Múlafossur Waterfall is a dreamy waterfall tucked away on the rugged western edge of Vágar Island in the Faroe Islands. The waterfall plunges dramatically into the Atlantic Ocean, surrounded by cliffs and a tiny, charming village of Gásadalur. I got to see the waterfall twice. First, I saw it from the ocean when I was on the Classic Drangarnir Sea Arch Boat Tour. Then, I saw it again from the land after visiting the Lake above the ocean. I also visited the village of Bøur. It is one of my favorite villages in the entire Faroe Islands. Both the sea views and the land views offer different perspectives of both the waterfall and the villages.
Múlafossur: The Promontory Waterfall
With a drop of 60 meters (200 feet), Múlafossur is the Faroe Islands’ most iconic natural wonder. Its name translates to “Promontory Waterfall.” The name is fitting as it cascades off a cliffside directly into the tempestuous sea below.
Gásadalur: The Goose Valley
Gásadalur was once accessible only by hiking over the steep mountain passes. Now, the village welcomes visitors through the Gásadalstunnilin tunnel(Built in 2006). This makes the journey far easier— but no less magical. With about 20 residents and 25 houses, this remote village offers a rare glimpse into traditional Faroese life. You can actually stay in this village. There are 2 options. One is Múlafossur Cottages, located next to the stream. The other one is Hjalgrímsstova, part of the modern sheep farm Gásadalsgarðu.
The name Gásadalur means “Goose Valley,” and the charm here is undeniable. A cozy café and guesthouse serve locally sourced lunches, cakes, and coffee. These treats are perfect for warming up after a brisk walk to the waterfall.
Mountains That Guard the Valley
Gásadalur is cradled between two majestic peaks:
- Eysturtindur (“The Peak to the East”) rises to 715 meters (2346 feet)
- Árnafjall, the highest mountain on Vágar, reaches 722 meters (2368 feet)
These mountains not only add drama to the landscape but also serve as silent sentinels, watching over the village and its waterfall.
When to Visit
Gásadalur and Múlafossur can be visited year-round. Summer offers longer daylight hours and milder weather, while winter cloaks the village in mist and mystery. No matter the season, the waterfall’s roar and the village’s quiet beauty promise a moment of awe.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or seeking solitude, Múlafossur and Gásadalur deliver both. You can combine a visit to the village and the waterfall with a visit to the village of Bøur
Bøur: The Coastal Hamlet with Legendary Views
Bøur is just a short drive from Vágar Airport. It lies along the same stretch of coast as Gásadalur. Bøur is a tiny village steeped in history and natural beauty. Around 70 residents live in Bøur. It is famous for its picturesque turf-roofed houses. These houses are clustered near a small beach and a charming 19th-century church.
From Bøur, visitors enjoy breathtaking views of the jagged islets Tindhólmur and Drangarnir, iconic sea stacks that have inspired countless photographs and paintings. The village’s peaceful atmosphere and scenic surroundings make it a favorite stop on Faroe Islands sightseeing tours. Village of Bøur, has couple of restaurants and cafes that you could and enjoy a meal. We stopped here and had a picnic lunch on the black sand beach after out visit to the Mulafossur and took some great photos of Drangarnir from the beach.
Public Transport & Driving
- From Vágar Airport: Both Bøur and Gásadalur are easily accessible by car, making them ideal stops for travelers. The drive to Bøur takes about 15 minutes, allowing you to enjoy stunning views along the way. Continuing on to Gásadalur adds another 5 minutes. This brings the total travel time to 20 minutes through the scenic Gásadalstunnilin tunnel. The tunnel offers a unique experience as you pass beneath the mountains.
- Road Conditions: Roads are well-maintained but narrow and winding. Drive cautiously, especially in foggy or wet conditions.
- Parking: Designated parking areas are available near both villages. From the Gásadalur parking lot, it’s a short walk to the Múlafossur viewpoint.
- By Bus:
- Bus 300 from Vágar Airport to Sørvágur
- Bus 350 from Sørvágur to Bøur (runs 3x/day on weekdays)
How to Visit: By Boat
- Boat Tours: Several local operators offer boat tours from Sørvágur or Vágar harbor. These tours cruise along the coast and give stunning views of Múlafossur, Drangarnir, and Tindhólmur from the sea.
- Highlights:
- See Múlafossur waterfall from below as it crashes into the ocean.
- Sail past dramatic cliffs and sea stacks.
- Spot puffins and seabirds nesting on nearby islets.
- Season: Most boat tours run from May to September, weather permitting.
The Postman’s Trail: A Historic Hike Between Bøur and Gásadalur
Before the tunnel was built in 2004, Gásadalur was completely isolated, accessible only by boat on calm days or by foot over the mountains. The most famous route was the Postman’s Trail, a rugged path that connected Bøur to Gásadalur.
- Distance: ~5 miles round-trip
- Duration: 3.5 to 4.5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging (steep climbs, uneven terrain)
- Trailhead: Just past Bøur, near the tunnel entrance (look for cairns and a narrow dirt path)
- Summits Nearby: Mt. Rógvukollur (464 m) and Knavin (485 m) offer optional detours with panoramic views
The postman hiked this trail three times a week, delivering mail to Gásadalur’s residents. Along the way, he would pass dramatic cliffs and windswept ridges. He would eventually descend into the valley where Múlafossur Waterfall roars into the sea. It was a view he knew well.
