Faroe Islands Travel Guide: Cliffs, Villages, Hiking And Island Life

The Faroe Islands look like a landscape painted by someone who loved cliffs. Green slopes rise from the sea to jagged ridges, waterfalls spill off grassy edges straight into the Atlantic and tiny villages of black wooden houses with turf roofs sit at the heads of fjords. Clouds race across the sky, fog swallows mountains and then lifts to reveal views that seem impossible.

The islands have become one of Europe’s most photographed destinations, yet they remain wonderfully uncrowded outside a few famous viewpoints. Roads wind through tunnels under mountains and beneath the sea. Sheep outnumber people. The Faroese language, culture and traditions have survived centuries of isolation, and the islanders are proud of an identity distinct from Denmark, Norway and Iceland.

Travelling here takes some preparation. The weather changes constantly, many hiking trails cross private land and charge a fee, and access to some sites is controlled to protect the landscape. Flights are short from Scandinavia, but prices can be high. With planning, the Faroes offer an unforgettable mix of nature, culture and quiet.

This guide covers entry, getting there, seasons, each island and village, hiking rules, wildlife, food, culture, transport, accommodation, money, safety and itineraries.

The Faroe Islands At A Glance

The archipelago lies in the North Atlantic, roughly halfway between Iceland and Norway and north of Scotland. Eighteen main islands form a rough arrowhead shape, seventeen of them inhabited. The islands are small, but steep terrain and deep fjords make distances feel greater than they are. No point on the islands is more than a few kilometres from the sea.

Politically, the Faroes are a self governing nation within the Kingdom of Denmark. They have their own parliament, government, flag and language, and they manage most domestic affairs, including fisheries. Denmark handles defence and some foreign affairs. The Faroes chose not to join the European Union, so EU rules on trade, fishing and some travel matters do not apply.

The population is about fifty thousand and growing, and a substantial share lives in and around the capital, Torshavn. Fishing and aquaculture dominate the economy, with salmon farming a major industry. Tourism has grown in recent years, and the islands have taken steps to manage its impact.

Faroese is the national language, a North Germanic language closely related to Icelandic and old Norwegian. Danish is also widely understood, and most people speak excellent English. Signs and menus are often in Faroese, with English increasingly common in tourist areas.

The currency is the Faroese krona, which is tied to the Danish krone at equal value. Danish notes and coins are accepted everywhere, and cards are used almost universally. Cash is rarely needed.

Visitors often compare the Faroe Islands with Iceland. The Faroes are smaller, greener and more intimate, with villages rather than vast wilderness and short distances between highlights. Many travellers combine the two on one trip, since flights connect them.

Entering The Faroe Islands

The Faroes are outside the Schengen area and have separate entry arrangements. UK citizens travelling as tourists generally do not need a visa. Other visa-exempt nationalities should confirm their eligibility; travellers who require a visa normally need authorization specifically valid for the Faroe Islands. A standard Schengen visa alone does not grant entry. Check the Danish Immigration Service guidance for your passport and transit route.

On 20 March 2026, the Danish Immigration Service announced that third-country nationals holding a residence permit from Denmark or another Schengen country, and certain EU-family residence-card holders, could enter using that document with valid travel papers. A long-stay visa (D visa) alone from another Schengen country is not the same as a residence permit and does not qualify under this change. See the official announcement and the visa guidance.

Many flights arrive from Denmark, with other international routes varying by season. Carry your passport and any required residence card or visa, and allow time for border formalities.

Customs rules apply. Declare goods above duty free allowances. Importing whale meat or other whale products from the Faroes into the UK or EU is illegal and can lead to heavy fines or prison, so do not bring any home.

Travellers continuing to mainland Denmark or elsewhere in the Schengen area should remember that the Schengen entry and exit system applies on arrival there. Plan connections accordingly.

Travellers with pets, drones for commercial use or specialist equipment should check import rules in advance. Firearms and hunting equipment are subject to strict controls.

