Borðan Lighthouse
Embark on a challenging hike across Nólsoy island to reach the remote Borðan Lighthouse, a journey rewarded with solitude and wild beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Essential for safe hiking.
Borðan Lighthouse
Best Time
Essential for safe hiking.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Embark on a challenging hike across Nólsoy island to reach the remote Borðan Lighthouse, a journey rewarded with solitude and wild beauty.
"The hike itself is what makes this place unforgettable, a true adventure through wild terrain."
Allocate Ample Time ⏳
The hike takes longer than indicated. Plan for at least 5 hours round trip, possibly more.
Follow the Blue Markers 💙
Crucial for navigation across the island. Don't stray from the marked path.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Challenging Hike
Southern part of Nólsoy
Trek across the island, encountering sheep and stunning landscapes. A true adventure for the determined.
The Old Lighthouse
Southern tip of Nólsoy
While not the most impressive structure, it's the reward for a demanding trek across wild terrain.
Solitude and Scenery
Nólsoy Island
Experience true isolation with only sheep for company. A chance to reflect amidst breathtaking natural beauty.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Hike Smart, Hike Safe
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Allocate Ample Time ⏳
The hike takes longer than indicated. Plan for at least 5 hours round trip, possibly more.
Follow the Blue Markers 💙
Crucial for navigation across the island. Don't stray from the marked path.
Wear Waterproof Boots 🥾
Expect mud and swampy areas. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
Check the Weather ☁️
Poor weather can make the hike treacherous. Only attempt in good conditions.
Tips
from all over the internet
Allocate Ample Time ⏳
The hike takes longer than indicated. Plan for at least 5 hours round trip, possibly more.
Follow the Blue Markers 💙
Crucial for navigation across the island. Don't stray from the marked path.
Wear Waterproof Boots 🥾
Expect mud and swampy areas. Good footwear is essential for comfort and safety.
Check the Weather ☁️
Poor weather can make the hike treacherous. Only attempt in good conditions.
Pack Snacks & Water 🍎
There are no facilities on the trail. Be self-sufficient for the long trek.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find the hike to Borðan Lighthouse to be a challenging but rewarding experience, emphasizing the wild beauty and solitude. While the lighthouse itself may not be the main attraction, the trek across Nólsoy island, with its sheep and dramatic landscapes, leaves a lasting impression. However, the hike is demanding, often taking longer than expected and requiring careful navigation and preparation for muddy conditions.
"This is NOT the light house the Nølsoy trail goes to. This is the old light house. However, when hiking from the new light house beware that it is quite a long hike, with no apparent track. So I would not recommend to hike here, unless you are sure the weather will be good for the rest of the day, and that you have a lot of time.
It is quite more taxing walking in wild terrain than on a track, although the hike itself is quite beautiful. But then you have to find the way back! So it's at least one extra hour (maybe more), without any apparent tracks (which I may have missed).
I think that the 5 hour back and forth to the regular light house is quite enough for an enjoyable experience."
Tommy Oksanen
"The hike takes more time than indicated on the information board. We could not reach the lighthouse because we didn’t allocate enough time. Prepare yourself for a lot of mud🙈🙈🙈"
Zsuzsanna Magyari
"The lighthouse itself is hardly impressive. What is, is the hike leading up to it! As soon as you exit the ferry, you take the path on the right, and then you will literally cross the entire island to the southern end. To avoid getting lost, follow the blue markers (I took a photo of one). It takes around 2 to 2.5 hours depending on your level (multiply by two for the return), three hours if you stop a lot to take photos.
Depending on the weather, the route may not be easy because you often plunge into "swamps" and the passage on the mountainside, although marked, still requires caution. However, it remains a relatively accessible hike if you are in good shape.
What can I say about the hike itself? We were literally alone. Not another soul living. Just encounters with sheep and alone with ourselves. In these cases, we stop, we think about the meaning of life and we say to ourselves that we are incredibly lucky to explore such landscapes! This hike will remain forever marked in my head!"
Thibaut R.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Borðan Lighthouse is located on Nólsoy island. You'll need to take a ferry from Tórshavn to Nólsoy. From the ferry terminal, the hike to the lighthouse begins.
No, you cannot drive directly to Borðan Lighthouse. The journey involves a ferry to Nólsoy and then a hike across the island.
There is a bus service on Nólsoy, but it may not reach all parts of the island. For the lighthouse hike, you'll primarily rely on walking.
Ferry schedules can vary. It's best to check the official Strandfaraskip Landsins website for the most up-to-date information on departure times and frequency.
The ferry ride from Tórshavn to Nólsoy is relatively short, typically around 20-30 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There are no specific tickets required to visit Borðan Lighthouse itself. However, you will need to purchase a ferry ticket to reach Nólsoy island.
The hike across Nólsoy to the lighthouse is generally free to access. The main cost is the ferry to the island.
Lighthouses typically do not have set opening hours as they are navigational aids. Access to the grounds and the hike is usually available during daylight hours.
It is generally not possible to go inside the lighthouse itself, as they are operational structures. The main attraction is the hike and the views.
Visiting during weekdays and outside of peak summer months will likely result in fewer people. The hike is often described as a solitary experience.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The hike can take significantly longer than indicated on information boards. Travelers report it taking 2-2.5 hours one way, so plan for at least 5 hours round trip.
The terrain is wild and can be very muddy, with swampy areas and rocky paths. It's described as taxing and requires caution, especially on mountainside passages.
While there are blue markers to follow, the trails can be indistinct, especially in certain sections. It's easy to get lost if you're not paying attention.
Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are highly recommended due to the mud and uneven terrain. Layers of clothing are also advisable as weather can change quickly.
You are likely to encounter sheep roaming freely across the island. The experience is often described as being alone with nature.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic landscapes of Nólsoy island, the rugged coastline, and the lighthouse itself against the backdrop of the sea offer stunning photographic potential.
Golden hour, around sunrise and sunset, can provide beautiful lighting for the lighthouse and the surrounding scenery.
Drone regulations can vary. It's advisable to check local rules and regulations before flying a drone in the area.
For capturing lighthouses, consider using a tripod for stability, a wider aperture for landscape shots, and experimenting with shutter speeds to capture light trails if applicable.
The unpredictable weather, muddy terrain, and the need for careful navigation can pose challenges. Ensuring your gear is protected from the elements is important.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
If you are visiting Nólsoy with family, consider exploring the village area near the ferry terminal or opting for shorter, more accessible walks if available. The focus for families should be on enjoying the village atmosphere and the ferry ride itself, rather than attempting the lighthouse trek.
🚶 Solo Travelers & Hikers
Ensure you are well-prepared with navigation tools, sufficient supplies, and have informed someone of your hiking plans. The sense of accomplishment upon reaching the lighthouse after a demanding trek is a significant reward for solo adventurers.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be prepared for challenging conditions, including unpredictable weather and muddy terrain, which can add to the photographic narrative. Golden hour can provide particularly beautiful light for capturing the lighthouse and its surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Nólsoy Hike: A True Adventure
Despite the challenges, the hike offers a profound sense of solitude and connection with nature. Many describe the experience as being completely alone, with only sheep for company, allowing for moments of reflection and appreciation of the raw, untamed landscape. This wild terrain is what makes the hike memorable, transforming it from a simple walk to a true adventure.
For those considering this trek, proper preparation is key. Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are non-negotiable. Packing sufficient water and snacks is also essential, as there are no facilities along the way. Checking the weather forecast and embarking on the hike only in good conditions will significantly enhance safety and enjoyment.
Understanding the Lighthouse's Significance
The primary draw for visitors is not necessarily the lighthouse structure itself, but the journey to reach it. The lighthouse serves as the endpoint of a challenging cross-island hike, rewarding determined trekkers with panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment. Its remote location emphasizes the rugged beauty of the Faroe Islands.
While the lighthouse itself might be described as 'hardly impressive' by some, its presence on the southern tip of Nólsoy is a testament to the island's history and its role in maritime navigation. The surrounding landscape, with its dramatic cliffs and ocean vistas, provides a stunning backdrop that elevates the entire experience.
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