If you were to ask us what one of the most beautiful places in the world is, you wouldn’t get the answer you would expect. Well, maybe you have an idea from the title of this post.
The group of 18 windswept islands between Norway and Iceland certainly win a spot on the list of our favorite destinations, and perhaps that’s why we chose to return.
In many ways, they remind me of why we love the African bush, they are raw. The cliff faces and the bleak landscape are inhospitable, but they will humble you with beauty. There are plenty of things to do in the Faroe Islands to keep one occupied for years.
Between the fantastic hiking opportunities, to optical illusions, dramatic cliff faces, and seabirds, you won’t ever get bored here.
Where Are the Faroe Islands?
The Faroe Islands is a self-governing archipelago, part of the Kingdom of Denmark. They are situated between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean.
There are 18 islands all connected by ferries, bridges, and sea tunnels. About 50,000 people live in the Faroe Islands and are not considered Danish, but Faroese. Although the Faroe Islands are a part of Denmark they have their own culture and customs, and have been self-governing since 1948. The Faroese government holds executive power in local government affairs
Best Things to Do in the Faroe Islands
Hike to Sørvágsvatn Lake
Sørvágsvatn is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands, it’s easily the most beautiful, too, but you’ll need to hike for 7.2 km to enjoy it! Fortunately, the hike is easy and the effort worthwhile. This lake, the biggest in the Faroe Islands, is located on Vagar Island, and its position gives it the appearance of dangling over the ocean.
This popular trail goes around the lake and ends at the viewpoints of Trælanípa and Bøsdalafossur waterfall. This trail is located on private land, and for the past few years, the owners have implemented a fee to hike the trail.
Foreign visitors must pay a high fee of DKK 200 per person when hiking this trail, the payment is collected in the parking lot before the hike begins.
Hike up Villingardalsfjall
The trail up Villingardalsfjall features stunning views from the starting point at Vid Gard Road in the town of Vidareidi. It’s a challenging hike and requires hikers to climb more than 800 meters in 2.5 km (5km round trip) to reach the top. But the views are out of this world and well worth the uphill battle.
Coastlines, mountains, rock walls, rock cairns, and the encompassing scenery of the northern islands are some sights you’ll see along the way. The trail is easy to follow, with blue markers along most of the route. It is on private property, so you must drop a 200 DKK fee in the dropbox to access the trail.
Go on a Kayaking Adventure
Hiking is a great way to see the spectacular vistas of the Faroe Islands, but there’s another way to see them from a whole new angle; from the sea!
North Atlantic Xperience offers various kayaking tours that’ll take you to otherwise inaccessible coves and waterfalls guided by professional and informative guides who share their knowledge of the region. These tours are offered in various places including Tórshavn, Klaksvik, Kalsoy, and Sundalagið.
Book a Kayak Tour!
Visit Kirkjubøur
Situated on Streymoy Island, the coastal village of Kirkjubøur is one of the oldest villages on the islands. Although it’s small and remote, there are many things to see here, including the ruins of Magnus Cathedral which date back to the 1300s. Make sure to check out those views that include the nearby islands of Hestur, Koltur, and Sandoy
Explore Tjørnuvík
Situated on Streymoy Island, Tjørnuvík is a remote village said to be one of the most distinctive places in the Faroe Islands. I loved our time here and wished that we had booked accommodation here so we could enjoy it more. The best way to enjoy this landscape is with a two-hour hike to a virtually untouched cliff face known as Sjeyndir.
If you have time, the 15km return hike from Tjørnuvík to the isolated village of Saksun is where you’ll see more stunning landscapes featuring sea stacks, a scenic lagoon, and mountains.
Go Surfing
The village of Tjørnuvík isn’t just stunning, it’s also the best place to surf in the Faroe Islands! Didn’t know you can surf in the Faroes? Well, neither did we until we tried it with the Faroe Islands Surf Guide and it quickly shot up as one of the most memorable Faroe Islands things to do.
These local Faroese surfers provide all you need to go surfing in one of the coolest places on earth. Wetsuits, board, food, and even a hot tub after surfing!