Getting To The Faroe Islands

The main airport is on the island of Vagar, in the west. Flights are operated mainly by the national airline, with year round services to Copenhagen and seasonal routes to other cities in Europe and occasionally North America. Flight times from Scandinavia and Scotland are short, around one to two hours.

From the airport, a road and subsea tunnel connect Vagar with Streymoy, the main island, and the capital Torshavn is under an hour’s drive away. Buses and taxis meet flights, and rental car desks operate at the terminal.

A car ferry runs between Denmark and the Faroes, sometimes stopping in Iceland. It takes around two days and is popular with visitors bringing their own vehicles. The North Atlantic crossing can be rough, particularly outside summer.

Cruise ships call at Torshavn and sometimes Klaksvik, mainly in summer. Cruise passengers usually have a single day to explore and often join tours to nearby sites.

Weather affects flights. Fog and strong winds can delay or divert aircraft, so allow buffer time before onward connections.

Travelling to the Faroe Islands from outside Europe usually involves connecting in Copenhagen, Reykjavik or another European hub. Allow time for connections, since weather delays are common on North Atlantic routes.

When To Visit The Faroe Islands

The Faroes have a maritime climate: cool, windy, wet and changeable, but rarely extreme. Summers are mild rather than warm, and winters are milder than their latitude suggests thanks to the Gulf Stream. Rain falls on most days of the year, often in short bursts, and fog is common.

Summer, from about June to August, is the main season. Days are very long, with light until late evening and short, bright nights around midsummer. Hiking trails are most accessible, puffins are nesting and most tours and boat trips operate. It is also the busiest and most expensive period.

Spring and early autumn bring fewer visitors, changeable weather and still long days. May and September can be excellent for hiking and photography, with dramatic light and quieter trails. Some tours and boat trips operate on reduced schedules.

Winter is dark, stormy and quiet. Days are short, and some hiking trails and roads can be affected by snow and ice. Winter suits travellers seeking solitude, storms and cosy evenings, and the northern lights are sometimes visible on clear nights.

Whatever the season, pack for all weather. Waterproof jacket and trousers, warm layers, a hat and gloves and sturdy boots are essential.

Midsummer brings nights that barely darken, ideal for late evening hikes and photography. In winter, the few hours of daylight make careful planning essential, and some hiking routes are unsafe in snow and ice.

Seasonal events, such as music festivals and the national festival, can fill accommodation. Check the calendar when planning.

Torshavn And Streymoy

Torshavn is one of the smallest capitals in the world, with a friendly, compact centre. Tinganes, a small peninsula of red wooden buildings with turf roofs, is home to government offices and is one of the oldest parliamentary meeting places in the world. Narrow lanes wind between the buildings, and visitors can walk freely through the area.

The harbour is lively with fishing boats and ferries. Cafes, restaurants, shops and galleries line the streets. The National Museum and the Nordic House, a cultural centre with a grass roof, host exhibitions and concerts.

Kirkjubour, a short drive south, is the islands’ most important historic site. It holds the ruins of a medieval cathedral, an old church and a centuries old farmhouse still owned by the same family.

Northern Streymoy holds some of the most dramatic scenery. Saksun, a tiny village with a turf roofed church above a tidal lagoon, is one of the most photographed places in the islands. Tjornuvik, at the end of a valley, has a black sand beach popular with surfers and views of the sea stacks Risin and Kellingin.

Vestmanna, on the west coast, is the base for boat tours to the Vestmanna bird cliffs, where boats sail into narrow gorges beneath towering cliffs full of seabirds.

The Faroese parliament, the Logting, traces its roots to Viking era assemblies held at Tinganes. The site remains a symbol of self government and continuity.

Torshavn’s small size makes it easy to explore on foot. A walk from the harbour through Tinganes, past the cathedral and up to Skansin, an old fort with cannons overlooking the harbour, takes an hour or two. Cafes and bakeries offer warm refuges on rainy days.

