
Nólsoy Island Day Trip
A tranquil island escape near Tórshavn, offering dramatic bird cliffs, scenic hikes, and a charming, car-free village with unique green doors.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch the ferry back

Nólsoy Island Day Trip
Best Time
Catch the ferry back
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil island escape near Tórshavn, offering dramatic bird cliffs, scenic hikes, and a charming, car-free village with unique green doors.
"A beautiful island, away from the typical tourist spots, offering peace and raw nature."

Ferry Tickets & Schedule
Pay fare on the ferry; check M/S Ternan schedule carefully. Don't miss the last boat! 🎟️
Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for exploring the island's trails, especially the southern cliffs. :athletic_shoe:

Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
3.7 · 10 reviews
Type
Tourist Information Center
Website
nolsoy.foHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Ove Joensen's Monument
Southern part of the island
See the monument to the local hero who rowed across the Atlantic. A testament to incredible endurance!

Bird Cliffs & Colonies
Southern cliffs
Witness a vibrant array of sea birds nesting on dramatic cliffs. A paradise for birdwatchers and photographers.

The Village & Green Doors
Nólsoy village
Wander through the charming village, admire the numerous green doors, and soak in the peaceful, car-free atmosphere.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ferry & Timing is Key
Hiking & Wildlife Prep
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Ferry Tickets & Schedule
Pay fare on the ferry; check M/S Ternan schedule carefully. Don't miss the last boat! 🎟️
Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for exploring the island's trails, especially the southern cliffs. :athletic_shoe:
Pack for All Weather
Faroese weather changes rapidly. Layers are key, even in summer. ☁️
Local Knitwear Shop
Find beautiful, locally made woolens. A perfect souvenir! :shopping_bags:
Tips
from all over the internet
Ferry Tickets & Schedule
Pay fare on the ferry; check M/S Ternan schedule carefully. Don't miss the last boat! 🎟️
Sturdy Hiking Shoes
Essential for exploring the island's trails, especially the southern cliffs. :athletic_shoe:
Pack for All Weather
Faroese weather changes rapidly. Layers are key, even in summer. ☁️
Local Knitwear Shop
Find beautiful, locally made woolens. A perfect souvenir! :shopping_bags:
Respect Wildlife
Observe birds from a distance and leave no trace. :dove:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Nólsoy Island is praised for its peaceful, car-free atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, particularly its bird cliffs and hiking trails. Visitors appreciate the unique charm of the village, the monument to Ove Joensen, and the opportunity to experience a less-touristed Faroese gem. Some find the ferry schedule restrictive and note that puffins aren't guaranteed sightings.
"This is the island closest to Torshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands, where you have to travel by boat. The island is protecting the capital harbour from easterly storms and you reach it in about 30 min taking M/S Ternan (English tern). On the island there is a grocery store, a few café/restaurants, a guy who stuffs animals, numerous green doors, lots of sheep, drying fish, magnificent hens, an excellent shop for locally produced knitware and a large variety of sea birds to study and photograph according to season. We went there for a hike around the northern part of the island, less challenging than the southern one. There is also a monument of the local hero, Ove Joensen who rowed his open boat all the way to Copenhagen across the north Atlantic, the North Sea, Skagerak and Kattegat. We got tired even imagining his 41 day trip…"
Sebastian Reiz
"A beautiful island, away from the typical tourist spots.
The ferry runs regularly and costs about €5 per person, paid directly on the ferry.
However, you have to stay on the island for about three hours until the next ferry arrives.
Although some people look for puffins here, we didn't see any. However, we had better luck at the Kallur Lighthouse. Instead, we were able to see all sorts of other birds."
TOBITO
"The tourist office is located in a small, welcoming house. The woman who worked there was very kind and helped us plan our day of hiking on the island. There are clean restrooms, and you can also get coffee and cake. You can discover the boat of the famous adventurer Ove Joensen during a guided tour (for a fee)."
Last L