You can also book paddleboarding tours with them, as well as just rent out their epic hot tub at the surf shack in case surfing isn’t calling your name.
Take a Dip in the North Atlantic!
Feeling brave? Put on a bathing suit and take a dip in the icy waters surrounding the islands. Even during the peak summer months, you’ll find the sea temperatures freezing, so it’s unlikely you’ll want to stay in for a while.
One of the best places to ice your muscles like this is Tjørnuvík Beach. Please be careful, as the currents are strong here, so you must use common sense if doing a polar plunge.
Sail to Beautiful Kalsoy island
A visit to Kalsoy is a must-do on any Faroe Islands bucket list. To get to Kalsoy Island, you’ll need to take a 20-minute ferry ride but once there, you’ll find more spectacular landscapes and several attractions.
The one-hour hike to Kallur Lighthouse reveals views like no other on the islands. The nine-foot bronze statue of Kópakonan is another stunning sight on the island.
Book a Kalsoy Tour!
To reach Kalsoy, you must take the Klaksvík – Syðradalur, which departs Klaksvik every day. You can see the times here.
Important: The ferry is very small and only holds enough room for 12 (sometimes 13) cars. There is no reservation for the ferry and is on a first come first serve basis. Cars start lining up to 1 hour in advance (sometimes more) to ensure a spot on the ferry in the summer months. We missed two ferries by being the 14th car in line - on the way there and on the way back to Klaksvik. You don't want to risk this by taking the last ferry when traveling from Syðradalur to Klaksvík.
Learn About The legend of Kópakonan (the Seal Woman)
On the island of Kalsoy, you’ll find a beautiful 2.6-meter-tall statue of the Seal Woman in the village of Mikladagur and her curse that she put on the island of Kalsoy. I won’t spoil too much information or go into depth about her fateful and sad story, you will have to visit her to find out why she seeks revenge on the men of Mikladalur.
Hike to Kallur Lighthouse
The main reason most people visit Kalsoy is to hike to the beautiful Kallur Lighthouse. This beautiful hike is one of the best things to do in the Faroe Islands and takes less than two hours round trip with astonishing views the entire way.
Thanks to Instagram, Kallur Lighthouse is a well-recognized symbol of the Faroe Islands, with photographers coming from all corners of the world to snap a photo of the tiny lighthouse with dramatic cliffs in the back.
However, it’s not only thanks to social media that makes this candy-striped lighthouse a must-visit. This area of the world is a filming location in the recent James Bond film ‘No Time to Die.’ You can even find (spoiler alert) James Bonds’s headstone nearby.
The hike to Kallur Lighthouse is short and relatively easy, as long as the weather cooperates. You can expect to climb roughly 300 meters in 2km (4km round trip). Try to plan this hike for a sunny day (a rarity in the Faroes), so you get a glimpse of the lighthouses without the fog and rain, unlike us.
The best way to get to the trailhead for Kallur Lighthouse is with a rental car, but if you are a foot passenger on the ferry it's possible to take the 506 bus, which lines up well with ferry times.
Explore Historic Tórshavn
Tórshavn is a must-see in the Faroe Islands. With a history going back to the Vikings, a quaint atmosphere with narrow streets, grass-roofed homes dating back to the 1500s, and top restaurants, the capital city is a fascinating place to explore.
Visit one of the world’s oldest parliaments, wander the historic Old Town District, admire the Tórshavn Cathedral, shop in local boutique shops, or take a live performance at the Nordic House Cultural Center. You won’t have to worry about crowds and lineups, even during peak summer! We visited, got our wedding license at the town hall in the middle of July, and were still able to take photos mid-day without another soul around.
It may be the largest city in the Faroes, but only about 14,000 people live there. Most hotels on the island are situated in the capital, so chances are you will visit the city at some point during your trip to the Faroe Islands. We recommend spending half a day exploring!
Learn About Local History at the National Museum
The Faroe Islands have a long history, and the best place to go if you want to learn more about it is the National Museum of the Faroe Islands. The permanent exhibition showcases the region’s geology, zoology, folklore, and history.
There are also exhibits dedicated to the vibrant culture and items unearthed over the years. Traditional costumes, Viking artifacts, and artworks are some items you’ll see on display.
Admire Local Art
The beauty of The National Gallery of the Faroe Islands, or Listasavn Foroya, is first noticed in the architecture of the beautiful building that houses the beauty within; artworks by celebrated local artists from the past and present.
Samual Joensen-Mikines is the best Faroese painter of all. His work is on display along with the works of other notable artists, including Elinburg Lutzen, Edvard Fuglo, Hans Pauli Olsen, and Hans Hansen. Several temporary exhibits are hosted throughout the year, so you never know what else you’ll see!
Check Out the Views at Hvíthamar
It’s easily accessible, it’s incredibly beautiful, and it’s gratifying. Hence, there aren’t many reasons not to take the very short hike to the top of the hill above the village of Funningur. This is where you’ll find the stunning viewpoint of Hvíthamar.
From here, you’ll be able to see Funningsfjørður Fjord and the surrounding mountain peaks. On clear days, you may even see the tallest peak of Slættaratindur Mountain.
Check out Viðareiði
The village of Viðareiði on Viðoy island is renowned for its incredible natural beauty, including Malinsfjall Mountain and a picturesque church perched on the coast. To see even more incredible views, hike to the peak (mentioned previously) of Villingardalsfjall Mountain.
Set Your Foot in Gjógv
If you’re still wondering what to do in Faroe Islands make sure to go to Gjógv! Gjógv is a village located on the northeast tip of the island of Eysturoy. Gjógv means ‘gorge’ in Faroese, which is what the village was named after. Yes, there is a 200-meter-long sea-filled gorge that runs north to the sea from the village. You can’t miss it when you visit, as it’s one of the best things to do in the Faroe Islands.
This gorge is one of the best natural harbors in the world and has a vibrant fishing history. You can take photos and admire it from above or walk down into the harbor.
After admiring the gorge, stop by Gjáarkaffi for some waffles, which is open during the summer months. Take a walk around the town, and pay your respects to the small memorial dedicated to all the fishermen who lost their lives at sea.
Hike Around Gjogv
Gjógv is also a popular location for watching puffins from May to August. We saw many puffins in July on our hike to the Ambadalur Valley. This hike starts from the sea gorge, with helpful steps for the ascent, and goes over the hill following the dramatic cliffs of the coastline.
If you gaze over the cliff you may very well spot puffins between May and August. If you’re there any time outside of those months, there’s still plenty to see!
There is a small fee to hike in this area, so bring some cash with you on your hike as no credit cards are accepted. You can pay by putting the money into the dropbox.
Meet Highland Coos
You wouldn’t think that cows would be a tourist attraction, but the Highland cows of the Faroe Islands are no ordinary cows! With their reddish thick coat and friendly disposition, this unique breed is well-suited to the harsh conditions of the region.
The best time to see them is during the summer, and Kirkjubøur and Gásadalur are the best places to spot them. If you want to get up close and personal with Highland cattle, you can take a guided tour with a shepherd in Tórshavn.
Try to Pet a Faroese Sheep
There are more sheep in the Faroe Islands than people, and you will undoubtedly see hundreds of Faroese sheep as you travel around the Faroe Islands. If you’re like me, you might notice that the Farese sheep are some of the cutest, fluffiest sheep you have ever seen.
The Faroese sheep are not just any type of sheep. They are a specific breed of sheep only native to the Faroe Islands and introduced in the 9th century. The animal is even depicted on the country’s coat of arms. Because they are so beautiful, you may get the urge to pat them as you go hiking. I certainly did, and I tried numerous times but failed at every turn.
It was only when I stumbled upon a pair of energetic, social, and obviously, very well-loved baby lambs that I was able to pet one (one even gave me a smooch!).
Drive Along the Norðradalsskarð Mountain Pass
If you rent a car during your visit to the Faroe Islands, one stretch of road that you should check out is the Norðradalsskarð Mountain Pass on Streymoy Island. This mountain pass, which is 886 feet above sea level, offers incredible views of the Norðradalur Valley and Koltur Island. Be warned that it tends to get very windy here!
If you are up for some activity, you can book a cycle tour around here! If you want to see something exciting, keep driving past here to see Mjørkadalur Prison – the only prison on the Faroe Islands (and possibly the best view from a prison anywhere).
Check out Fossá Waterfall
One of the best places to visit in the Faroe Islands is easily Fossa. To experience the true magnificence of Fossa Waterfall, it’s best to visit after heavy rainfall. However, this 459-foot-tall waterfall, the tallest on the islands, is always a sight to behold! This coastal waterfall features two levels, both of which can be accessed. Hike less than a mile to reach the first level.
The views here are excellent, and while most people around you may head back the way they came, it may be worth it to hike a little further to the second level, where you’ll go behind the falls and see incredible ocean views and coastline.
Kick Back in Nolsoy
While the center of life for visitors to Nolsoy is the cozy Nolsoy Visitor Center, there’s so much more to see once you leave this little wooden chalet. Just be sure to try some of the homemade cooking followed by a relaxing session in the sauna before you head out on your next adventure.
The best thing about Nolsoy is it’s home to only 250 people so you won’t run into any crowds! As you explore it, you’ll see pretty houses and lovely murals featuring local artwork. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit the little church that’s a big part of this little community. On a clear day, hike the 8.7 miles to Nolsoy Lighthouse.
Drive through the Eysturoy Tunnel
There are many tunnels connecting the Faroe Islands, but one stands out from the rest for several reasons. Eysturoy Tunnel, which connects the islands of Streymoy and Eysturoy, is seven miles long, but that’s not the only thing that makes this tunnel an extraordinary architectural feat.
The tunnel features the only undersea roundabout in the world! You’ll know you have reached it when you see the structure that looks like a giant jellyfish with plenty of neon bright lights. The artwork and light effects make it more fun to drive round and round.
Sample Local Cuisine at the Torshavn Restaurants
There aren’t a plethora of restaurants in the Faroe Islands, but the ones that are in Torshavn make up for a small number of eateries. We enjoyed many nights out in Torshavn. ROKS is a popular restaurant that is a gastronomic child of the renowned 2-time Michelin star restaurant, Koks. Here you can try traditional seafood dishes with an innovative twist.
Etika serves up fantastic sushi, and I don’t just say that because it’s the only place to get sushi in the Faroes but because it is that good. Seriously, it beats out some sushi meals I’ve had in Japan.
The Tarv, located right on the harbor, is where you’ll find Dry-aged beef and Greater Omaha rib eye. They easily are the best steakhouse on the island.
At Katrina Christiansen, the method used to serve the food is inspired by tapas, but the food itself is quintessential Faroese. Many dishes feature what is readily available from the land and sea.
Sample several dishes at a time or order one dish from the menu, which features a wide range of dishes, including salmon tartare, fried cabbage, braised pork cheeks, fried cod tongue, and haddock croquettes.
Marvel at the Beauty of Múlafossur Waterfall
On calm days, the stunning cascade of water from Mulafossur Waterfall falls straight down a 100-foot cliff and into the ocean. On windy days, the water spirals out of control, with some rising into the air instead of falling straight.
No matter the conditions, this waterfall is among the most beautiful attractions on the islands. The falls are accessed via a short hike from the nearby village of Gasadalur.
We recommend stopping here when you are on your way in or out of the Faroes as Gasadalur is just a short 10 minute drive from Vagar Airport.
Mykines
You won’t find any cars on Mykines Island, but you’ll find many puffins and spectacular viewpoints! The best way to enjoy this island is to take the 4.5-mile hike along the coast.
It’s on this hike that you’ll see colorful houses, weathered cliffs, a picturesque lighthouse, and, of course, the adorable Faroese and Atlantic puffins that nest between June and August. Due to the island’s fragile ecosystem, hikers must pay DKK100.
Book a Shuttle Boat
Slættaratindur
It’s said that on a clear day, you can see all 18 islands that make up the Faroe Islands from the summit of Slættaratindur mountain. However, it doesn’t have to be clear to enjoy the stunning scenery you’ll see along this 3.5 km trail.
The mountain summit that this trail leads to is 2,809 feet making it the tallest mountain on the islands. To shorten your journey, you can hike to the summit and head back the way you came or keep going westward to enjoy more views.
Go Horseback Riding
Horseback riding is a popular activity in the Faroe Islands, and it’s a relaxing way to explore the countryside. While there are several breeds of horses present on the islands, the Faroese Horse is the most unique because it’s not found anywhere else on earth.
These horses are sociable and easy to ride due to their small but sturdy build. Havnardalur is a popular place to go horseback riding, but you can also embark on guided tours with Berg Hestar, Faroe Horse, and Davidsen Hestar.
Book 1.5 Hour Horse Riding Tour in the Faroe Islands
Take a Guided Hike at Drangarnir
The scenery at Drangarnir is incredible, and the two prominent sea stacks with the dramatic peaks of the islet of Tindhólmur in the background make up this incredible scene.
The best way to get the most out of this region is with a guided hike along the 12 km (round trip) trail that highlights the views and nature of the area. This hike can only be done with a guide because it’s privately-owned land and a vital breeding area for wildlife. These guided hikes are available from April to October and cost DKK550.
Book a Tour!
Hike the Mýlingur Trail
Said to be one of the best hikes on the islands, Mylingur is a 7.5-mile trail on Streymoy Island that winds upward along the village of Tjørnuvík and through cliffs above dramatic coastal views before reaching Mylingur, where you’ll see more incredible vistas and a variety of seabirds.
The hike will take about two hours (one way) to reach Mýlingur. Enjoy, but be careful of the 400 ft drop-offs.
Visit the Town of Klaksvík
Klaksvik, located on Borðoy Island, is a fishing center surrounded by spectacular scenery. It is the second largest city in the Faroe Islands and where you will find a few guesthouses, hotels, restaurants, and shops. The town’s most notable feature is the giant mound in the center of the harbor, known as Pyramid Mountain.
Other notable attractions include the Norðoya Fornminnasavn museum and Christian’s Church which is home to a baptism receptacle said to be 4,000 years old. On the edge of town, you’ll find the Viking ruins of Úti í Grøv.
If you are going to the island of Kalsoy, Klaksvik is where your ferry will depart from. We recommend spending time here before or after your trip to Kalsoy.
Stay in a Traditional Faroese House
There are many private guesthouses you can book on Airbnb that allow you to stay in a traditional Faroese fishing house. We stayed at the one in the photo above in Gjogv. Which had a great kitchen, four bedrooms, and a central living area!
Funninger Church
Funningur is a village on the Faroe Islands on the northwest coast of Eysturoy near Gjogv. So it’s worth stopping here to check out the beautiful grass-roofed church as you are road-tripping.
Spot Puffins
You can see plenty of seabirds all year round along the shores of the Faroe Islands, but many travel just to see the beautiful puffin (which are much smaller than I initially thought!).
Puffins are found in the Faroe Islands from May to September and you can see them all over the islands. We saw them multiple times on random hikes! However, the most popular place to see them is the island of Mykines, where you can see them from land or the sea.
It’s best to book a tour to see the puffins. Please treat the puffins and their environment with respect. Stick to the designated paths, don’t bother chicks or their nests, and don’t fly drones too close to seabirds.
Book a puffin tour!
Have a Beer at OY Brewing
One of the best things to do in the Faroe Islands after a long day out in the wind is to have a drink at OY Brewing. They have a fantastic interior to mingle about and even better food! Come hungry.
Concerto Grotto
On select days in the summer, you can take part in a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to listen to live music inside a sea cave. Summartonar is a Faroese composers and songwriters festival that hosts different events throughout the summer.
One of their main highlights is Concerto Grotto, which is one of the best things to do in the Faroe Islands in the summer. This is where you sail with the stunning Norðlýsið and attend a beautiful concert on water inside a grotto. The event was beautiful, and inside the grotto, you feel worlds away from civilization. At our concert, a mermaid peeped her head up to listen to the sweet tunes. 😉
Bøur Viewpoint
The Bøur Viewpoint is a pleasant stop when driving between the airport and Gásadalur. It’s worth pulling over and admiring the small village with their grass roofs and epic views.
Saksun
Saksun is a remote village on Streymoy Island. It has wild views in all directions, and because of this, visiting is one of the best things to do in the Faroe Islands. It’s one of the top places to photograph in the Faroes, as the settlement has been untouched by time. The number of waterfalls surrounding Saksun outnumbers the population of 11.
There is a small village museum and a grass-roofed idyllic church. A popular thing to do is connect the village of Tjørnuvík to Saksun via a 7km (one-way) hiking trail.
Unfortunately, the popularity of Saksun and the overwhelming number of photographers trampling over precious moss to get their photos have not been well received by locals.
We visited in 2017 and were the only people enjoying the views. On our most recent visit in 2022, visitors were not so welcome anymore. There are signs everywhere enforcing you to stay on the pavement, and no hiking randomly around is encouraged.
Unfortunately, too many people were peeping into actual people’s homes and treating the area like a playground instead of a livable village. In turn, the locals are not so happy to see tourists anymore.
Please visit and respect the rules in place. No drones are permitted here (there's plenty signs everywhere). Don't walk through the cottages to get the perfect picture angle.
Týggjará Waterfall
Týggjará is a waterfall on Streymoy Island next to the road that is easy to reach right from the roadside. The waterfall empties into the Kaldbaksfjøður fjord and is a stunning sight to see as that is very near to the capital.
How Long Should You Spend in the Faroe Islands?
You might be asking the wrong people, but as we always say, we could easily spend a whole summer in the Faroes exploring and enjoying all the epic hikes. We know most people don’t have a summer to kill in the Faroe Islands. That being said, anything less than seven days in the Faroes would be tragic and would not give you nearly enough time to enjoy all the fantastic things to do in the Faroe Islands.
We recommend first-timers spend 7-10 days exploring the Faroes. We spent a week in the Faroes on our first trip and ten days on our second trip. I left both times feeling that both trips were way too short.
How to Get to the Faroe Islands
There are two ways to get to the Faroe Islands. By ferry and by plane, with most visitors entering via the latter.
By Plane: There is one airport in the Faroe Islands on the island of Vagar (FAE). The airport is serviced by Atlantic Airways, the primary carrier of the Faroe Islands. Direct flights are to Edinburgh, Reykjavik, Bergen, Copenhagen, Billund, and Oslo.
It’s a good thing to remember that planes cannot land at Vagar Airport when the fog is too heavy, which can happen in the Faroes. We were stuck an extra day because of this – I’m happy we were flexible!
By Ferry: You can also travel to the Faroe Islands by boat, which is ideal if you want to bring your car for road-tripping. Ferry services run from Denmark (Hirtshals) and Seyðisfjörður on the east coast of Iceland. You can book tickets here.
How to Get Around the Faroe Islands
There are two main ways to get around the Faroe Islands – by bus and car. Though the latter is far easier.
By Car: The best way to get to all the best things to do in the Faroe Islands is by having a car. You can easily rent a car in the Faroe Islands at the Vagar Airport. Car rentals in the Faroe Islands are not cheap compared to many other places in the world, so it’s best to share the cost with other travel mates. We rented our car with 62N, which provided a wonderful experience.
The 18 islands are connected by bridge, sea tunnel, or ferry. When driving, it’s essential to be aware that there is a charge to use the sea tunnels, which will be calculated by the rental car agency when you return the car. Fees are DKK 130 per tunnel, but double-check with your car rental agency on how to pay these.
By Bus: There is a public bus system that gets you to many areas around the Faroe Islands. Buses don’t run frequently, but they do run! You can see the bus timetable on the Bygdaleiðir website. The capital Tórshavn offers a local bus service (Bussleiðin) that will get you around town for free.
Car Rental Faroe Islands: 25 Tips to Know
The Best Places to Stay in the Faroe Islands
Most hotels in the Faroe Islands are located in Tórshavn and Klaksvik. One of the best hotels in the area is Hotel Føroyar, a comfortable place to stay with complimentary breakfast, a great fitness center, and functional rooms. Other great places to stay are:
When is the Best Time to Visit the Faroe Islands?
The best time to go to the Faroe Islands is during the summer months. From June to early September, the weather will be the warmest and most delightful. However, it will still be cold and windy – even in summer. We visited in mid-July and still had our packable down jackets and rain jackets on us daily. The scenery was beautiful, with green hills and mountains, and we even got a few sunny days!
Summer in Europe is expensive and busy, and the Faroe Islands are small, so you’ll need to book ahead if visiting during July and August. The best time to see the puffins and go hiking in the Faroe Islands is from May to August. If you’re lucky, you might be able to catch them in September still, but it depends on the season.
What to Bring to the Faroe Islands
Expect rain and wind in the Faroe Islands all year round, even in the summer. Though your best chance of sunny weather is in July and August. Though it’s rare you will ever feel the need to be in shorts and a tank top in the Faroe Islands. If you get sunny days, consider yourself lucky.
Hiking boots, a packable rain jacket, a warm jacket, a hat, and warm pants are essential year-round. I also loved having my Blundstones for walking around and light hiking.
Things to Note About Traveling to the Faroe Islands
- Foreigners must pay for many Faroe Islands hikes on private land. Typically these fees are pretty high. It’s always best to have some Danish Kroner on you.
- Be extremely careful when hiking around the edges, especially when it’s windy. The cliffs here are massive, and you wouldn’t survive a fall.
- Keep your eye out for Buttercup Roads while driving around the Faroe Islands. These are indicated with a small green sign with a buttercup on it. A buttercup sign means it’s a particularly scenic route.
- The Faroe Islands are not a cheap destination. They are not as expensive as Iceland, but slightly more than Denmark because they must import everything. Keep that in mind when budgeting.
- The official language in the Faroe Islands is Faroese, but almost everyone can speak English perfectly.
- Despite being part of Denmark, the Faroe Islands are not part of the Schengen Agreement.
- You can get a local sim card at the airport, don’t worry, it’s a small airport, and you can’t miss the tourist information desk as you exit.
- The Faroe Islands are a very safe destination. Mother Nature is the main enemy, so always do your research, check the weather, and use common sense.
- Watch out for sheep on the roads. If you hit a sheep, the police (112) must be informed, as the farmer has to claim it on his insurance.
- Do not speed in the Faroe Islands. We met someone that received a speeding ticket and were told the fine was a whopping $400!
- You can get married in the Faroe Islands as a foreigner. Okay, this is a random one, but if you want to get married as a foreigner, you can easily do so at the town hall. The Kingdom of Denmark has very relaxed marriage laws for foreigners. We were looking to get our marriage license abroad as we traveled for the year. We contacted the town hall a few months in advance, and they made it happen!
Map of the Best Things to do in the Faroe Islands
Plan For Your Trip
- Protect Your Trip: We don’t travel without travel insurance, nor should you. You never know what can happen while traveling, so it’s best to be prepared. HeyMondo provides excellent short-term and long-term travel insurance plans.
- Find Cheap Flights: Sign up for Going (formerly Scotts Cheap Flights) to get notified when prices get low.
- Book a Rental Car: We use Discover Car to book all our rental cars! You can also read our top tips for renting a car abroad here.
- Travel Adapter: Make sure you find a good adapter to keep your personal electronics charged. Otherwise, you may be paying for a cheap one once you land. Purchase one here.
- Travel Backpack: We like the Nomatic Travel Backpack for our travels. Check the price here.
- Our Favorite Travel Shoes: Our answer to this question is always Allbirds! Check them out on their site!
- Get a Travel Credit Card: We travel worldwide for free because we have leveraged our spending into points. See how you can do the same with our favorite travel credit cards.