The road north from Torshavn to Saksun and Tjornuvik is one of the most scenic drives in the islands, passing fjords, waterfalls and mountain passes. Allow a full day to stop at viewpoints and villages.

Torshavn also hosts concerts, exhibitions and events throughout the year. The Nordic House is a focal point for culture, and small venues showcase Faroese music. Check listings during your stay for performances.

Vagar And Mykines

Vagar, home to the airport, is the first island most visitors see. It has several of the islands’ most famous sights.

Mulafossur, a waterfall that drops from a grassy cliff straight into the sea beside the village of Gasadalur, is the iconic image of the Faroes. A short path leads to a viewpoint. Gasadalur was once reachable only by a steep mountain path, until a tunnel was built.

Sorvagsvatn, also called Leitisvatn, is a lake that appears to hover above the ocean when seen from the cliffs of Traelanipa. The hike to the viewpoint crosses private land and requires a fee. The optical illusion is best seen from the cliffs at the southern end.

Mykines, a small island west of Vagar, is famous for puffins. From spring to late summer, puffins nest on grassy slopes. Ferry and helicopter services depend on weather and schedules. Visitor fees and access restrictions apply. The official tourism board currently reports that the lighthouse path is closed because of landslide danger; do not enter it. Other approved walks may be available, and advance booking is advisable.

Vagar also holds the villages of Sorvagur, Midvagur and Bour, with views of the sea stacks Drangarnir and the islet of Tindholmur. Drangarnir can be reached by a guided hike or seen from boat trips.

Weather frequently cancels Mykines crossings, especially outside midsummer. Build flexibility into your plans by scheduling Mykines early in your trip, leaving spare days to try again if needed.

Staying overnight on Mykines is possible in limited accommodation. It allows time to see puffins in the quiet evening light after day visitors leave.

Boat tours from Sorvagur sail past Drangarnir and Tindholmur, offering views that are hard to reach on foot. Tours depend on sea conditions.

Eysturoy, Kalsoy And The Northern Isles

Eysturoy, the second largest island, is connected to Streymoy by a bridge and by subsea tunnel. Gjogv, a village at the head of a natural sea gorge, is one of the prettiest in the islands. Slaettaratindur, the highest mountain, can be climbed from a road pass on a clear day, offering views across the islands.

Eidi and the sea stacks nearby, as well as Funningur and its old church, are worth visiting. The Eysturoy subsea tunnel includes an underground roundabout with an art installation.

Klaksvik, on Bordoy, is the second largest town and a major fishing port. It is the gateway to the northern islands, reached by ferries and tunnels.

Kalsoy, reached by ferry from Klaksvik, is long and thin, with a road linking its villages through tunnels. The hike to Kallur lighthouse at the northern tip is one of the most famous in the islands, with sweeping views of cliffs and sea. A fee applies, and the path can be dangerous in wind or rain.

Vidoy, the northernmost island, holds Villingadalsfjall and Enniberg, one of the highest sea cliffs in Europe. Fugloy and Svinoy are remote islands reached by ferry.

The village of Gjogv has a guesthouse and cafe, making it a good base for exploring northern Eysturoy. The natural harbour, a narrow gorge used to shelter boats, is reached by steps from the village.

The Kallur lighthouse became internationally famous after appearing in a major film, drawing large numbers of visitors. Paths are steep and exposed, and the final section runs along a narrow ridge. Visit only in good conditions and follow signs and guides.

Klaksvik has a striking modern church, shops, restaurants and a brewery. It makes a good base for exploring the northern isles, with ferry connections and hiking routes nearby.

Southern Islands

Sandoy, reached by subsea tunnel from Streymoy, is gentle and green with sandy beaches and quiet villages.

Skuvoy is home to seabird colonies. Suduroy, the southernmost large island, is reached by ferry and offers dramatic cliffs, villages and fewer visitors.

Hestur and Koltur are small islands with tiny populations.

