Kallur Lighthouse Track — Kalsoy North Peninsula Road via Trøllanes
Unlit tunnels and Atlantic cliffs on Kalsoy's spine.
Kalsoy is a long, narrow blade of an island reached by ferry from Klaksvík. The road running its spine passes through four hand-cut, unlit tunnels with no passing bays — you time your run between ferries and hope nothing comes the other way. It’s not technically brutal, but it is psychologically committal: two kilometres of unlit single-track rock tunnel with a sheer drop waiting at the exit. The village of Trøllanes marks the end of the paved section. From there a rough track cuts north across the headland to Kallur Lighthouse, where the cliff edge drops hundreds of metres straight into the Atlantic. The views back south along Kalsoy’s ridge are among the finest in the archipelago.
The ferry from Klaksvík is the logistical crux — limited crossings, and vehicles must fit the small ramp vessel. Check the Strandfaraskip Landsins timetable before you plan anything. The tunnel sections require functioning headlights and patience; a long-wheelbase vehicle can manage but will feel it in the tight bends. Beyond Trøllanes the track is manageable for any decent high-clearance 4WD in dry conditions. Summer only — the headland track turns to mud in autumn. No fuel on Kalsoy; fill in Klaksvík. No permit. Bring all your own water and food. Hiking boots complement this trip — the lighthouse walk alone is worth the ferry crossing.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Moderate |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | High Clearance, Overland Route, Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Dirt, Gravel, Rock |
| Features | Historic, Remote, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 9.3 mi / 15 km |
| Duration | Full day (ferry-dependent) |
| Max elevation (ft) | 950 ft |
| Best season | June-August |
| Minimum vehicle | High-clearance 4WD with working headlights |
| Nearest town | Klaksvík, Borðoy |
| Land manager | Faroe Islands Roads Administration (Landsverk) / Strandfaraskip Landsins |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Official sources | ssl.fo |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
| Copy both for Google Maps directionsClick to copy the directions URL · or open it directly in a new tab | |
| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
What's the minimum vehicle setup to drive the Kalsoy road to Trøllanes?
High-clearance 4WD with fully functional headlights — not optional. The four hand-cut tunnels are unlit, narrow, and have no reflectors. A stock Defender or Land Cruiser is fine; a rental sedan will get you stuck or smashed.
When is the Kalsoy road actually driveable?
June through August is the reliable window. Winter brings ice, low visibility, and ferry schedule cuts that can strand you on the island. Spring and fall are unpredictable — snow and wind can close the road without warning.
Do you need a permit to drive to Kallur Lighthouse?
No permit required for the road itself, but access to Kalsoy depends entirely on the Strandfaraskip Landsins ferry from Klaksvík — check current schedules at ssl.fo before you go. There's no fee to drive the track once you're on the island.
What's the hardest part of this route and what should I actually expect?
The tunnels are the real test — pitch black, single-lane, low-ceiling in spots, and long enough that you can't see the exit. You'll need to know the passing bay locations and be ready to reverse if something comes the other way. The gravel track above ground is rough but straightforward by comparison.
Is there any place to fuel up or camp on Kalsoy?
No fuel, no services, and no established campsites on Kalsoy — the island has a few hundred residents and that's it. Fill your tank in Klaksvík before boarding the ferry, and if you're staying overnight, you're wild camping; plan accordingly and confirm the last ferry time so you don't miss your ride back.
Trail track
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