Nólsoy Island Travel Guide - Free Web & App

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Nólsoy Island in the Faroe Islands offers ferry-accessed village life, sea cliffs, birdwatching, hiking and the historic Borðan lighthouse near Tórshavn.

An Island Across the Sound

Nólsoy lies just east of Tórshavn, separated from the Faroese capital by a short stretch of open water but possessing a distinctly rural character. The island is long and narrow, with a single settlement, Nólsoy village, gathered around a sheltered harbour on the western side. Most visitors arrive by ferry from Tórshavn, and the crossing provides an immediate sense of the island’s relationship with the sea: the capital recedes behind you while steep slopes, grassy ridges and exposed headlands come into view.

Birds, Cliffs and Open Landscapes

The island’s landscape is shaped by wind, ocean and basalt geology. A marked route leads across the island towards the southern lighthouse at Borðan, passing open upland scenery and viewpoints over the surrounding sea. Conditions can change quickly, and the walk is best approached as a full outdoor excursion rather than a casual stroll. Nólsoy is particularly associated with seabirds, including the European storm petrel, which breeds in colonies on the island; sightings are seasonal and never guaranteed. The coastline also offers views towards Streymoy, Eysturoy and the smaller islands of the eastern archipelago.

Village and Cultural Identity

Nólsoy village remains the island’s social centre, with brightly painted houses, a harbour and a small-scale community closely connected to fishing and maritime traditions. The island is linked with Nólsoyar Páll, the celebrated Faroese sailor, poet and national figure born there in the eighteenth century. A visit is consequently as much about experiencing a living island community as it is about reaching the lighthouse or walking the hills. Facilities are limited compared with Tórshavn, so visitors should plan transport, food and weather contingencies before crossing the sound.

When is the best time to visit Nólsoy Island?

Best: June–August · 14–16°C

7° Temperature Range for JanuaryLow: 2.5°C, High: 6.5°C Precipitation Range for JanuaryLow: 100 mm, High: 200 mm J

6° Temperature Range for FebruaryLow: 2°C, High: 6°C Precipitation Range for FebruaryLow: 80 mm, High: 160 mm F

6° Temperature Range for MarchLow: 2°C, High: 6°C Precipitation Range for MarchLow: 70 mm, High: 130 mm M

7° Temperature Range for AprilLow: 3°C, High: 7°C Precipitation Range for AprilLow: 60 mm, High: 120 mm A

11° Temperature Range for MayLow: 5°C, High: 11°C Precipitation Range for MayLow: 50 mm, High: 110 mm M

Best 14° Temperature Range for JuneLow: 8°C, High: 14°C Precipitation Range for JuneLow: 40 mm, High: 100 mm J

Best 16° Temperature Range for JulyLow: 10°C, High: 16°C Precipitation Range for JulyLow: 40 mm, High: 100 mm J

Best 16° Temperature Range for AugustLow: 10°C, High: 16°C Precipitation Range for AugustLow: 50 mm, High: 110 mm A

15° Temperature Range for SeptemberLow: 9°C, High: 15°C Precipitation Range for SeptemberLow: 60 mm, High: 120 mm S

13° Temperature Range for OctoberLow: 7°C, High: 13°C Precipitation Range for OctoberLow: 70 mm, High: 130 mm O

10° Temperature Range for NovemberLow: 5°C, High: 10°C Precipitation Range for NovemberLow: 80 mm, High: 160 mm N

8° Temperature Range for DecemberLow: 3°C, High: 8°C Precipitation Range for DecemberLow: 90 mm, High: 170 mm D

Average daytime high and rainfall by month
Month	High (°C)	Rainfall (mm)
January	7	150
February	6	120
March	6	100
April	7	90
May	11	80
June (best)	14	70
July (best)	16	70
August (best)	16	80
September	15	90
October	13	100
November	10	120
December	8	130

Getting to and around Nólsoy Island

How to get there

Nólsoy is reached by ferry from Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands on neighbouring Streymoy. The crossing is the normal visitor route and lands at the harbour beside Nólsoy village. Tórshavn itself is connected to the wider Faroese transport network by road, bus and ferry, while Vágar Airport is the principal international gateway to the islands; visitors arriving there must continue across the Faroe Islands to Tórshavn before taking the island ferry. Check the official timetable close to departure, since sailing times, capacity and service can be affected by weather or operational changes.

Transportation

Nólsoy is compact enough to explore on foot, but the main excursion towards Borðan lighthouse involves open upland terrain and should be treated as a proper walk. There is no road network linking the village with the southern end of the island, and visitors should not expect regular local buses or taxis. Plan around the return ferry from Tórshavn, allowing generous time for the walk and changing weather. The route may be wet, windy or uneven, and conditions can vary considerably between the sheltered village and the exposed coast.

Best landmarks in Nólsoy Island

Borðan lighthouse at Nólsoy’s southern tip is the island’s most recognisable built landmark, standing at a strategically exposed point overlooking the Atlantic approaches to the Faroes. The lighthouse and its surrounding headland are reached as part of a substantial walk from the village, with the journey itself revealing the scale of the island’s open maritime setting. Nólsoy village forms a cultural landmark in its own right through its compact harbour, traditional Faroese houses and continuing connection with fishing and seafaring. The island’s basalt ridges, grassy uplands and steep coastal slopes are its principal natural landmarks, while its bird colonies give the shoreline ecological importance. Nólsoyar Páll’s association with the island adds a strong historical dimension, linking the landscape to Faroese maritime independence, poetry and national identity.

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Best restaurants in Nólsoy Island

Nólsoy has a very small dining scene, so visitors should not expect the range of restaurants found in Tórshavn. Food may be available through limited local arrangements or seasonal refreshments, but opening times and availability should be confirmed rather than assumed. The safest approach for a walking day is to bring provisions from Tórshavn, particularly water and food for the route to Borðan. Tórshavn, directly across the sound, provides the Faroe Islands’ broadest concentration of cafés, restaurants, bakeries and shops, with menus shaped by local seafood, lamb, dairy products and contemporary Nordic cooking. Visitors staying on Nólsoy can experience the hospitality of a small island settlement, but should be self-sufficient and respectful of local resources. Regional specialities are more reliably encountered in the capital and other larger Faroese communities than on the island itself.

Restaurant 3.0 (2 reviews)

Hjá Maud

Discover authentic Faroese cuisine at Hjá Maud, where local flavors meet breathtaking views in Nólsoy.

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Best bars in Nólsoy Island

Nólsoy is not a nightlife destination and has no established club district or extensive evening entertainment infrastructure. Evenings centre on the quiet atmosphere of the village, the harbour and the surrounding hills, with social life shaped by the small resident community rather than a visitor-oriented bar scene. Any local pub or seasonal event should be regarded as community-based and subject to change, not as a guaranteed facility. Tórshavn, across the sound, offers the Faroe Islands’ main choice of pubs, bars, live music and cultural venues, although ferry arrangements mean that visitors should not assume they can return to Nólsoy late at night. Those staying on the island are more likely to spend the evening watching changing light over the water, listening to seabirds or enjoying the stillness of a remote settlement.

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Best shops in Nólsoy Island

Shopping on Nólsoy is limited to the needs of a small island community, so visitors should buy substantial provisions and outdoor essentials in Tórshavn before crossing the sound. There is no extensive retail district, craft market or dependable choice of specialist shops on the island. Any local artworks, handmade items or community-produced goods are likely to be encountered through small-scale arrangements rather than permanent commercial premises, and availability should not be presumed. Tórshavn is the most practical nearby place for Faroese food products, knitwear, design, books and locally made souvenirs, while other larger settlements across the islands provide additional independent shops. On Nólsoy, the most meaningful form of cultural shopping is often connected with supporting local makers or community initiatives when these are openly available, while respecting that the village is a home and workplace rather than a themed retail environment.

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Nólsoy Island essentials

Currency and Payment

The currency is the Danish krone, written as DKK. Faroese banknotes are issued alongside Danish notes and are used within the Faroe Islands, although Faroese notes may not be accepted outside the territory. Cards and contactless payments are common in larger settlements, but Nólsoy has limited services and should not be treated like an urban destination. Carry some cash and organise food, refreshments and any necessary purchases before leaving Tórshavn, while checking payment arrangements for any local facility that you intend to use.