Sandoy has become easier to reach since a subsea tunnel replaced the ferry from Streymoy. The island’s rolling hills, lakes and beaches feel softer than the dramatic north. Sandur, the main village, has a church and small museum, and walking trails lead to viewpoints over the sea stacks and cliffs of the western coast.

Skuvoy lies south of Sandoy and is reached by a short ferry. It holds large seabird colonies on its western cliffs, including guillemots and puffins in season. The walk across the island to the cliffs is gentle, and the island’s single village is peaceful and welcoming.

Suduroy is reached by a longer ferry from Torshavn, which takes around two hours. The island has a different character, with a distinct dialect and strong local pride. Its western cliffs are among the most dramatic in the islands, and viewpoints such as Beinisvord offer vertiginous views. Villages such as Tvoroyri and Vagur have small museums and cafes.

Visiting Suduroy works best as an overnight trip, allowing time to explore without rushing for the last ferry. Take a car on the ferry, since the island’s sights are spread out and buses are infrequent.

Hestur and Koltur are tiny islands off Streymoy, reached by small ferries. Koltur has only a handful of residents and preserved traditional farm buildings, while Hestur has a small village and seabird cliffs. Both offer a glimpse of how remote island life once was.

A Short History Of The Faroe Islands

Irish monks may have been the first people to reach the islands, seeking solitude in the early medieval period. Norse settlers arrived later, bringing sheep, farming and the language that became Faroese. Their assembly at Tinganes laid the foundations of self government.

The islands came under Norwegian rule and later passed to the Danish crown. For centuries, trade was controlled by a royal monopoly, and life revolved around farming, fishing and fowling. Villages were small and isolated, linked by mountain paths and boats.

In the nineteenth century, the trade monopoly ended and commercial fishing grew rapidly. The fishing boom brought wealth and population growth, and towns such as Torshavn and Klaksvik expanded.

During the Second World War, British forces occupied the islands to prevent a German occupation after Denmark was invaded. After the war, the islands gained home rule within the Danish realm, with their own parliament and government handling most domestic affairs.

Today, the Faroese debate the future of their relationship with Denmark, with some favouring greater independence. The islands have developed strong international links through fishing, culture and tourism.

Fishing remains central to the economy and identity. Harbours in every village, fish processing plants and salmon farms in the fjords show how closely the islands depend on the sea. Many families have fished for generations.

Hiking Rules, Fees And Safety

Hiking is the best way to experience the Faroes, but rules differ from many countries. Most land is privately owned by farmers. Many popular trails charge a hiking fee to cover path maintenance and compensate landowners. Some routes require a guide.

Book and pay fees in advance where required. Signs at trailheads indicate fees and rules.

Weather is the main danger. Fog can roll in quickly, hiding cliffs and paths. Wind can be extremely strong near cliff edges. Paths are often muddy and slippery.

Stay on marked paths, keep well back from cliff edges and turn back if conditions deteriorate.

Popular fee-paying hikes include the routes to Traelanipa above Sorvagsvatn, Kallur lighthouse on Kalsoy and permitted Mykines walks. Fees vary by route and may change under new sustainable tourism legislation. Some landowners limit visitor numbers or close trails during lambing or bird breeding seasons. Fees vary, so consult the official hiking page for current charges and guide requirements.

Guided hikes are required on certain routes, particularly where safety or conservation concerns are high. Local guides share knowledge of history, nature and folklore, and they know how weather affects each route. For first time visitors, a guided hike is an excellent introduction to hiking in the islands.

Old village paths, known as the stone cairn routes, link settlements across mountains. Before roads and tunnels, these paths were the only way between villages. Some are now free public walking routes marked by stone cairns. They offer quieter hiking and a glimpse of traditional island life.

Drones are restricted in many areas, particularly near bird cliffs, villages and airports. Some landowners ban them entirely. Check local rules and obtain permission before flying.

Mountain rescue teams are volunteers, and rescues can be dangerous in bad weather. Take responsibility for your safety, turn back early and never hike beyond your ability.

