Svartafoss Waterfall: A Black Pearl Near Tórshavn

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Discover Svartafoss Waterfall near Tórshavn: a stunning natural attraction framed by unique basalt columns and offering scenic hiking trails.

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Svartafoss Waterfall

Svartafoss Waterfall, or 'Black Waterfall', is located 2 km north of Tórshavn. The waterfall gets its name from the black stone wall that appears when there is little water in the river during the summer. Trails have been built around the waterfall, making it easy to explore the scenic spot.

A brief summary to Svartafoss Waterfall

26G9+FP2, Tórshavn, FO

From Eve

Know before you go

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

Visit early in the morning or late afternoon for the best lighting for photography.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes, as the trails can be uneven and slippery.
Check the weather forecast before your visit, as conditions can change rapidly in the Faroe Islands.
Bring a camera to capture the stunning views and unique basalt formations.

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Getting There

Walking

Svartafoss Waterfall is located approximately 2 km north of Tórshavn's city center. From the city center, head north towards Hoyvík. Follow the road, and you'll find signs directing you to Svartafoss. The walk is roughly 30-60 minutes. Trails have been built, making it easy to explore the scenic area.
Public Transport

To reach Svartafoss Waterfall via public transport from Tórshavn, take bus line 1 or 4. Get off at the Sundsvegur/Birnugøta stop. From there, it's a short walk to the waterfall. A multi-day travel card can be purchased for DKK 500 for four days of travel.

Discover more about Svartafoss Waterfall

Svartafoss Waterfall, whose name translates to 'Black Waterfall', is a stunning natural attraction located just 2 kilometers north of Tórshavn's old town in the Faroe Islands. Situated in Hoydalsá, the waterfall flows through Hoydalar and once marked the boundary between Tórshavn and Hoyvík. The basalt columns that frame the cascading water create a dramatic and picturesque scene. The waterfall is most magnificent during rainy weather; however, in the summer, after a long drought, there is only a small amount of water in the river. At that time, the stone wall behind it appears black, which is how the waterfall got its name. Photographs from around 100 years ago show that the waterfall has remained largely unchanged over the decades. Large stones in the stream below suggest that in prehistoric times, it had a different appearance. In the past, Tórshavn's residents came to this area to collect sod for their fireplaces. On Sundays, it was common for people to walk here to enjoy the beautiful scenery. Next to the waterfall, you can still see the old sheepfold used by the local farmer. As the city has expanded, Svartafoss now lies within the city limits. The city council has designated the area around the waterfall and Hoydalsá as a protected area. Trails have been built, making it easy to explore and enjoy this scenic spot.