Safety

Nólsoy’s principal risks are associated with exposure, terrain and changing North Atlantic weather rather than urban hazards. Wind, rain, fog and poor visibility can arrive quickly, particularly on the route to Borðan, where paths may be wet or uneven and the coastline includes steep ground. Wear suitable clothing, use a reliable map or navigation app and avoid approaching cliff edges. Keep clear of seabird colonies and do not rely on mobile coverage in every location. Check the forecast and ferry conditions before setting out, since a walk that is manageable in calm weather can become considerably more demanding.

Emergency Situations

In an emergency anywhere in the Faroe Islands, call 112 for police, fire or medical assistance. Give responders the island name, your position, the direction in which you were walking and any visible landmarks, and make clear if you are close to the coast or lighthouse route. Do not undertake a demanding walk without allowing for the possibility of delay or changing conditions. If an incident occurs outside the village, stay together where possible, seek shelter from wind and rain without moving into unstable terrain, and follow instructions from emergency services.

Do's and Don'ts

Respect Nólsoy as a working island community rather than treating it solely as an outdoor attraction. Keep to established paths where provided, close gates, avoid disturbing sheep and birds, take litter back with you and never remove stones, plants or feathers. Do not enter private land, homes or working areas without permission, and keep noise low near houses and nesting sites. Leave enough space for local vehicles and harbour activity. The Faroes have a strong culture of access to the countryside, but responsible behaviour and attention to local signs remain essential.

Local Tips

Tórshavn is the practical base for visiting Nólsoy because it offers the ferry connection, wider food choices and more dependable supplies. A day trip can combine the village with the walk towards Borðan, but the island’s scale and ferry timetable make an early start and careful planning worthwhile. The western side may feel sheltered while the southern route is fully exposed, so dress for conditions rather than the appearance of the weather in Tórshavn. Birdwatchers should bring binoculars and visit during an appropriate season without expecting guaranteed sightings.

From Eve

Local phrases worth knowing

You don't need to get them perfect. A few words go a long way, and locals appreciate the effort.

6 phrase groups · English, local and pronunciation

Basics

English	Local	Say it
Hello	Halló	[ha-lo]
Goodbye	Farvæl	[far-væl]
Yes	Ja	[ya]
No	Nei	[nay]
Please/You're welcome	Vænta	[væn-ta]
Thank you	Takk fyri	[tak fur-ee]
Excuse me/Sorry	Fyrigef	[fyr-i-gev]
How are you?	Hvussu gongur tú?	[hvus-su gon-gur too]
Fine. And you?	Godt. Og tú?	[got oh too]
Do you speak English?	Talar tú enskt?	[ta-lar too en-skt]
I don't understand	Eg skilji ikki	[eg shil-yi i-chi]

Eating & Drinking

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to see the menu, please	Eg vil síggja menuin, takk	[eg vil see-jya me-nu-in tak]
I don't eat meat	Eg eta ikki kjøt	[eg eh-ta i-chi shøt]
Cheers!	Skál!	[skawl]
I would like to pay, please	Eg vil gjalda, takk	[eg vil gyal-da tak]

Emergencies

English	Local	Say it
Help!	Hjálp!	[hyowlp]
Go away!	Far burtur!	[far bur-tur]
Call the Police!	Ringi eftir politi!	[ring-i ef-tir po-li-tee]
Call a doctor!	Ringi eftir læknari!	[ring-i ef-tir læk-na-ri]
I'm lost	Eg er týstur	[eg air tees-tur]
I'm ill	Eg er sjúkur	[eg air shoo-kur]

Shopping

English	Local	Say it
I'd like to buy...	Eg vil keypa...	[eg vil kee-pa]
I'm just looking	Eg er bara at síggja	[eg air ba-ra at see-jya]
How much is it?	Hvat kostar tað?	[kvat kost-ar thah]
That's too expensive	Tað er ov dyrt	[thah air ov di-rt]
Can you lower the price?	Kanstu lækkja prís?	[kan-stu læk-ya prees]

Time & Numbers

English	Local	Say it
What time is it?	Hvat er klokkan?	[kvat air klok-an]
It's one o'clock	Tað er eitt	[thah air ay-it]
Half past (10)	Hálf tið (10)	[howlf tid (10)]
Morning	Morgun	[mor-gun]
Afternoon	Hádegi	[haw-de-gi]
Evening	Kvøld	[kvul-d]
Yesterday	Í gjár	[ee dyar]
Today	Í dag	[ee daw]
Tomorrow	Í morgin	[ee mor-gin]
1	Ein	[ayn]
2	Tvær	[tver]
3	Tríggir	[tree-gir]
4	Fýra	[fee-ra]
5	Fimm	[fim]
6	Seks	[seks]
7	Sjey	[shay]
8	Átta	[awt-ta]
9	Niðan	[nee-than]
10	Tíggju	[tee-gyu]

Transport & Directions

English	Local	Say it
Where's a/the...?	Hvar er ein/tey...?	[kvar air ayn/tey]
What's the address?	Hvat er adressan?	[kvat air ad-dres-san]
Can you show me (on the map)?	Kan tú vísa mær (á kortinum)?	[kan too vee-sa mae-ir ow kort-in-um]
When's the next (bus)?	Nær kemur næsti (bussin)?	[nair kyu-mer nes-ti bus-in]
A ticket (to ....)	Ein billett (til ....)	[ayn bil-et til]

History of Nólsoy Island

Basalt Foundations and Early Settlement

Nólsoy, like the other Faroe Islands, is formed from layers of basalt created by ancient volcanic activity. Its position beside the approaches to Tórshavn made the island part of the settled maritime landscape of the Faroes from the Norse period onwards. The community developed around farming, fishing and the practical use of the sea, with the western harbour providing shelter and access to the larger settlements on Streymoy. As on other Faroese islands, life was historically organised around small coastal villages and the seasonal demands of livestock, seabirds and fishing rather than extensive arable agriculture.

A Maritime Community

Nólsoy’s history has been closely tied to boats and seafaring. The island’s residents depended on rowing and sailing routes to reach neighbouring communities, trade goods and pursue fishing, while its location near Tórshavn connected it to the main commercial centre of the Faroes. The exposed coast also demanded local knowledge of currents, weather and landing places. Fishing and small-scale farming remained central to community life as the Faroese economy gradually shifted towards more organised commercial fisheries and improved transport links.

Nólsoyar Páll and Faroese Identity

The island is the birthplace of Poul Poulsen, better known as Nólsoyar Páll, who lived from 1766 until his disappearance at sea in 1809. He was a sailor, poet and outspoken critic of the Danish trade monopoly that restricted Faroese commerce. His vessel, Royndin Fríða, became associated with attempts to strengthen local seafaring and economic independence. Nólsoyar Páll’s poetry and public life later gave him an important place in Faroese national consciousness, making Nólsoy one of the country’s significant cultural reference points despite its small population.

Lighthouse, Conservation and Modern Access

The lighthouse at Borðan, at Nólsoy’s southern end, reflects the continuing importance of safer navigation around the Faroese coastline. Modern Nólsoy is linked to Tórshavn by scheduled ferry rather than a road connection, preserving the island’s separate rhythm while making day visits possible. Its bird colonies and exposed coastal habitats have also become part of the island’s visitor identity. Conservation-minded travel is particularly important because breeding seabirds are sensitive to disturbance, and weather can make the open hills and shoreline demanding even for experienced walkers.

Nólsoy Island in Photos

Browse through our photo collection highlighting the charm and character of the destination.

Cities in Nólsoy Island

The towns and cities of Nólsoy Island, and the easiest places to base yourself.

Nólsoy Nólsoy in the Faroe Islands offers ferry-accessible village life, sea-cliff walks, Faroese heritage, birdwatching and the lighthouse at Borðan.

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Nólsoy Island Travel Guide - Free Web & App

An Island Across the Sound

Birds, Cliffs and Open Landscapes

Village and Cultural Identity

When is the best time to visit Nólsoy Island?

Getting to and around Nólsoy Island

How to get there

Transportation

Best landmarks in Nólsoy Island

Maggie's café

Nólsoy

Nólsoy Harbor

Visit Nólsoy

Explore Nólsoy Island on the map

Best hotels in Nólsoy Island

Best restaurants in Nólsoy Island

Hjá Maud

Best bars in Nólsoy Island

Maggie's café

Hjá Maud

Best shops in Nólsoy Island

Handmade in Nólsoy

Matvørubúðin

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