Waterproof boots with good grip are essential, since trails are often wet, muddy and steep. Trekking poles help on descents. Carry food, water and a map, and download offline maps before setting out.

Wildlife And Nature

Seabirds dominate the Faroes’ wildlife. Puffins, guillemots, fulmars, gannets and kittiwakes nest on cliffs. Great skuas and Arctic terns defend nests aggressively.

The oystercatcher is the national bird, and its return in spring is celebrated.

Sheep roam freely across the islands. Drivers must watch for them.

Seals and whales can be seen from boats.

Puffins are the main attraction for many visitors. They arrive in spring, nest in burrows on grassy slopes and leave by late summer. Mykines has the most accessible colony, but puffins can also be seen on boat trips and on other islands. Watch quietly from paths, and never walk on burrows, which can collapse.

Gannets nest on the cliffs of Mykineshólmur, the islet beyond Mykines, and are the only gannet colony in the islands. Fulmars glide along cliffs everywhere, and guillemots crowd ledges on the steepest faces. Boat trips to the Vestmanna cliffs and around the northern isles offer close views.

Great skuas and Arctic terns nest on moorland and defend their nests by diving at intruders. Wear a hat, keep moving and avoid nesting areas marked by signs.

Plants are hardy and low growing, adapted to wind and salt. In summer, meadows fill with wildflowers, and the green of the hills is intense after rain.

Sheep have shaped the landscape for centuries. The islands’ name is often linked to sheep in old Norse. Stone walls, sheep pens and drying sheds dot the hillsides.

Birdwatching in the Faroe Islands is excellent from late spring to late summer, when cliffs are full of nesting seabirds. Boat trips offer the best views of the largest colonies.

The Faroese pony, a small and hardy breed, is rare and protected. Horses are occasionally seen grazing in fields. Mountain hares, introduced long ago, live on some islands.

Culture, Tradition And The Pilot Whale Hunt

Faroese culture is shaped by the sea, isolation and community. Traditional chain dancing, accompanied by long ballads, remains part of celebrations.

The national festival in summer brings rowing races, dancing and parades in Torshavn.

The grindadrap, a traditional community hunt of pilot whales, remains legal and controversial. Supporters see it as a sustainable food tradition. Critics oppose it on animal welfare grounds. Visitors should be aware that hunts may occur.

Knitting and wool are central traditions.

The Faroese language was once suppressed in favour of Danish, and its revival in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries became a symbol of national identity. Today it is used in government, schools and media, and a strong literary tradition continues. Faroese music, from traditional ballads to contemporary artists, has an international following.

Church plays an important role in community life. Wooden churches with turf roofs stand in many villages, and Sunday is a quiet day. Visitors are welcome at services and should respect local customs.

Knitted Faroese jumpers, with distinctive patterns, are famous. Local wool shops and designers sell sweaters, hats and blankets, often knitted by hand. They make excellent souvenirs and support local craft.

The pilot whale hunt is part of a wider debate about tradition, sustainability and animal welfare. Many islanders consider it an important source of local food and community, while international campaigners oppose it. Hunts take place in designated bays when pods are sighted, and they can be distressing to witness. Visitors who do not wish to see a hunt should avoid bays where one is under way.

Olavsoka, the national festival held in summer, brings rowing competitions, concerts, art exhibitions and chain dancing to Torshavn. It is the biggest celebration of the year, and visitors are welcome to join.

Art is thriving. Galleries in Torshavn show paintings and sculptures inspired by the landscape, and public art appears in tunnels and villages. Music festivals in summer attract international audiences.

Faroese Food

Traditional Faroese food relies on preserved fish and meat. Skerpikjot, wind dried mutton, is a delicacy. Raest, fermented meat or fish, has a strong flavour.

Fresh fish, salmon and seafood are excellent.

Torshavn has a sophisticated dining scene.