Today, hikers can retrace his steps and experience the Faroe Islands as they were before modern roads. It’s a journey through history, solitude, and raw nature.
Where to Stay: Gásadalur & Bøur
Whether you’re seeking solitude by the sea or a warm cottage nestled beneath misty mountains, both villages offer unforgettable accommodations.
🌿 Gásadalur Stays
- Lundi Cottage – Turf Cottage by Múlafossur Waterfall A guest favorite on Airbnb, this charming turf-roofed cottage sits right beside the famous waterfall. Expect sheep, birds, and highland cows as neighbors, plus views that feel like a painting.
- Múlafossur Cottages These well-crafted holiday homes offer spacious interiors, warm ambiance, and unbeatable proximity to the waterfall. Ideal for relaxing after a day of hiking or sightseeing.
- Gásadalur Apartments @ World Famous Waterfall Air-conditioned apartments with balconies and full amenities, located steps from the waterfall. A perfect blend of comfort and location.
- Nearby Options in Sørvágur & Sandavágur If Gásadalur is fully booked, nearby towns offer excellent alternatives:
- Guesthouse Hugo – Cozy, social atmosphere with sea views
- Cottages by the Sea – Waterfront serenity with mountain views
- Giljanes Camping & Hostel – Budget-friendly with shared kitchen and lounge
🏡 Bøur Stays
- The View to Drangarnir, Tindhólmur & Mykines These are a cluster of four traditional Faroese turf-roofed houses. They are built to blend into the landscape. These homes offer panoramic views of the famous sea stacks and are among the highest-rated stays in the Faroe Islands.
- Airbnb Options in Bøur Bøur features several unique rentals with rustic charm and modern amenities. Many offer full kitchens, cozy living spaces, and direct views of the ocean and nearby islets.
- Nearby Sørvágur Accommodations Just a short drive away, Sørvágur offers:
- Løðupackhouse – Historical Warehouse – A renovated 100-year-old harbor house
- Perlan Apartments – Sea-view apartments with full kitchens
- Pouls Airport Guesthouse – Convenient for travelers, with car rental options included
Skarðsáfossur: The Hidden Waterfall of Vágar
While Múlafossur steals the spotlight, Skarðsáfossur is just a short distance away. It is a lesser-known but equally breathtaking waterfall. It tumbles from the cliffs onto a small black stone beach. This secluded cascade is positioned between Bøur and Gásadalur. It offers a more intimate and wild experience for those willing to seek it out.
Location & Landscape
- Coordinates: Roughly 2 km west of Bøur, near the tunnel entrance to Gásadalur
- Setting: Rugged cliffs, black stone beach, and panoramic views of Tindhólmur, Drangarnir, and the skerry Akranessker
- Wildlife: Puffins and seals are often spotted in the area
The waterfall is best viewed after rainfall, when its flow is strongest and most dramatic.
Best Way to Visit: By Boat
Because the land surrounding Skarðsáfossur is private property, the best and most respectful way to see it is from the sea:
- Boat Tours: Depart from Sørvágsfjørður and cruise past Skarðsáfossur, Drangarnir, and Tindhólmur
- Experience: Boats can get close enough to hear the crashing water and feel the spray
- Recommended Tour: Drangarnir Boat Tour includes Skarðsáfossur as a highlight
Land Access: A Rugged Adventure
While not officially marked, adventurous hikers sometimes approach the area from land:
- Trailhead: Just before the tunnel to Gásadalur, near Bøur
- Route: Hike down toward the ocean, aiming for the skerry Akranessker
- Terrain: No visible path; grassy fields used for sheep herding, rocky coastline, and steep descents
- Caution: Slippery rocks and private land—respect boundaries and avoid trespassing
Bluegate – Drangarnir & Múlafossur Boat Tour
Highlights: A 60–75 minute tour originates from Sørvágur marina. On this boat tour you will visit Bøur village, Múlafossur waterfall, Tindhólmur islet, and the Drangarnir sea stacks. Weather permitting, guests may sail through Drangarnir’s sea arch. Small boat size (12 passengers) ensures a personal experience. In the summer months, you may be able to see some puffins.
📌 Meeting Point: Sørvágur marina
☎️ Phone: 780800
🌐 Website: bluegate.fo
Seatravel – Exclusive Drangarnir Boat Tours
Highlights:1.5 hour tours from Sørvágur to Drangarnir, Múlafossur, Tindhólmur, and Akrans. Focuses on intimate small groups (max 16 passengers), guided by experienced captains.
📌 Meeting Point: Sørvágur marina
🌐 Website: seatravel.fo
Final thoughts
Exploring Múlafossur and the village of Gásadalur is like stepping into a living postcard—where nature’s drama meets quiet village charm. From the iconic waterfall plunging into the Atlantic to the serene beauty of Bøur and the tucked-away Skarðsáfossur, this corner of the Faroe Islands offers a rare blend of accessibility and mystery.
Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, hiking cliffside trails, or simply soaking in the silence, this guide is your invitation to slow down and let the landscape speak. The Faroe Islands aren’t just a destination—they’re a mood, a rhythm, a reminder that the most unforgettable places are often the ones that feel untouched.
So pack your layers, charge your camera, and bring your sense of wonder. Gásadalur and its neighbors are waiting.
Peaks to Palaces 