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One of the many special features of the Faroe Islands is that you don’t have to go far to experience magnificent hiking routes and raw nature. Look around you. Take a few steps. Take a deep breath and listen. It’s all right there! 

We are located only 2-3 hours flight time from mainland Europe and have direct flights from various destinations depending on the season. 

Although the Faroe Islands are one of the safest countries in the world, travelling in the Faroe Islands might be different to what you are used to. It is important you are well aware of things like weather extremes, narrow, windy roads and different road rules before you begin your journey. 

Start your journey on board the ferry, M/S Norröna – you’ll feel you’re on holiday as soon as you have the water beneath you. Direct link from Iceland and Denmark to the Faroe Islands

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“Everything about the Faroe Islands is extreme and slightly bonkers”   Jo Ellison, Finanical Times, 2022

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18 Reasons to Visit the Faroe Islands

By CNT Editors

If you haven't already heard of the Faroe Islands , you will soon. Tucked between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean (and politically part of Denmark), this self-governed group of 18 volcanic islands is fast becoming a favorite Nordic destination. Music lovers may already recognize the region for its festival scene —it typically hosts five live music festivals throughout the year—but adventurers are also starting to catch wind of the archipelago's steep cliffs, hiking trails, waterfalls, and rocky coastlines . And for Instagrammers, there are more than enough sites to keep you snapping photos (hello, puffins and grass-roofed houses). Here are 18 reasons to pack your coat and head to the Faroe islands.

This gallery has been updated with new information since its original publish date.

You don't have to worry about crowds (yet).

The 18 islands have a total population of around 50,000 —a drop in the bucket compared to Nordic neighbors Sweden and Norway or tourist-heavy Iceland. Faroe Islands tourism arrivals were around two million visitors in 2019, and American visitors alone already outnumber the locals .

In fact, sheep outnumber humans nearly 2:1.

Good news for people desperately seeking sweaters , or who simply find wind-blown hills filled with lambs to be pure magic. In 2016, the Faroese even turned to these trusty residents to serve as a four-legged tourism board, strapping cameras to some of the sheep to capture footage for Google Street View, calling it—naturally— Sheep View 360 .

Surprisingly cheap flights

You can now fly directly to Vágar Airport (the only airport in the Faroe Islands) from Edinburgh, Reykjavik, and Copenhagen on Atlantic Airways; or you can fly directly from Copenhagen on Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). If you can find a good flight deal to one of those cities, the flight over to the Faroes will usually only set you back about $120.

The coziest capital city

The capital of Tórshavn (pop. 13,083) is also the largest city on the Faroe Islands, settled behind a busy harbor on the east coast of Streymoy Island. Within the 66.8-square-mile city are eighteenth-century churches , a handful of museums, a tiny Old Town, and rows of brightly painted houses .

Jessica Puckett

Kimberly Wilson

Harrison Pierce

Jamie Spain

Unrivaled natural beauty

The archipelago has the type of striking views typical of volcanic islands, like windswept mountains, crashing waves, and jagged coastlines like the rock formations of Drangarnir, (pictured) the name of two sea stacks between Tindhólmur and Vágar.

Pinterest-worthy waterfalls

Scan some Pinterest travel boards or do a quick "Faroe Islands" image search, and chances are you'll see more photos of Mulafossur Waterfall than any other site on the archipelago. The waterfall is like something from a fantasy novel, falling over the rocky cliffs of Vagar Island to the ocean below, with the the green hills of Gásadalur village as a backdrop.

Ease of travel

Despite their remote location and rugged terrain, it's easier to road trip and island hop around the archipelago than you might expect. Thanks to relatively new infrastructure, like sub-sea tunnels connecting islands and paved roads cutting through mountains, getting to all of the country's best attractions has been relatively easy since the early 2000s.

Incredibly friendly locals

The Faroese have a word, “heimablídni,” which translates to “home hospitality,” and you can find that hospitality all over the islands. In fact, the nation has a program in which tourists can have dinner in locals’ homes, eating traditional food and hearing stories about their particular village. (You can learn more and sign up here .)

Scenes pulled from Middle Earth

Aside from Mulafossur, perhaps the most iconic landscape in the country is the Shire-like village of Saksun on the northwestern coast of Streymoy. The hamlet and its mid-nineteenth-century church sit in a natural amphitheater above a lagoon, with views of mountains stretching in every direction.

Sustainability

The Faroe Islands made headlines in 2019 when they launched the “Closed for Maintenance, Open for Voluntourism” campaign , in which the Faroes completely closed to tourists—aside from 100 volunteers chosen to help preserve the nation’s lands. For the 2020 event (which was rescheduled for 2021), 5,886 people signed up to volunteer within the first 24 hours of registration, so the campaign is likely to continue on for years to come.

A literal puffin paradise

If you're dying to see the most laughably adorable bird on the planet, there's no place better than petite Mykines. While only 14 people live on the westernmost Faroe Island, its rugged terrain and precipitous cliffs draw thousands of breeding puffins during the summer months.

Epic hiking opportunities

Take Kalsoy, a long, slender island with verdant hills and vertical cliffs, is just one of many hiking options in the Faroes. The best way to enjoy this particular island is to hike to Kallur Lighthouse, which sits on a northern promontory and grants panoramic views of five other islands (on clear days).

Those charming, turf-roofed houses

Turf-roofed houses are something of a symbol of the islands, appearing everywhere from sporadic seaside villages to the capital city of Tórshavn (pictured). They are more than just Instagram fodder , however: The Faroese use the architectural style to protect dwellings from the rainy climate (300 rainy days per year is no joke).

Cliffs that rival Moher and Na Pali

One of the most popular excursions in the Faroes are boat trips to the Vestmanna bird cliffs—rock walls that rise nearly 2,000 feet above the Atlantic waters on Streymoy Island. Day-trippers can enjoy the impressive sight of moss-speckled sea stacks, dark grottoes, and thousands of birds that nest here during the summer. Another famous cliffside site is Trøllkonufingur (pictured); translating to “Trollwoman's Finger,” the 1,027-foot monolith juts off the southeast side of Sandavágur.

Events for music lovers

Europe’s major cities are known for their high-energy music festivals, and the Faroe Islands offer their own version of that tradition—albeit a way more low-key version. Each summer the three-day G! Festival draws crowds to the seaside village Gøta on Eysturoy with a lineup of electronica, folk, and pop performances. (The festival was canceled this year due to the pandemic, but it plans to return in 2022.)

An optical illusion come to life

Lake Sørvágsvatn, the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, looks like it's perched hundreds of feet above the ocean and tilts outwards—but this is actual body of water an optical illusion. In actuality, the lake sits in a deep depression about 90 feet above sea level. The steep cliff in front of the water (and high camera angles) gives the body of water its seemingly impossible "floating" appearance.

Beautiful winters

Winters are surprisingly mild here, with temperatures rarely dropping below freezing. But when the islands and villages are graced with a dusting of snow, they somehow look even more magical than they do during the green summer months. Just be sure to get a peek during this season's narrow five-hour windows of daylight, which occur from November to January.

Prime Northern Lights viewing

The Faroe Islands are far enough north to see the Northern Lights in all their glory—weather permitting, of course. Some good viewing spots are the villages of Gjógv on the northern tip of Eysturoy, and Klaksvík on Borðoy (pictured). The best time frame for spotting them is from September to March or April.

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10 of the best things to do in the Faroe Islands

Mar 3, 2024 • 6 min read

Planning a trip to the Faroe Islands? Start with our ten must-do activities © Nowaczyk / Shutterstock

Nothing makes you feel the force of nature like a stay in the Faroe Islands . For a start, those volcanic, moss-clad mountains with boulders the size of houses on their sharp slopes make you feel as small as an ant. Add to that torrents of water pouring down them on rainy days, powerful winds, ever-changing skies, and dark sea stacks set like paper cut-outs against the horizon, and you get the picture. It is like nowhere else on earth. 

Lose yourself in epic nature by driving the country’s looping roads. Take to the water and explore – searching for colonies of seabirds, shoals of fish and views of incredible islands. Amp it up and scale the extreme and extraordinary peaks – from the top of one, you can see Iceland on a good day. It’s all weather-dependent of course: everything here depends which way the wind is blowing.

Thanks to a tourism strategy that seeks to balance island life and wide-eyed visitors, there are myriad ways to get beyond hotels to see what it’s like to live here, with authentic supper clubs, music nights and at-home knitting experiences. How do you make a home for yourself while living in wild, epic nature? It’s rewarding to find out.

Here are the country’s best experiences.

1. Enjoy a home-cooked dinner

The heimabliðni is a key Faroese experience. It’s a supper club where visitors are hosted by a local family or individual. It’s a place to taste the freshest lamb and fish – or even traditional whale meat, if you're comfortable with that – along with rhubarb-flavored desserts, while listening to stories of life on the islands. Far more than a dinner, you’ll get a window into the way life here, and a chance to go deeper into the Faroe Islands’ generous culture.

Planning tip: Eatlocal.fo is the best website to find heimabliðni options, with prices from 325kr. Book as far in advance as you can.

2. Lace up your boots and take to the trails

Hiking the old cairn-marked trails of the Faroe Islands is one of the most popular activities on the islands. At time of writing, many of the country’s hiking trails were fee-paying, including the popular route to the lagoon at Saksun, but this may change. On a good day, there’s nothing like walking up a ridge in search of the best view of a lighthouse, or eating sandwiches mid-trail with a view of dark sea stacks and a silver sea. 

A couple of excellent hikes to consider are the two-hour round-trip walk to Lake Sørvágsvatn (also called Lake Leitisvatn) as it is flat and easy for less experienced hikers. Alternatively, go all out and hike the Slættaratindur mountain (the island’s highest) in search of views of Iceland.

3. Take surf lessons on a black-sand beach

Local surfers Kali and Andras run surf classes from their surf shack on the black-sand beach at Tjørnuvík, in full view of mythical sea stacks and monumental mountains. It’s pretty epic. 

If the surf isn’t pumping, alternative options include stand-up paddleboarding (SUP), snorkeling tours and cliff jumping.

Planning tip: Bring your own food for the day. There’s a public toilet but very little else in Tjørnuvík so don’t get caught out.

4. Feel the spray of a waterfall on your face

It’s a classic Faroe Islands experience: not just seeing a waterfall from your car, but hiking to one and feeling the spray on your face. The islands’ top two most visited waterfalls are Fossá near Haldarsvik on Streymoy Island, and Múlafossur in Gásadalur on Vágar Island.

Fossá is the highest of all, a two-step waterfall pouring down a black basalt cliff; Múlafossur falls directly into the sea in a highly scenic spot.

5. Catch your own dinner

Fishing tours take place all over the islands. Join a local skipper and sink a hook into the ocean to catch some fish for dinner. This isn’t only a fun day out, you will learn where your food is coming from. You’ll also get an insight into life on these islands, where fishing makes up 95% of the economy and where traditional fishing communities continue to exist. 

Planning tip: It is possible to combine home-dining with a fishing trip – where your host will cook the fish you have caught that day.

6. Be delighted by a puffin

If you’re in the Faroe Islands between April and September, you will likely see these adorable little black and white birds with orange feet and multicolored bills flapping around the cliffs, or walking around their burrows on Mykines. Prime puffin-spotting cliffs also include the Vestmanna bird cliffs, accessible via a boat tour, and the cliffs at Gjógv. Bring a camera!

Planning tip: Mykines is one of the most popular spots on the whole of the Faroe Islands in summer. Make sure you book your boat trip there well ahead of time to avoid being disappointed.

7. Attend a tiny concert

The Hoyma Festival won Lonely Planet’s “Best in Travel” award for Community Connection back in 2021, and it’s still a cracker. Harking back to a tradition of taking music from house to house, and playing in a living room to a small audience, the festival takes place in October each year with 20 acoustic concerts played by 10 different artists in 10 different family homes. It’s an intimate experience unique to these islands.

Planning tip: The concert series takes place in Syðrugøta, home to July’s G Festival . There are a handful of rental options nearby via Airbnb; or stay in Klaksvík, a 17 minute drive away.

8. Learn to knit 

There’s an old Faroese saying that wool is gold. Learning how to knit your own jumper on these windy, inclement isles in the home of a local teacher is the ultimate way to get under the skin of the country and its culture. Like any knitting club, there’s a great social element to it, plus coffee, tea, cake and chat to keep you going.  

There are some beautiful wool shops in Tórshavn including Tógvhúsið where you can buy Faroese wool to knit with at home. 

9. See how steady your sea legs are

Whether it’s a ferry across from Tórshavn to Nólsoy Island , a kayak around a lake, a fishing tour, or a trip around Drangarnir sea arch, getting out on the water is a quintessential Faroese experience. For a really special way to see the islands, a private sailboat can take you around the coast from Tórshavn. Alternatively, amp up the adrenaline with a RIB-boat safari around Kalsoy Island, as featured in the James Bond film No Time To Die .

Planning tip: You can buy anti-seasickness tablets over the counter in any Apotek (pharmacy) in Tórshavn.

10. Relax in a Faroese spa

Hotel Foroyar in Tórshavn has a modern spa that offers a range of treatments including hot stone therapy and massages. When the second part of the spa opens later in 2024, it promises even more saunas, pools, a steam bath, ice bath and outdoor jacuzzi – all with incredible island views. They even do a special massage and treatment for those with sore legs after hiking all week.

Local tip: An alternative way to use water as a therapy is to do what the locals do: go sea swimming. The sea hovers between 6 and 10℃ (42℉ to 50℉) year-round, so be prepared.

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Everything you need to know to visit the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands is one of the least visited most remote parts of Europe and also one of the most naturally stunning.  When you visit the Faroe Islands you’ll discover such incredible and breathtaking landscapes that you will hardly be able to compare them to anything else you’ve seen.

A trip to the Faroe Islands is like a journey to a parallel world of volcanic islands, cliffs jutting from the sea , surreal angles that seem to be playing a visual trick on your eyes…

Faroe Islands travel is an easy means to get away from it all for the islands have more sheep than people and you are never more than 5km away from the ocean.

Watch my video that captures the beauty of the islands here:

Where are the Faroe Islands – Maps and location

The Faroe Islands is a group of 18 independent and self-governing islands that are a territory belonging to the Kingdom of Denmark . They are located in the North Atlantic Ocean to the south of Iceland , the north of Scotland and West of Norway.

If you try to find the Faroe Islands on a map you may struggle because they are tiny. Here is a map of the Faroe Islands where you can see all the islands and the main roads and ferry routes connecting them.

The map above above is scanned from the one we used while on the ground to plot our Faroe Islands travel itinerary. They are available pretty much at every hotel and tourist spot and included in the small but handy brochure the Tourism Office issues.

The map shows that most of the islands in the Faroe are connected by underground tunnels, some of which take over five minutes to drive, short bridges or, in some occasions, ferries.

The long underground tunnels are really impressive. They dip down, cross the ocean and then the road climbs back up.

History of the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands are said to have first been inhabited by Irish monks in the 6th century who were looking for a peaceful retreat away from it all. It is obvious that they found that.

About 100 years later, the islands were colonized by Norwegian Vikings who made it a central part of their empire. Their Parliament can still be seen today, in Tinganes, in Torshavn.

The name was originally Faereyjar and first appeared in 1225 but was given by the Norwegian Vikings in the 9th century to refer to the “Sheep Islands”.

Aside from the cultural and human development on the islands, the natural development is worth a few paragraphs. From a geological standpoint, the Faroe Islands are made of volcanic basalt and give the appearance of being tilted from the west to the east, with sharp cliffs on the western side and rolling shores on the eastern.

The islands were created some 60 million years ago by the eruption of several volcanoes. Each eruption brought in a new basalt layer that sandwiched the layers of ashes from the previous eruption.

This volcanic land mass used to be covered by trees, but they disappeared when the first settlers cut them for wood and were never replanted. As a result, the Faroe Islands are devoid of any trees, giving the hills, cliffs and mountains covered in grass and moss, an even more dramatic look.

The rock formations and incredible landscapes have given way to an infinite number of legends where elves, witches and magical creatures play a central role. Every unique shape comes with its own tale, every inexplicable natural phenomenon has a magical explanation. The Faroe Islands are the playground of grown up tale tellers.

Since 1948, the Faroe Islands are a self-governing nation under the external sovereignty of the Kingdom of Denmark.

Despite being a part of Denmark, the Faroe Islands is not a part of the European Union, which explains its complex visa situation. Here is an article that explains further about how many countries there are in the world and if Faroe Islands and Greenland are included in this list. 

Tourism in the Faroe Islands

With less than 50,000 inhabitants and less than a dozen hotels, tourism in the Faroe Islands is minimal, especially in the winter when the weather is sub-zero and the mountains are covered in snow.

The tourism infrastructure is seasonal and well developed only in the summer months. Even then you will feel like you have discovered one of the least explored parts of Western Europe.

I wondered how many people visited the islands and if it would feature on the list of the Least Visited Countries in the world , so I did a little investigation.

The Faroe Islands only had 160,000 bed nights in 2016 according to the Tourism Office numbers, but this number has been increasing by about 35% . 

Of these bed nights, around 20% were taken by Faroese returning home. There are over 20,000 Faroese living abroad (mostly in mainland Denmark). Danish also made up 30% of the hotel nights. That means that less than half of the hotel nights were occupied by foreigners.

If one considers an average trip of five nights, that leaves only about 20,000 foreign visitors a year proving the point that the Faroe Islands is one of the least visited places in Europe.

However, don’t let this deter you. If anything, I hope this guide will make you want to visit it more after reading. The tourism authority actually closed the island to tourists in April 2019 to conduct some TLC and maintenance like new walkways, erecting viewpoints, and placing more signage in well-trodden paths to make a visit that much more convenient. 

To help you organise your time and activities while on the island, the Tourism Office of the Faroe Islands has offices in most of the large islands usually manned by friendly and useful folk. Even the small islands have an office that is ready to help. Or you can also book a Faroe Islands tour .

Here is the list of regional tourism offices:

Things to do and see in the Faroe Islands

The majority of the activities on any Faroe Islands travel itinerary happen outdoors because nature is the Faroe Islands’ best and most unique feature. The volcanic mountains, the waterfalls, the sharp cliffs, the rock formations. The Faroe Islands look stunning from every angle.

There are a lot of hiking trails, trekking opportunities and stunning viewpoints that need to be absorbed, enjoyed and experienced. No matter how many breathtaking photos I show you, the best Faroe Islands vacation is the one you will have on the ground.

So let me shortlist a few of the best activities and things to see when you visit the Faroe Islands, so you can start planning a trip. Bonus : check out these interesting facts about the Faroe Islands that will give you some really great insight into the area before you visit.

Day trip to Mykines

Mykines is perhaps the best known part on any visitors Faroe Islands travel itinerary. The funny-looking cute puffins draw tourists in hordes to Mykines where they can be found in large groups during the summer months nestled in burrows in the clifftops.

Apart from the rich bird life, the hike to the lighthouse is another favourite.

Getting to Mykines requires you to take a helicopter or a ferry , neither of which runs in the winter months because of rough seas and wind. Even in the summer, you can easily get stuck if the weather suddenly turns, as it often does on the islands.

Road tripping the Faroe Islands

One of the best things to do on the Faroe Islands is to just simply drive and enjoy the many viewpoints along the roads.

In five days, I drove almost 1,000 kilometers.

Bear in mind the speed limit is only 80km/hour outside of urban centers and the roads can be very narrow and windy so you won’t be driving very fast. Also, if you go in the winter, the roads may be covered in snow or ice.

The tourism office edits a map of the Faroe Islands that has all the scenic roads and viewpoints marked on it. These roads, which have a flower icon on them and are green in color, are the perfect easy way to enjoy the best routes and views. Check it out below.

Some of my recommended ones are the one that runs from the capital all the way north , it climbs up to higher altitudes and you can stop along the way for lovely views of the valley below on both sides. The windmills, dancing to the strong winds that grace the islands, are majestic to see.

There are other interesting rock formations and places to see that are nice to include in your itinerary. Here are a few of the interesting landmarks that you should check out during your roadtrip when you visit the Faroe islands.

• Trøllkonufingur translated as “troll-woman’s fingers” is a loose rock at the end of a finger-looking 313 meter tall rock. The name was given by the locals because they said that it was the hand of a troll woman coming out from the sea that was trying to grab the Faroe Islands and throw it to Iceland. Legend has it that the rock claimed the life of a climber who, after having made it to the top, climbed down, only to forget his glove. He climbed back up to retrieve the glove and fell to his death. The rock has successfully been climbed a few times.
• Risin & Kellingin , the witch and the giant, are two rocks off the coast of Eidi. Legend has it that an Icelandic king sent a giant and his witch wife to the Faroe Islands to steal them for Iceland. They tried to tie a rope around a rock but as they pulled it, it broke off. Busy as they were to work out how to steal the islands, they forgot that the morning was coming. As they are creatures of the night, the sun rays turned them into stone.

Explore Torshavn

The capital of the Faroe Islands takes its name from the Nordic God of War, Thor , but is a quaint and pretty looking city on the ocean shores spread over a semi-circular bay.

As the most developed part of the country, you can find everything here, but do not expect major modern developments. There are only three traffic lights here and the locals still wave good day to passers-by.

However, the old and the new coexist happily in Torshavn and you can see the typical grass turf roofed houses next to modern condominiums. It is a city that blends Nordic influences, with hip stores and locally produced items, and a certain Ikea feeling that is so recognizable to visitors from abroad.

Torshavn has a few landmarks worth half a day of exploration. Here is a list of the main sights in the Faroese capital.

Torshavn Harbour Vagsbotnur

The city’s harbour is a great place for a stroll . There are a number of cafes, pretty wooden fishing boats, produce for sale, stores selling the typical wool sweaters with patterns that are so well-known and colourful facades of many buildings. It’s very quaint here and you may feel like you are a bit in your own fairy tale.

From the harbour stroll to the most famous part of Torshavn: Tinganes, the place of the old Parliament and the new government buildings. The red buildings with grass roofs are pretty and the narrow alleys are characteristic of a time gone by.

Torshavn cathedral

The cathedral in Torshavn, known as Dómkirkjan , is a landmark of the city. Built in 1788, it belongs to the Evangelical -Lutheran National Church of the Faroe Islands and is the seat of the Faroese bishop.

The cathedral’s altarpiece is from 1647 and a simple example of Renaissance art .

Inside the cathedral, the designs are modern and unlike other European religious churches. Walk in to have a look.

Other landmarks in and around Torshavn

I have marked a few other places in the map of Torshavn that might be worth taking a look. Here is a list:

• Steinprent is a graphic workshop with works on display, but the buildings used to house the first Faroese factory, Ostroms which produced fish oil.
• National Museum , for a bit of history, changing exhibitions and a warm place to escape to if the weather is harsh!
• Nolsoy is an island in front of the capital. It can be accessed by a ferry that crosses the waters in 20min. There are a few every day. Once there, you can hike to the lighthouse, enjoy some local food at Maggie’s cafe, buy sweaters designed by the locals, or see the Storm Petrel birds, a nocturnal animal that can be visited by the hands of the local taxidermist Jens Kjeld Jensen who organises night excursions in the summer months. You will not be able to see the birds, but you can hear them.

Explore small and quaint towns

You’ll see when you visit the Faroe Islands that they are filled with quaint villages made of wooden houses, grass roofs and red window frames that look like they have been taken out of a perfect postcard picture or a scene from The Lord of the Rings.

Some of these houses, wrapped around the mist that is so commonplace in the Faroe Islands, looks like they may be inhabited by magical creatures.

If you include a road trip on your Faroe Islands travel plans, exploring the many villages is the best way to see the country, especially in the winter months when the options for water or air borne activities are non-existent.

I enjoyed stopping by at all the idyllic villages and exploring their wild rugged magic. Here is a list of the best villages in the Faroe Islands worth a trip.

Gásadalur  – Vagar Islands

Gásadalur, best known for Mulafossur waterfall , is one of the Faroe Islands’ most recognizable spots. The village is very picturesque and can only be reached via the relatively new one-way tunnel that was blasted through the mountains in 2004.