Home dining experiences, called heimablidni, let visitors eat traditional food in local homes.

The islands’ food culture has undergone a revolution. Chefs have reinterpreted traditional ingredients such as fermented lamb, dried fish, seaweed and wild herbs, earning international recognition. Torshavn now has restaurants serving tasting menus alongside cafes, bakeries and casual eateries.

Salmon farming is a major industry, and Faroese salmon is exported worldwide. Local cod, haddock, langoustines and scallops appear on menus. Lamb, raised on hillsides, is prized.

Heimablidni, meaning home hospitality, allows visitors to dine in family homes and farms. Hosts serve traditional dishes and share stories about island life. It is one of the most memorable food experiences in the islands, and bookings are essential.

Supermarkets in towns stock a good range of goods, though prices are high. Villages may have only a small shop or none at all, so stock up before heading to remote areas.

Local craft beer has grown in popularity, with breweries producing ales and lagers. Alcohol is sold in state run shops with limited hours, and bars and restaurants serve drinks.

Dried fish, hung in wooden drying sheds called hjallur, is a traditional staple. Visitors often see these sheds beside houses. The drying process relies on the islands’ constant wind and cool air.

Getting Around The Faroe Islands

A rental car is the easiest way to explore. Roads are good, and tunnels link most main islands. Some subsea tunnels charge tolls.

Public buses and ferries connect islands.

Helicopters offer subsidised flights to remote islands.

Traffic drives on the right.

Subsea tunnels are engineering marvels. The Vagar tunnel links the airport island with Streymoy, the Nordoyar tunnel reaches the northern islands and the Eysturoy tunnel links Torshavn with Eysturoy. Several tunnels charge tolls, often collected automatically via rental car registration. Check with your rental company how tolls are billed.

Older mountain tunnels are often single lane, with passing places. Vehicles travelling in one direction have priority, indicated by signs. Drive slowly and use passing bays when needed.

Public buses run between main towns and villages, coordinated with ferries. Schedules are limited in remote areas and on weekends, but buses are clean and reliable. A travel card may offer unlimited travel for set periods.

Ferries connect outlying islands, including Suduroy, Sandoy’s neighbours, Mykines, Kalsoy and the northern isles. Some carry cars, while others are passenger only. Book in advance in summer.

Helicopter services are subsidised and connect remote islands. They are intended mainly for residents, but visitors can use them on some routes, usually one way. Seats are limited and priority is given to locals.

Parking at popular viewpoints is limited. Use designated car parks and never park on roadsides or private land. Some villages have introduced parking fees to manage visitor numbers.

Cycling is possible but challenging, with steep hills, strong winds and tunnels that may be closed to cyclists. Check which tunnels permit bicycles before planning a route.

Where To Stay

Accommodation includes hotels in Torshavn, guesthouses, cottages and campsites.

Book early for summer.

Staying in villages offers quiet and views.

Torshavn has the widest choice, including hotels with views over the harbour and guesthouses in the centre. Staying in the capital puts restaurants and shops close at hand and makes a good base for day trips.

Guesthouses, farm stays and cottages in villages offer peace, views and a taste of rural life. Many have kitchens for self catering. Booking platforms list many properties, and local tourist offices can help.

Campsites operate in summer in several villages. Wild camping is not generally permitted without the landowner’s consent, so use official sites.

Accommodation fills quickly in summer, especially around festivals. Book months ahead if travelling in peak season.

Hotels in Torshavn range from modern business hotels to boutique properties. Some have restaurants serving local food and bars with views over the harbour.

When booking, check whether properties provide parking, since street parking can be limited in villages and in Torshavn’s centre.

Responsible Travel In The Faroe Islands

Tourism has grown rapidly, and popular sites have felt the pressure. Paths have eroded, farmers have faced disruption and villages have seen more visitors than ever. The islands have responded with hiking fees, visitor limits and conservation projects.

A well known initiative invites volunteers to help maintain paths and sites during a short closure period. The project has become a model for sustainable tourism. Places are limited and allocated in advance.

