Saksun is technically a village on the island of Streymoy in the Faroe Islands… but calling it a “village” feels generous. The population is only about 9 people.

And honestly? That’s part of what makes it so special.

You don’t come to Saksun for restaurants or museums. You come for remote, dramatic mountains, turf-roof houses, waterfalls pouring down cliffs, and one of the most unique hikes in the Faroe Islands — the Saksun Lagoon walk to a remote black sand beach.

If you’re planning a trip, here’s exactly what to expect (including one important tide warning I wish more people emphasized).

What Makes Saksun So Special?

When we first pulled into Saksun, I remember thinking, this can’t be real.

You know those places that look too perfectly composed — like someone designed them for a desktop wallpaper? That’s Saksun.

Except it’s quieter than you expect. Smaller than you expect. And somehow even more dramatic in person.

There are maybe nine people living here. Nine. Which means when you show up, it feels less like visiting a village and more like accidentally wandering into someone’s very scenic backyard.

Saksun isn’t dramatic in the loud, obvious way some places are.

It’s quite dramatic. It’s like stepping back in time into a storybook nordic village.

The first thing you notice are the grass-roof houses.

Seeing those small, dark wooden homes tucked into the valley with the lagoon stretching behind them feels like stepping into another century. The turf roofs blend into the landscape so naturally that the houses almost disappear into the hillside. 

Then there’s the setting itself.

Saksun sits at the end of a long, dramatic valley surrounded by steep mountains. Waterfalls spill down the cliffs after rain. The lagoon shifts with the tides. When the clouds hang low, the peaks fade into mist and everything feels soft and moody.

At high tide, the lagoon fills and the water stretches far into the valley. At low tide, you can walk through the canyon along the lagoon all the way to a remote black sand beach. The landscape literally transforms depending on the ocean.

It’s not flashy. There aren’t souvenir shops. There’s no dramatic “lookout point” with guardrails and crowds. (At least not in October when I visited) It’s just raw landscape meeting tiny village in a way that somehow feels balanced.

What to do in Sakun

1. Walk Through the Village & See the Grass-Roof Houses

Before you rush off to hike, slow down. Saksun is small so you can easily walk around the village.

The turf-roof houses overlooking the lagoon are one of the most iconic scenes in the Faroe Islands. And honestly, they deserve more than a quick photo and sprint back to your car.

Walk around (on public paths), take in the way the mountains frame the valley, and notice how the houses blend into the hills. On a misty day, the whole place feels like a movie set — except it’s completely real.

2. Do the Saksun Lagoon Walk (Ut á Lónna)

If you only do one thing in Saksun, make it this.

The Saksun Lagoon Walk takes you through the canyon along the tidal lagoon and out to a remote black sand beach. It’s about 2.8 miles roundtrip and mostly flat — so it’s not physically difficult.

The only catch?

You must go at low tide.

At high tide, parts of the trail are underwater. So check the tide chart before you drive out there. (Learn from my mild panic moment when I wasn’t sure I’d make it to the beach.)

The landscape on this walk feels massive. Windy. Raw. The cliffs tower above you, and when you finally reach the ocean, it feels completely untouched.

When I went, there was a seal just casually lounging on the beach like it owned the place.

It kind of did.

I was also completely alone which was kind of eerie but in the best way. I honestly just couldn’t believe I have the entire place to myself!

There are two main hikes in Saksun. The Ut á Lónna (Saksun Lagoon Walk) and the hike from Saksun To Tjornuvík.

Saksun Lagoon Walk Cost

At the very beginning of the trail you will come across a gate with a payment system. They accept card only.

It costs 75 DKK to do this hike, or about $10.50 US. I hate having to pay for any hike, but trust me this one is worth it.

Why do you have to pay for the hike?

In the Faroe Islands, a significant portion of the countryside is privately owned, and landowners have the right to charge fees for access to trails and hiking routes on their property. 

You have to pay to hike in Saksun because much of the land around the village is privately owned by local farmers.

What to Expect on the hike

I visited in October, and even during low tide, the water levels were higher than usual. I wasn’t sure if I’d be able to reach the black sand beach, but I decided to give it a shot.

It required a bit of walking and climbing over some rocks, which I hadn’t anticipated, but it was definitely manageable.

When I arrived, there was a seal lounging on the beach!

3. Chase the Waterfalls

You don’t actually have to “find” them — they’re just there.

After rain, waterfalls spill down the mountains surrounding Saksun. Some are thin and delicate, others are dramatic and loud.

If you visit on an overcast or rainy day (which is very possible in the Faroes), don’t be disappointed. The waterfalls are stronger, the greens are deeper, and the whole valley feels more atmospheric.

Honestly, I think Saksun looks better moody.

Heljardalsa Waterfall is located right next to the grass roof homes and it can be small or huge depending on the amount of rain they are getting. There is a small walk where you can get as close to the waterfall as you want. But warning – it is MUDDY.

4. Hike to Tjørnuvík (If You’re Feeling Ambitious)

If the lagoon walk feels too easy and you’re craving something bigger, there’s a hike between Saksun and Tjørnuvík.

Tjornuvik is another charming village in the Faroe Islands.

It’s about 7 km one way (so 14 km if you don’t arrange transportation at the other end).

Expect:

• Mountain climbs
• Sweeping views
• Streams
• Sheep everywhere

This one is more of a commitment, but it’s stunning if you’re up for it.