The village sits atop a plateau, in a valley, surrounded by towering 700-800m high mountains at either side. It is well known for the fact that, until the tunnel was built, the village was completely isolated and getting in or out required hiking across the mountains which the postman used to do every week.

The area can be extremely windy, as I discovered, and the path down to have the best view of the waterfall is muddy and slippery (especially when frozen) so be careful.

The fishermen living here have it very tough as the landing point is higher up and to get down to the beach they need to brave a steep staircase built by the British in 1940 during their occupation of the islands in WWII .

The area is said to be named after the geese that come here, or after legends of spirits and elfs. Because of its remoteness, Gásadalur is inhabited by around 20 people , so most of the quaint Faroese houses are uninhabited.

Sandavagur – Vagar Island

Continuing on your Faroe Islands travel route, on your drive from the airport to Torshavn you are likely to drive past Sandavagur. The village is recognizable thanks to its pretty red-roofed church that stands tall by the stream, the fourth church to be built in the same location. But there is more to this small village than just the church.

Sandavagur is an old settlement believed to have existed since Medieval times thanks to old stones with writings.

Although the village is not very big, there is a pleasant historical walking tour that has been put together by the local authorities and which tells of the history of the area. These are a few things to see in the village:

• Sandavagur Church is recent, built at the beginning of the 20th century and it is the forth that was erected in the same location. Aside from the Nordic facade, the red roof is recognizable from the road. The church is slightly elevated and surrounded by the cemetery as is tradition. Inside, you can see paintings and an altarpiece made by local artisans. The church is surrounded by a stone wall which protects it from sea erosion.
• Runic stone is proof that the village existed in 1200 AD as the writings date back to that time and are believed to be from the Torkils. The stone is found inside the church.
• Hammershaimb memorial was erected in commemoration of the 100th anniversary of his birth. Hammershaimb is believed to be the father of the Faroese language and wrote a book on the orthography of the language when he realised that the oral tradition of the Faroese language was evolving into a multitude of dialects.

Slaettanes – Vagar island

This village is a good example of how Faroese used to live and will provide insight on the culture and history when you visit the Faroe Islands.

The village is abandoned today but you can still see how people lived for over a century when the village was inhabited.

The town was founded by Hendrik Thomassen , an experienced sheepherder who was sent to the area when the local sheep had to be tamed. He liked the area and settled there. With time, against the original reluctancy of the locals, more families moved in. Because the village was so isolated, the priest only came once a year and provisions had to be brought by boat, rowing from Vestmanna.

At its peak, Slaettanes had 75 inhabitants but its demise came when the electricity company advised them in 1964 that they would never bring electricity over. As a result, the residents all emigrated and the village became a ghost town.

Bøur – Vagar Island

Boeur (Bøur in Faroese) is another small village on the way to Gásadalur worth a stop. From here you have lovely views of the islet Tindhólmur. The village has 75 inhabitants, making it one of the largest in the Faroe Islands.

There are a lot of stories and legends around Boeur which explains why the land in this village is entirely owned by the Danish royal family, some of which talk about stolen fire or brotherly murders.

Nordradalur – Streymoy Islands

This very tiny village is not even on Google Maps , or rather it is marked in the wrong place, but I marked it correctly on my map in this article. So you should definitely save it for offline use when you visit the Faroe Islands.

I very much enjoyed stopping by. There were many curious sheep and a dog that came over to greet us, smell us and look at us as soon as we got out of the car and the views were stunning, even the snaking road down was impressive.

Kirkjubøur – Streymoy Islands

This village near Torshavn, the capital, is one of the most picturesque because of its genuine Faroese architecture and its position along the seashore. You can drive the 15mins to get there from the city, or walk for two hours across the mountain.

Kirkjubøur was the Medieval cultural and religious center of the Faroe Islands and this is obvious in the various remains.

The oldest church in the Faroe Islands, St Olav Church, and the Gothic St Magnus Cathedral nowadays called Muren and currently half in ruins half renovated are both located here.

The cathedral was built in the 14th century and many of its decorative features and elements are on display at the National Museum . The church, believed to be the only one from the Middle Ages is still in use.

The ruins of the cathedral are next to the oldest wooden house in Europe , dating from the 11th century and located in a dramatic seaside location. The house is called Roykstovan and was the King’s Farmhouse. It was built in Norway, dismantled and brought in pieces to the Faroe Islands. It is still inhabited by the Partusson family.

The oldest part of the house, Stokkastovan , is open to visitors. The door is always open, just push it in. There is a donation box to leave your contribution, and stepping inside is mystical .

I went to Kirkjubøur as the sun was rising and it was stunning, probably the most spectacular sight on my Faroe Islands travel itinerary.

Koltur – Streymoy Island

This small village has the only white sand beach in the country, but do not expect the fine sand beaches of Southeast Asia . There are rocks leading out to the sand. It is nonetheless an incredible sight in such a rough and volcanic place.

Reaching the island requires a private tour so you will need to check with the tourism office of Torshavn to see options available.

Saksun – Streymoy Island

Saksun is a tiny village of 14 inhabitants that follows Faroese architecture and sits on the shores of a tidal lagoon. It is as remote as it gets when you visit the Faroe Islands, over an hour’s drive from Torshavn, but it is worth a visit for its pretty location and its church, dating from 1858. An old farm, D úvugarðar, is today available for visits as a museum although it still is a functioning sheep farm.

Tjørnuvík – Streymoy Island

Arriving at Tjørnuvík feels like arriving at the end of the world.

The scenic, not for the faint of heart, winding one lane road ends here, so your only way out is retracing your steps.

The waves lap on the black sand and pebble beach in one of the few places where the shore is not rocky but made of sand.

If you’ve come to visit the Faroe Islands for surfing, this is the spot to be. The bay is relatively protected yet the waves can be high. If you stand at the parking lot at the entrance to the village and look out into the ocean, the view over the jotting rocks and cliffs is stunning.

Haldorsvik – Streymoy Island

Haldorsvik is known for its eight-face church that is quite unique . On your way to the village, you can pas by the tallest waterfall in the Faroe Islands, Fossa.

Gjógv – Eysturoy Island

Gjógv is a little idyllic village that is a recognizable image of the Faroe Islands because of the gorge running into the village and the perfect houses all with the turf roof and the wooden walls .

Because of its picture-perfect look and efforts in preserving and respecting the environment, the village was nominated by the Nordic Council for the Nature & Environmental Award in 2014.

If you are visiting the islands in the winter, like I did, you may struggle to reach Gjógv because of its truly isolated location and accessibility along a very narrow, frozen and unmaintained path.

The signs at the entrance of the mountain road indicate it is not being maintained and there is risk of rocks falling and slippery roads. After driving for 15 minutes into the mountains on a road covered in snow, I decided it was best to turn around as I was worried we might get stuck or slide off the mountain side and into the lake.

If you get there, there is a teahouse and a guesthouse called Gjaargardur with a restaurant in the high season where you can base yourself if you want to explore all the hiking trails in the area or the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands, Slættaratindur.

Funningur – Eysturoy Island

As opposed to other villages located on the side of the rocky shores, Funnigur is set on rolling hills by calm waters and has great views of the islands and hills around.

Hiking in the Faroe Islands – Best hiking trails

People come to the Faroe Islands for hiking and you should not leave the islands without at least a couple of hikes . There are a lot of very easy ones which simply follow flat grass paths, and others which are long and steep, requiring hikers to be fit and experienced.

Although most of the hiking when you visit the Faroe Islands can be done on your own, following relatively visible paths, you can also hire a guide. There is a very well known local resource called Hiking.fo that provides a lot of information about all the hiking routes. Free booklets with all the hikes are also available in all major tourist places like hotels or the tourism offices.

Below I will highlight the best known, the most beautiful and the most recommended hikes in the Faroe Islands. You can also read more about them in my article about the Best hikes in the Faroe Islands.

Hike from Boeur to Gásadalur (2.5h, Moderate to difficult)

In the previous section I told you all about both villages. What better way to feel like the old inhabitants of Gásadalur than by hiking from the nearest village along the path they had to take to reach the nearest facilities and services? You can read more about the legends around the hike here .

Hike to Slættaratindur

The hike to the island’s highest peak can be done in 4h from Gjogv or in around an hour from Eiðisskarð. As the highest mountain, topping 880m above sea level, the mountain is a symbol of the country and it is a tradition to climb it on the longest day of the year, the summer solstice on 21st June, where hikers can see the sun set and then rise in just a few hours.

Hike to Tindhólmur

The hike is moderate to difficult with rocky paths, waves, wind, etc. and there is no clear path . Unlike the rest of the hikes, this one is only for the bravest and most experienced and can take up to a day so make sure to attempt it in the summer months.  

You can also opt to see the formations from the sea on a group tour which you can book here .

Hike from Saksun to Tjørnuvík (3h, mostly easy with moderate to difficult parts)

Both quaint pretty villages, this walk takes in some of the most dramatic and unique places in the Faroe Islands along a grass pass. It is a great alternative to driving the winding road.

Hike Lake Sørvágsvatn / Leitisvatn (both names are used)

Lake Sørvágsvatn / Leitisvatn is the most well-known place in the Faroe Islands mostly because of the visual trick it plays on the eye from the ocean point of view where the lake looks like it is floating.

In winter, it looks like this, and as it was super windy, we could not fly the drone over the edge of the cliff to have the stunning view you see above. However, we did have it all to ourselves, not a rarity on our Faroe Islands travel journey, but pleasant nonetheless.

From the lake, a 35m waterfall cascades into the ocean but you may not be able to see it as you will be on top of it. Only the birds and maybe a drone have the opportunity to see it in its full glory.

You should definitely visit to have a real feel for the place, which the photos can never provide. The entire area is absolutely breathtaking, with waterfalls into the ocean, cliffs, birds and incredible viewpoints. Check this video out.

The hike is about 3h return but might take longer in the winter when many of the streams you need to cross are frozen and you need to walk on ice. If you have them, grampons will be extremely useful.

There is a small parking area in front of the tiny gate that leads onto the path. To get there, on your way from Torshavn, take the first left after the church and follow the signs. Leave the car and enter the path. It is pretty much a straight line to get to the edge where the cliff walls are. You can also return by hiking on the other side of the lake.

If you are not up for hiking or if you prefer a different view, there are lake boat tours on a boathouse departing from the village Vatnsoyrar.

Other sightseeing spots

Although it is hard to separate sightseeing from hiking or quaint villages, there are a few spots in the Faroe Islands that are worth seeing in themselves and which you should add to your Faroe Islands travel itinerary.

The town of Klaksvík, the country’s fishing center , is the second largest in the Faroe Islands after the capital and it has an important church that was inspired by old Nordic style.

From the outside, the architecture contrasts with the rest of the traditional churches that dot the country.

We did not go in because there was a funeral at the time, but the building is worth it even from the outside.

After exploring the many villages and remote parts of the islands, Klaksvik is refreshingly developed and urban, albeit for Faroese standards. The view from the road over the towering mountains coming up from the sea is spectacular.  

If you are into beer, one of the two breweries in the islands, Foroya Bjor , is located here.

Statue of the seal woman

The 3m statue of the seal woman can be found in the village of Mikladalur, on the island of Kalsoy, and it is a symbol of the Faroe Islands .

Legend has it that she is braving the wind and the rain to take one last look at her children which she left behind when she returned to the water after falling in love with a boy where she was forced to stay on land.

Other adventure spots in the Faroe Islands

When you visit the Faroe Islands, you’ll see that it has perfect roads and is a great destination for cycling lovers . However, beware that the winding roads and the steep hills are not suitable for beginners, and the harsh weather will require you to be prepared but if you are after an adventure of a lifetime, this is it.

Those into horse riding can do so on the island of Vagar. Short or longer rides are organised by Davidsen Haster .

For more adventurous souls, rappel down several cliff walls in many locations around the islands. The best way would be to contact the tourism office and find out the convenient tours while you are there.

Sailing to Enniberg

In the summer months, when the waters are calmer, you can sail out to Enniberg, the tallest cliff in the islands rising 750m from the ocean . This trip is a fantastic way to see the rich birdlife that inhabits the Faroe Islands and experience a different view of the dramatic cliffs.

Vestmanna bird cliffs

The Faroe Islands is well known for its  rich bird population in the summer months and the Vestmanna cliffs are the right place to see them in action.

To enjoy this, you will have to join a boat tour which crosses the narrow cliffs and grottoes. Tours depart from the Vestmanna Tourist Center. You can book them here .

Make sure to check out the Saga Museum which is by the Tourist Center.

What and where to eat in the Faroe Islands, best food and restaurants

There are not a lot of restaurants on the Faroe Islands. In fact, if you do a quick search you will realise that there are less than a dozen restaurants that pop up on Google. After a hard day’s work hiking and exploring the islands, you will probably want to relax and have a hearty meal.

You have earned it and, remember, in the cold climate, your body will use more energy to keep you warm, so you can go for that Faroese meal without remorse.

The Faroe Islands cuisine is relatively restrictive due to the weather and the harsh conditions for agriculture. Most restaurants are located in historical buildings and have the warm feeling of fluffy sheepskin placed on wooden chairs.

Although there are quite a few more casual bars/pubs and small food places, the best restaurants in the Faroe Islands are the ones that everyone will recommend to you. Consensus is there.

Here is the list of all the restaurants you should try when you visit the Faroe Islands. On an average 5 day trip to the Islands, you are bound to have enough time to try them all, even more than once.

This is the Faroe Islands only Michelin-starred restaurant and it started a real Faroese cuisine movement with lots of in-depth articles written about its uniqueness and the difficulties of sourcing entire menus from the meagre and poor lands of the Faroe Islands.

Koks used to be located in the Foroyar Hotel with fantastic views over the capital of Torshavn and the bay below but moved outside the city in a beautifully rustic location in Leynavatn.

The restaurant is led by a young chef in his 20s who has a team of “foragers, farmers and divers” quotes the Financial Times , to source the ingredients for its dishes.

The volcanic and poor soil of the islands are not conducive to growing much. There are more sheep than humans who feed on the ever growing grass, even in the winter months when the snow can cover it all. But little grows underneath.

The landscapes are bare, stunning in rock formations and shapes, but devoid of vegetation. There are no trees on the Faroe Islands, something that happened when all the trees which once existed were cut and new ones were never planted.

The ocean is rich in marine life, and the salmon in the Faroe Islands is absolutely divine, but young chef Ziska is trying to do something incredible by making sure that all of his ingredients are sourced locally . This is probably why the restaurant is closed in the winter months, from October to April when practically nothing grows.

If you are around when it is open, Koks is the best way into the Faroese food scene and traditions which are hard to savour anywhere else.

Gras took over the location that Koks left when it moved and it offers the most panoramic views over the city of Torshavn and the bay below.

The restaurant has a breakfast and dinner buffet with international and Faroese dishes, and an a la carte light lunch menu but the views are the definitive reason to come here.

This restaurant has very limited options with only a menu per sitting with two choices for starters (smoked salmon or lobster bisque) and two for mains (cod fish or lamb).

They a known for the lamb shoulder which you only get in the shorter menu (the longer one has lamb chops instead of lamb shoulder) and which has been cooked slowly for 12 hours. It is so soft that the meat comes off the bone without the need for a knife.

Aarstova is located in an old wooden Faroese house in the middle of Torshavn and it is well worth a visit for the atmosphere, dimly lit and looking like you are visiting old friends. Service is attentive and, if you go for the wine pairing option, the wine will keep coming, so you are going to get almost an unlimited amount.

The wine list is made of only six producers which they have personally vetoed and visited. They have a selection of wines from these six producers.

Etika is a sushi restaurant in the Faroe Islands (the only one) that makes a lot of sense since the islands get some of the best and freshest fish there is.

The restaurant is located near Aarstova and gives you the opportunity to people watch as it is located along a main road and made of glass windows.

The menu is extensive , with dozens of options that you can combine and pre-set menus for two with everything you can think off. The food was excellent and they are also a good option for take away because they have a smaller selection of pre-set sushi/sashimi boxes you can pop in and buy and are as good as anything you’d find when eating the best Japanese food .

We ate in and made an order for take away to take with us for the next day’s hiking excursion which was a great idea, especially since it is so cold in the Faroe Islands all year round that the sushi keeps well even in the car.

Raest specialises in fermented cuisine . This may sound strange but it is typically Faroese. Similar to much of the Korean food items , in the past, locals would conserve every part of an animal by keeping it dried or fermented. As winters are harsh and there is little food, fermentation helped preserve it all.

Fermented meat, especially lamb, is a very typical Faroese dish. Although it is not my cup of tea, it is not bad, just a bit salty. This is because Faroese fermentation, unlike wet fermentation used in, for example, kimchi, is done in the open air, by drying the food in the salty cold air of the Faroe Islands.

Katrina Christiansen

Located in a historical building home to the most famous Faroese writer, Katrina Christiansen is a tapas-style Faroese restaurant where you can sample local dishes in the small plate format. The restaurant opened in 2016 only and is a great choice for something a bit different.

If you feel like you want to have some lighter and more international cuisine, Toscana is the highest rated Italian restaurant in the Faroe Islands for your fix of Sicilian food .

Dine in the homes of Faroese locals

An evening at a Faroese home is one of the nicest and best ways to experience local Faroese food: Heimablidni.

Heimablidni is a supper club of sorts where a Faroese couple, Anna and Óli, will offer you the chance to have the most authentic experience with a 5-course meal that includes all the best that the land can offer: homemade bread with sausage (Anna’s grandmother’s recipe), homemade rhubarb juice and lamb raised on their own farm. You can book here .

Where to stay in the Faroe Island

I always found it quite interesting that, even in rooms with double beds, there are two duvets folded on top of the sheets, one for each of the guests. This is something that I also experienced in Iceland, other than the Bubble Hotel , so perhaps a Nordic tradition that escaped me.

There are only 11 accommodations classified as hotels , none of which is a 5 star hotel, and four hostels in the Faroe Islands. Additionally, there are also seven guesthouses. That means that your choice will be limited.

However, I have put together a list to help you choose the best ones to match your budget, itinerary and interests.

If you are planning to visit the Faroe Islands for longer than five days, it might make sense to include some other accommodation options beyond Torshavn, like the island of Vagar or Gjogv, but if you are only staying for five days, I would recommend you stay at the same hotel in Torshavn.

Why you should stay in Torshavn? Because it will be the most convenient.

Torshavn has most of the restaurants mentioned above, so you will have more dining alternatives. It is also more central than other towns like Vagar, so it will be easier to explore the islands. And Torshavn is worth a day exploring the harbour, the parliament area and the museums.

Foroyar Hotel

Located in the outskirts of the city, high atop a hill , Foroyar Hotel is the highest rated hotel in the Faroe Islands. Although they bill themselves as the country’s only four star hotel, I think it is more a 3,5 star mostly because the rooms are nothing special.

The hotel has full facilities, including a gym, and the restaurant with the best views in Torshavn. There is also a bar and meeting rooms. The reception is 24h and can help out with anything. There is a small fridge which sells snacks and sandwiches, as well a small selection of sushi from Etika.

When the rest of the country is closed off, aka during the Christmas holidays, Foroyar Hotel is the only place open so most foreigners congregate there.

All the rooms at Foroyar Hotel have the same views as the restaurant, and a stunning perspective over the bay and the city. The hotel’s turf rooftop is a welcome touch.

For more images, rates and availability check out   Agoda

Hotel Hafnia

A good hotel in the downtown area of Torshavn , within minutes to all the restaurants mentioned in the food section above, with warm hues, light wood and colorful decor. After Hotel Foroyar, this is the next best hotel in the Faroe Islands.

Hafnia is closed during the Christmas period.

For more images, rates and availability check out  Agoda

Hotel Torshavn

Another local favourite in town by the harbour this is a scenically located hotel with nice views over the fishing boats.

Its location by the ferry area is convenient for daily excursions during the summer months.

The hotel was renovated in 2007 from its 1923 former seamen hostel glory, and is now a modern 3 star hotel in burgundy, red and orange tones. The hotel is open all days of the year, there is a bar and brasserie available.

Hotel Vagar

Not in Torshavn, but if you need a night near the airport , Hotel Vagar is right by the terminal. It is a house in a rather industrial looking one-floor building but conveniently located and comfortable.

The hotel, and the island, might also be a good option to split the trip if you plan to stay longer in the Faroe Islands as the island of Vagar has a lot of hiking trails and sightseeing opportunities and is a good 45min drive from Torshavn. So by staying there you would be saving almost 2h drive (which is a long time in the short daylight winter months).

Guesthouse Gjaargardur in Gjogv

If you are planning to explore the area around Gjogv, especially the hike up to the highest mountain on the islands, a night in the guesthouse in Gjogv is a good idea.

This guesthouse is a cozy, family-run, warm place to stay . The rooms are comfortable, the family running it are well on top of things to make sure guests are happy and meals are local and hearty. It basically has everything you need for a great night and a side of views and local life.

How to get to the Faroe Islands

Although the Faroe Islands may seem remote and isolated, they are connected to mainland Europe, the UK and Iceland by plane and in the summer months, there are cruise ships that explore the North Atlantic Ocean which stop in Torshavn and other places .

The best flights to the Faroe Islands

The airport in the Faroe Islands is located on the island of Vagar, code FAE, and is the best way to get to the islands. The airport was built by the British Army during WWII when the country needed a base in the North Atlantic Ocean. After the war ended, the airport went into disuse until the 60s when an Icelandic airline started flying there.

The national Faroese airline, Atlantic Airways , started operations at the end of the 1980s when the only route connecting the Faroe Islands to the rest of the world was a passenger flight from Iceland to Denmark, making Faroe Islands travel pretty convenient.

Atlantic Airways connects Vagar with several cities in Europe including Edinburgh, Copenhagen (2.5h), Bergen (2h) and Reykjavik (1h and 20min) regularly. This means that you can combine Iceland and the Faroe Islands for the ultimate nature, landscapes and hiking trip.

The airline also provides summer escape opportunities to the Faroese by serving Lisbon, Barcelona, Mallorca, Malta and Gran Canaria seasonally once or twice weekly and is in charge of the two helicopters which connect the remote islands via a subsidized service.

Another option to get to the Faroe Islands is to fly Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) from Copenhagen on their daily flight. The flight started in 2017 as demand increased, and adds to Vagar Airport’s passenger capacity.

I flew Atlantic Airways from Iceland (codeshare with Icelandair but operated by Atlantic Airways) to the Faroe Islands and then on to Copenhagen to connect with my flight back to Barcelona on SAS. I found them both similar in service and since they are short flights, it did not really matter much.

Check in at the airport in Vagar opens 1.5h before the flight so there is no point in arriving earlier. Inside the airport there is a small cafe, offices of the car rental companies, an information store and toilets.

If you find yourself in the Faroe Islands in a marked public holiday when everything is closed (like the 1st of January) the airport cafe is likely to be the only food option in the entire archipelago.

Once you are through with your boarding pass, there is a relatively large duty free shop where you can buy the famous Faroese Aquavit and other liquors and enjoy a bite at the Mirror Cafe. There are only three boarding gates at the airport and it is unlikely that more than one will be in use at the same time.

Cruise ships docking at the Faroe Islands

There is a cruise between Denmark and the Faroe Islands from Smyril Line that covers the North Atlantic Ocean on a week-long trip with two stops in Torshavn and once in Iceland. The trip claims to offer a view of the islands as the Vikings saw it centuries ago. Although a lot of time is spent at sea, traveling to and from Denmark, this is a cruise that is mostly focused on these Viking lands.

A lot of the large well-known cruise ships also stop on the Faroe Islands but the call is more of a quickie than anything in-depth and will probably only give you a taste of what the Faroe Islands travel is really about.

If you have time and wish to explore the North Atlantic Ocean area and the Faroe Islands more in-depth from the water point of view, you can join one of the expedition cruises that explore that part of the world.

One of the most well known and established expedition cruise ships stopping at the Faroe Islands is Quark Expeditions . They have several itineraries stopping on the Faroe Islands in their expeditions to Greenland, Iceland and the Arctic areas would be much more suitable to those wanting to truly understand the Islands.

However, I would strongly suggest to spend some quality time in the Faroe Islands . This is not a place you can understand, enjoy or explore on a quick one or two day trip. The best way to really experience it is by spending some time trekking the paths, hiking the trails and enjoying the food. A cruise ship would be a shame unless it spends some quality time on the Islands.

Getting around – Road rules and car rentals in the Faroe Islands

One of the most convenient ways to explore the Faroe Islands is from the comfort of your own rented car.

There are public buses linking most of the towns but without a car, you will be very limited in your ability to explore the islands.

However, I was shocked to see the prices of some of the rental companies who were quoting me almost $1,000 for five day rentals. There are a few of these. The most affordable rental car company in the Faroe Islands is Avis, which is also the only international rental car available when you visit the Faroe Islands. Car rentals are picked up and dropped off at the airport.

Avis has a counter by the arrivals/departures area and the staff there are most unfriendly. But alas, we did not need much conversation with them. Getting the car was easy and the parking is right in front of the exit. If you go in the winter, the wheels will already be studded so you can easily drive on ice and snow.

You do not need to rent a 4×4 and, in fact, I did not see them available on their website or parking lot. I booked the smallest car available, a Kia Picanto, and it was just fine, if struggling a bit when going uphill over the many mountain passes.

On a practical note, many of the villages in the Faroe Islands have facilities for road trippers and visitors that are available throughout the country and are free. Clean toilets can be found in most relevant villages.

The doors are open and signs usually point at them from the main roads. You can also find out what facilities are available at each village on the Tourist Guide edited by Faroese Tourism and are available across the country.

Driving in the Faroe Islands

I found the roads to be in great condition, but driving in the Faroe Islands is different than in other places because of the unique geological conditions and the many tunnels. Some of these tunnels are only one way and some of the roads are so narrow that two cars cannot drive in parallel.

For this reason, there are a few things you need to know before driving in the Faroe Islands. Here are some useful driving tips:

• When the road is a single lane , even inside tunnels, there are openings on the road every 100 meters for one of the cars to wait for the oncoming traffic to pass. The car for whom the space is available is the one who should get in it and let the other car pass.
• If the one lane road is on an incline , the car going down is the one who needs to stop and give way to the car driving uphill.
• There are tolls on the most relevant tunnels which need to be paid at the petrol stations. However, if you have a rental car, the car company will pay it for you and send you a final bill.

The government of the Faroe Islands has prepared a video about driving on the islands to make sure everyone knows the driving rules.

Lastly, it is good to note that there are many petrol stations available most of which are marked on Google maps.

However, when you are trying to fill the tank on a public holiday, you will have to look out for the stations that have self-service credit card enabled machines. We struggled with this because the machines would only accept cards that had a PIN and our Singapore credit cards do not have them. We ended up having to use the debit card. Alternatively, we were ready to offer cash to a goodwill passer-by in exchange for using his card.

Weather in the Faroe Islands and best time to visit

The weather in the Faroe Islands is stable and similar all year round because of its location far north. That means that, on average, the islands are between 3 and 11 degrees celsius, all year round with only 10 degrees difference between winter and summer.

However, stable does not mean warm. The Tourism Board website claims that the islands once recorded 26 degrees Celsius.

Looking at the historical average temperatures and rainfall one can assume that winter clothes will always be required, even in the middle of the summer months when the maximum temperatures recorded are well below the average winter in Barcelona !

Check out my graph of the average temperatures and rainfall per month made using this data.

So, what is the weather like in the Faroe Islands? I would say it is wet, windy and cold all year round and you can be sure of that.

The best time to visit the Faroe Islands

The best time to visit the Faroe Islands is during the summer months. This is when the weather is at its best and when there is more activity and options to explore the islands. In case there are any doubts left, here’s why you should visit the Faroe Islands in the summer :

• Temperatures are above zero . Even if the recorded temperatures in the winter are also usually above freezing point, you need to account for the wind that always blows. That can easily bring the temperatures down by another 10 degrees. The wind chill factor is an issue to consider in the summer too, so bring adequate clothes.
• There are more hours of sunlight . In the winter months the sun can rise at 10am and set at 3,30pm around the winter solstice. That means that most of the day is in the darkness and given the many outdoor activities you can do in the Faroe Islands, you really want to be able to be outside and in the sunlight for as long as possible.
• There are more things open . In the winter, especially during the Christmas period, a lot of the restaurants and hotels are closed. The ferries don’t run. The helicopter service between islands is not operating. Many excursions are not possible and the tour guides are all on leave. That means you won’t be able to see or do a lot of the things that are otherwise available in the summer.
• There are several festivals . In June, there is a Culture Night in Torshavn and on 28th and 29th of July the national celebration to King Olav the Holy takes place. See the calendar below, edited by Visit Faroe Islands and included in their Visit Faroe Islands brochure. It pays to visit the islands during one of the festivals for an extra dose of culture and insights into local life and to interact with the Faroese.

The Faroe Islands in winter time

Despite summer time being the best time to have the full Faroese experience, I went in the winter and we had the whole place to ourselves.

We were one of the few tourists in the entire set of Islands for the duration of our trip. We did not see any other tourists on our Faroe Islands travel itinerary except for maybe a couple of them at our hotel and maybe one or two business travelers.

However, many of the restaurants and hotels in town were closed and there were so few options available that we ended up eating at the same place more than once and we even had lunch at a petrol station and at the airport for lack of other options available on the 1st of January.

If you are in the Faroe Islands over New Year’s Eve , like I was, you will be witness to one of the coolest celebration s . The entire city of Torshavn and the villages set the sky on fire with hundreds of thousands of fireworks from every house and street and the sky above the city was lit for hours non-stop.

I have never seen something like that and it gave celebrations like the one in Sydney a run for their money. It was spectacular to see the amateur and uncoordinated fireworks display from atop the roof of the Foroyar Hotel , located up in the hills above Torshavn.

If you happen to be there during Christmas, the Tourism Office has a section on their site about what to expect. But most of it will be over after Christmas. It is safe to say that the time between Christmas and New Year is the quietest and slowest time of the year.

Practicalities and other things to know for your vacation in the Faroe Islands

We have gone through a lot of information about the Faroe Islands but there is still a bit to cover in terms of practicalities to make a trip happen.

The Faroe Islands is part of Denmark and, as such, the currency in the Faroe Islands is the Danish Krone. You will not be able to use euros there but can easily exchange them. ATM machines are available throughout the country .

The Faroese language is not the same as the Danish but locals speak both. To a foreigner, it is hard to differentiate which language has been used as they both look and sound very unique.

Faroese comes from Old Norse and is related to Icelandic, Norwegian, Danish and Swedish. This is the reason why a lot of the locals can also understand other Nordic languages. Much like any speaker of a Latin language can understand another. English is widely spoken by everyone and you will not have any communication issues.

Visa for the Faroe Islands

For Europeans, the Faroe Islands is not part of the Schengen but can be visited with just a picture ID. However, visas for the Faroe Islands do not work like other Schengen visas or even visas for Denmark.

Even if you are allowed to visit Denmark in your visa, that does not mean that you can visit the Faroe Islands.

Here is a detailed list of the peculiar visa situation in the Faroe Islands.

• Nordic country citizens can enter freely with a picture ID.
• Citizens of the following EU countries: Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania , Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland can enter with a picture ID. Other EU residents and citizens need a valid passport.
• Danish residents not included above need a visa for the Faroe Islands and vice versa. A visa to Denmark does not grant access to the Faroe Islands unless specified, and a visa to the Faroe Islands does not grant access to Denmark.
• To obtain a visa to the Faroe Islands one needs to follow a similar process to getting a visa for Denmark. For a list of the countries needing a visa, check here .

This would look great on any of your #travel or #adventure Pinterest boards

• Check if you need a visa, get help processing it at iVisa .
• Never ever leave without travel insurance. Get affordable coverage from World Nomads or long term insurance from Safety Wing .
• I find all of my flights on KAYAK . Check their Deals section too.
• Search for all your transportation between destinations on the trusted travel booking platform Bookaway .
• I book all my day trips and tours via GetYourGuide , they are the best and their tours are refundable up to 24h in advance.
• Get USD35 off your first booking with Airbnb .
• Compare hotels EVERYWHERE at HotelsCombined and book with Booking.com .
• Compare car rental prices at Rentalcars.com

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First-Timer’s Guide to the Faroe Islands (Travel Tips & FAQ)

By Author Jurga

Posted on Last updated: January 23, 2024

Planning your first trip to the Faroe Islands can be overwhelming. What kind of weather can you expect in the Faroe Islands? What are the best things to see and the best places to stay? How to get to the Faroe Islands and how to get around? How expensive is food on the Faroe Islands?…

We had so many questions before visiting the Faroe Islands , but never found all the answers in one place. Yet, Faroe Islands is not a typical travel destination where you can just show up and hope to make the best of it. So it’s really important to do some research so that you know what to expect. And – I can’t stress this enough – you really have to book your accommodations well in advance!

Based on our personal experience I created this practical guide to the Faroe Islands that should answer all your questions. Find out!

P.S. If you don’t find an answer to your question in this post, feel free to post a reply below and I’ll try to help.

Where are the Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands is an archipelago of 18 islands, located in the Atlantic Ocean. If you look at the map , you’ll see that The Faroe are pretty much in the middle between Scotland, Norway, and Iceland.

How to get to the Faroe Islands

Faroe islands are closer than you think. The easiest way to get to the Faroe Islands is by plane . There are daily direct flights to Copenhagen in Denmark (2hrs), but also short flights from Edinburgh (UK), Bergen (Norway), and Reykjavik (Iceland).

If you prefer the excitement of seeing land for the first time after days spent at sea, you can opt to arrive in the style of the greatest discoverers. In that case, you can opt to go to the Faroe Islands by boat . Smyril Line ferry travels between Denmark and Iceland with a short stop in the Faroe Islands.

This passenger and car ferry looks like an attractive slow travel option and a great way to get to The Faroe, especially because you can bring your own car . However, consider the time that it takes and the costs associated with it (driving to Denmark, hotel accommodations, tickets for the ferry for you and your car, cabins to sleep in, food onboard). Also, there is always a possibility of getting seriously seasick on this multi-day journey…

We did the math and found that it made no financial sense whatsoever for our family of 5 to take this boat to the Faroe Islands. Not to mention the fact that it would add several days to the journey.

TIP: If you decide to arrive in the Faroe Islands by boat, make sure to book it in advance!

Do I need a visa/passport for the Faroe Islands?

Faroe Islands are not part of the Schengen zone, so visitors from some countries might require a valid visa . I had a slight panic attack when, on the way to the airport, I checked a website of a Dutch travel agency that said that we Europeans also need a passport when traveling to the Faroe Islands. Our passports were safely left at home and we only had our Belgian ID cards with us…

After more research on more reputable websites, I found that citizens from most EU countries don’t need a passport in the Faroe Islands – ID card is sufficient (information is correct at the time of writing – 2018). The funny thing is that nobody ever checked even our ID cards. So all that stress was for nothing and reminded me that, sadly, not everything you read on the Internet is true.

You can find more information in regard to the required documents on the official tourism board website . Alternatively, check with the local Danish embassy in your country. Just remember, the Faroe Islands are not part of the EU and have different visa requirements than Denmark.

Book your Faroe Islands accommodation before you book anything else

My quick search for available accommodations on the Faroe Islands was very eye-opening. With just a handful of hotels, a few B&B’s, and several private rentals, Faroe Islands had a grand total of 74 properties for us to choose from. Then I filtered my search for accommodations for 5 people and had just 13 properties left. 13!!!

When I finally filled in our travel dates and got a warning that 98% of all accommodations for August were fully booked… What was left was a tent in the camping and a house on Sandur island that we weren’t even planning to visit…

At this point, I realized that planning a summer trip to the Faroe Islands four months in advance is clearly much too late . Yet, we were determined to go…

What followed was the craziest trip planning method I have ever used. I searched Booking.com for every available accommodation for every single night during the entire month of August. We even searched for Airbnb even though we never use them, but that didn’t help much… I then put it all in a spreadsheet and made a 10-day Faroe Islands itinerary based on available accommodations.

Only after I booked the hotels and made sure we had a roof above our heads for every single night, I finally booked the flights and reserved a rental car.

TIP: Check for the availability of accommodations before you book your trip to the Faroe Islands, especially if you are planning to visit in July or August.

If you are still not convinced, here is a story for you. We met two young people in our hotel in Torshavn who just arrived in the Faroe Islands without booking anything upfront. They quickly found out that there was nothing available on any island, for days in a row. They were going to every hotel in town begging for a place to stay, I really wonder if they found anything in the end…

Our hosts at another accommodation said that in July and August they get almost daily calls from people looking for last-minute places to stay, while everything is usually fully booked months in advance… So don’t be that person and book in advance.

Best places to stay on the Faroe Islands

One of the best places to stay on the Faroe Islands is the capital, Torshavn. The reason is quite simple – most hotels and accommodations are located in Torshavn.

Also, pretty much any place that can be reached by car is less than 1,5hrs drive from Torshavn. Therefore it’s definitely feasible to just base yourself in the city and take day trips. I think that Torshavn is a good place to stay if you only have a few days on the Faroe Islands and want to have complete flexibility.

However, we found that staying in Torshavn is not ideal for seeing all the places that we wanted to see. So we opted for a self-drive trip and rented accommodations at several different locations. The main reason is that driving up and down will often mean that you spend 2-4hrs in the car each day, passing many of the same places every time.

In addition, with just 100km/day mileage limit on your rental car, it’s inevitable that you’ll exceed this limit big way if you opt to drive up and down to Torshavn each day.

Also, we noticed that accommodation gets cheaper the further you go from Torshavn , and so does the food at the restaurants. Just, once again, there isn’t that much available outside the city…

TIP: If you want to see the best of the Faroe Islands, I recommend to make a road trip. Book several accommodations on different islands, and not base yourself in Torshavn the whole time.

Here are some of the best places to stay for a self-drive road trip on the Faroe Islands:

• Stay in Torshavn for exploring Streymoy island, taking a day trip to Nolsoy or even one of the further located islands, or popular boat excursions like Vestmanna cliffs or RIB62 tour to Hestur island.
• Stay in Gjogv for exploring Eysturoy island. We stayed at Gjaargardur Guesthouse in Gjogv – one of my favorite accommodations of this trip. The rooms here are quite simple, but the location is stunning and so is the food.
• Klaksvik is the best base for exploring the northern islands, including Kalsoy.
• Accommodation on Vagar island makes it easy to explore Vagar and take a day trip to Mykines. It’s also close to the airport, so perfect if you arrive late or have to catch an early flight on the day of your departure.
• We also stayed on Suduroy island , but I’d only add it to your itinerary if you are staying in the Faroe Islands for more than a week.

LEARN MORE: Best Hotels in the Faroe Islands (complete guide!)

TIP: Using the map below, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Torshavn . You can also zoom out and see availability in other places. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your trip. Check it out!

How long should you stay in the Faroe Islands

I think that you really need at least 4-5 days to see some of the main highlights of the Faroe Islands .

Ideally, you stay at least a week. This will give you the time to see all the best places, do some hiking, and maybe do a tour or two (boat trips, hiking, and horse riding are the most popular options).

Here you can find our Faroe Islands itinerary suggestions for any trip from 3 to 9 days.

How to get around on the Faroe Islands

Despite the fact that Faroe Islands consist of 18 different islands, you can easily see a lot in the Faroe Islands by car . Most bigger islands are connected by bridges or tunnels, and there are also (car) ferry connections to the other islands.

Car ferries in the Faroe cannot be booked in advance. You just arrive at the harbour and get your ticket on board. Also, you only have to pay for your trip once, the ticket always includes the return journey. Mykines ferry is for passengers only. It’s also the only ferry on the islands that requires advance reservations.

The Faroe Islands also have a good bus network, so it’s possible to travel between the islands without the car. However, many highlights are not located near big towns, so you’d probably not be able to see everything that you want.

It’s also possible to travel between the islands by helicopter . See more information below.

Here you can find all the practical information as well as ferry and bus timetables for the Faroe Islands .

Faroe Islands helicopter

Helicopter is a popular means of transport between the Faroe Islands. Traveling by helicopter is surprisingly cheap as it is subsidized by the government. The cheapest helicopter ride fares cost less than a short taxi ride in London.

However, to prevent tourists from taking too much advantage of this, helicopter rides can only be booked in one direction (no return) for the same day. So if you are considering taking a helicopter to get to one or the other island, keep in mind that you’ll either have to come back by boat, or stay on the island for a few days. Helicopters don’t run daily.

The most popular and easiest to do for tourists is the helicopter to Mykines island . It arrives in Mykines in the morning, allowing you to take a boat back in the evening. However, there are just 12 seats on the helicopter and since recently you can only book the tickets one week in advance. If you do want to book this ride in summer, you’ll probably have to try around midnight of the day when the bookings open.

Note that even if you secure a place on the helicopter, it’s very likely that the boat to come back will be fully booked for that day. So you’d almost have to book the boat tickets first and then hope you can get the helicopter.

Just to complicate things a bit more, the helicopter departs from Vagar airport. Whereas the boat comes back to Sørvágur Harbor, 2km away. So you’d have to figure out where to leave your car and how to get back to it in the evening.

As you can see, trying to get a helicopter to Mykines requires quite some advance planning and lots of flexibility on your side. At the same time, keep in mind, that the boats often get canceled due to stormy weather. And you don’t want to get stuck on Mykines without having arranged accommodation or food in advance. So, as much as it sounded appealing at first, we just decided to take a boat both ways.

If you really want to travel by helicopter in the Faroe Islands, consider flying to some other islands that are not as popular with tourists . All the other helicopter routes allow booking a month in advance. For example, you could take a ferry to Suduroy island, spend a night there, and then take a helicopter to get back to Torshavn the next day.

Here you can find all the timetables and booking information for the Faroe Islands helicopter .

Renting a car on the Faroe islands

If you want to explore the Faroe islands at your own pace, a self-drive trip by rental car is the best way to do it. You don’t need any special car or 4WD in the Faroe Islands (not in summer, anyway). Actually, small cars have advantages as the roads are narrow and some ferries quite small. Since we visited the Faroe Islands with three kids, we rented the biggest 2WD we could find.

There aren’t that many car rental companies available on the Faroe Islands, but we discovered that prices differ a lot. Here you can find a big selection of car rental options in the Faroe Islands .

I also recommend checking RentalCars.com , our favorite website for car hire anywhere in the world. When we traveled, they had an option to rent a car with a big brand that wasn’t featured in the previously mentioned list. It was 30-60% cheaper than any other company offering the exact same car at that moment. This saved us more than 600 EUR.

Also, I kept looking at car rental prices as we got closer to our trip departure date and prices skyrocketed. So book your rental car as soon as you have your flight tickets!

One thing to keep in mind is that for some strange reason most car rental companies in the Faroe Islands seem to have a maximum mileage per day . It’s usually set at 100km/day and they charge extra fees for any additional kilometers. We rented a car for 10 days and drove 1,004km. We exceeded our mileage limit by just 4km(!) and yes, they charged us extra for that.

Driving in the Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands have right-hand traffic (same as in the US and most of Europe, except the UK).

Driving on the Faroe Islands is not that difficult and the main roads are generally good. Most bigger roads are wide enough for two cars. However, there are quite a few roads and also dark narrow tunnels that are just wide enough for one car. In those cases, you are expected to pull over to the side that has wider places foreseen especially for this; it’s really self-explanatory actually.

The biggest danger on the roads in the Faroe Islands are probably the sheep. There are many of them and they cross unexpectedly, so I recommend to always slow down if you see any animals next to the road.

Traffic is somewhat busier around Torshavn and other bigger towns but is pretty quiet on the rest of the islands. We haven’t experienced any traffic jams and didn’t see any accidents.

Parking is usually free, but in Torshavn center, there is a time limit of how long you are allowed to stay. Every rental car is equipped with a small clock that you have to adjust to indicate your arrival time.

You should always have your lights on when driving in the Faroe Islands.

Toll roads on the Faroe Islands

There are several sub-sea toll tunnels on the Faroe Islands that cost 100 DKK (14EUR) for a return trip. You’ll have to pay when driving from Vágar through Vágatunnilin, and driving from Klaksvík through Norðoyatunnilin.

Also the newly opened Eysturoy Tunnel is a toll tunnel. It saves you such a long drive that the toll can be worth it.

In principle, the toll has to be paid at the nearest petrol station. However, most rental cars are equipped with a special transmitter, and this fee will be charged by your car rental company directly from your credit card. Just to be safe, best ask about this when you pick up the car, so that you don’t end up paying twice.

Buttercup routes of the Faroe Islands

Faroe Islands have several particularly scenic routes , called ‘Buttercup routes’. They are indicated by a small green sign with a yellow flower on it. Faroe Islands tourist maps have all these routes indicated in green, so you really can’t miss them.

When is the best time to visit the Faroe Islands?

Arguably, every season has its charms, but most people visit the Faroe Islands between May and September . June, July, and August are the most popular months. The weather is at its best and it’s also the season when you can expect to see puffins.

If you visit the Faroe Islands outside the summer season, you’ll have the main landmarks all to yourself. Just keep in mind that facilities outside big towns are really minimal even in summer, so don’t expect much if you are traveling off-season.

Faroe Islands can be magical in winter as well, especially if it’s cold and dry. However, it can also be very wet. The good thing is that the temperatures remain quite mild. Average temperatures in the Faroe Islands in December, January, and February are between 2 and 6 °C (35 – 43°F).

READ ALSO: Best Time to Visit Europe

What kind of weather can I expect in the Faroe Islands?

Faroe Islands have a relatively mild climate . It hardly ever gets really very cold, but it’s not warm either. In winter you’ll have temperatures around 2-6°C (36-43F) and in summer 6-12°C (43-54 F). The biggest difference is the rain – there are twice as many rainy days in December or January as in June. Summer might have the best weather for visiting the Faroe Islands, but keep in mind that a ‘heat wave’ with temperatures over 20°C (68F) is an extremely rare occurrence.

The weather here in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean can be really harsh, but it also changes frequently . It’s not unusual to have rain in one place, mist just a bit down the road, and sunshine another mile further.

We visited the Faroe Islands in August and had maximum temperatures of 12°C (54F) every single day. We experienced all kinds of Faroe weather with everything from blue skies and sunshine, to mist and the most miserable rain I’ve seen in my life, and everything in between…

Mostly we would get all kinds of weather in one day. Just a few days were completely dry and at times even sunny. And one day it was raining pretty much non-stop from early morning till late in the afternoon. Unfortunately, that was the day when we visited Mykines – a place where yo can hardly hide anywhere. We got soaking wet and freezing cold in no time. Rain pants would have been really handy here!

What to wear when visiting the Faroe Islands?

What to wear and what to pack on the Faroe Islands will depend a bit on the season when you travel. In general, you always need good sturdy waterproof footwear (if you plan to do any hiking, hiking boots are a must!). A waterproof jacket is a must in any season and waterproof pants are really nice to have too. Rain ponchos and umbrellas are pretty much useless due to high winds.

Even in summer, you should pack a warm hat, shawl/buff, and gloves . Make sure you have several layers of clothing as the weather changes all the time. We had days where we started out with 4 layers (t-shirt, two sweaters, and a rain jacket), and then went to 1, and back to 4 again.

Most tourists we met at the hotels wore jeans and casual sweaters, but remember that jeans are really the worst type of clothing to wear if it rains. We wore our hiking pants pretty much the entire vacation. They are light and dry quickly. Yet, we really regretted we didn’t take rain pants . When it rains, it pours down, and you get soaking wet in a matter of minutes.

I don’t think your packing list will differ much from summer to winter, just in winter, you’ll need a warmer jacket, warmer socks, and more layers (ideally wool). Thermal merino wool underwear is a must for destinations like the Faroe Islands (I wore mine in August).

What are the best places to see on the Faroe Islands

The best places to see on the Faroe Islands include Tinganes in Torshavn, Kirkjubøur, Saksun, and Tjornuvik villages, Gjogv, Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy Island, Múlafossur Waterfall near Gasadalur, the famous view from Trælanípa hike, the bird cliffs of Vestmanna or Hestur, and of course Mykines Island.

There are obviously many more stunning locations that are well worth a visit, but – in my opinion – the ones listed above are really not to be missed on any visit to the Faroe Islands.

TIP: If you don’t know where to start and don’t want to worry about roads, ferry schedules, or travel planning, consider booking organized day tours .

There are also multi-day packages that bring you to the best places of the Faroe Islands on organized day trips from Torshavn. So you stay in the same hotel every day and have a local guide pick you up for the day. The most popular option is this 6-day guided tour package – it covers all the musts!

An old-fashioned paper travel guide is also nice to have if you have more time to explore the islands or if you want to learn more about the places that you are visiting.

What are the most beautiful hikes of the Faroe Islands

The Faroe Islands have a lot of hiking possibilities. But not all hikes are worth your time equally.

In my opinion, the best hikes of the Faroe Islands are: Villingardalsfjall and Enniberg (Viðoy island), Kallur Lighthouse (Kalsoy island), Trælanípa – Bøsdalafossur (Vagar island), Mykinesholmur (Mykines Island), Saksun – út á Lónna (Streymoy island).

LEARN MORE: Hiking in the Faroe Islands

What kind of money do they use on the Faroe Islands and do you need cash?

Faroe Islands use the Danish krona (DKK). You can get some cash from an ATM at the airport or in bigger towns. We found that you don’t really need cash when traveling in the Faroe Islands – pretty much everything can be paid by credit card.

We took some cash because one of the accommodations required cash payment, but that was the only time we used it.

How expensive are the Faroe Islands

Despite its remote location, Faroe Islands are more affordable than I thought. I expected Faroe Islands to be as expensive as Iceland , but was pleasantly surprised that it wasn’t the case.

Just like anywhere else in the world, there are big differences in what food costs at an upscale restaurant in the capital city or a pizzeria in a small town.

After the initial shock of seeing 50-70EUR dishes at some fancy restaurants in Torshavn downtown, somehow we managed to find affordable meals for our family during the whole 10-night stay on the Faroe Islands.

We had a 50 EUR/adult dinner buffet at our hotel in Torshavn, while the evening before we spent just 48 EUR for 5 meals. We paid 12 EUR fish&chips/person in Klaksvik, and a total of 60 EUR for pizza and drinks for the whole family at the best pizza place on the Faroe Islands – Joe Pizza in Hvalvik.

Smidjan restaurant on Vagar island (not far from the airport) also has simple food at normal prices. Kids’ menu costs just around 9 EUR, fish & chips – 12 EUR, the most expensive big pizza – 20EUR.

Fuel is much cheaper on the Faroe Islands than in Western Europe.

Hotel prices in the Faroe Islands are somewhat in line with those in other Scandinavian countries. We paid as much as 310 EUR/ night for a family room including breakfast in Torshavn and as little as 110 EUR/ night for a 3-bedroom house on Suduroy island. Most other accommodations cost us around 200 EUR/night. Note that we traveled with 5 people: 2 adults and 3 kids.

Car rental is quite expensive on the Faroe Islands, but not more than in Iceland or Norway (it’s also much more affordable if booked in advance). We rented a big SUV for 10 days and paid around 830 EUR, which is about the same as we paid in Norway for a somewhat smaller car. Check here for the best car rental prices .

Ferries and public transport are subsidized and therefore not expensive at all. Just to give you an idea, Mykines ferry was the most expensive route we took without a car, it cost 120 DKK (16 EUR)/adult return. Return fare on a ferry to Suduroy island was 225 DKK (30 EUR) for a car and a driver. A 7-day unlimited ferry & bus pass costs 700 DKK (95 EUR).

Buses within Torshavn are free of charge.

Guided tours in the Faroe Islands aren’t cheap, however, they usually include everything and allow you to see a lot in a short time. Here you can find the biggest selection of guided day trips and tours in the Faroe Islands .

Is it easy to find where to eat on the Faroe Islands?

All bigger towns on the Faroe Islands have restaurants and supermarkets . For example, in Torshavn, you’ll find a big shopping center and all types of restaurants: everything from Burger King, upscale restaurants, and everything in between. But it’s not the case outside Torshavn.

Most restaurants in smaller towns are only open in the evenings. There are also many small villages that have no restaurants or even cafés at all.

If you get the Faroe Islands tourist map at the airport, you’ll see that it shows all the facilities, including restaurants and petrol stations. But even then, it’s possible that some restaurants in remote villages are only open in high season, or just on certain days…

To be on the safe side, we always recommend packing a picnic for lunch . It gives you complete flexibility and is truly the best way to not have to worry about finding food along the way.

Where can I buy alcohol on the Faroe Islands?

Just like Iceland, the Faroe Islands have quite strict rules when it comes to buying alcohol . You won’t find alcoholic drinks over 2.8% vol at the supermarkets. All stronger alcoholic beverages are only sold by Rúsdrekkasøla Landsins, which has six shops on the islands.

You can get alcohol at the restaurants, but if you want to buy some, the easiest place to do so is the Duty-Free shop at the airport.

Do they speak English in the Faroe Islands?

The official language on the Faroe Islands is Faroese, but everyone we met on the Faroe spoke perfect English. So you should have no problem communicating with most locals.

Do EU roaming regulations count on the Faroe Islands?

EU roaming regulations do not count on the Faroe Islands (not for us coming from Belgium, in any case). This means that you’ll either have to get a local SIM card or pay roaming fees when using your mobile phone connection in the Faroe Islands.

The good news is that pretty much all accommodations and a few other places like some restaurants and even ferries offer free wi-fi .

Is it safe to travel to the Faroe Islands?

Yes, it’s absolutely safe to travel in the Faroe Islands. In fact, I think the Faroe has the lowest crime rate of any place we’ve ever visited. Probably the biggest danger in the Faroe Islands is going too close to the edge of the cliffs or driving in the mist.

Where can I see puffins in the Faroe Islands?

Before we talk about the best places to see puffins on the Faroe Islands, you should know that you can only see them in summer. Best time to see puffins on the Faroe Islands is from May till late August; if you’re lucky, they might be around from mid-April till mid-September.

Mykines island is without any doubt the best place to see puffins from close by on the Faroe Islands. Vestmanna or RIB62 boat tours go to bird cliffs and you’ll see a lot of puffins as well, however, from a much bigger distance.

There are also big puffin colonies on many other locations all over the Faroe Islands, but the chances to see them from close by are minimal. We spotted puffins in Gjogv, but they were really far.

Here you can book a guided tour to Mykines island with a local .

What kind of lenses to pack for photography on the Faroe Islands?

I used two lenses during our Faroe Islands trip: 70-200mm telephoto lens for puffins and a wide-angle 16-35mm lens for landscapes and all the rest. You really need a wide-angle lens for the Faroe Islands!

READ ALSO: Travel Photography Tips

What kind of electrical plugs do they use on the Faroe Islands?

Faroe Islands use European electricity plugs (220-230 volts AC (50 Hz)). If you are coming from outside continental Europe, you’ll need to use European adapter plugs .

Whaling on the Faroe Islands

Unfortunately, the Faroe Islands is one of the few places in the world that still allow whaling . If you travel in the Faroe Islands towards the end of the summer, the chances are high that you’ll be an involuntary witness of whale slaughter.

I don’t want to go into a discussion about whaling, the reasons behind it, and the century-old whaling traditions in the Faroe Islands. I just want to tell you this – if you don’t want to see it, do yourself a favor and don’t stop next to the bay where there are lots of cars parked by the road.

We saw boats in the water and all those smiling families with kids walking along the road to the bay and thought it was some kind of a local market or celebration. By the time we realized what was happening and why the sea was bright red, it was too late… We found ourselves standing on the beach surrounded by tens of dead pilot whales… So the next time we saw hundreds of cars parked by the road and tens of boats in the water, we quickly drove away…

It was a heartbreaking sight for us and I hope and strongly believe that increasing tourism and awareness will make an end to this centuries-old whaling tradition in the Faroe Islands. But in the meantime, as hard as it is to understand, try to remember that you’re just a guest here.

So, these are my tips and practical information for your visit to the Faroe Islands . Want to add anything or ask a question? You can do so by leaving a reply below.

If interested, you can also join our Facebook group for Scandinavia travel and ask your questions/ share experiences there.

Summary of the most popular FAQs

While every season has its charms, the best time to visit the Faroe Islands is between May and September. June, July, and August are the most popular months with the best weather.

While you can expect to see puffins in the Faroe Islands between mid-April to September, the best time to see puffins is between May and mid-August.

Yes, you can visit the Faroe Islands at any time of the year. However, some places on the more remote islands might not be easily accessible in the low season, and tourist facilities outside Torshavn are limited in winter.

Faroe Islands is not a cheap destination, but it’s cheaper than e.g. Iceland. With good planning and smart budgeting, you can make your trip quite affordable. For example, accommodation and restaurants outside of Torshavn are much cheaper than in the city and public transport is very cheap too.

Faroese is the official language on the Faroe Islands, but everyone we met in the Faroe Islands spoke perfect English.

Yes, you can easily visit the most popular places in the Faroe Islands by car. The main islands are connected with bridges and undersea tunnels and there are also car ferries to the other islands. Some islands like Mykines cannot be visited by car, but you can get there by boat or by helicopter.

Depending on where you are coming from, you can visit the Faroe Islands in your own car. There are car ferries between the Faroe Islands and Iceland and also between the Faroe Islands and Denmark.

Yes, the Faroe Islands is a very safe travel destination, probably one of the safest places in the world. The biggest danger is running into some sheep on the road.

More tips for visiting the Faroe Islands:

• Hiking: Best Hikes in the Faroe Islands
• Accommodation: Faroe Islands Hotels

READ ALSO our suggestions for the Faroe Islands itinerary (any duration)

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Thursday 18th of January 2024

Hi Jurga, Thank you for your valuable insight on the Faroe Islands. It looks lovely. We're looking at visiting the Faroe Islands summer of 2024. I'll be traveling with 3 children. I've heard about the Grindadrap. I understand it takes place anywhere between May - September (perhaps multiple times). I respect other cultures and their traditions but I'd rather not be there during this event with my children. From what I've read the time and where it occurs really depends upon when whales and dolphins are spotted. Anyone have any additional information that might be helpful regarding this? I reached out to the tourism office but haven't heard from them.

Friday 19th of January 2024

Hi Monica, I understand your concern, but if you ever want to visit the Faroe Islands, you just have to accept that whaling is still a thing there. Based on our personal experience, I can tell you that there is indeed a chance of running into such an event when traveling around. And no, there is no way to predict it. It can occur anywhere and at any time. We saw it twice during our visit. On one occasion, we saw red sea from far, before we even got closer. On another occasion, we saw boats behind whales still in the water. In most cases, even if you see something going on, you can just drive by without actually seeing much, but sometimes you can't avoid seeing certain things, especially if the road passes close to a harbor. However, it's just as likely that you won't witness any of this during your trip at all. So it's really up to you to decide. If you absolutely want to avoid even the smallest chance of seeing any of this, then you would have to research which season is 'safe' and travel at that time. Or go somewhere else. Iceland is a great alternative and very nice to do with kids. Our kids loved all the hot pools everywhere. Whatever you decide, for this summer, you have to book asap. Both - the Faroe Islands and Iceland have quite limited accommodation options outside the capital region so it quickly books up. We have tons of information about visiting Iceland on our blog, if you're interested.

Thursday 17th of August 2023

Just read that a weekly flight from New York is starting up. Hope they are ready for an explosion of tourism.

I'm not sure they are ready for a big influx of tourists even on the main islands, let alone the smaller ones... The future will tell, I suppose.

Monday 1st of May 2023

Hi Jurga, Do you know how much does each ferry ride cost (to Nolsoy and Kalsoy)? The website doesn't seem to indicate, and I am wondering if I should purchase the travel card if I am going each island once. Do I purchase the ticket at the port on the day I am taking the ferry?

Tuesday 2nd of May 2023

Hi Jean, we just got all our tickets at the harbor. I don't remember the prices anymore, but it wasn't expensive at all. It's a local (and I think heavily subsidized) public transport, so the prices are very reasonable.

Glenda Hills

Sunday 23rd of April 2023

Your blog is FANTASTIC ... thank you. I'm seriously considering travelling to the Faroe Islands in September 2024 with a photography group and your information is ever so helpful.

Glad to hear that, Glenda. The Faroe Islands is a beautiful destination for a photo tour!

Saturday 25th of February 2023

Hi, do you know how likely are they to cancel ferries to Mykines Island? I have the visit to Mykines at the end of my trip and I am thinking if I should extend my stay for a day in case the plan falls through, so I can reschedule and try again. Any advice?

Sunday 26th of February 2023

Hi Jean, there is no way anyone can tell you in advance how likely it is that the ferry gets canceled. It really depends on the weather, and yes, it can happen. So yes, it can be a good idea to foresee some flexibility in your travel plans.

Faroe Islands Travel Guide: the ultimate 10 recommendations

Welcome to the ultimate travel guide to the Faroe Islands, a destination of rugged beauty and unspoiled landscapes that beckon travelers seeking an extraordinary adventure. If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring a remote and breathtakingly scenic destination, you’re in for a treat. My mission in this blog post is to equip you with the most practical and comprehensive information on how to plan your perfect Faroe Islands getaway. I’ll take you on a journey through the essential details, from understanding the unique geography and location of these North Atlantic gems to providing expert insights on booking the best trip.

In this travel guide, I aim to demystify the Faroe Islands, helping you navigate the logistics and create a memorable travel experience. You’ll discover the where, when, and how of visiting this remote archipelago, as well as invaluable tips on making the most of your time there. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast, an adventure seeker, or a photographer looking for the perfect shot, this post is your one-stop resource for everything Faroe Islands.

So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready to embark on an unforgettable journey. By the time you’ve finished reading, you’ll have all the practical information you need to book the best trip to the Faroe Islands and create memories that will last a lifetime. Let’s dive into this remote and captivating destination together, step by step.

Where are the Faroe Islands located?

The Faroe Islands are nestled in the North Atlantic Ocean, situated approximately halfway between Iceland and Norway. Geographically, they are located about 320 kilometers (200 miles) northwest of Scotland. This remote and rugged destination, often described as a hidden gem of the North Atlantic, is an autonomous territory within the Kingdom of Denmark. Comprising 18 main islands and several smaller islets, the Faroe Islands offer a breathtaking landscape of dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and pristine fjords. Its unique location, characterized by the cool North Atlantic waters and the influence of the Gulf Stream, results in a mild maritime climate, making it an attractive destination for travelers seeking natural beauty and outdoor adventures. The Faroe Islands, with their distinctive location and captivating scenery, beckon explorers and nature enthusiasts to discover their remote charm and extraordinary landscapes, truly living up to the dream of an off-the-beaten-path travel destination.

Faroe Islands: how to get there?

Getting to the Faroe Islands is more convenient than ever, thanks to the new direct routes offered by Atlantic Airways, the national airline of the Faroe Islands. This company has a rich history dating back to its establishment in 1987. Originally founded as a helicopter company, it quickly expanded to include fixed-wing aircraft, becoming a pivotal player in connecting these remote islands to the world.

If you’re traveling from Europe , you’re in for a real treat. Atlantic Airways has recently launched a direct route from Paris ( France ) to the Faroe Islands, making the journey smoother and more accessible than ever before.

This direct flight from Paris to Vágar Airport significantly cuts down travel time, allowing you to dive right into the Faroese experience. But that’s not all – Atlantic Airways also offers direct routes from other major European cities, including Copenhagen (Denmark), Reykjavik (Iceland) and Edinburgh (Scotland). With a well-connected network and these direct routes, reaching this remote paradise in the North Atlantic has never been easier. So wherever you’re flying from, Atlantic Airways has you covered, ensuring a convenient and comfortable journey to the Faroe Islands.

Travelers coming from North America or other international destinations may consider flying into one of these major European cities. So, whether you’re flying from Paris, Copenhagen, Reykjavik, or Edinburgh, Atlantic Airways, with its strong history and commitment to exceptional service, has you covered, ensuring a convenient and comfortable journey to the Faroe Islands.

Book your flight here!

If you prefer sea travel, you can explore the possibility of taking a ferry from Iceland, which offers a scenic maritime adventure with breathtaking views of the Faroese landscape. Regardless of your choice, these options ensure that your adventure to the Faroe Islands is not only accessible but also a memorable part of your overall travel experience.

Faroe Islands: travel tips

• Language: Faroese is the official language, but most Faroese people also speak Danish and often English. English is commonly used in the tourism industry.
• Weather Preparedness: Be ready for unpredictable weather. Pack layers, a waterproof jacket, and sturdy, waterproof footwear. Regardless of the season, rain is always a possibility.
• Transportation: Public transportation is limited, so consider renting a car to explore the islands independently. Roads are well-maintained but can be narrow and winding, so drive with caution. Rent a car here.
• Respect the Environment: The Faroe Islands’ natural beauty is pristine. Respect the environment by staying on marked paths, not disturbing wildlife, and properly disposing of your waste.
• Camping: Wild camping is not allowed, but campsites are available for a fee.
• Alcohol: The Faroe Islands have strict alcohol regulations. You can only buy alcohol at government-operated stores, and it can be quite expensive. Consider purchasing alcohol at duty-free shops in the airport upon arrival.
• Safety: The Faroe Islands are considered very safe. However, be cautious when hiking, as the terrain can be challenging and the weather unpredictable.
• Cultural Etiquette: While the Faroe Islands are fairly relaxed, it’s important to be respectful of local customs and traditions. Greet locals with a smile and a nod when passing on the street.
• Internet and Mobile Coverage: Internet and mobile coverage are generally good, but be aware that in very remote areas, you may experience limited connectivity.
• Photography: The Faroe Islands offer countless photo opportunities. However, always ask for permission before taking pictures of local residents, and respect any restricted areas or “no photography” signs. Drone photography is allowed in the Faroe Islands and offers unparalleled perspectives of the dramatic landscapes. While it’s a fantastic way to capture the rugged beauty, there are strict regulations. Ensure you familiarize yourself with the specific rules and limitations, including no-fly zones and privacy considerations.

Faroe Islands Currency

In the Faroe Islands, the official currency is the Danish Krone (DKK), and in addition to the DKK, the Faroese Króna (FKR) is also in circulation. While credit and debit cards are widely accepted in most places, it’s advisable to carry some cash, especially for smaller purchases and in more remote areas where card facilities might be limited. You’ll find ATMs available in towns and larger villages, and both Danish Krone (DKK) and Faroese Króna (FKR) are widely accepted, making it convenient for travelers as you can use either currency for your transactions in most places across the Faroe Islands. Keep in mind that the Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark, and the currency used here includes both DKK and FKR, with the exchange rate being 1 DKK = 1 FKR.

Faroe Islands Weather

Understanding the Faroe Islands’ ever-changing weather is not just practical; it’s essential for planning a successful trip to this enchanting archipelago. The Faroe Islands’ climate is characterized by its maritime influences and dramatic seasonal shifts, each offering a unique atmosphere and set of experiences for travelers. In this section, I’ll take you on a journey through the seasons, delving into what you can expect in terms of weather and how it can impact your travel plans. From the vibrant awakening of spring to the tranquility of winter’s solitude, I’ll provide you with the insights you need to choose the perfect time to explore the Faroe Islands and pack accordingly. So, let’s dive into the ever-shifting skies and discover the captivating weather patterns that shape this remote and breathtaking destination.

Spring in the Faroe Islands

Spring in the Faroe Islands, which typically spans from March to May, is a season of awakening. The islands burst into life as the winter frost recedes, and nature reclaims its vibrancy. While temperatures remain on the cool side, ranging from 5°C to 10°C (41°F to 50°F), the Faroes come alive with colorful flora and lush green landscapes. It’s an excellent time for birdwatching, with countless seabirds returning to their nesting grounds. Be prepared for frequent rain showers and ever-changing weather, so packing layers and waterproof gear is essential.

Summer in the Faroe Islands

Summer in the Faroe Islands, from June to August, is the most popular time to visit. With temperatures ranging from 10°C to 15°C (50°F to 59°F), this is the warmest season, and the days are long, often with nearly 24 hours of daylight. It’s an ideal time for hiking, wildlife exploration, and outdoor activities. The landscapes are at their most picturesque, with vibrant green valleys, wildflowers in bloom, and abundant birdlife. But don’t forget your raincoat, as the islands are still subject to frequent rainfall, even in summer.

Autumn in the Faroe Islands

Autumn, from September to November, ushers in a season of dramatic landscapes and fewer tourists. The temperatures start to drop, ranging from 8°C to 12°C (46°F to 54°F). This season offers a unique blend of fading summer colors and the emergence of stunning fall foliage. It’s an excellent time for photography, as the changing light and weather patterns create captivating scenes. Be prepared for more unpredictable weather and shorter days as the Faroe Islands transition into winter.

Winter in the Faroe Islands

Winter in the Faroe Islands, from December to February, is a time of stark beauty and tranquility. Daylight hours are limited, with only a few hours of dim sunlight each day, and temperatures range from 3°C to 7°C (37°F to 45°F). While it’s the coldest and darkest season, it has its own charm. It’s the best time to witness the Northern Lights, and if you’re a fan of cozy atmospheres and solitude, this is the season for you. Be ready for wet and windy weather, as winter storms can be quite powerful.

Understanding the distinct characteristics of each season in the Faroe Islands is vital for planning the timing of your trip and packing appropriate clothing and gear. Whether you’re seeking the vibrant life of summer or the serene solitude of winter, the Faroes offer unique experiences throughout the year.

Faroe Islands Map: how to travel within the country

Navigating the Faroe Islands is an adventure in itself, offering diverse modes of transport for exploration. Renting a car is a popular choice, providing flexibility to traverse the islands at your own pace, taking in the scenic routes and stopping at various viewpoints. Ferries play a crucial role in connecting some of the more remote islands, offering a picturesque maritime journey between these stunning landscapes. During the high season, helicopter services further enhance accessibility, providing a unique and efficient way to hop between islands, granting awe-inspiring aerial views of the archipelago. Each mode of travel in the Faroe Islands contributes to the overall experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the unique beauty and varied landscapes of this remote destination.

Driving in the Faroe Islands offers an excellent way to explore the breathtaking landscapes, but it comes with its own set of considerations. The network of roads includes some incredible engineering feats like underwater tunnels, connecting various islands. Tolls are applicable for these tunnels, usually ranging from 100 to 250 DKK (Danish Krone) depending on the tunnel and vehicle size. As for road conditions, the Faroes’ serpentine routes can be narrow and winding, so drivers should exercise caution, especially in unpredictable weather.

Wildlife, such as sheep and birds, freely roam, so keeping an eye out for them is crucial to prevent accidents. Speed limits are typically around 50-60 km/h in towns and 80 km/h on rural roads. Renting a car from a reliable company can enhance your travel experience, providing well-maintained vehicles and local expertise. Rent your car here!

Ferries in the Faroe Islands form a vital link between several islands, facilitating exploration and travel. Routes typically connect Torshavn, the capital, with outlying islands like Nólsoy, Hestur, Koltur, and Sandoy. The pricing and schedules for these ferries can vary depending on the season, so it’s advisable to check the official website of the Strandfaraskip Landsins (SSL), the national ferry company, for up-to-date information. Generally, tickets for foot passengers are reasonably priced, while costs for bringing vehicles aboard differ based on size and destination. Schedules are usually accommodating, providing multiple daily trips, especially during the high season, but it’s recommended to plan ahead, considering that weather conditions can occasionally impact the ferry services. The SSL website typically provides comprehensive details on schedules, ticket prices, and any additional information necessary for a smooth ferry experience across the Faroe Islands.

Helicopter rides

Helicopter services in the Faroe Islands offer an exceptional and scenic mode of travel, particularly during the high season. Operated by Atlantic Airways, the helicopter routes typically function from May to August, catering to both locals and tourists. These services connect the islands of Torshavn, Vágar, Mykines, and other smaller isles. Prices for helicopter rides can vary based on the specific route and the season, with costs typically higher during the peak summer months. It’s recommended to book these flights in advance due to their popularity, and also to account for potential weather-related disruptions, as the Faroe Islands’ climate can influence flight schedules. These helicopter journeys not only provide a quick and efficient way to access more remote or smaller islands but also offer breathtaking aerial views of the rugged landscapes, making the travel experience an adventure in itself. For updated information on schedules, prices, and routes, it’s advisable to check the Atlantic Airways website or contact their customer service for any additional details necessary for planning helicopter rides within the Faroe Islands.

Faroe Islands: high season vs low season

The Faroe Islands experience distinct high and low seasons, each offering unique experiences for visitors. The high season typically spans from May to August, drawing in travelers eager to explore the islands during the milder, more accommodating weather. These months see longer days, making it perfect for outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying the stunning landscapes. As for the low season, which begins in September and lasts through April, it introduces a different ambiance. With the changing weather, shorter days, and often inclement conditions, it’s a time when the islands adopt a quieter rhythm. Notably, from October 1st, many tourist facilities, including restaurants and some accommodations, start to wind down or even close for the season. While this might limit certain amenities, the low season offers the opportunity for a more serene and authentic experience, often appreciated by those seeking solitude and a closer connection with the Faroes’ raw beauty.

Where to stay in the Faroe Islands?

Strategic accommodation in the Faroe Islands often centers around Tórshavn, the capital, due to its central location and range of amenities. This puts visitors within reach of most of the archipelago’s attractions. The city offers various hotel options, from boutique stays to larger chains, catering to different preferences and budgets.

Some noteworthy hotels offering a comfortable and convenient base for exploration in Tórshavn include:

• Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands
• Hotel Føroyar
• Havgrim Seaside Hotel 1948
• Hotel Brandan
• Hotel Hafnia

For those seeking a more remote experience, options extend to the outer islands, offering a chance to immerse in the untouched landscapes and smaller communities. These remote stays might include guesthouses or smaller hotels in areas like Klaksvík, Gjógv, or even Mykines.

Staying with locals via platforms like Airbnb also provides an intimate experience, allowing visitors to embrace the local way of life, gain insider tips, and savor the unique Faroese hospitality in homes scattered across the islands.

One of my favorites is a farm located in Æðuvík . It is owned by Harriet, a female farmer who also sell her pictures. She takes gorgeous photographs of her animals and is currently really invested into saving the Faroese horses breed (there are only 89 left in the world at the time of writing)

Where to eat and drink in the Faroe Islands?

Here’s a list of some exceptional dining spots that offer a taste of the local flavors and global cuisines:

• Koks: Located in Kirkjubøur, this two Michelin stars restaurant is renowned for its innovative take on traditional Faroese dishes, providing an exquisite dining experience.
• Áarstova: Situated in Tórshavn, Áarstova serves up authentic Faroese cuisine, specializing in dishes like skerpikjøt (wind-dried mutton) and ræst kjøt (fermented mutton).
• Ræst: Another Michelin restaurant. Situated in Tórshavn, Ræst offers a unique dining experience where traditional Faroese ingredients are fermented and transformed into delectable dishes.
• Barbara Fish House: Located in Tórshavn, Barbara Fish House offers a casual and cozy atmosphere, with a focus on locally sourced and beautifully crafted seafood delicacies.
• Katrina Christiansen: In Tórshavn, Katrina Christiansen’s restaurant presents a fusion of local ingredients in tapas style dishes.
• Suppugarðurin : Found in Tórshavn, Suppugarðurin is a Japanese restaurant known for its authentic and meticulously prepared dishes, offering a taste of Japan in the heart of the Faroe Islands.

The best way to really experience a culture is to integrate with the locals. And in the Faroes, you can dine in the homes of Faroese people. This is called “ Heimablídni “, which translates directly as “home hospitality”. You can enjoy authentic and intimate dining experiences in people’s homes all across the islands. Find the list of places that offers Heimablídni here .

If you are craving a typical nordic cinnamon bun, or any pastry, check out Breyðvirkið Bakery. Located in Tórshavn, Breyðvirkið Bakery is known for its delightful array of baked goods, offering a variety of freshly made bread and pastries, adding a touch of local flavors to Tórshavn’s culinary scene.

The Faroe Islands also offer a range of spots to unwind and enjoy a drink. Here’s a list of places where you can savor your favorite beverage while soaking in the local ambiance:

• Sirkus Bar – Located in Tórshavn, this trendy bar offers a lively atmosphere and a wide selection of drinks, often hosting live music and events.
• Mikkeller Tórshavn – A craft beer bar situated in Tórshavn, offering an array of unique and flavorful beers, perfect for beer enthusiasts.
• Paname Café: In Tórshavn, Paname Café offers a cozy ambiance and a range of delicious pastries and light meals, providing a taste of French-inspired cuisine in the heart of the Faroe Islands.
• Fríða Kaffihús: Situated in Klaksvík, Fríða Kaffihús offers a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, known for its delightful selection of coffee and light bites, creating a charming spot for a relaxing break in Klaksvík.
• Kaffihúsið Tórshavn – A cozy café in Tórshavn serving various beverages, including coffee, tea, and a selection of wines and spirits.

Faroe Islands: Best things to do

The Faroe Islands offer a myriad of experiences for every traveler. From hiking the scenic trails that reveal breathtaking vistas to exploring charming villages steeped in history, there’s something for everyone. Nature enthusiasts can revel in birdwatching along the stunning cliffs, while photographers can capture the ethereal landscapes at every turn. Whether it’s savoring traditional Faroese cuisine, delving into the local culture, or embarking on exhilarating outdoor adventures, the Faroes promise an unforgettable journey. For a deeper dive into the best activities this captivating destination has to offer check out my dedicated blog post on the best things to do in the Faroe Islands .

You may also enjoy:

The 15 best things to do in the ….

Wild camping is actualy not allowed in the Faroe Islands. Tourist are generally expected to stay at camp sites. It is though possible to get permission from the farmers to set up a tent on their land, but that option is restricted due to sheeps and other farming considerations and is often not an option.

Thanks for letting me know. I’ve corrected the article 🙂

Great article about the lovely Faroe Islands, with loads of helpful information. I just have one correction regarding camping, it is NOT allowed to do wild camping, camping is exclusively allowed at camping sites. If you want to do wild camping, you need to contact the landowner in the area you want to camp and ask for permission, since all the land in the outfield is privately owned, and primarily for sheep to graze on. 🙂

Thank you for letting me know. I’ve corrected it!

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Wild Junket

Travel Faroe Islands: A Detailed Guide and Itinerary

Last Updated on March 18, 2024

Are you planning to travel Faroe Islands? Here’s my complete Faroe Islands travel guide and itinerary with details on the best places to explore, eat and sleep in 4 days.

In the depths of the Atlantic Ocean, tiny islands with jagged peaks and vertiginous cliff faces jut out from the sea, piercing into the sky like giant daggers. Sea stacks, craggy bird cliffs and black sandy beaches dot the coast, while steep snowcapped mountains stretch across the length of the islands.

This archipelago of 18 islands lies in the intersection point of three popular destinations: Iceland, Scotland and Norway. Just like its neighbors, the Faroe Islands has it all. The Northern Lights, world-class hiking trails, an abundance of nature, wildlife and Scandinavian traditions. But few people know about them, and the Faroese prefer to keep it that way.

What makes the Faroe Islands so special to me is that it’s so rugged, wild and small. It truly feels like you’re in the middle of the ocean here. No matter where you go on the Faroe Islands, you are never more than 5 km from the coast. The country is largely covered by wilderness and even the largest towns on the island have populations in their hundreds.

Table of Contents

History of the Faroe Islands

When to travel faroe islands, by car rental, by helicopter, day tours on the faroe islands, hotel føroyar, hotel vagar, hotel gjáargarður in gjogv, where to eat on the faroe islands, how much does it cost to travel faroe islands, what to pack for faroe islands.

• Day 1: Explore Gásadalur and Sørvágsvatn

Day 2: Visit Mykines and Gjógv

Day 3: drive to kalsoy, tjørnuvík and saksun , day 4: get to know torshavn, day 5: fly home, ready to travel to the faroe islands, travel faroe islands.

The first people to settle here were Irish monks, who arrived in the 6th century. Norsemen then settled the Faroe Islands in the 9th century and the islands became a part of the Kingdom of Norway in 1035. Norwegian rule on the islands continued until 1380, when the islands became part of the dual Denmark–Norway kingdom.

The Faroe Islands came under the administration of Denmark following the 1814 Treaty of Kiel that ended the dual Denmark–Norway kingdom. After an  independence referendum in 1946 (unrecognized by Denmark), the Faroe Islands were given extended self-governance with the Danish Realm in 1948.

The Faroes may be a part of the Kingdom of Denmark (just like Greenland is), but they have a cultural identity of their own and they are extremely proud of it. They have been self-governing since 1948, they have their own language (that is closer to Icelandic than Danish), traditions and customs. Ask any Faroese how they feel and they would reply, “We are not Danes — we are Faroese.”

Summer is also the best time to see puffins on Mykines island as that is their nesting season. Each summer, they gather on the slopes of the island, burrowing holes to build their nests. I saw hundreds of them on Mykines even in May during my visit – so try to time your trip to this time of the year if you want to see them.

In my opinion, you can also visit during the shoulder season (May-June and September-October) if you’re looking to travel on a budget and have the place to yourself. Whenever you choose to visit, be aware that weather in the Faroe Islands is a fickle beast at any time of year so come prepared for all eventualities.

How to Get to the Faroe Islands

As wild and remote as the Faroe Islands are, they aren’t really  that difficult or expensive to get to from mainland Europe. Don’t expect to pay prices that you would for a standard flight in mainland Europe, but they are actually affordable considering what a special place the Faroe Islands is. The most common way is of course on a plane but it is also possible to get there by boat from Denmark and Iceland. Here’s a detailed look at how to get to Faroe Islands.

Flying is an easy and convenient way to get to the Faroe Islands, PLUS the views of the Faroe Islands from the air are just mindblowing. I flew there from Copenhagen and got some great aerial shots when we were about to land in Sorvagur. There are currently 2 airlines that fly to the Faroe Islands:

Atlantic Airways:  the national carrier,  has 2 flights per day from Copenhagen, Billund, Aalborg, Bergen and Reykjavik. A return flight from Copenhagen to Sorvagur in summer costs around US$300.

Scandinavian Airline s: this well-known carrier now runs daily flights to the Faroe Islands from Copenhagen. It also has direct flights from London, Reykjavik and Copenhagen to Sorvagur.

Search for flights to Faroe Islands

Smyril Line’s ferry,  M/S Norröna, sails to the Faroe Islands from Hirtshals in the north of Denmark and from Seyðisfjørður in Iceland. It doesn’t sail frequently though, so make sure to check by its website for the scheduled departures. The best thing is that the ferry acts as a car ferry so you are allowed to transport your vehicle on it (at an extra cost).

This can make it quite a good deal if you rented a car in Iceland or Denmark and want to drive it here to save money on accommodation. The only thing to be aware of is that under rough seas the ferry may not be able to dock.

How to Get Around the Faroe Islands

Seeing that the Faroe Islands are so wild and rugged, they are surprisingly accessible by various modes of transport: car, ferry, helicopter and bus. Of all them, car and ferry are the best way to get around the Faroe Islands. Much of the Faroe Islands are covered by wilderness and many of the most beautiful and interesting sights are only accessible by small roads that zigzag through steep mountains.

There is a good public bus network that runs all over the islands, but buses don’t go to many of these remote but essential sights. Helicopters are surprisingly cheap, as they are subsidised by the government, so consider booking a helicopter flight if you are short on time.

I would highly recommend renting a car even if you are on a budget. I booked my car rental from Guide to Faroe Islands and the total cost of a 4-day rental was around 3,500 DKK (US$550). Get a friend to come along or find a travel partner online to split the car rental cost. I didn’t get a 4WD, but it might be useful if you intend to drive off road. A 4×4 cost around US$113 per day, while a compact car cost $90 per day to rent.   Check here for car rental options!

When driving around the Faroe Islands, pay attention to the driving conditions and rules. Most roads are single lane, and it’s not allowed to overtake other vehicles on most highways. As the Faroe Islands are relatively mountainous, you’ll find yourself going up and down slopes and winding along fjords. Don’t be too distracted by the scenic landscapes when driving and only pull up when there is a road shoulder or parking space!

Book your Car Rental here!

To cross from one island to another, the ferry is the easiest, cheapest and most convenient choice. You can go to the island’s municipal website to check the ferry schedule. Most of them don’t need an advanced booking, except for the Mykines ferry that gets booked up easily (go here to book it in advance). You won’t make any payment when booking in advance — make sure you have cash to pay when you’re boarding the ferry.

Some towns (e.g. Sorgavur where you pick up the ferry to Mykines) do not have ATMs. Many islands are also served by car ferries — such as Kalsoy — and they usually don’t take advanced booking. So be sure to get there 30 minutes early to get in line.

If you’re looking to go to Skuvoy or another lesser-visited island during the low-season, you are best off giving a call to order that ferry.  The fare isn’t extra, but they simply don’t run it otherwise.  Be sure to check the ferry schedule always ahead of time.

For more information, including ferry schedules, head to  Strandfaraskip Landsins website .

Atlantic Airways , the national carrier, also has a network of helicopter services to connect the islands. The service is subsidized by the government so it’s quite cheap and almost the same price as the ferry. For instance, you can fly from the main airport at Vagar to Mykines and the capital Torshavn.  As you’d expect they save you time and offer some spectacular aerial views of the islands. I was going to book a helicopter ride to Mykines but it was fully booked at the time, so be sure to reserve a seat in advance.

Book your domestic flights here!

The main inter-town bus that they have is called Bygdaleiðir, w hich are easy to spot as they are dark blue. Check  here for the complete timetable of the buses. It helps to note, however, that public transportation is expensive in the Faroe Islands, so it’s best to buy a travel (multiple-ride) card beforehand with Strandfaraskip Landsins at the airport or at the main bus terminal in Torshavn. This travel card covers busses and ferries around the islands (except to Mykines Island) and can cost 500 DKK (USD78) for 4-days.

Within the Torshavn municipality, the bus lines are free and there are six lines that operate in the area.  In addition, these buses also will transport passengers out to the historic city of Kirkjubøur, a must-see for anyone interested in learning more about the history of the Faroe Islands and the people that inhabit them.

For solo travelers who cannot or prefer not to drive, it is possible to explore the Faroe Islands by booking day tours. These day tours are also great for those who are seeking adventure in the form of kayaking trips or horse-riding excursions. Day tours in the Faroe Islands are not cheap, but they tend to be about the same price as a day of car rental. I recommend booking your day tours on Guide to Faroe Islands, which has the most options to choose from. Here are some day tours I recommend:

• Kayaking to Dranganir — Row to the famous sea-stacks Drangarnir and further to the Tindhólm or Gásadal where you can feel the spray from the free-falling waterfall Múlafossur.
• Guided tour of Mykines — Visit Mykines with a local, see puffins and hike all about the island.
• Vestmanna Sea Cliffs — Hop on a boat trip along the base of Vestmanna Sea Cliffs.
• Horseriding around Torshavn — Horseback riding is a unique opportunity to explore the rough landscape around the capital Tórshavn.
• Home dining experience — Enjoy an authentic Faroese dinner in a private home called Hanusarstova, originally built in 1898 and totally renovated in 2014.

Where to Stay on the Faroe Islands

There’s a good variety of accommodation providers on the Faroe Islands, with at least one guest house in every town (not village though). I found that even remote areas like Gjogv and Mykines had very good accommodation standards. Every single guest house and hotel I stayed at was comfortable and excellent.

Camping in the Faroe Islands, sadly, is only permitted at designated camp­sites. It is not permitted to stay overnight in your campervans along the road, at rest stops, lay-bys or view areas. Be­cause of the unpredictable weather even in summer, it is advisable to have sturdy, water­proof and windproof camping equipment.

This is easily the best hotel in the Faroe Islands. The stylish four-star hotel is perched on the hilltop of Torshavn, overlooking the city from above. It’s very modern and elegant, perfect for the last stretch of your trip. The setting is dramatic and the atmosphere here even more so. Plus there’s a spectacular view of the capital city and bay right from your room window (pictured below). Check the rates.

Located right next to the airport, this simple hotel makes you feel like you’re in the countryside surrounded by sheeps and plains. Love the black exterior and Scandinavian design. Great base to explore the Bøur, Gasadalur and Sorgasvatn areas. It’s also perfect for those who land late or have an early morning flight the next day as it’s within walking distance from the airport. Book here!

Possibly my favorite hotel in the Faroe Islands, this quaint guesthouse has an old-world charm and stunning views of Gjogv. The main building is a typical Nordic wooden cottage (pictured below) painted in black with turf grass on its A-frame roof. It also has several new rooms which are separate from the main building. They are very tastefully designed and spacious. Book here!

This is one aspect of the Faroe Islands that I sadly failed to experience. Since I mostly bought food at the supermarket (to save money), I didn’t try much of Faroese food. A meal on the Faroe Islands can set you back at least 20-35 euros, even for a simple guesthouse meal.

My guide in Torshavn explained that the most popular local food in the Faroes is fermented lamb meat which is made in everyone’s home. After slaughtering the sheep in their own homes, their meat – still warm – will be hung in a special drying hut and left to dry with the natural saltiness of the air.

That said, dining choices on the Faroe Islands are actually quite limited. You won’t find any restaurants or cafes in villages (and there are only around three towns in the Faroes besides the capital). If you’re lucky, you might find a guesthouse that serves coffee and some simple snacks in the more visited areas.

The best restaurants on Faroe Islands are all located in the capital city of Torshavn. The habit of dining out only started 25 years ago in the Faroes. As a result the dining scene is still in its infant years. However, there are quite a few of upscale restaurants in Torshavn that are highly recommended by my guide.

• Barbara Fish House:  a traditional seafood restaurant in the historical quarter of Torshavn, best known for its Barbara fish soup and set menu. 
• Aarstova:  another long-time fixture in the local dining scene,  serves up the best roast lamb in town. 
• Etika: a modern and stylish bistro that offers interesting takes on Japanese-Faroese fusion cuisine. 

In my opinion, the Faroe Islands only has one big flaw: it’s expensive. Anyone who’s been to Nordic countries will know how pricey things can be in this part of the world. Prices in the Faroe Islands are comparable to that in Norway. Accommodation prices start from 35 euros per person for a hostel bed and 100 euros for a three-star hotel. Restaurant prices are around 20 euros for a meal and ferries cost around 15 euros return.

However, there are ways to keep your budget down. I bought food from the supermarket and made my own sandwiches for lunch and soups for dinner. I also met a few American travelers who had rented a jeep with a tent on the top-bunk to save money on accommodation. Another traveler I met saved money on car rental and instead traveled around the islands by public transport.

If you’re traveling Faroe Islands between May and September, you should pack for chilly weather. 2-3 layers should do: a wool bottom, a fleece, and a thin water and windproof outer layer. For those traveling in fall and winter (September to December), you’ll need 4-5 layers: the above mentioned, plus a thermal layer at the bottom and a down jacket or thick winter parka.

I’m a strong believer in ‘less is more’. The less you travel with, the more convenient it will be to move around. If you can’t see yourself using something daily, you probably don’t need it.

Here are some of the essentials to pack for a trip to Faroe Islands:

1.  Long Sleeve Moisture Wicking Tees : The key to staying warm on the Faroe Islands is layering. Bring some    long sleeve t-shirts that are great for hiking, that you can easily remove throughout the day and night. 

2.  Fleece-lined Long Sleeve Thermal Underwear : Pack thermals even if you’re traveling in summer. Mine turned out to be very useful and I wore it several days in a row. Temperatures can dip below zero – and they’ll be particularly useful if you’re camping.

3.  Fleece Base : This is my favorite gear for cold climates. It’s thick but lightweight, and keeps me warm even in sub-zero temperatures. Plus most fleece are cheap and easy to find everywhere. I usually get one that can be zipped all the way down, so I can easily remove layers when I’m warm.

4.  Soft Shell Jacket : Pack a thin waterproof, soft shell jacket regardless of the weather you’re traveling. It’s particularly useful for the rain. This also acts as an extra layer between your shirt and down jacket or parka. I used this almost everyday on my trip.

5.  Quick-Dry Pants : These are something I wear on almost every trip. They’re lightweight, thin, comfortable and waterproof. I can wear them in winter and summer, without feeling too warm or cold.

6.  Fleece-lined Leggings :    For ladies, these are brilliant to keep warm and comfortable, being looking too shabby. I usually wore them without any pants over them.

7.  Hiking Boots : A pair of sturdy hiking boots that are waterproof and protective for hiking in mud, streams or snow. I’ve used mine for around 2 years now and they’ve been to many countries and different types of terrain with me. Instead of getting those high boots that are ridiculously heavy and thick, I think it’s better to travel with hiking boots like these. Mine were perfect for Iceland.

Travel Faroe Islands: 4-Day Itinerary

Day 1: explore gásadalur and  sørvágsvatn.

14.05 Arrival with Atlantic Airways from Copenhagen. Pick up keys for rental car at the 62N desk in the arrival hall of the airport. Drive straight to  Hotel Vagar , just a 5-minute drive from the airport. Check in and take a quick rest.

15:30 Drive to the villages of Bøur and Gásadalur , just 5 mins from the hotel. Both villages are absolutely stunning, but the Múlafossur waterfall in particular is the icon of the Faroe Islands.  The whole assembly of the cascade tumbling down the cliff’s edge, backdropped by the imposing mountains behind the tiny village is a truly dramatic one. 

This iconic picture  has been featured in many publications including National Geographic. It’s one of the things that have put the country on the tourist map and appear in every Faroe Islands travel guide. When you emerge from the car tunnel (that was built recently, previously the village could only be accessed by foot), you’ll see this exact view. 

18:00 Go on a leisurely 2-hour hike around the Sørvágsvatn lake right near the hotel. 

You may not have heard of it — but I’m sure you’ve seen a photo of it. The biggest lake on Faroe Islands is  famous for the optical illusion that appears where the lake flows into the Atlantic Ocean. In reality,   it doesn’t look like an optical illusion at all; it only appears so in photos. But it’s still a scenic place for a hike. Walking along the water’s edge to the hilly top where the lake flows into the ocean is simple and easy and takes just two hours.

10.00 Drive to Sørvágur ferry terminal and take the boat to Mykines . Spend the day on the island, hike to the lighthouse and the puffin and gannet colonies. Remember again to book your ferry tickets or helicopter flight in advance. Alternatively, book a  guided tour of Mykines  to explore the island with a local and go deeper under the surface.

As the westernmost of the 18 main islands on the Faroes, Mykines is wild and rugged, with no roads and just hiking trails crisscrossing the isle. It’s famous for large numbers of puffins  that inhabit the Mykineshólmur area. The Mykineshólmur hike takes around three hours return and well worth the effort as it takes you up ridges and down the vertiginous walls of the island to the northernmost tip of the island.

Before the trip, I was worried that a day on Mykines wouldn’t be enough to see the famous islands. But seven hours are actually more than enough to hike all over the island and even have a drink at a local cafe. Remember to bring a packed lunch so you can enjoy the hike as much as possible, but there are also small restaurants in town.

Book a Guided Tour of Mykines

17.05  Catch the boat back to Sørvágur and drive towards Gjógv. Check into the guesthouse Gjaargarður .

L ocated on the northeast tip of the island of Eysturoy, this remote village is only accessible by one road. You do kinda have to go out of your way to get there, but trust me, it’s worth every minute of the drive. The journey there is an experience on its own, weaving through mountains and in between fjords. The village itself  has an extremely dramatic setting: with imposing snow-peaked mountains forming the backdrop and the rocky outcrops forming the foreground, being tormented by massive waves of the Atlantic Ocean. 

You’ll probably get there pretty late, but daylight hours are very long in summer so you’ll still be driving when it’s light out.

09:00 Drive to Klaksvik and catch a car ferry to the island of Kalsoy . Alternatively, book a day tour departing from Torshavn which will bring you on a hike.

This island between Eysturoy and Kunoy is wild and remote, o nly accessible by car ferry. The  narrow islet has just one road linking north to south. The road meanders along the coast at first, revealing clear views of the striated rock faces of the neighbouring island. I recommend driving all the way t o Trollanes in the northernmost tip of Kalsoy, where the road ends and hiking trail begins.

The steep hike leads you to the Kallur lighthouse that’s perched on a vertiginous slope. It takes around two hours to reach the lighthouse but it involves steep climbing in the initial part of the hike. From the lighthouse, you get a view of the back face of the mountain and the hollow cave on the underside. It’s home to huge kittiwake colonies.

Book your Day Trip!

13:00 On the way back visit the village of Mikladalur and see the new statute of the Seal woman. This 9 ft bronze and stainless steel statue of Kópakonan (The Seal Wife) was created by Hans Pauli Olsen and was installed in the Mikladalur Harbor on August 1st, 2014. The statue commemorates myths about selkies (seal women) and in particular two well known myths about the Seal Wife on the Faroe Islands.

One well known story is about a beautiful Selkie trapped by a fisherman on the island of Kalsoy, who hides her seal skin while she is on land one night. One day however, he goes fishing and she finds her seal skin hidden in a chest in their home. She escapes and leaves behind a message to not follow her and to not harm her Selkie family. The fishermen however ignore the warning and end up killing both her Selkie husband and Selkie children. In revenge she curses the men of the island to die in frequent accidents until as many have perished as can link arms around the whole island.

15.30  Catch the car ferry back to Klaksvík. From there, drive to the village of Tjørnuvík with view to the seastacks Risin and Kellingin, the Troll and the Witch. You’ll be driving along the large waterfall Fossá.

Tjørnuvík is known for its special hymn singing, the Kingo-songs, which is an ancient hymn tradition that originates from the Danish hymn writer Thomas Kingo. The village has a choir that performs Kingo hymns. Tjørnuvík also has a nice sandy beach and striking waves that attract many surfers.

18:00 Visit the village of Saksun where you can walk along the beach towards the ocean. Saksun has a beautiful lagoon surrounded by sand in the fjord. The tall mountains give the area an air of mystery, but not least unimaginable beauty. The fjord used to be a good natural harbour, but after a heavy storm in the 1600s, the fjord was blocked with sand.

20:00 Drive to Torshavn and check in at Hotel Føroyar , the best hotel on the Faroe Islands.

10.00  Go on a walk in the old part of Torshavn the capital city, Reyni,and Tinganes, where the Government sits. Its historic harbour area actually has one of the earliest governing meeting points in the world! The quaint town is an excellent place to just wander and get lost. Learn about the Faroese history and try some of its local food in the restaurants I recommended above.

Paintings, drawings, sculptures, and graphic design are on display at the National Museum of the Faroe Islands , on the edge of a small park close to Nordic House. The permanent collections of individual historic and modern artists, such as the 20th century painters Sámal Joensen-Mikines and Ruth Smith, have been assigned their own rooms.

Don’t miss the fish market that’s located right by the harbor next to downtown Torshavn. It’s a busy area with lots of people bidding for fish that have been just caught from the sea.

12:00 Drive to the nearby  Kirkjubøur village.  This is the site of the country’s most important historical site with the ruins of the Magnus Cathedral from around 1300 and a runestone found near it. The stone which is referred to as the Kirkjubøur stone dates back to the Viking Age.

13:00  Drive to the village of Vestmanna and join a boat tour along the Vestmanna Seacliffs. The Vestmanna boat trip  costs around $45 and will bring you up close to the cliffs for a chance to see the rich birdlife.

There are many tours to choose from, the most popular however being the boat-tour to the renowned Birdcliffs and Grottos north of Vestmanna, the Vestmannabjørgini. This is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the Faroe Islands.

They’ll take you through narrow sounds, into deep grottoes, carved by the surf through ages, and close to the over 1500 feet high-rise cliffs where thousands of seabirds are nesting. I thought it was extremely impressive – just cruising under the sheer cliffs and seeing sheeps cling on to the edges was an experience on its own.

Book your Boat Trip here!

08:00  Departure from Vágar Airport with Atlantic Airways. Drop your car keys off at 62N/Information desk. Be at the airport by about 7:00 (drive from Tórshavn takes about 1 hour).

Bid farewell to the Faroe Islands!

Thank you for reading this far! Now, I wonder, are you planning a trip to the Faroe Islands soon?

I hope this Faroe Islands travel guide and itinerary, detailing the best places to explore will help you have an amazing time there, just as I did.

And I also want to hear from you: did you find this Faroe Islands travel guide helpful?

Feel free to leave any questions you may have in the comments below. I’ll be more than happy to answer them!

For those who are planning to travel more, check out some of these articles:

• Seeing Puffins in Mykines, Faroe Islands
• Greenland Travel Guide: All You Need to Know
• 13 Cool Things to Do in Ilulissat, Greenland
• My Complete Iceland Travel Guide
• Northern Lights in Iceland: A Guide on Where and How to Find them
• My Iceland Packing List: What to Pack for Iceland Any Time of the Year
• Iceland with Kids: How to Plan Your Iceland Family Vacation
• My Iceland Ring Road Itinerary
• Review: Staying at Hotel Ranga, Iceland
• Renting a Car in Iceland: Planning an Iceland Road Trip
• Ice Climbing on the Solheimajokull Glacier, Iceland

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links i.e. if you book a stay through one of my links, I get a small commission at NO EXTRA COST to you. Thank you for your support!

Inspired? Pin it!

Disclaimer: Thanks to Visit Faroe Islands for assisting me with this trip! As always, my opinions expressed above are my own. 

Nellie Huang

Nellie Huang is the founder of WildJunket. Originally from Singapore, Nellie has traveled to over 140 countries across 7 continents. As an adventure travel blogger, she has a special interest in unusual destinations and deep experiences. Her work has appeared in many major publications including BBC Travel, CNN and LonelyPlanet.com. Read more about her here and get more life updates from her on her Facebook and Instagram .

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The Comments

Brittany from Boston

The Faroe Islands look so so lovely! I especially want to see the puffins!!!

Thank you! I’m in Kyrgyzstan at the moment and then Singapore in two weeks. How about you?

Your article is so helpful. Thank you for putting this together with such wonderful details and recommendation.

Thank you and glad you found it useful!

Hi Thank you for the guide. Do you think walking/hiking poles is necessary? Thanks

hi Wendy, thanks for the comment! It depends on how much hiking you intend to do. If you’re following my itinerary then no hiking poles are needed. I did mostly short hikes and they’re relatively easy. I only recommend hiking poles for multi-day hikes.

Thank you!! This guide is super-helpful in planning my trip there next year. Thanks for taking the time and even adding the links. Very excited!!

Thank you! Very helpful. :)

This is awesome! Thank you for sharing! Will be going to Faroe this coming September and this helps us a lot.

itinerary sounds great. could we work in some sea kayak rental, and where would be the best place to kayak

I didn’t rent a sea kayak there but I think it’s possible to sign up for a guided kayak tour.

Mona Keffer

I absolutely loved reading this article. Your article is very detailed and informative. Faroe Islands are on my bucket list now. Thanks to your fantastic article!

You’re welcome! Glad you’ve found it useful!

What a great article! We’re currently dreaming of going to Faroe islands again – we’ve been there before and we love, love love it! Here’s to a year with loads of travel plans and new experiences!

– Veronika

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Faroe Islands travel guide

Book your individual trip , stress-free with local travel experts

• roughguides.com
• a-first-timers-guide-to-faroe-islands

written by Ros Walford

updated 27.04.2023

Way out in the cool North Atlantic Ocean, there’s a cluster of craggy islands inhabited primarily by sheep and puffins. The Faroe Islands are Scandinavia’s ultimate off-the-beaten-track destination. Here’s our guide to what to expect on your first trip to this remote archipelago.

What and where are the Faroe Islands?

Why are the faroe islands worth visiting, what to see in the faroe islands, what outdoor activities can i do, what is the capital city of the faroe islands, what is the music scene like in the faroe islands, what should i eat, how do i get around, what is the weather like, planning your trip to the faroe islands, where should i stay.

This article is inspired by our Rough Guides guidebooks — your essential guides for travelling the world.

Contrary to popular misconception, the Faroe Islands are not near the Antarctic nor are they somewhere in Portugal . In fact, this cluster of eighteen islands is situated roughly midway between Iceland , Norway and the northern tip of Scotland .

Each one has an extraordinary landscape of sharp cliffs, sweeping glaciated valleys, narrow fjords and pointed basalt peaks that were formed when volcanic rock thrust up from the deep North Atlantic Ocean.

Since the sixth century, the Faroe Islands have been inhabited variously by Irish monks, Viking settlers and an awful lot of sheep. Today, they are home to 49,000 people. The Faroe Islands is a self-governing nation – part of the Kingdom of Denmark – with its own parliament, flag and language, a booming fishing industry.

Discover the Faroe Islands © Leos Mastnik/Shutterstock

If you love outdoor adventure in rugged landscapes, invigorating sea air and cosy harbour villages, then you’ll love the Faroe Islands. Whether exploring the islands by car, foot, boat or bicycle, the excellent infrastructure makes it easy to get around. It’s an incredibly welcoming place with a gentle pace of life and an interesting mix of modern innovations based on ancient traditions.

See the puffins

Seeing thousands of puffins and other sea birds nesting in high cliffs is undoubtedly one of the highlights of the Faroes. So whether or not you are an enthusiastic birdwatcher, a boat trip to Vestmanna, or to the western island of Mykines – a “paradise of birds” – is an unforgettable experience.

Take a road trip

Driving in the Faroe Islands is a highlight in itself, as beautifully tarmacked roads sweep around the fjords and sounds, where houses with fluffy grass roofs blend into a vibrant green landscape and every scene is a stunner.

A short drive from Vagar airport and you can see two of the most dramatic views in the archipelago: the island of Tindhólmur, a rock that juts out of the ocean like a jagged shard of glass, and Gásadalur waterfall where icy water gushes from a sea cliff.

Puffins on Mykines, Faroe islands @ Shutterstock

Discover Saksun

Saksun is one of the prettiest spots on Streymoy, the largest island. It’s a small settlement beside a steep-sided inlet, while over on Esturoy to the east, winding roads take you up into the mountainous north and up to the highest peak, Slættaratindur (882m). Not far from here, you can see two rock stacks, known as Risin og Kellingin (the giant and the witch) and the picturesque village of Gjógv, named after a gorge.

Visit one of the smaller islands

Visiting one of the smaller islands, such as the remarkable Stóra Dímun , is as remote as it gets. This 2-sq-km inaccessible island is inhabited by seven people who live in a farmhouse perched on a plateau surrounded by vertical sea cliffs.

The only access is via a helicopter service that delivers supplies three times a week. Tourists can come here on boat trips or stay on the island for a few days in summer when the schoolhouse doubles as a self-catering apartment.

It’s possible to do almost any outdoor activity here, from horseriding, trail-running and climbing to sea kayaking , sailing and fly-fishing for wild salmon.

If you’ve got thighs of steel, you’ll enjoy cycling the quiet mountain roads. But those who prefer a gentler pace would be better off hiking.

There are many options for day walks: climb to the top of Slættaratindur for stunning views over the archipelago; take the postman’s path up over the steep ridge from Bøur to Gásadalur waterfall (which once was the only way to reach Gásadalur village before a tunnel was built). Alternatively, you can hike from Tórshavn to Kirkjubøur to see the oldest church in the Faroe Islands.

The beautiful landscapes of the Faroe Islands © Alexander Erdbeer/Shutterstock

Related articles from the blog

Tórshavn, one of the world's smallest capital cities, is characterized by narrow streets surrounding the harbour. The Tinganes peninsula extends into the bay, hosting government buildings that are housed in modest wooden structures, occupying the historic grounds of one of the world's oldest parliamentary meeting places.

As far back as the ninth century, the Vikings held a general assembly here (called a “Thing”), and evidence of their meetings can still be seen carved on the rocks. It’s still an informal place, where you might say “hej” (“hi”) to a government minister as they wander past in the lanes of the neighbouring district of tiny, grass-roofed houses.

Artistic and creative industries are flourishing here. The capital city may be small but it has its share of galleries, including the National Gallery. On the outskirts of town, Nordic House hosts Faroese and Nordic art exhibitions, concerts, theatre and dance.

There are upmarket craft and design shops including designer knitwear from Guðrun & Guðrun (creators of the desirable sweater worn by detective Sarah Lund in the Danish crime drama The Killing ), an excellent design cooperative called Öström, and colourful glass creations at Mikkalina Glas.

The harbour in Torshavn, capital of the Faroe Islands © Ros Walford

Tutl is the only music shop and record label in the Faroe Islands. Outdoor festivals are an important feature in summer, and key dates in the diary include G! Festival , during which thousands of people descend on the tiny village of Gøta to enjoy rock music and hot tubs on the beach.

At Hoyma , also held in Gøta, festival-goers revive the old tradition of going from house to house to enjoy acoustic concerts inside residents’ living rooms.

One of the loveliest dining experiences is Heimablídni , the Faroese tradition of “home hospitality”, in which guests pay for a meal cooked and served at the home of their hosts.

You’re likely to be able to try some of the local favourites, such as fresh fish or fermented meat (which is nicer than it sounds – it’s usually a tender leg of lamb that’s been left to hang in the salty sea air, in a process similar to curing).

The Rough Guides to Denmark and related travel guides

In-depth, easy-to-use travel guides filled with expert advice.

It’s not all rustic cuisine, though. There are some sophisticated fine-dining restaurants in Tórshavn. Aarstova is famous for its slow-cooked Faroese lamb, while Barbara is a superb fish restaurant in a turf-topped building.

Faroe Islands are known for their rustic cuisine and more © photolike/Shutterstock

Fifteen years ago, the only way to get between the islands was via ferry. Now, two sub-sea tunnels link the main islands and a network of smaller tunnels connect valleys and villages that were once isolated from the world.

The smaller tunnels can take some getting used to, as one lane serves traffic coming in both directions. Fortunately, the Public Roads' Office has made a useful video that explains all you need to know about driving in the Faroe Islands.

The subsidised (and very good value) helicopter service, operated by Atlantic Airways , runs between the smaller islands. It’s an exhilarating way of getting around, but helicopters only fly every other day and you can’t book a return, so plan carefully. Otherwise, buses and ferries are slower-paced alternatives.

Mykines lighthouse, Faroe Island © Smelov/Shutterstock

If you are planning a trip to the Faroe Islands, it is important to be prepared for cool, wet, and windy weather conditions. The climate is heavily influenced by the surrounding ocean currents and prevailing winds. In general, the temperature rarely rises above 15°C (59°F) even in the spring and summer , and can drop down to around 5°C (41°F) in winter. It rains frequently throughout the year.

Our local experts can plan wonderful trips for you to the Faroe Islands. Simply get in touch when you would like to travel. We will then create a personalized itinerary, which you can amend until you are totally happy with every detail of the booking. All of our planned itineraries can be tailored to meet your specific needs.

Vidoy, Faroe Island © Shutterstock

Accommodation options on the Faroe Islands include hotels, guesthouses, hostels, and campsites, with many offering stunning views of the surrounding landscapes. Here are some of our picks:

• Best for sea views: Mølin Guesthouse
• For an elegant stay: Hotel Brandan
• For a stay in central Thorshavn: 62N City Center
• For a four-star stay: Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands

Or browse other accommodation in the Faroe Islands

Ready to start planning your trip? Don't miss our Rough Guides Guidebooks for more travel tips and inspiration.

We may earn a commission when you click on links in this article, but this doesn’t influence our editorial standards. We only recommend services that we genuinely believe will enhance your travel experiences.

Top image © MikeDrago.cz/Shutterstock

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Faroe Islands

• 2.2 Villages
• 3 Other destinations
• 4.2 Politics
• 4.3 Climate
• 4.4 Landscape
• 6.2 By plane
• 6.3 By boat
• 7.1 Travelling between islands
• 7.2 Sub-sea tunnel fares
• 7.4 Car rental
• 7.6 By helicopter
• 7.7 Hitchhiking
• 10.2 Shopping
• 11.1 Restaurants
• 12.1 Government Monopoly Stores
• 12.2 Nightlife
• 13.1 Youth hostels
• 13.2 Camping
• 15 Stay safe
• 16.1 Health insurance
• 16.2 Emergency or Fire
• 16.3 Pharmacies
• 16.4 Car problems

The Faroe or Faeroe Islands ( Faroese : Føroyar ; Danish : Færøerne ) are an archipelago of 18 islands in the middle of the North Atlantic Ocean, with roughly 54,000 inhabitants (2022). Like Greenland , the Faroe Islands are an autonomous territory of Denmark .

When visiting the Faroes you are never more than 5 km (3 mi) away from the ocean. The countryside is dominated by steep mountains and there are about 70,000 sheep and some 2 million pairs of sea birds, including the largest colony of storm petrels in the world. The Faroe Islands are undeniably beautiful: green, rugged and wind-swept. Most visitors to the islands come between early July and late August.

Regions [ edit ]

The archipelago is composed of 18 islands covering 1,399 km² (545.3 sq mi) and is 113 km (70 mi) long and 75 km (47 mi) wide. 17 islands are inhabited, leaving just one uninhabited island, the smallest island, Lítla Dímum. There are a lot of smaller islets and skerries around the Faroe Islands. Including the 18 islands, there are 779 islands, islets and skerries in the Faroe Islands. A large part of these are around the island Suðuroy, which consists of 263 islets and skerries, including the island itself. The precipitous terrain limits habitation to small coastal lowlands. The islands are connected by tunnels, causeways and a regular public ferry service.

Towns and villages [ edit ]

Until the late 19th century, people spent most of their lives in the same village. Towns didn’t start to appear until very late. For instance, the capital, Tórshavn, only counted about 100 inhabitants in 1900, whereas today the number has increased to nearly 20,000. In the Faroe Islands the traditional village was to a certain extent self-sufficient. Historically there was a limit to how many families it could support. When the fishing industry took off in 1872, it was the beginning of the end for the traditional way of life in the small villages as fishing replaced farming and the growing population chose to settle in the fast growing towns instead.

Today there are still over a hundred villages in the Faroe Islands. Nearly every one of them is situated near the ocean, and to new visitors they may all seem to be very much alike. The houses are either painted in bright colours or the traditional black, whilst the roofs are often turf covered. The buildings are usually built very close to each other, which is very cosy. Each village is surrounded by a cultivated infield, and surrounding it is the uncultivated outfield. In most places the sheep occupy the outfield throughout the year.

Towns [ edit ]

• 62.011667 -6.7675 1 Tórshavn – the capital and largest city
• 62.223889 -6.578611 2 Klaksvík – the main industrial centre and is the largest town in the Northern Islands
• 62.025556 -6.758889 3 Hoyvík – located north from Tórshavn and now effectively a suburb.
• 61.555833 -6.803333 4 Tvøroyri – the second largest city on Suðuroy
• 61.475278 -6.807222 5 Vágur – the largest town on Suðuroy
• 62.109444 -6.719167 6 Runavík – the largest village in Eysturoy, kind of an agglomeration together with Toftir and Saltangrá
• 62.244444 -6.814444 7 Fuglafjørður – has a cultural centre that has become one of the main cultural attractions in Eysturoy

Villages [ edit ]

• 61.956111 -6.793611 8 Kirkjubøur
• 62.325 -6.941111 9 Gjógv
• 62.299167 -7.090278 10 Eiði
• 62.248889 -7.175833 11 Saksun
• 62.277778 -6.851111 12 Oyndarfjørður
• 62.112222 -7.434722 13 Gásadalur
• 62.090833 -7.3675 14 Bøur
• 62.009167 -6.668611 15 Nólsoy
• 62.359722 -6.549444 16 Viðareiði
• 61.483056 -6.743333 17 Porkeri
• 61.526389 -6.876944 18 Fámjin
• 61.601944 -6.949444 19 Hvalba
• 62.156389 -7.166389 20 Vestmanna

Other destinations [ edit ]

• Vestmannabjørgini ( Vestmanna Birdcliffs ) – The bird cliffs are situated north of Vestmanna. The half of a kilometre high cliffs are one of the high points of a trip to the Faroes.
• Mjørkadalur ( Foggy Valley ) – A valley overlooking the Kalbaksfjørður fjord, rising to the peak of Sornfelli mountain.
• Tinganes – The old town of Tórshavn .
• Coal Mines in Hvalba , Suðuroy .

Understand [ edit ]

The Faroe Islands are a self-governing island territory of Denmark , although they aim politically for greater independence. The islands have a population of 51,000 (2018), and a language and culture of their own.

The Faroese tourist season is very short. It begins in May and ends by September. Most visitors come between July and August by far. If you would like to avoid the busiest season, it is best to visit the Faroes in late May or early June. The Faroese weather has its own temperament and is a lot like the weather in neighbouring regions, just more unpredictable.

One of the main reasons that people visit the Faroe Islands is the incredible nature and scenery. The Faroe Islands turn extraordinarily green during the summertime. The fresh air, the deep blue ocean, the vertical sea cliffs and the green mountains with their picturesque valleys, is something which would amaze anyone who enjoys being surrounded by nature.

There are bus rides, horse trekking, mountain hikes and boat trips which allow you to enjoy the magnificent wild green landscape. Sometimes the summer fog creates a mystical landscape, in which you may vividly imagine the great history and mystical stories belonging to the islands. Some have said that when the landscape is surrounded by this sort of weather it reminds them of the landscape in J.R.R Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

The tranquility of the islands are great if you want to escape from big city madness. The Faroese love to take things easy and are not at all worried about arriving on time. But if you ever find yourself in the mood for a night out in town, you will find that Tórshavn caters for your every need with its great shops, bars, cafés and restaurants.

Because the islands are so close to the Arctic Circle, the amount of daylight varies by season. The sun sets briefly each night in June, so there are several hours of twilight, before the sun comes back up again. During the winter there are no days of complete darkness, but about five hours of daylight.

The Faroe Islands' primary industry is the fishing industry and the islands have one of the smallest independent economic entities in the world. The fishing industry accounts for over 80% of the total export value of goods, which are mainly processed fish products and fish farming. Tourism is the second largest industry, followed by woollen and other manufactured products. The unemployment rate in the Faroes is extremely low. The Faroese are trying to diversify their economy, but are divided about how to go about it. Most Faroese people work in the public sector as teachers, caretakers or having office jobs, etc. The rise in the public sector workforce is highlighted by the fact that it is getting less and less popular to work in the fishing industry, and the private sector isn't big enough to support an educated and more demanding workforce.

People [ edit ]

The Faroes were colonised by Norwegians in the 9th century – according to history the first settler was Grímur Kamban, a Norwegian Viking who made his home in Funningur on Eysturoy in 825. The Faroese population has largely descended from these settlers. Recent DNA analyses have revealed that Y chromosomes, tracing male descent, are 87% Scandinavian. However, the studies also show that mitochondrial DNA, tracing female descent, is 84% Celtic.

About 20,000 people live in the metropolitan area which comprises Tórshavn, Kirkjubøur, Velbastaður, Nólsoy, Hestur, Koltur, Hoyvík, Argir, Kaldbak, Kaldbaksbotnur, Kollafjørður, Signabøur and Oyrareingir (Tórshavn Municipality). About 4,700 people live in Klaksvík, the second largest town in the islands. 4,750 people live in Suðuroy , the southernmost islands (2010) and 1330 people live on Sandoy island (2010).

