
  [6]
- 77
  [7]
- 88
  [8]
- 99
  [9]
- 1010
  [10]
- Where's a/the...?Hvar er ein/tekin...?
  [hvar er ain/tekin]
- What's the address?Hvat er adressan?
  [hvat er a-dres-san]
- Can you show me (on the map)?Kann tú vísa mær (á kortinum)?
  [kan too vee-sa mer (ah kor-ti-num)]
- When's the next (bus)?Nær kemur næsti (buss)?
  [nair kem-ur nai-sti (bus)]
- A ticket (to ....)Ein bílegg (til ....)
  [ain be-legg (til)]

History of Koltur

Koltur is one of the smallest inhabited islands in the Faroe Islands, covering an area of just 2.5 square kilometers. Its unique landscape includes a combination of steep cliffs and a flat plateau, making it a distinct feature in the archipelago. The highest point on the island is Kolturshamar, standing at 478 meters above sea level.
The history of human settlement on Koltur dates back several centuries. Archaeological findings suggest that the island has been inhabited since at least the Viking Age. The discovery of ancient tools and remnants of early settlements indicates that the island was once a thriving community.
Koltur has a rich agricultural heritage, with farming being the primary occupation for its inhabitants. The island was known for its traditional farming methods, which have been passed down through generations. The fertile land and favorable climate allowed for the cultivation of various crops and the rearing of livestock.
In the 20th century, Koltur experienced a significant decline in population. Many residents migrated to larger islands in search of better opportunities and improved living conditions. By the late 1990s, the island was nearly abandoned, with only a single couple remaining as its sole inhabitants.
In recent years, there have been concerted efforts to revitalize Koltur and preserve its cultural heritage. Initiatives have been undertaken to restore historical buildings and promote sustainable tourism. These efforts aim to attract visitors to the island while ensuring the preservation of its unique cultural and historical identity.
Koltur holds a special place in Faroese culture and folklore. The island is often featured in traditional Faroese ballads and stories, highlighting its significance in the collective memory of the Faroe Islands. The island's unique landscape and historical importance continue to inspire artists, writers, and musicians.
Today, Koltur stands as a testament to the resilience of its inhabitants and the enduring charm of the Faroe Islands. The island is a popular destination for hikers, birdwatchers, and history enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the restored farmsteads, enjoy breathtaking views, and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of Koltur.