Faroe Islands > Things to do in Faroe Islands > Hestur Island
The Faroe Islands are a place where the Atlantic Ocean meets sheer cliffs, seabirds nest in impossible places, and small communities cling to remote shores. Among these islands lies Hestur, a sparsely populated isle west of Streymoy. Its name means Horse Island, a reference to its shape rather than its inhabitants. Today, Hestur is known for its dramatic coastline, bird colonies, and the world’s largest accessible sea cave — Klæmintsgjógv.
This guide provides a detailed account of the cave boat tours to Hestur, the island’s natural highlights, its small community, and practical travel information.
The Journey to Hestur
Most tours depart from Gamlarætt ferry port, located on Streymoy, or from Klaksvík on Borðoy. The crossing is short — about 15 minutes by ferry or 45 minutes by speedboat.
Passengers board vessels like the Tornado II, a high-speed boat designed for adventure. Before departure, organizers provide warm suits, helmets with visors, and life jackets. Safety is taken seriously, but the thrill of the ride is undeniable. Speeds can reach 110 km/h, and the spray of seawater hits from all directions.
Within minutes, the boat pulls alongside Hestur’s rugged shoreline, beginning a circuit of the island.
Exploring the Sea Caves
The highlight of the tour is entering the caves carved into the western cliffs. The largest, Klæmintsgjógv, is considered the biggest sea cave in the world. Its scale is difficult to grasp until you are inside, surrounded by towering basalt walls.
Inside, music often plays from speakers on the boat, echoing against the wet stone and amplifying the atmosphere. Other caves, including seal caves, are explored when conditions allow. The experience is both exhilarating and eerie — a mix of adrenaline and awe.
Birdlife and Wildlife
Hestur is a sanctuary for seabirds. Puffins, guillemots, fulmars, shags, gulls, and oystercatchers nest in the cliffs. Visitors often expect puffins only on Mykines, but they can be spotted here too.
The cliffs are alive with colonies, their calls filling the air. Nests occupy every crevice, and the sight of thousands of birds in motion is unforgettable. On the shoreline, eider ducks nest undisturbed, a sign of the island’s tranquility.
Marine life occasionally appears as well. Seals inhabit caves, and dolphins or porpoises may be seen offshore.
The Island Community
Hestur has a single settlement and a population estimated between 3 and 15 people. The numbers vary, but the community remains small. Despite its size, the island has an indoor swimming pool, built to encourage residents to stay. Visitors can even borrow the key from a local and swim.
The village is car-free, with one road and a handful of houses. At night, the absence of lights in the windows emphasizes the remoteness. Yet the harbour is well-equipped, with neat pontoons offering water and power.
Walking and Hiking
For those who linger, Hestur offers paths along the east coast. Walking here provides views across the fjord and a sense of isolation. The silence is profound, broken only by bird calls and the wind.
The island’s highest points, Eggjarrók and Múlin, rise to 421 m. Climbing them rewards hikers with panoramic views of the surrounding islands and the Atlantic.
Practical Information
- Tour cost: Around DKK 250 per person.
- Duration: 1.5 hours from Gamlarætt, or 45 minutes from Klaksvík.
- Access: Ferry departures are limited and often on request.
- Facilities: Harbour pontoons, indoor pool, and basic village amenities.
- Best season: Summer months, when seas are calmer and bird colonies are active.
Beyond Hestur
Many visitors combine Hestur with nearby islands.
- Sandoy: A short sail south, with a commercial port at Skopun. Known for its welcoming locals and traditional Faroese hospitality.
- Kalsoy: Famous for the statue of Kópakonan, the Seal Woman, and dramatic landscapes.
- Kirkjubøur: On Streymoy, considered the historical cradle of the Faroes, with medieval ruins and open views of the ocean.
Atmosphere and Experience
The cave boat tour is not just about scenery. It is about sensation: the rush of speed, the spray of saltwater, the echo of music in a cave, the sight of puffins darting overhead. It is both thrilling and contemplative.
Visitors often describe falling in love with the island, imagining life in one of its houses with grass-covered roofs and views of the fjord. The romance of isolation is strong, though practical realities remind travelers that Hestur is best experienced as a visitor.
Hestur Island offers one of the most memorable experiences in the Faroe Islands. Between the adrenaline of the high-speed ride, the awe of the caves, the abundance of birdlife, and the quiet of the village, it is a destination that combines adventure with serenity.
For travelers seeking both excitement and reflection, the cave boat tour to Hestur is essential.