Faroese, the national language, is rooted in Old Norse.

Politics [ edit ]

The Viking settlers established their own parliament, called a "ting", around 800. The main ting was established on Tinganes in Tórshavn and local tings were established in various parts of the islands. Around the turn of the millennium, the Faroes came under the control of the Norwegian king. In 1380 the Faroes, along with Orkney , Shetland , Iceland and Greenland , joined Norway in a union with Denmark . At the end of the Napoleonic wars, in 1814, the Treaty of Kiel forced Denmark to cede Norway to Sweden , but it kept the Faroes, Iceland, and Greenland. Two years later, in 1816, the Faroes became a Danish county and the old parliament was abolished. The Danish Governor became the highest authority in the Faroes.

In 1849 the Danish parliamentary constitution was made to apply in the Faroe Islands. In 1852 the Faroese parliament was reinstated as a county council, but served mainly as an advisory power. The Danish governor presided at all meetings and was a co-opted member. At the same time, the Faroes came to be represented in the Danish parliament. Although the Faroe Islands recognise the Royal powers, they have never been a part of Denmark, only the Danish kingdom.

During World War II, Denmark was occupied by the Germans, while the Faroes had a friendly occupation by the British. During this time the Faroese parliament carried both the legislative and the fiscal responsibility. The Faroese people had a taste of self-government and a return to the status quo seemed impossible.

After a referendum, which led to a very small majority voting for independence, in 1946 negotiations took place between the two countries and the outcome was the Home Rule Act in 1948. The Faroese were from then on responsible for most matters of government except for foreign affairs and defence. The parliament may legislate on matters of local importance and Danish laws may be rejected. The parliament has between twenty-seven and thirty-two members. The leader of the cabinet has the status of prime minister. The Faroes are still represented in the Danish parliament by two representatives. Also, since 1970 the Faroes have had independent status in the Nordic Council. Furthermore, the Faroes have their own flag (Merkið). Unlike Denmark, the islands are not a member of the EU and all trade is governed by special treaties.

Climate [ edit ]

The weather is maritime and quite unpredictable. It can change quickly and it varies extremely, from moments of brilliant sunshine to misty hill fog, to showers – there can be sunshine on one side of the mountain range, while it's raining on the other side. During the summer the islands are often overcast by summer fog. The Gulf Stream south of the islands tempers the climate. The harbours never freeze and the temperature in winter time is very moderate considering the high latitude. Snowfall occurs, but it is short-lived. The average temperature ranges from 3°C in the wintertime to 11°C during the summer. The temperature can be much higher, but the air is always fresh and clean no matter the season.

Landscape [ edit ]

With their volcanic origin the 18 islands are rugged and rocky. The average height above sea level for the country is 300 m (982 ft). The highest peak, Slættaratindur, is 880 m (2887 ft) above sea level. There are 1,100 km (687 mi) of coastline and at no time is one more than 5 km (3 mi) away from the ocean. Mountains and valleys mostly characterize the inner landscape. The Faroese west coast is characterized by steep slopes and bird cliffs, that in the summertime are full of nesting seabirds such as puffins. Something that first meets the eye of a traveller is the lack of trees in the Faroes. The reason for this are the thousands of sheep that occupy the islands.

Talk [ edit ]

The main official language of the Faroe Islands is Faroese , which is the mother tongue of most inhabitants. Danish has a co-official status; it is taught in schools and most service and official documents are available in Danish.

Faroese is a Germanic language stemming from Old Norse and mutually intelligible to some extent with Icelandic. Danish, Norwegian and Swedish share these roots, but have been much more influenced by especially Low German. English speakers will recognise some cognates from Old Norse and other influences, but modern loanwords are quite few.

Most locals speak English as a second language; it is compulsory in Faroese schools. However, learning some basic Faroese greetings will help to endear you to the locals.

Get in [ edit ]

Visas [ edit ].

If you do not normally need a visa for Denmark, you can visit the Faroe Islands visa-free under the same rules (90 days in a half year). If you do need a visa for Denmark, inform the embassy when you apply that you'll be visiting the Faroe Islands, as Schengen-area visas issued for the mainland do not apply to the Faroe Islands (or Greenland). Nordic citizens can use their Nordic identity card, but should still carry their passport as a backup, since it is possible for flights to be diverted to Scotland where such cards are not valid.

By plane [ edit ]

Airlines serving the airport are:

• Atlantic Airways is the national carrier and connects the Faroes with several places in Scandinavia and continental Europe. The Faroes are accessible by regular commercial air service from Copenhagen (3 times a day), as well as Billund and Aalborg in Denmark. From Norway there are direct flights from Oslo . From Iceland there are direct flights from Keflavík airport near Reykjavík (twice a week). From Britain there are direct flights from Edinburgh . From Spain there are direct flights from Barcelona , Mallorca , and Gran Canaria . From France there are direct flights from Paris -CDG.
• SAS flies almost daily from Copenhagen (April - October only).
• Widerøe flies regularly from Bergen , Norway.

Summer fog is a problem when flying to the Faroes in the summer months. The planes cannot land in this weather and will often divert to Iceland or Scotland where you will stay until the weather clears. This also means that flights out of the Faroes can be disrupted too. Allow yourself a few days either side of your visit to the Faroes in case of flight delays.

By boat [ edit ]

• Smyril Line operates a year-round passenger and car ferry service to the Faroe Islands, twice a week in summer. The ferry sails between Hirtshals (North Jutland, Denmark ) and Seyðisfjörður (on the east coast of Iceland ). It is the only ferry service with scheduled services to Iceland.

Getting to the Faroes by boat takes longer than by plane but has the advantage of allowing you to take your own vehicle. As of 2023, prices for single passage without vehicle start at €92 in off-season and €112 in high season.

For people arriving by yacht, there are several harbours around the islands. The best are found in Tórshavn (the capital), Klaksvík, Tvøroyri, Vágur, Vestmanna, Sørvágur, Miðvágur, Runavík, and Fuglafjørður.

Get around [ edit ]

The Faroe Islands are a small country and getting around is easy. All of the Islands are connected by public transport.

Travelling between islands [ edit ]

The two largest islands, Streymoy and Eysturoy, are connected by a bridge, Sundabrúgvin ("the Channel Bridge"). Toll tunnels connect the islands of Vágar with Streymoy, and also Borðoy to Eysturoy. Road causeways connect Borðoy with Viðoy and Kunoy. The other main islands Sandoy and Suðuroy have excellent car-ferry connections to Streymoy, making driving in the Faroes easy and pleasant.

• Route 7 Tvøroyri - Tórshavn: M/F Smyril has 2–3 daily departures from Tórshavn, sailing to Krambatangi ferry port in Suðuroy.
• Route 36 Sørvágur - Mykines: M/F Jósup has 2 daily departures in summer from Sørvágur on Vágar island to Mykines island, less in winter time. Due to the popularity of the destination, this is the only route that requires booking tickets in advance (via mykines.fo ).
• Route 56 Klaksvík - Syðradalur: M/F Sam has up to 7 daily departures from Klaksvík to Syðradalur on Kalsoy island.
• Route 58 Hvannasund - Hattarvík: M/F Ritan has 3 daily departures from Hvannasund on Viðoy island to the islands Svínoy and Fugloy in summertime, less in wintertime.
• Route 60 Skopun - Gamlarætt & 61 Gamlarætt - Hestur: M/F Teistin has around 8 daily departures from Gamlarætt ferry port to Skopun on Sandoy island. Teistin has also a few departures to Hestur island, but only on request. Gamlarætt is located on the west coast of Streymoy, not far from Tórshavn and near the villages Kirkjubøur and Velbastaður.
• Route 66 Sandur - Skúvoy: M/F Sildberin has only one regular daily connection between Sandur and Skúvoy, all others must be requested by phone some hours prior to departure.
• Route 90 Tórshavn - Nólsoy: M/F Ternan has 5–7 daily departures from Tórshavn to Nólsoy.

Strandfaraskip Landsins , the Faroese public transport service, publishes an annual timetable ( Ferðaætlan [dead link] ) containing details of all ferry and bus schedules. It is available from the Passenger Terminal in Tórshavn, and all tourist information centres. It is not possible to make advance bookings on car ferries. You should be at the pier at least 20 minutes before scheduled departure, and much earlier on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Sub-sea tunnel fares [ edit ]

You have to pay toll to use the sub-sea tunnels in the Faroe Islands. As of summer 2022, there are 3 tunnels that charge tolls:

Two more large sub-sea tunnels are under construction in 2022, connecting the southern islands of Sandoy and Suðuroy to the overall road network. You have three days to pay after using the tunnel before an invoice is sent to the car owner. If you have rented the car, the rental agency will charge a large fee if this occurs. You may pay at any petrol station on the islands or online .

Most car rental companies offer flat rates at the equivalent of 3-5 return tunnel trips. If you prefer to pay for all your tunnel trips yourself, make it clear when you hire the car. The rental company will charge you if it is unaware that you have already paid the tunnel operator.

If travelling with your own car it is also possible to purchase a subscription by registering at tunnil.fo and paying a non-refundable fee of 400 kr (or 600 kr when also using the Eysturoyartunnel) (2022). This will give you access to discounted tunnel prices, but you will have to pre-pay for your trips by loading money into your account at the website ( 400 kr minimum for each payment).

By car [ edit ]

The first motor road connecting two villages wasn’t built until 1916, and travellers were limited to mountain paths and rowing boats. Nevertheless, today driving is easy with an excellent 600 km network of well maintained tarmaced roads and tunnels. The density of cars is one of the highest in Europe.

The numerous road tunnels in the Faroe Islands mean that drivers of large vehicles must plan their routes by finding out in advance which tunnel they can enter. Driving is on the right and most road signs follow international standards. Headlights and seat belts must be on when driving. The speed limit is 80 km/h (50 mph) outside towns and villages, and 50 km/h (30 mph) in the towns and villages. For cars with trailers, the speed limit is 50 km/h and for caravans the speed limit is 60 km/h. The consequences for speeding are severe. Sheep graze freely on both sides of the main roads and will cross at will. Also they may hide from bad weather just inside the tunnels, which causes many collisions each year.

Parking in the towns of Tórshavn, Klaksvík and Runavík is restricted and parking fines cost 200 kr . Parking discs must be displayed in the lower right hand corner of the front windscreen showing the time you parked your car. These display discs are available for free at banks and tourist offices.

Off-road driving is prohibited by law in the Faroe Islands. Respect the islands' pristine nature by keeping to sealed roads.

Car rental [ edit ]

• Avis Føroyar, Vágar airport, FO-380 Sørvágur. Tel: 358800/212765.
• 62N.fo (formerly Hertz), Vágar airport/Hotel Vágar, FO-380 Sørvágur. Tel: 340036/213546, [email protected]
• Unicar , FO-360 Sandavágur. Tel: 332527, [email protected]

By bus [ edit ]

Passenger road transport is run by private companies, but is coordinated by a public body, Strandfaraskip Landsins .

The inter-town bus system (Bygdaleiðir) and the public ferry company have established a coherent and well-developed public transport system which takes in all settlements on the islands. This means that there are bus services to all places - maybe not often, but every day!

Bygdaleiðir's buses are blue. A schedule (Ferðaætlan) listing the various timetables for the inter-town buses (and ferries) may be purchased from the tourist office, as well as the central bus station near the harbour in Tórshavn. Transport is quite expensive, so check for student discount or multiple-ride-cards. Students, children and pensioners are eligible for discounts on fares provided they show a student or pensioner identity card. There is a four-day travel card meant for tourists which is valid for all buses and ferries. It is well worth its price if you are planning to get around the islands by public transport.

The buses are equipped with radios. If you are planning to change buses, do tell the driver in advance, as he will make sure the other bus waits for you.

The capital Tórshavn offers a local bus service (Bussleiðin) with four routes that reach most area of the town which is free. The red coloured-buses operate every half-hour during the day throughout the week and hourly on weekday evenings. The buses don't operate on Saturday or on Sunday evening which can be inconvenient for tourists. Route maps and schedules may be obtained on the buses, at Kiosk Steinatún in the centre of town, or at Kunningarstovan, the local tourist information in Tórshavn.

By helicopter [ edit ]

You can splurge, and take a helicopter (instead of the cheaper ferry) to all the faraway islands – for example to Mykines, the picturesque island far west.

Atlantic Airways offers a helicopter service to selected towns and villages throughout the Faroes. Contact Atlantic Airways directly ( ☏ +298 341060 ). Booking is required. The service is intended for locals on remote islands, and as such tourists can only book one way of a journey but you can use the ferry and bus services to make the return journey.

Bad weather may result in helicopter flights being cancelled.

Non-residents don't get subsidised prices any more; tickets cost about thrice as much as for locals.

Hitchhiking [ edit ]

The Faroe Islands are the spot to start your hitchhiking career because it's one of the easiest places to catch a ride. Firstly, most people speak English, so you can have a meaningful conversation with insights into their culture. Secondly, locals are also curious about travellers, and they like to show them places, too. So people would drive out of their way to show you interesting places, chatting along the way. Faroese people enjoy driving around the islands and admiring their beauty. Thirdly, the islands have a decent economy, allowing people to purchase vehicles, so the roads have enough cars on them. Fourthly, the low population and excellent education system mean crime is low. Last but not least, distances are very short, so you will not be stuck with the same person for a long time.

Considering car rental prices, the infrequency of public transport, ease of hitchhiking and short distances, hitchhiking is the best way to explore the islands. You will usually get picked up by the first or second car to pass.

See [ edit ]

• Gásadalur is both a village and waterfall. This village is arguably the most iconic representation of the Faroe Islands. Here, you'll be treated to a picturesque scene where a few traditional, environmentally-friendly houses stand against the backdrop of a hill perched on a high cliff, with a majestic waterfall.

Lakes [ edit ]

Nestled amidst the stunning landscapes lies the tranquil lakes of the Faroe Islands. These lakes mirror the surrounding emerald hills and can even cause you to question your perception of vision.

• Sørvágsvatn , perhaps nicknamed as the lake above the ocean, is the largest lake in the Faroes. It is 30–40 m above the sea and its curve sweeps close to sheer cliffs in Vágar .
• Lake Toftir ( Toftavatn ) south of Eysturoy is a lake that's one of its kind. The low rolling hills around the idyllic lake have the widest stretches of heather on the islands. They are considered unique in the Faroes. Furthermore, the terrain is a splendid choice for an outing.

Do [ edit ]

• Sea kayaking . Kayaks are widely available for rent.
• Birdwatching .

Hiking [ edit ]

It is possible to hike in Faroe Islands, however, you must stick to prepared trails, and it is not permitted to put up tents outside designated areas. Most famous hikes are accessible only by paying a fee (e.g. the hike along Leitisvatn/Sørvágsvatn out to Trælanípa and Bøsdalafossur waterfall for 200 kr or Mykines past the village for 250 kr , as of 2022). Credit card payment is available everywhere.

Weather is unpredictable, there might be rain storms, so bring suitable clothes. A combination of hiking and bus transport is advised, so you don't need to walk back the same way again. The tourism authority produced a hiking guide which is available from their website . It offers detailed descriptions with small maps for 23 short tours on virtually all of the islands. Going on your own, check with the regional information centres about farming and hunting activities.

Tourist information offices, including the one in the airport, distributes booklets about hiking around the Faroe Islands, suggesting various routes. Another great source for hiking tracks is the mobile application called Maps.me which displays walking paths as well as roads. In any case, one is not far away from picturesque paths in any given location. In the worst case, one can walk along the roads as cars rarely pass by.

Buy [ edit ]

Almost everything in the Faroe Islands is expensive. All consumer sales include 25% VAT (sales tax) and displayed prices always include this.

Money [ edit ]

The Faroese currency is the Danish krone (plural: kroner ), denoted by the abbreviation " kr. " (ISO code: DKK ). The Faroese government prints its own banknotes, the Króna , although Danish coins are used. The coins come in 50 oyra (half of a Króna), 1, 2, 5, 10, and 20 króna. Paper notes come in 50, 100, 200, 500, and 1000 króna. The exchange value on notes is equivalent to the Danish crown, and there is no service charge on exchange, as Danish notes are equally acceptable as the Faroese króna throughout the country.

Before leaving Faroe Islands you should exchange the Faroese notes to either Danish notes or other foreign currency since Faroese notes are usually not known by banks outside of Denmark.

Shopping [ edit ]

Opening hours in the Faroes are longer than they used to be, but many smaller stores still close early on Saturday (usually at 14:00) and nearly everything is closed on Sundays.

Tórshavn is the obvious choice for shopping, although both Runavík and especially Klaksvik have some nice shops selling clothes and knick-knacks.

Wool and woollen clothing are popular on the Islands, and 'you will find some fashionable sweaters, jackets and (cheaper) hats, shawls and gloves. Check out the shops "Sirri" and "Guðrun og Guðrun".

There is only one proper shopping centre: SMS (Sølumiðstøð). Containing the largest supermarket, Miklagarður, and some different shops and a few chains including Burger King, Bath and Body Works and Vero Moda. Yasmin sells women’s clothing. The Shopping Centee has glass art-work by artist Tróndur Patursson.

There are a few second hand shops in Tórshavn.

If you are from outside the EU/Scandinavia you can have your VAT refunded when leaving the country, for certain purchases not for use in the Faroes.

Eat [ edit ]

Most traditional Faroese cuisine involves either lamb or fish. The traditional Faroese kitchen mainly owes its food traditions to the archipelago's harsh climate, similar to the cuisine of Iceland . This is because in earlier days the food culture on the islands was not very extensive. It is hard to find a Faroese dish on the menu of a restaurant, but it is possible at certain restaurants and hotels.

Distinctive Faroese foods include:

• Wild seabirds, e.g. puffins . The puffins are stuffed with cake and served with potatoes and wild berries
• Skerpikjøt , dried mutton that has been hung for over a year and is eaten raw
• Ræst kjøt , meat that has been hung for a couple of months to mature before cooking
• Ræstur fiskur , dried fish that has been hung in the same way as ræstkjøt
• Turrur fiskur , dried fish
• Tvøst og spik , whale meat and blubber
• Rhubarb , since it is easy to cultivate

Restaurants [ edit ]

There are more restaurants in Tórshavn (the capital), a few good ones are mentioned below. In general, though, there are very limited dining selections in Tórshavn. Outside Tórshavn, the quality and quantity of the restaurants declines greatly.

There is no McDonalds on the Faroes, but Burger King has arrived. In Tórshavn you can find fast food restaurants at the shopping centre SMS and City Burger is in the town centre.

All over the Faroes you will find gas stations, Effo and Magn . Nearly every gas station will serve fast-food, especially sausages.

• KOKS at Hotel Føroyar. From the restaurant there is an excellent view over Tórshavn. Their cuisine offers Faroese specialities as well as international cuisine.
• Áarstova down by the harbour, right next to Café Natúr. Áarstova serves some traditional Faroese food.
• Toscana nice and small Italian restaurant downtown.
• Etika is a delicatessen and take-away. It has great sushi on account of the splendid local fish.

Drink [ edit ]

The legal drinking age in the Faroes is 18. The Faroese love to party, and drinking is much more popular than doing drugs. There are two brands of Faroese beer: Føroya Bjór and Okkara. Føroya Bjór is well-established and is the oldest of the two breweries. It has picked up occasional awards abroad. Okkara was established in 2010 and is growing in popularity, mainly for their craft beer.

Alcohol is very expensive. Light beer may be purchased in shops and unlicensed restaurants and cafés. Stronger beer, wine and spirits can only be purchased in the Government Monopoly stores ( Rúsdrekkasøla ) in major towns and in licensed restaurants, cafés and bars etc. How much you can bring to the Faroe Islands as duty-free imports is listed on the taxation office's website - taks.fo .

Government Monopoly Stores [ edit ]

• Hoyvíksvegur 51, Tórshavn
• Á Hjalla 14, Tórshavn
• Niðari Vegur 81, Vestmanna
• Svartheyggj 2, Norðskáli
• Heiðavegur 25, Saltangará
• Sævargøta 6, Klaksvík
• Heimasandsvegur 58, Sandur
• Langabakki 5, Trongisvágur
• Skaldarvegur 5, Miðvágur

Nightlife [ edit ]

There are few bars and nightclubs outside of the capital. In Tórshavn the real Nightlife is down by the harbour. Here you can find the bar Cirkus Føroyar, where musicians hang out. Hvonn is at Hotel Tórshavn again situated by the harbour, across the street from Cirkus. Most young people come here during the weekends.

The bar Café Natúr is close by. Every Wednesday there is a pub quiz at Café Natúr. The wooden interiors are similar to English or Irish pubs, and have live music (usually in the form of a singer or guitarist).

Another place is Cleopatra right in the town centre which has a restaurant on the lower floor, with the main bar on the next floor up. The entrance to the bar is up some green felt stairs.

A nightclub is Rex, on the third floor in the same building as "Havnar Bio", the cinema. You need to be 21 or over to get in.

For young people the nightclub Deep is a place to visit. It is the same as in most European cities a you have to be eighteen or older to get in.

Cafés [ edit ]

For a coffee go to the Western harbour "Vágsbotn", just below Tórshavn Dome and have a cup of coffee at café Kaffihúsið. Kaffihúsi is located down by the sea and has a very nice atmosphere.

The Café Dugni is in the middle of town. Bill Clinton had a cup of coffee there when he visited the islands a few years back. At Dugni you can buy Faroes handicrafts while having coffee and homemade faroese cakes at the same time.

Other cafés include Café Kaspar at hotel Hafnia, and Baresso at the shopping centre SMS. Hvonn is one of the most popular places at night, keeping it sophisticated and clean, and also includes a brasserie.

Sleep [ edit ]

Youth hostels [ edit ]

The youth hostels of the Faroes are spread across the islands. The limited geographical size of the Faroes ensures that the next youth hostel is always well within one day’s walking distance allowing visitors to travel from one youth hostel to the next one at will.

Accommodation is mostly in 2 to 6 rooms of limited size but of good standard. There are few dormitory accommodations at the Faroese, with one exception being at Bládýpi which has 2 dorms, as well as apartments. Most of the youth hostels don´t have a regular reception with daily opening hours, so be sure to make arrangements with your host by e-mail or phone before arriving at the hostel.

Prices vary slightly with the cheapest being around 200 kr per night/person for adults. Variable discounts for children 2–11 years old. YHF members get a 20 kr discount while groups get special discounts.

Camping [ edit ]

Legally camping is only allowed in designated places but in reality, you can camp anywhere as long as you are not impudent. Locals are aware that camping prohibition law is few centuries old and might not apply these days. Safe distance might be half an hour walk away from the village. There are few objects to hide behind so you would be visible from far away, but as long as you pitch a tent in evening and pick up early morning, you should be fine. Once again, camping outside designated areas is not legal but locals do this too.

If you decide to break the law and camp in the wild, be aware of frequently changing weather conditions. It's advisable to look a for hideout from the wind and pitch a tent to sustain from strong gusts. No one would like to wake-up in a night to repitch a tent.

One can easily find a stretch of land just to oneself to enjoy the tranquillity the Faroe islands gives after a sunset.

Also, be considerate and take your rubbish with you. Or as a saying goes "leave no trace, only footprints".

Learn [ edit ]

The main university in the Faroe Islands is the University of the Faroe Islands . Most classes are conducted entirely in Faroese, so if you don't know any Faroese, courses are unlikely to be of any interest to you.

Every summer the university hosts a program that allows people to get a good introduction to Faroese language and literature. More information can be found here . If you are deeply fascinated with Nordic culture, the islands are a great place to start.

Stay safe [ edit ]

The Faroe Islands are generally safe. Crime and traffic are minor risks. While there are no major natural disasters or dangerous animals , fog can be a danger for hikers and drivers. Sheep may be startled by cars, and leap out in front of them. If you happen to collide with a sheep , you should immediately contact the police in Tórshavn at telephone number ☏ +298 351448 for assistance.