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The primary way to reach Nólsoy Island is by taking the M/S Ternan ferry from Tórshavn, the capital of the Faroe Islands. The ferry ride is short, approximately 30 minutes, and offers scenic views of the capital harbor. Ferries run regularly, but it's crucial to check the latest schedule as it can vary. The ferry terminal is easily accessible in Tórshavn.
The ferry to Nólsoy is quite affordable, costing around €5 per person. You can pay directly on the ferry. This makes it an accessible day trip option for most travelers.
The M/S Ternan ferry operates on a schedule, but it's not continuous. Travelers typically need to stay on the island for about three hours until the next ferry arrives, which is ample time for exploration. Always confirm the schedule before your trip.
No, Nólsoy Island is almost completely without car traffic. The main mode of transport to and from the island is the M/S Ternan ferry. This contributes to the island's peaceful and car-free atmosphere.
Yes, Nólsoy Island is the closest island to Tórshavn and plays a vital role in protecting the capital's harbor from easterly storms. It's a prominent feature on the horizon when looking out from Tórshavn.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
You typically pay the ferry fare directly on the M/S Ternan when traveling to Nólsoy Island. It's advisable to have cash or check if card payments are accepted, though it's generally a straightforward process.
There are no specific entrance fees to visit Nólsoy Island itself. The main cost associated with a day trip is the ferry fare. Some specific attractions, like guided tours of Ove Joensen's boat, may have separate fees.
Attractions like the tourist information office and shops operate during typical daytime hours. For hiking, the island is accessible whenever you can reach it by ferry. It's best to check locally for specific opening times of cafes or shops.
Yes, there is a small, welcoming tourist office located in a house on the island. The staff can provide helpful information and assist with planning your day of hiking.
Guided tours, such as those for Ove Joensen's boat, can often be arranged. The tourist office is a good place to inquire about available guided experiences on the island.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Nólsoy offers fantastic hiking opportunities, from flatter northern trails to challenging southern cliff paths. You can explore the charming village with its unique green doors, observe abundant birdlife, and visit the monument to Ove Joensen, a local hero who rowed across the Atlantic. There are also opportunities to see sheep and drying fish.
Absolutely! Nólsoy is renowned for its hiking trails. The northern part is relatively flat and offers great views, while the southern part provides a more rugged experience with vertical cliff sides. The tourist office can help you plan your route.
Nólsoy is a haven for seabirds, especially during the nesting season. While puffins are sometimes spotted, you'll likely see a variety of other sea birds. The island is also home to numerous sheep and magnificent hens.
Given the unpredictable Faroese weather, it's best to dress in layers. Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes are essential for exploring the trails. A waterproof and windproof jacket is also highly recommended.
Yes, there are a few cafes and restaurants on Nólsoy where you can grab a bite to eat or a coffee and cake. The tourist office can provide recommendations.
📸 📸 Photography
Nólsoy offers incredible photographic opportunities. The dramatic bird cliffs, especially in the south, are a major draw. The charming village with its distinctive green doors provides unique shots. The monument to Ove Joensen and the expansive sea views are also highly photogenic.
Yes, Nólsoy is an excellent location for bird photography, particularly for seabirds nesting on the cliffs. While puffins are not guaranteed, the sheer number and variety of other species make it a rewarding experience for photographers.
A versatile lens, such as a 24-70mm or a 70-200mm, is useful for capturing both landscapes and wildlife. A wide-angle lens is great for the dramatic cliffs and village scenes. Don't forget a sturdy tripod if you plan on long exposures or low-light photography, and a rain cover for your gear.
The 'golden hours' around sunrise and sunset can offer beautiful light for landscapes. However, the dramatic, often moody, weather of the Faroe Islands can create stunning photographic conditions at any time of day. Midday can be harsh, but the bird cliffs are active then.
Generally, there are no specific photography restrictions on Nólsoy, but always be respectful of the environment and any private property. When photographing wildlife, maintain a safe distance and avoid disturbing the birds.









Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit