The Faroe Islands – a remote archipelago nestled between Iceland and Norway in the North Atlantic Ocean – represents one of Europe’s most captivating yet overlooked destinations. These 18 volcanic islands, connected by tunnels, bridges, and ferries, offer travelers an extraordinary blend of dramatic landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and authentic Nordic experiences far from the beaten tourist track.
As a self-governing territory within the Kingdom of Denmark, the Faroe Islands maintain their unique identity through language, customs, and a way of life deeply connected to the sea and land. From towering sea cliffs and cascading waterfalls to colorful villages and traditional grass-roofed houses, the islands present a visual feast for photographers and nature enthusiasts alike.
In this comprehensive guide, I’ll take you through everything you need to know about visiting this remarkable destination – from the best hiking trails and bird-watching spots to cultural experiences and practical travel tips. Whether you’re planning a Faroese adventure or simply dreaming of far-flung places, join me as we explore the wild beauty and distinctive charm of the Faroe Islands.
Discovering the Faroe Islands: Location and Geography
The Faroe Islands (Føroyar in the local language) consist of 18 major islands situated approximately halfway between Norway and Iceland in the North Atlantic Ocean. Despite their northern location at 62°N, the islands enjoy a surprisingly mild climate thanks to the Gulf Stream, though weather can change rapidly – a characteristic that contributes to their mystical atmosphere.
The total land area spans just 540 square miles (1,400 square kilometers), yet within this compact archipelago lies an astonishing diversity of landscapes. The terrain is dominated by steep cliffs that plunge dramatically into the sea, narrow fjords cutting deep into the land, and rolling green hills that give way to barren mountain plateaus.
What makes the Faroese landscape particularly distinctive is its vertical nature. Mountains rise abruptly from sea level, creating breathtaking vistas at every turn. The highest peak, Slættaratindur, reaches 2,890 feet (882 meters) above sea level and offers panoramic views across multiple islands on clear days.
Water is a defining element of the Faroese landscape, with countless streams and waterfalls cascading down mountainsides. Perhaps most famous is Múlafossur in Gásadalur, where water plunges directly into the ocean with a picturesque village as backdrop – an image that has become iconic of the islands.
The Fascinating History and Culture
The history of human settlement in the Faroe Islands dates back to the 9th century when Norse settlers arrived, bringing with them a Viking heritage that continues to influence local culture. Prior to this, Irish monks may have briefly inhabited the islands, but it was the Norse who established permanent settlements.
For centuries, the Faroese lived in relative isolation, developing a distinct culture centered around fishing, farming, and survival in a challenging environment. This isolation helped preserve unique traditions, from chain dancing (a medieval ring dance accompanied by ballads) to boat building techniques and traditional food preservation methods.
Today, the Faroese population numbers around 53,000 people who maintain their distinct identity while embracing modern conveniences. The Faroese language, a North Germanic language with roots in Old Norse, remains the primary means of communication, though Danish is also widely spoken due to the islands’ connection with Denmark.
Traditional wooden houses with grass roofs dot the landscape, particularly in villages like Saksun and Kirkjubøur. These architectural features weren’t merely aesthetic choices but practical solutions for insulation and protection against the elements. Modern buildings increasingly incorporate these traditional elements, creating a harmonious blend of old and new.
When to Visit: Seasons and Weather
Timing your visit to the Faroe Islands requires careful consideration as the seasons dramatically transform the landscape and visitor experience.
Summer (June-August) offers the obvious advantages of milder temperatures (averaging 50-55°F/10-13°C) and crucially, up to 19 hours of daylight. This «midnight sun» phenomenon extends your sightseeing hours significantly. Summer also brings vibrant green landscapes as sheep graze on verdant hillsides. However, summer is peak tourist season, meaning popular spots can become relatively crowded by Faroese standards.
Spring (April-May) and autumn (September-October) represent excellent compromise seasons. Temperatures remain reasonable, tourist numbers decrease substantially, and accommodation prices often drop. Spring brings the return of migratory birds, while autumn offers spectacular golden hues across the landscape.
Winter (November-March) presents both challenges and unique rewards. Daylight hours shrink dramatically (as little as 5 hours in December), and weather conditions can limit accessibility to certain areas. However, winter brings the possibility of witnessing the Northern Lights, dramatic stormy seascapes, and an authentic glimpse of traditional Faroese life during the quieter months.
Regardless of season, prepare for changeable weather – locals famously say you can experience all four seasons in a single day. Layered clothing and waterproof gear are essential year-round.
Must-Visit Destinations Across the Islands
Tórshavn: The Charming Capital
Despite being one of the world’s smallest capitals with approximately 20,000 residents, Tórshavn (Thor’s Harbor) offers a surprising array of cultural attractions and amenities. The historic Tinganes peninsula features distinctive red buildings with grass roofs housing government offices on the same site where the Faroese parliament has gathered since Viking times.
Nearby, the Reyni district preserves traditional black-tarred wooden houses with white-framed windows and grass roofs, creating a picturesque neighborhood perfect for wandering. The Nordic House cultural center hosts exhibitions and performances celebrating Faroese and broader Nordic culture.
For shopping enthusiasts, Niels Finsens gøta street offers boutiques featuring local designers, particularly those working with traditional wool products reimagined for contemporary tastes. Restaurants like KOKS (which earned the islands’ first Michelin stars) showcase innovative Nordic cuisine using local ingredients.
Mykines: The Bird Paradise
The westernmost island of Mykines has rightfully earned its reputation as a birdwatcher’s paradise. During summer months, thousands of puffins nest on its grassy slopes, offering remarkably close encounters with these charismatic birds. The iconic lighthouse perched on the islet of Mykineshólmur, connected to the main island by a footbridge spanning a dramatic gorge, provides a spectacular destination for hikers.
Access to Mykines requires either a helicopter ride or boat journey that’s subject to weather conditions, adding to its sense of remoteness. Visitor numbers are now restricted during peak season, making advance planning essential.
Gjógv: The Scenic Village
Named after its natural sea-filled gorge («gjógv» means «gorge» in Faroese), this village on Eysturoy island epitomizes Faroese charm. Colorful houses cluster around the dramatic natural harbor, while surrounding hiking trails lead to panoramic viewpoints overlooking the sea and neighboring islands.
The village serves as an excellent base for exploring northern Eysturoy, including the nearby «Giant and the Witch» rock formations that feature prominently in local folklore.
Saksun: The Hidden Fjord
Perhaps one of the most photographed locations in the Faroes, Saksun centers around a natural amphitheater-like setting where a lagoon fills and empties with the tides. The historic Dúvugarðar farm with its grass-roofed buildings now operates as an open-air museum, offering insight into traditional Faroese farming life.
The small white church overlooking the lagoon completes this idyllic scene that feels worlds away from modern life. Hiking opportunities abound, including the trail to Pollur, a beautiful bay accessible only at low tide.
Kalsoy: The Legend Island
Known as «the flute» due to its long, narrow shape punctuated by tunnels, Kalsoy island offers adventures for those willing to brave the ferry crossing from Klaksvík. The highlight is undoubtedly the hike to Kallur Lighthouse, perched dramatically on a northern headland with vertiginous drops to the sea below.
The village of Mikladalur features the statue of the Selkie (Kópakonan), representing a powerful legend about a seal woman who was captured by a human but eventually returned to the sea. The island recently gained additional fame as a filming location for James Bond’s «No Time to Die,» drawing film enthusiasts to its dramatic landscape.
Unforgettable Experiences and Activities
Hiking Paradise
The Faroe Islands offer some of Europe’s most dramatic and rewarding hiking experiences. Trails range from accessible coastal paths to challenging mountain routes requiring proper equipment and experience. Unlike many European destinations, many trails cross private land where hikers rely on ancient rights of passage and mutual respect with landowners.
