Kallur Lighthouse is probably one of the most famous hikes in the Faroe Islands and honestly, the view from up there is incredible. Located at the very tip of Kalsoy Island, this iconic lighthouse feels like standing at the end of the world, surrounded by steep cliffs, dramatic ocean views and constantly changing weather.
In this guide, I will share practical information about the hike, photography tips and my personal experience visiting Kallur Lighthouse. If you would like to discover more images from this beautiful archipelago, you can also explore my Faroe Islands photography series.
How to Get to Kalsoy Island
To reach Kallur Lighthouse, you first need to take a ferry from Klaksvík on Borðoy Island, as Kalsoy is not connected to the rest of the Faroe Islands by a bridge or subsea tunnel.
Before our trip, I had read that the ferry gives priority to local residents rather than following a strict first-come, first-served system. To maximise our chances of getting a place for the car, we decided to take the first ferry of the day. Since I am also quite a slow hiker, arriving early gave me more time to enjoy the landscape and photograph the area without rushing.
The crossing itself is very short, taking around 10 to 15 minutes. Once in Syðradalur, you simply need to drive north across Kalsoy Island toward the village of Trøllanes, where the hike begins.
One thing that might sound intimidating at first is the series of one-lane tunnels crossing the island. In reality, they are much less stressful than they sound. There are plenty of passing places, making it relatively easy to meet oncoming traffic safely.
Transport information
✅ Ferry departure: Klaksvík → Syðradalur
✅ Arrival port: Syðradalur, Kalsoy Island
✅ Driving destination: Trøllanes village
✅ Ferry crossing: approximately 10–15 minutes
➜ Kalsoy Ferry timetable
Please note that ferry schedules, access conditions and local regulations may change over time. I recommend checking the official Faroese transport website before your trip to ensure you have the most up-to-date information.
Hiking to Kallur Lighthouse
The hike to Kallur Lighthouse starts in the village of Trøllanes and follows the same path up and down the hillside. Although the route is relatively short, the first section involves a steady climb and can become muddy or slippery after rain.
Personally, I found the hike moderately challenging, especially on the ascent. However, the difficulty will largely depend on your fitness level and the trail conditions. If the ground is wet, I would highly recommend bringing crampons, as they provide extra stability and help reduce the effort needed on slippery sections.
Kallur Lighthouse Hike Overview
✅ Distance: approximately 4 km round trip
✅ Elevation gain: approximately 250 m
✅ Difficulty: moderate
✅ Trail type: out-and-back
✅ Hiking fees: 200 DKK for adults and 100 DKK for children
➜ Kallur Lighthouse hiking information
➜ Hiking fees information
Best Time to Visit Kallur Lighthouse for Photography
Kallur Lighthouse is a spectacular location throughout the year, but in my opinion, the weather conditions are far more important than the season itself. Before planning your hike, I would strongly recommend checking the forecast carefully.
If it is raining, the trail can quickly become muddy and slippery. Strong winds can also make certain sections of the hike uncomfortable or even dangerous, especially near the cliffs. For me, the best conditions are simply a dry day with moderate wind and good visibility.
Unlike many photography locations, visiting Kallur Lighthouse at sunrise or sunset is not always straightforward because of the ferry timetable. If you would like to photograph the area during golden hour, you may want to look into accommodation on Kalsoy Island or consider a guided tour. During my visit, I photographed the location during the day and was very happy with the conditions. The heavy clouds created exactly the kind of moody atmosphere I was hoping to capture.
My Experience: Photographing Kallur Lighthouse on a Moody April Day
To maximise our chances of getting a place on the ferry, we took the first departure from Klaksvík and arrived in Trøllanes early in the morning. The weather looked promising. It had rained during the night, but the rain had stopped and the sky was filled with dramatic clouds, exactly the kind of atmosphere I was hoping for.
The hike itself was more challenging than I expected. The ground was wet and muddy in places, so I was very happy to have brought crampons for extra stability. At one point, thick fog started moving across the cliffs and I briefly considered turning around. Fortunately, the conditions improved just as quickly as they had changed, reminding me how unpredictable the weather can be in the Faroe Islands.
Once I reached the viewpoint, I spent around two to two and a half hours photographing the area. The dramatic clouds, changing visibility and rugged cliffs constantly transformed the landscape, offering new compositions throughout the session. Looking back, it remains one of my favourite photography experiences in the Faroe Islands.
What Photography Gear Should You Bring?
One thing I particularly enjoyed about Kallur Lighthouse was the variety of compositions available from the same viewpoint. Depending on the focal length, you can capture sweeping landscapes, isolate distant details or emphasize the scale of the cliffs and surrounding islands.
Here is the photography gear I brought with me:
✅ Camera + 24–70mm lens: wide landscapes and panoramas
✅ Camera + 70–200mm lens: isolating details and emphasizing scale
✅ Camera + 200–500mm lens: distant islands and telephoto compositions
✅ Tripod: for panoramas, focus stacking and low-light conditions
✅ Spare batteries and memory cards
✅ Water and snacks
If you enjoy photographing landscapes with a telephoto lens, you may also like my article on using a 70–200mm lens for landscape photography, where I share several examples from the Faroe Islands, Madeira and the Lofoten Islands.
➜ Discover how I use a 70–200mm lens for landscape photography
What to Wear for the Kallur Lighthouse Hike
Weather conditions in the Faroe Islands can change very quickly, even during a short hike. During my visit in early spring, temperatures were quite chilly, and the combination of wind, humidity and muddy terrain made proper clothing essential.
Here is what I would recommend bringing:
✅ Waterproof and windproof jacket
✅ Waterproof hiking boots
✅ Crampons for extra stability on muddy sections
✅ Thin gloves and a warm hat
✅ Thermal layers during colder months
✅ Rain pants in case the weather suddenly changes
✅ Hiking poles for additional stability
The weather in the Faroe Islands is famously unpredictable. Even if the forecast looks promising, I would always recommend bringing a few extra layers and waterproof gear, just in case.
Explore More Photography Locations in the Faroe Islands
Planning a longer trip to the Faroe Islands? You may also enjoy my 7-day photography itinerary, where I share some of my favorite locations across the archipelago, including dramatic viewpoints, waterfalls and coastal landscapes beyond Kalsoy Island.
➜ Read my 7-day photography itinerary in the Faroe Islands
Final thoughts
Kallur Lighthouse is easily one of the most spectacular viewpoints in the Faroe Islands. Between the dramatic cliffs, ever-changing weather and breathtaking views over the North Atlantic, it offers a truly unforgettable experience for both hikers and photographers. With a bit of preparation and the right conditions, this hike can reward you with some of the most atmospheric landscapes the Faroe Islands have to offer.
And most of all, enjoy the moment. Happy shooting!
Published on June 5, 2026 by Jennifer Esseiva