The hare hunting takes place in November and December, mostly on Saturdays, but also in weekdays. Hiking is safe on Sundays.

Stay healthy [ edit ]

There are emergency wards at the hospital in Tórshavn, Klaksvík on Borðoy and Tvøroyri on Suðuroy. Doctors around the islands provide emergency assistance. A lot of hospital staff are residents of Denmark who spend periods on the Faroes to supplement the local health staff. The coast guard and Atlantic Airways have helicopters that may be used in emergencies. Police stations are found in most parts of the Country.

Tap water is safe to drink.

Health insurance [ edit ]

Citizens of the Nordic countries and the UK are covered by their own national health insurance. It is advisable for citizens of other countries to take out travel health insurance.

Emergency or Fire [ edit ]

Pharmacies [ edit ].

• Tórshavn (by the SMS shopping centre) on Streymoy. Tel: ☏ +298 341100
• Klaksvík on Borðoy. Tel: ☏ +298 455055
• Runavík on Eysturoy. Tel: ☏ +298 471200
• Tvøroyri on Suðuroy. Tel: ☏ +298 371076

Car problems [ edit ]

For breakdown and immediate help on the two larger islands Streymoy and Eysturoy, contact the fire station in Tórshavn, telephone number ☏ +298 302100 . It is advisable to arrange for insurance coverage for your car to save you the worry of a spoilt holiday due to unexpected garage bills.

Respect [ edit ]

Faroese people are known to be very helpful, friendly and hospitable.

• The Faroese are not Danes. They are a separate ethnic group altogether. Keep that in mind when conversing with local people, and never say that you are in the Kingdom of Denmark when visiting the Faroe Islands.
• The Faroese are often stereotyped negatively in Denmark . Try to avoid perpetuating any negative stereotypes about them; it is a quick ticket to getting yourself on someone's bad side.
• Whale hunting is incredibly popular in the Faroe Islands and is an important cornerstone of Faroese culture. Each year, hundreds of Faroese people participate in seasonal whale hunts and some 700–1000 long-finned pilot whales end up getting killed in these hunts. Comments about how cruel or inhuman this cultural practice is may end up offending someone.
• The possibility of the Faroe Islands becoming independent is a sensitive issue and is certainly much debated. Unless you have a heart for lengthy, passionate debates, try not to discuss it.
• The old part of Tórshavn, around Tinganes, is visited by many tourists. Respect the privacy of people living there.
• Religion is an integral part of the Faroese society with more than 95% of the inhabitants adhering to Christianity and about 77% of the inhabitants being members of the Church of the Faroe Islands, an independent Lutheran state church.

Connect [ edit ]

There is widespread cellular phone and Internet access. The islands do not belong to the EU, and the roaming charges are much higher than they are inside EU for EU residents. However, some prepaid SIMs from Denmark available to tourists (specifically Lebara) include a roaming allowance good in the Faroes, although it will be significantly smaller (for example, a 100 kr plan with 100 GB of data in Denmark will only have 5 GB available to use in the Faroes). It can be a good idea to buy a SIM in Denmark if you are transiting there on your way in, as a local SIM with the same 100 kr will only get you 2 GB. Many tourists use the Town library or the National library to go on-line instead. They are both in Tórshavn. Public wifi widely available for example in ferries or SMS shopping mall in Torshavn.

Posta is the Faroese postal service and they issue own postage stamps (postage stamps from Denmark are not valid). A mailed postcard from the Faroe Islands is very much appreciated amongst collectors. As of March 2023 an ordinary letter/postcard (sized max. 23x33x1 cm) to destinations worldwide (incl. Denmark), with a weight of up to 100 grams, cost 31 kr .

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Coastal village of Gjogv on Eysturoy island, one of the Faroe Islands.

Even for many seasoned travelers, the Faroe Islands remain something of an enigma. The islands—about halfway between Scotland and Iceland in the Atlantic Ocean—are simply a curious speck on the map when flying between the U.S. and Europe.

Those who do make the effort to visit are rewarded with wild, windswept lanscapes, traditional coastal communities and rare wildlife.

If getting to the rugged Faroe Islands was easier, there would be far more visitors. Yet new direct flight routes from Norway and France have brought more visitors than ever before to the islands.

New hotels in the capital Toshavn are just about keeping pace with demand during the summer. But this is no bustling place. Even in the middle of summer, it’s easy to find total isolation in unspoiled nature.

If you’re keen on visiting the Faroe Islands, there are direct flights to Vágar airport year-round from Denmark and many other seasonal options. For the adventurous, you can also travel by ship from Denmark or Iceland.

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Atlantic Airways is the island’s main airline, operating daily flights to and from Copenhagen in Denmark year-round. On most days there is a departure in the early morning, early afternoon and early evening to Torshavn. Return times are typically early morning, mid-afternoon and late evening.

Atlantic Airways serves the remote Faroe Islands airport with daily flights from Copenhagen, ... [+] Denmark.

Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) also runs flights from Copenhagen. Although not as frequent as Atlantic, the SAS departures can prove useful when connecting from SAS flights or other Star Alliance member airlines including Air Canada, Lufthansa and United.

The SAS flights vary upon season, however. In the spring and summer there are daily flights up to six days a week, but there are several weeks with no service in the late autumn and winter.

Atlantic Airways also operates direct flights from other parts of Denmark and the Norwegian capital city Oslo. Among other destinations, Reykjavik in Iceland, Edinburgh in Scotland and Paris in France are also served by Atlantic on certain days of the week, although the latter two are seasonal services.

Finally, Norwegian airline Widerøe operates twice-weekly flights from Bergen on Norway’s west coast to the Faroes.

If arriving by air, bear in mind that the capital Torshavn is a 40-minute drive from Vágar airport. If you plan on renting a car while in the Faroes, this is best arranged in advance from the airport.

Faroe Islands by ship

While flying is by far the easiest option for international visitors, arriving by ship adds a touch of old-time romance.

The Faroese-owned Smyrill Line operates the car ferry Norröna year-round from Hirtshals in Denmark to Seyðisfjörður in Iceland, stopping at Torshavn in both directions.

This opens up the opportunity for a truly special Nordic itinerary. Fly into Reykjavik, spend a few days enjoying the southern part of Iceland before sailing to the Faroes. Sail on to Denmark and return home by air from Copenhagen, or onward to Norway by ferry.

Smyrill also offers various package deals that include three nights in the Faroe Islands and/or seven or 14 nights in Iceland.

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Føroyar, travel to the faroe islands.

Situated in the North Atlantic Ocean and only two hours by plane from mainland Europe the 18 mountainous islands of the Faroe Islands offer a variety of experiences of nature – from dramatic landscapes meeting the wild ocean to the peacefulness of the mountains. After a day exploring the islands enjoy the amazing gastronomy that some of the capital restaurants offer.

Take a look at the following pictures to see some of the amazing things you'll find on your trip to the Faroe Islands. Exciting!

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Fly&Drive

We design your Fly&Drive package to the Faroe Islands, including a car rental for the whole stay,  accomodation in the best places and a PDF with places to visit and all the information you need for your adventure.

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Guided tours

Discover the amazing Faroe Islands with our experienced local guides .

We offer regular departures in small groups  of maximum 8 people for a very personal service.

June & July 2024

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The Faroe Islands are a paradise for any photographer, both beginners and professional.

Join one of our photography tours and enjoy our landscapes with a local professional photographer .

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I had 7-day guided tour in Faroe Islands. It was very very organized and planned. I almost saw all things I want to see. The tour was flexible as well when the weather condition is not ideal, so there was no disappointment. The guide was also amazing, knowing all aspects and very experienced and friendly. It worths the money :) Will definitely choose this company again if going back!

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A Traveler’s Guide to Tórshavn, the Capital of the Faroe Islands

S ituated midway between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean, the Faroe Islands beckon to adventure-seekers looking for a less populated place to explore. Comprised of 18 islands connected with a series of sea tunnels, bridges and ferries, this far-flung archipelago filled with Nordic history reveals awe-inspiring vistas at every turn.

Although the Faroe Islands are under the Kingdom of Denmark, the country remains quite independent. Located on the islands of Streymoy, the capital city of Tórshavn  is the cultural heart of the Faroe Islands . Tórshavn is home to approximately 20,000 of the country’s 54,000 residents, making it one of the world’s smallest capital cities.

Free-roaming sheep cover the Faroe Islands landscape and you’ll even find some of these wooly residents in Tórshavn. In addition to the loveable sheep, here are some of the must-see sites in the capital city.

Walk through the History of Tórshavn in Tinganes

Despite being one of the world’s smallest capital cities, Tórshavn – which is Danish for Thor’s Harbor – has functioned as a government seat since 850 AD when the Norse established their government there. In the heart of old town Tórshavn, the Tinganes peninsula was chosen as the location for the Old Norse parliament. Tinganes developed into a major trade center and as Tórshavn grew up around it, the city became the parliament for all of the Faroe Islands.

Today, the charming old town displays the charms of yesteryear with narrow winding streets flanked by small red-painted wooden houses with turf roofs and traditional stone bases. Tinganes still serves in a government capacity as home to the office of the prime minister of the Faroe Islands.

A stroll through Tinganes is a walk through time surrounded by those uber-charming grass roofs. Several of these historic homes now serve as guest houses so it is possible to base yourself in history when visiting Tórshavn!

Visit the Tórshavn Cathedral

The second oldest existing church of the Faroe Islands, Tórshavn Cathedral sits at the edge of Tinganes. Painted white with a slate roof, this picturesque church dates back to 1788. Since 1990 it has served as the seat of the bishop of the Faroes earning it the title of cathedral. An interesting feature, the church’s bell originated from the ship ‘Norske Löve’ (Norwegian Lion), which went down in Lambavík on New Year’s Eve, 1707. The bell tower features a golden spire.

Explore Thor’s Harbor and Fort Skansin

A highlight of Tórshavn’s city centre, the harbor teams with activity. From charming sailboats to cargo ships and fishing boats to car ferries delivering tourists and residents to other Faroese islands including Nólsoy and Sandvoy, there’s always something happening here. Day tours to other islands depart from here as well.

Overlooking the harbor, the Skansin Lighthouse stands within historic Fort Skansin . Built in the 16th Century, the fortress now serves as a monument and recreational area. A short walk up the grassy hill to the Skansin Lighthouse is worth the effort for the stunning views of the surrounding waters of the North Atlantic Ocean and nearby Nólsoy Island.

Experience Faroese Art at Listasavn Føroya

The National Gallery of the Faroe Islands  –   Listasavn Føroya in Faroese – is a must-see while visiting Tórshavn. Housed in a striking building with a multi-gabled roof and surrounded by landscaped gardens and lovely city park, the gallery exhibits a sizable collection of modern art along with expressionism and abstract pieces.

Celebrate Centuries of Nordic Culture at The Nordic House

The Nordic House  exudes the history and folklore of Scandinavia even in its architecture. Boasting an award-winning design, the Nordic House features a 21,000-square-foot turf roof and includes a rolling serpentine form evoking ancient stories of fairies and elves known for making their homes in hillside caves beneath the earth.

Exhibits within the Nordic House bring to life the culture and history of the Faroe Islands and the Nordic people with a focus on how the two are connected.

Take a Deep Dive into Faroese History at the National Museum of the Faroe Islands

As far-flung as the Faroe Islands seem, it’s hard to imagine arriving there long before they were discovered. The hearty souls who experienced this first hand. The exhibits at the National Museum of the Faroe Islands  take you back to prerecorded history and the roots of the Faroese, into the Viking era and continuing through the formation of the Faroe Islands through the Middle Ages. Additional exhibits delve into the importance of the fishing industry, Faroese customs and into the modern era.

Getting to Tórshavn

Located on Vágar Island, Vágar Airport serves as the Faroe Islands’ only commercial airport. Atlantic Airways and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) fly into Vágar Airport from Paris (France), Reykjavik (Iceland), Edinburgh (Scotland), Oslo (Norway), and Bergen (Norway). Atlantic Airways recently added a direct flight from Stewart International Airport in New York’s Hudson Valley.

Vágar Airport is well connected by taxis and bus service into Tórshavn. Route 300 on the public bus picks up passengers at the airport and drops them off at the Tórshavn harbor near the city centre. A taxi can be booked at a fixed rate of $35 USD. If you plan to explore beyond Tórshavn during your stay in the Faroe Islands, a rental car provides more flexibility. There are several companies to choose from. We chose a local company, RentYourCar.fo  and were very pleased with the rate and customer service. However you choose to get to Tórshavn, enjoy the ride because you’ll be treated to jaw-dropping vistas along the way.

It’s also possible to take a ferry to the Faroe Islands. Smyril Line’s ferry, M/S Norröna, sails to the Faroe Islands from Hirtshals in the north of Denmark and from Seyðisfjørður in Iceland. Frequency of departures varies according to season.

Read More: When’s the Best Time of Year to Visit the Faroe Islands?

Where to Stay

Depending on your travel style, Tórshavn offers several lodging options. For those who prefer to stay in a full-service hotel, Hotel Føroyar  presents the true essence of the Faroe Islands. Tucked into a valley overlooking Tórshavn, the panoramic views from this 4-star property captivate guests. An easy walk into the city center via a secret path down the hill adds to the authenticity of the experience.

Hotel Føroyar features 200 rooms and suites, two restaurants and a spa under its grass roof that blends into the serenity of the surrounding countryside. Guests of the hotel benefit from day trip packages to top attractions including a guided tour to Mykines to see the adorable puffins.

For our visit, we chose to book a guesthouse through AirBnB to have a full kitchen and access to a laundry room. On the ground floor of a residence, our guesthouse is known as The Green Pearl and sits in a lovely neighborhood within easy walking distance of the city centre and the harbor. As a bonus, sheep graze in the park just outside of the residence and a mama sheep and her baby came to visit through our bedroom window every morning. Absolutely magical!

Journey to Europe's Best-Kept Secret

Hiking the faroe islands.

From $5,295

Moderate to Strenuous

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

The incredibly isolated Faroe Islands, halfway between Scotland and Iceland, are a breathtaking archipelago of soaring sea cliffs, cozy harbor villages, and famously shaggy sheep. We'll hike airy ridge trails above narrow fjords, along sea cliffs, above the ethereal hanging lake of Sørvágsvatn, and to Vidoy for incredible panoramas over the five northernmost Faroese islands. As we explore, we'll be welcomed into homes, watch traditional Faroese dancing (derived from medieval ring dances), and enjoy a round of beers at the islands' oldest brewery. The seafood here is hook-to-table fresh, and we'll savor meals in the company of knitters, chefs, and artists as we experience the genuine culture of the Faroes.

Arrive: Sørvágur, Faroe Islands

Depart: Sørvágur, Faroe Islands

• Discover the Faroes' stunning coastal hikes and rich seafaring heritage
• Sample Faroese cuisine, including superb fresh-caught fish
• Sip beer at the oldest brewery on the islands
• Meet artisans, dine with local families
• Enjoy welcoming hotels and guesthouses—some hikes start right from the front door!

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

$600 due at time of reservation 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge! 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in hotels and guesthouses
• All meals included except 1 dinner as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• A glass of wine or beer with dinner
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders or staff
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Hotel Vágar

Sørvágur, Faroe Islands, Denmark

Days 1-2 (2 nights)

Gjáargarður Guesthouse

Gjógv, Faroe Islands, Denmark

Days 3-5 (3 nights)

Hotel Hafnia

Tórshavn, Faroe Islands, Denmark

Days 6-7 (2 nights)

Alternate Accomodation: Hotel Brandan

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Angela Gillespie

What the Trip is Like

• 1,000-1,200 feet gain/loss
• Day 6: 4.5 miles, 4 hours, and 1,700 feet gain/loss

Client Testimonials

"A fantastic hiking/cultural experience in a uniquely beautiful island group!"

Altamonte Springs, FL

"Skye's skill in identifying places and people ensured a wonderful balance of hiking, cultural experiences, and time in the homes of Faroese people. We had access to very unique places and met people who added their personal perspectives to life in the Faroes."

W Montrose, Ontario

"I've wanted to hike in the Faroe Islands for more than 20 years and was glad that Wilderness offered the trip. There was spectacular scenery, great accommodations, and a guide who cared about our experiences—in towns, beautiful churches, and the arts. We had two gatherings in private homes and the Faroese were so welcoming. I would highly recommend the trip to anyone."

Fort Myers, FL

"The hiking was excellent, but I really enjoyed the home visits also. It was a unique way to experience local culture."

Emporia, KS

"This trip was wonderful. The islands are stunning, with incredibly dramatic scenery and weather. The birds, especially the puffins and oystercatchers, were amazing. The hikes were lovely, not too strenuous and appropriate for the group traveling."

Saratoga Springs, NY

"One of the best trips I've been on. The Faroes are magnificent to behold, the hiking was fabulous, and the views were jaw dropping stupendous."

Larkspur, CA

"Loved the home visits with locals for tea, post-hike snacks, lunch and dinner. Unique experiences!"

Earlham, IA

"I enjoyed this trip so much that I almost cried when it was over. With our leader, there was NEVER a dull moment."

Vancouver, BC

"A well-designed itinerary with a wonderful mix of hiking and cultural experiences. The cultural interactions with local residents were one of the high points of the trip. The hikes were very scenic, historic, and enjoyable."

Seattle, WA

"This trip was a wonderful introduction to the beauty of the Faroe Islands and the culture and history of the Faroese. The people we met generously offered us their hospitality, culture, history, and personal stories."

"This trip exceeded my expectations—and I had fairly high expectations. Our guide and the itinerary design were excellent."

Sioux Falls, SD

"This was such a fabulous trip in such a beautiful country. I loved the exercise and I loved so many of the cultural events—visiting the artist, the brewery, the old farmhouses, the churches, Oliver's boat trip. It was just great."

Baltimore, MD

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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

• Everest Base Camp
• Climb Kilimanjaro!

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FAROE ISLANDS, DENMARK TRAVEL GUIDE 2024-2025: Comprehensive insider insights on the best ways to explore the culture, cuisines, and top attractions for a memorable experience Kindle Edition

Dreaming of emerald-green cliffs and colorful houses backdrop? Craving a rendezvous with nature's whispers and fjord adventures? Wondering how to turn your Faroese fantasy into reality? If your answer is a resounding YES, then this travel guide is your golden ticket to unlock the wonders of the Faroe Islands.

Embark on Your Journey:

From touchdown at Vágar Airport to seamless island-hopping, our stress-free guide ensures a smooth start to your Faroese escapade.

Discover Hidden Gems:

Explore Tinganes, Tórshavn's beating heart, and stand in awe at the majestic Cliffs of Kallur Lighthouse. Nature's marvels await your eager gaze, promising unforgettable memories.

Find Your Sanctuary:

Whether it's the cozy comforts of Hotel Føroyar or the authentic hospitality of Gjaargardur guesthouses, your home away from home awaits. Rest easy amidst Faroe's stunning landscapes.

Savor Culinary Delights:

Indulge in the flavors of Barbara Fish House and other local gems, where seafood reigns supreme and every bite tells a story. Experience Faroese dining at its finest, a feast for the senses!

Embrace Outdoor Thrills:

Strap on your hiking boots for misty trails in Saksun or spread your wings in Mykines, the puffin paradise. Adventure beckons at every turn, promising adrenaline-pumping experiences.

Immerse in Culture and Entertainment:

Dive into Tórshavn's vibrant culture – sip coffee at Café Natur, mingle with locals, and soak up the lively ambiance at Sirkus. The Faroese spirit awaits, ready to enchant and inspire.

Master Practical Tips:

Weather wisdom, packing hacks, and insider secrets our guide equips you with all the essentials for a seamless Faroese adventure. Leave no detail overlooked!

Ready to Dive In?

If you're ready to turn your Faroese dreams into reality, then don't hesitate! Click Buy Now and let the adventure of a lifetime begin. With our guide in hand, the enchanting Faroe Islands are yours to explore, one breathtaking moment at a time.

GET YOUR COPY NOW !!!

• Print length 131 pages
• Language English
• Sticky notes On Kindle Scribe
• Publication date March 20, 2024
• File size 3196 KB
• Page Flip Enabled
• Word Wise Enabled
• Enhanced typesetting Enabled
• See all details

Product details

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ B0CYQ6YSD7
• Publication date ‏ : ‎ March 20, 2024
• Language ‏ : ‎ English
• File size ‏ : ‎ 3196 KB
• Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
• Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
• Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
• Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
• Print length ‏ : ‎ 131 pages

About the author

Raymond park.

Raymond Park is not just a traveler; he's a seasoned explorer with a passion for sharing his adventures. Having journeyed through over 40 countries and explored more than 100 cities, Raymond's wanderlust knows no bounds. His love for travel has transcended into a fulfilling hobby - crafting insightful travel guides brimming with personal anecdotes, practical advice, and hidden gems unearthed during his expeditions.

With a keen eye for detail and a knack for uncovering the essence of each destination, Raymond's writing transports readers from armchairs to distant lands, offering a firsthand glimpse into the sights, sounds, and flavors of the world. Whether navigating bustling city streets, trekking through remote landscapes, or savoring culinary delights, Raymond's travel guides are infused with authenticity and passion, making them indispensable companions for any globetrotter.

Through his writing, Raymond Park invites fellow adventurers to embark on transformative journeys, providing them with the tools and insights needed to turn their travel dreams into unforgettable experiences. With each page, readers are not just informed, but inspired to explore the world with open hearts and curious minds. Join Raymond on his quest to uncover the essence of travel, one destination at a time.

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Welcome to Faroe Islands

Find the best selection of tours in Faroe Islands. Best price guarantee.

Top things to do in Faroe Islands

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Adventure Tours (136)

Best 2024 Vacation Packages in Faroe Islands (23)

Boat Tours (34)

Guided tours (51)

Hiking Tours (59)

Mykines Tours (13)

Nature Tours (120)

Waterfall Tours (23)

Top tours in faroe islands.

Discover all the best tours and tickets in Faroe Islands

Adventurous 6 Day Summit Hiking of Faroe Islands

Cosy Evening Knitting Club in Private Home

Classic 7 Hour Northern Isles Tour

The Tórshavn Walking Tour

Unique 1.5 Hour Drangarnir Boat Tour

Outstanding 7 Hour “See It All” Faroe Islands Tour

Captivating 9 Hour Tour to Suðuroy Island

Unforgettable 7 Day Summer Package of Faroe Islands

This tour was simply great! I don't think I've ever seen so much in a single day. Unreal beauty in the landscapes. An entertaining, characterful tourguide with a lot of knowledge! The whole package was great, a perfect Chance to get to know the islands. Do it!

I highly recommend this tour, it took me to places I never even thought they could exist. Irdi did a great job. No doubt. Do it!

Great tour that I would recommend to everyone visiting the Faroe Islands, especially if it's your first time. We went to many of the big highlights, and the guide also took us to some of the more hidden gems and scenic routes. She was very knowledgeable about the Faroe Islands, and it was really interesting to hear some of her personal stories.

The group was also very small, which was nice as it felt more personalized. Overall, this was excellent value for money, and I think you should definitely book this.

Tummas gave me an excellent Top Rated Faroe Islands Highlight tour. The spectacular scenery is mesmerizing while Tummas shares the history of the land and sea, the Faroese and how the villages continue to support residents. I learned so much about the raising of sheep in the Faroe Islands from Tummas; each answer prompted more questions followed by Tummas’s answers. If you are limited on days for touring this tour gives an excellent overview of living on the Faroe Islands. Thank you Tummas.

A wonderful tour of Kalsoy Island and all its special places with Randi. Randi’s love of the Faroe Islands comes through every word of her knowledge of the history, the environment, and the sagas of how the Faroese lived and live. It was delightful to meet local farmers, residents who make cheese, candy, and live in a beautiful place with harsh conditions. The drive and the walks were stunning. Thank you Randi for a wonderful day. Is this tour a must if you have the time - absolutely!!!

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