Notable hikes include:
- The trail to Slave Cliff (Traelanípan) on Vágar island, where an optical illusion makes Lake Sørvágsvatn appear to hover dramatically above the ocean
- The hike to Villingardalsfjall on Viðoy, offering spectacular views of the northern islands
- The path to Árnafjall on Bordoy, revealing panoramic vistas across multiple islands
Many trails remain unmarked, making guided hikes a worthwhile investment for those unfamiliar with the terrain. Local guides not only ensure safety but enrich the experience with cultural context and ecological knowledge.
Wildlife Encounters
Despite their modest size, the Faroe Islands host remarkable wildlife, particularly seabirds. Beyond the famous puffin colonies of Mykines, look for fulmars, storm petrels, gannets, and guillemots along coastal cliffs throughout the archipelago.
Marine wildlife spotting opportunities abound, with boat tours offering chances to observe seals, dolphins, and occasionally whales. The waters surrounding the islands teem with life, supporting the fishing industry that remains central to Faroese economy and culture.
Land mammals are limited primarily to introduced species, including the ubiquitous Faroese sheep that outnumber human inhabitants and have shaped both the landscape and culture for centuries.
Photography Opportunities
For photographers, the Faroe Islands represent an unparalleled playground of light, texture, and dramatic compositions. The quality of light is particularly noteworthy – soft, ethereal, and constantly changing as weather systems move through. This creates opportunities for capturing the same location under wildly different moods.
Photography highlights include:
- The village of Gásadalur with Múlafossur waterfall plunging into the sea
- The winding road to Saksun with mountains rising on either side
- The sea stacks at Drangarnir viewed from Vágar island
- The dramatic cliffs of Vestmanna on boat excursions
- Lake Sørvágsvatn/Leitisvatn with its optical illusion perspective
Early mornings and late evenings during summer months offer especially magical light conditions, with golden hour extending for hours rather than minutes.
Cultural Immersion
Engaging with Faroese culture adds profound depth to any visit. Consider timing your trip around traditional festivals like Ólavsøka (St. Olaf’s Day) in late July, when Tórshavn fills with boat races, chain dancing, and locals in traditional dress.
Music plays a central role in Faroese culture, with summer festivals like G! Festival in Gøta and Summartónar featuring both local and international artists performing against spectacular natural backdrops. The islands have produced a surprising number of internationally recognized musicians given their small population.
Wool crafting remains an important tradition, with distinctive Faroese sweaters (føroysk troyggja) featuring traditional patterns. Workshops in Tórshavn offer opportunities to learn about traditional knitting techniques and patterns.
Practical Travel Tips
Getting There and Around
The Faroe Islands are accessible primarily through Vágar Airport, with regular flights from Copenhagen, Edinburgh, Bergen, and Reykjavik. Atlantic Airways, the national carrier, operates most services. Alternatively, the Smyril Line ferry connects Denmark, Iceland, and the Faroes for those preferring a sea approach.
Once on the islands, renting a car provides the greatest flexibility for exploration. The road network is well-maintained, with undersea tunnels and bridges connecting most major islands. Some tunnels are single-lane with passing places, requiring careful attention to local driving protocols. Public buses connect major towns and villages, though services may be limited, particularly on weekends.
For reaching smaller islands like Mykines, Fugloy, or Kalsoy, ferry services operate regularly but may be affected by weather conditions. Helicopter service through Atlantic Airways offers both transportation and sightseeing opportunities at surprisingly reasonable prices as they’re subsidized for locals.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation options have expanded significantly in recent years but still require advance booking, especially during summer months. Options include:
- Boutique hotels in Tórshavn like Hotel Føroyar and Hotel Hafnia
- Traditional guesthouses in villages, often in historic buildings
- Self-catering cottages that provide flexibility and typically feature stunning views
- Airbnb properties ranging from modern apartments to renovated traditional houses
- Camping sites for the more adventurous, though weather considerations are important
For an authentic experience, consider homestays where local hosts often provide insider knowledge and occasionally home-cooked meals featuring traditional ingredients.
Dining and Culinary Experiences
Faroese cuisine centers around local ingredients – particularly lamb, fish, and seafood. Traditional methods of preservation, including wind-drying, fermentation, and smoking, reflect centuries of food security practices in a challenging environment.
Must-try Faroese foods include:
- Ræst kjøt (fermented lamb) – an acquired taste but culturally significant
- Skerpikjøt (wind-dried lamb) often served thinly sliced
- Fresh seafood, particularly cod, haddock, and salmon
- Traditional rhubarb desserts that make use of one of the few fruits that grow locally
Fine dining experiences like KOKS restaurant showcase how traditional ingredients and preservation methods can be elevated to world-class cuisine. For more casual dining, try Áarstova in Tórshavn for traditional Faroese lamb dishes or Barbara Fish House for seafood.
Coffee culture thrives in the Faroes, with excellent cafés like Paname Café and Brell Café in Tórshavn serving as gathering places for locals and visitors alike.
Cultural Etiquette and Considerations
Visitors to the Faroe Islands benefit from understanding certain cultural norms:
- Respect for private property is essential when hiking – always close gates and avoid disturbing livestock
- Sustainable tourism practices are particularly important in this fragile ecosystem
- Photography of people’s homes should be done respectfully, preferably asking permission
- English is widely spoken, but learning a few Faroese phrases like «takk fyri» (thank you) is appreciated
- Shoes are typically removed when entering private homes
The islands maintain certain traditional practices that may surprise visitors, including limited Sunday commerce and the grindadráp (whale hunt). While controversial internationally, this practice holds deep cultural significance for many Faroese as a community food source rather than sport.
Planning Your Itinerary
Three-Day Highlights
With just three days, focus on key highlights:
Day 1: Explore Tórshavn in the morning, visiting Tinganes and the old town. Drive to Kirkjubøur to see the medieval church ruins and Magnus Cathedral remains. Continue to Vestmanna for an afternoon boat tour of the bird cliffs.
Day 2: Dedicate to Vágar island, visiting the waterfall at Gásadalur, hiking to view Lake Sørvágsvatn from the famous optical illusion perspective, and exploring the charming village of Bøur.
Day 3: Travel north to Eysturoy, visiting the village of Gjógv and hiking to panoramic viewpoints. Continue to Funningur and Eiði to see the dramatic «Giant and Witch» sea stacks from different perspectives.
One-Week Comprehensive Experience
A week allows for a more immersive experience:
Days 1-3: Follow the three-day itinerary above, but at a more relaxed pace.
Day 4: Take the ferry to Kalsoy for the hike to Kallur Lighthouse and to see the Selkie statue in Mikladalur. Return and explore Klaksvík, the second-largest town.
Day 5: Visit the northern islands of Viðoy and Borðoy, with their dramatic landscapes and small, authentic villages.
Day 6: Weather permitting, take a day trip to Mykines to see the puffin colonies (summer only) and lighthouse.
Day 7: Explore Sandoy island for its more gentle landscape and traditional farming communities, or Suðuroy in the far south for its distinctive culture and dramatic cliffs.
Two-Week Deep Dive
With two weeks, you can truly experience the islands’ diversity:
Week 1: Follow the one-week itinerary at a leisurely pace, allowing time for weather delays and spontaneous discoveries.
Week 2: Explore lesser-visited islands like Nólsoy with its charming car-free village, Fugloy (Bird Island) in the far northeast, and Suðuroy in the south. Include time for cultural experiences like wool workshops, music events, and longer hiking routes.
Sustainability and Responsible Tourism
The Faroe Islands have developed a thoughtful approach to tourism that prioritizes sustainability and preservation of both natural environments and local culture. The «Closed for Maintenance, Open for Voluntourism» initiative, where the islands «close» for a weekend while volunteers and locals work on conservation projects, exemplifies this approach.
Visitors can contribute to sustainable tourism by:
- Staying on marked paths when hiking to prevent soil erosion
- Supporting local businesses rather than international chains
- Choosing locally produced souvenirs and food
- Being mindful of waste disposal in this pristine environment
- Respecting wildlife by maintaining appropriate distances
The Faroese themselves are actively working to balance tourism development with environmental protection, implementing renewable energy projects and restricting visitor numbers at sensitive sites like Mykines