Visitors can help by staying on marked paths, paying fees, respecting closures and following local rules. Do not enter private property, disturb livestock or fly drones where banned. Park only in designated areas.

Support local businesses, guides and craftspeople. Choose accommodation in villages as well as the capital, spreading the benefits of tourism.

Toilets are limited at many trailheads and viewpoints. Plan stops in villages and cafes, and never leave waste in the countryside.

Tourism authorities publish guidance on behaving respectfully, from parking and photography to interacting with residents. Reading it before arrival helps visitors avoid common mistakes.

Money And Budgeting Principles

The Faroese krona is tied to the Danish krone. Cards are widely accepted.

The Faroes are expensive.

Self catering reduces costs.

Hiking fees, tunnel tolls and ferries add to costs. Check current rates with trail operators and transport providers before budgeting.

Plan neighbouring destinations separately using our Europe guide and Denmark guide. For contrasting island environments, see the Falkland Islands and Cook Islands guides.

Food, accommodation and car hire make up most costs. Buying groceries and cooking reduces expenses. Hiking fees and ferry tickets add up over a week, so include them in your budget.

Tipping is not expected but is appreciated for good service. Prices include taxes and service.

Shops close earlier than in many European cities, and Sundays are quiet. Plan grocery shopping accordingly, especially in villages.

Safety, Health And Official Advice

Crime is very low.

Weather and terrain are the main risks.

Healthcare is good.

Check your own government’s travel advice.

The islands are among the safest places in the world. Crime is rare, and visitors rarely face problems.

Weather is the greatest risk. Fog, wind and rain can make driving and hiking dangerous. Check forecasts daily, and be ready to change plans.

The hospital in Torshavn and smaller facilities elsewhere provide healthcare. EU health cards may not apply fully, so carry travel insurance.

For entry and safety information, consult the UK travel advice covering the Faroes. For route access, use Visit Faroe Islands hiking guidance.

Sea conditions can be rough. Follow crew instructions on ferries and boat trips, and take seasickness remedies if needed.

Mobile coverage is generally good in villages and along roads, but weak in some valleys and on remote hikes. Carry a charged phone and a power bank.

Sheep and livestock on roads cause accidents. Drive slowly on rural roads, especially at dusk and around blind bends, and be ready to stop for animals that wander onto the tarmac.

Faroe Islands For Families And Other Travellers

Families can enjoy the Faroe Islands with careful planning. Short walks, boat trips, village visits and wildlife watching suit children. Cliff edges demand constant supervision.

Couples find the islands romantic, with cosy guesthouses, dramatic scenery and excellent restaurants.

Solo travellers will find the islands safe and welcoming. Guided hikes and tours offer company.

Travellers with limited mobility can enjoy viewpoints reached by car, such as Gasadalur, Saksun and Gjogv, though many sites involve uneven paths.

Rainy day options include museums, the Nordic House, swimming pools and cafes. Many villages have small play areas.

Faroe Islands Itineraries

Allow at least four to five days.

Cruise visitors in Torshavn can walk Tinganes, visit the harbour, and join tours to Kirkjubour, Saksun or Gasadalur.

Photographers should allow extra days for weather. The best light often comes in brief breaks between clouds.

Hikers can spend a week tackling different routes across the islands, combining fee paying trails with old village paths.

A combined trip with Iceland or Denmark is popular. Flights connect the Faroes with both, making it easy to add a few days to a wider Nordic journey.

Five Days

Vagar and Mulafossur, Torshavn and Kirkjubour, Saksun and Tjornuvik, Eysturoy and Gjogv, Kalsoy.

One Week

Add Mykines, Vestmanna and Suduroy.

Planning Checklist For The Faroe Islands

Use this checklist before travel.

• Check visa rules.
• Book flights and a rental car.
• Book Mykines and hiking permits.
• Pack waterproofs and warm layers.
• Buy travel insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions