Faroe Islands travel guide

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.

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

What and where are the Faroe Islands?

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.

Why are the Faroe Islands worth visiting?

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.

What to see in the Faroe Islands?

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.

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.

What outdoor activities can I do?

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.

What is the capital city of the Faroe Islands?

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.

What is the music scene like in the Faroe Islands?

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.

What should I eat?

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).

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.

How do I get around?

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.

What is the weather like?

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.

Planning your trip to the Faroe Islands

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.

Where should I stay?

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