Saksun To Tjornuvík Hike

Tjornuvik is another charming village in the Faroe Islands. It is also much bigger than Saksun.

For those that are a little bit more adventurous you can go on a 7 km/4 mile (one way) hike between these two villages. Unless you want to get creative by dropping a car off at the other end, you may have to do a 14km/8 mile hike.

While on this hike you will go up and down mountains, observe mountain lakes, cross over streams, and see tons of sheep!

How Long to Spend in Saksun

Saksun isn’t a full-day destination unless you intentionally make it one.

If you’re just driving in, taking photos of the grass-roof houses, and leaving, you honestly only need 30–45 minutes.

But that would be a mistake.

If you plan to do the Saksun Lagoon Walk (which you absolutely should), I recommend budgeting at least 2–3 hours total.

Here’s a realistic breakdown:

• 20–30 minutes to walk around the village and take in the lagoon views
• 1.5–2 hours for the lagoon hike (longer if you linger at the beach)
• Extra time if you’re waiting for low tide

If you’re doing the Saksun to Tjørnuvík hike, that’s more of a half-day commitment — closer to 4–6 hours depending on pace and whether you arrange transportation.

My Honest Advice

Saksun is best as a half-day stop within a larger Streymoy road trip.

Pair it with:

• Tjørnuvík – Another MUST SEE village close by.
• Fossá Waterfall – You will literally drive past it to get to Saksun
• A scenic drive back toward Tórshavn

The beauty of Saksun isn’t that it has a long list of activities — it’s that it feels peaceful and cinematic. Give yourself enough time to slow down, but you don’t need to dedicate an entire day unless you really want to linger.

And if you’re working around the tide schedule (which you probably will be), that may naturally extend your visit anyway.

Parking in Saksun

There is a designated parking area near the village.

Important things to know:

• Parking can fill up in peak summer (June–August)
• Arrive early in high season
• Do not park on private grass or driveways
• Respect signage — locals do live here

In October, we had no issue parking. In July, I would expect it to be busier.

For the Saksun Lagoon Walk there is separate parking but it is only enough to accommodate about 10 cars. You could get there from the other parking lot in the main village but it would require a walk.

Best Time to Visit Saksun

Best Months: June–September
Shoulder Season (May & October): Fewer crowds, moodier weather

I visited in October twice and loved it — but expect rain and stronger winds. I would say the ideal time to visit to avoid crowds is September since by the end of October you start losing significant sunlight.

Summer gives you:

• Longer daylight
• Easier hiking conditions
• More visitors

There’s no bad time, but weather changes fast here. Always check forecasts.

What to Wear

Okay, this is kinda important and can either make or break your trip. Even in summer, the Faroe Islands can feel cold.

I recommend:

• Waterproof jacket (Windproof if possible)
• Layers!! How I layered – Lululemon align leggings – SO SOFT. Then my Merino wool base layers, leggings and long sleeve. Fleece on top then waterproof jacket.
• Waterproof or sturdy hiking shoes – I LOVE these Salomon hiking boots. They are expensive but they are so comfortable and last forever. No need to even break them in. I have had mine for 4 years now and they are still like brand new. I literally just hose them off after a day of hiking and they are as good as new.
• Wind protection
• Gloves in shoulder season

Also, a littler warning! The Faroe Islands is one of the muddiest places I have ever hiked. There were times when my foot would just completely disappear as it sank into the ground. The ground is wet and muddy almost all the time. So be prepared.

It can go from calm to windy in minutes.

A Quick Note About Respecting the Village

Before I get into the logistics, I want to mention something important.

The Faroe Islands are known for being incredibly friendly. But while we were in Saksun, one local resident told us he felt like a “zoo animal” because people were constantly photographing near his home.

He was actually pretty furious and you could see his frustration boiling over.

And I get it.

This is a tiny community. People actually live here. They have lived there peacefully for centuries and now all of a sudden their homes have become a tourist hot spot.

So when you visit:

• Stay on marked paths
• Don’t wander onto private property
• Be mindful with drones
• Keep noise low

Saksun is beautiful — but it’s also someone’s home.

Where To Stay In Saksun

There are currently (2023) only two options for accommodation in the tiny village of Saksun, and it’s debateable whethere they are actually in the village or not. That being said, they are worth checking out.

Here are two options we recommend in Saksun:

• Saksun Bed & Breakfast: One of the few places offering overnight accommodation in Saksun, this small bed and breakfast provides a simple and cozy stay with views of the mountains and lagoon. It’s a great option for those who want to be right in the heart of Saksun.

If you aren’t interested in staying in Saksun, I recommend checking out the capital city of the Faroe Islands, Torshavn, since it is only 45 minutes away from Saksun and the site of lots of restaurants, grocery stores, and other attractions..

The capital is a small city of only 13,000 residents, but they are well accustomed to visitors with lots of things to see and do.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Saksun free to visit?

The village is free to visit, but the Lagoon Walk costs 75 DKK. Parking is free.

How long should I spend in Saksun?

Plan for at least 2–3 hours if doing the lagoon walk. I spent even longer there taking photos but I think most people would be happy with 2-3 hours.

Can you visit Saksun without hiking?

Yes, but I highly recommend doing the hike. Trust me on this one.

Is the hike difficult?

No. It’s flat and beginner-friendly, but tide dependent. If you are there in October the tide will be higher all the time. You can still do the hike but it will require walking on some rocks to avoid getting in the water.

Do you need a car?

Yes. A rental car is essential.