What to see and do in the Faroe Islands
What to expect
The Faroe Islands are a small, super-scenic archipelago with a population of just 54,000 people (plus 70,000 sheep!). The country is a collection of rocky, rugged isles jutting out of the North Atlantic, at a midway point between Iceland, Norway and northern Scotland.
With a surface area of only 1,399 sq km (540 sq miles) divided between 18 islands (17 of which are inhabited), and its mid-ocean location, the country receives a good deal of rain. However, the wet weather creates optimal grazing conditions for the many free-roaming sheep (far in Norse, after which the islands are named) and for fog.
As the fog lifts, grassy mountains, wondrous waterfalls, sea-filled gorges and unrivaled ocean views are revealed. In slumbering seaside villages and the cool capital of Tórshavn, local culture thrives. Birdlife is bountiful and hiking is heavenly.
When is the best time to visit?
The most popular time to fly to the Faroe Islands is during the summer and its shoulder seasons. Between May and August are especially popular, when the evenings are brighter, and the weather is fairer than at other times of year.
Weather in the Faroe Islands is generally windy, cloudy, and cool throughout the year. The islands enjoy short, mild summers and cool, wet winters.
The average winter temperature is surprisingly mild (3°C, or 37°F), and daylight hours can be short. In contrast, the summer average is 13°C / 55°F, with long daylight hours (almost 20 hours of daylight on the summer solstice).
Whatever time of the year you decide to book flights to the Faroe Islands, we recommend checking our flight deals regularly and booking in advance to secure the best prices.
Explore the capital of the Faroes, Tórshavn
Named after the Norse god Thor, Tórshavn is one of the world’s coziest capitals, and there's a colorful toy-town appearance to the city.
Its charming historical core is Tinganes, a small peninsula delightfully jumbled with turf-roofed cottages and rustic, red-painted government buildings.
Some 23,000 people live in Tórshavn. This is no hectic big city – but that’s kind of the point!
There is, however, everything you need, from museums and cultural centers to souvenir stores and excellent restaurants.
Discover the nature of the Faroe Islands
Faroe highlights could run to many pages. Close to the airport, on the island of Vágar, are some sights well worth investigating after you fly in, or before your departure.
Head to Gásadalur, a small village in a green valley ringed by hills. The area’s main claim to fame is the viewpoint to Múlafossur, a waterfall that cascades over a cliff to drop 60 meters into the sea below. It has become one of the iconic images of the Faroes.
Create an itinerary that wanders from turf-roofed hamlets in idyllic locales, like Saksun and Kirkjubøur, to sea cliffs teeming with birdlife at Vestmanna.
Check out the illusion of the ‘hanging lake’ called Sørvagsvátn, visit the idyllic lighthouse at Kallur, and take a boat to the puffin-filled end-of-the-line island called Mykines. Stop when the hiking trails call or the epic viewpoints beckon.
Shopping on the Islands
The Faroe Islands offer a quirky retail adventure.
Within the remote archipelago lies a tapestry of charming boutiques, each adorned with handcrafted and artisan treasures.
From exquisite woolen knits to intricate ceramics and authentic Faroese delicacies, each piece has its own story to tell.
While welcoming shopkeepers are keen to share their wisdom and connect with holidaymakers.
So embrace the alluring essence of browsing these unique islands, where every encounter unveils a new piece of the puzzle.
Dining in the Faroe Islands
Indulge in a culinary expedition as you eat and drink your way around these stunning islands, where just like the food, the dining is second-to-none.
Want Michelin worthy dining? You’ve got it! Immerse yourself in intimate restaurants where local chefs passionately create dishes with local ingredients, including super-fresh sea food, tender lamb and foraged herbs.
Each menu offers a harmonious blend of nature’s delights and culinary expertise.
Discover the warmth hospitality of Faroese culture as you unearth a world of tantalizing wonders.
Getting around the Islands
It’s popular to rent your own car or motorcycle to get around the Faroe Islands. Most islands are connected by an excellent infrastructure of roads, bridges and subsea tunnels, making it easy to get around. There are tolls on the three subsea tunnels (Eysturoyartunnilin, Vágatunnilin and Norðoyatunnilin) in the Faroe Islands.
For travelers who want to add an extra dose of adventure, there is the option to take a helicopter between islands. Doing so is surprisingly cheap as it's subsidized by the government.
Alternatively, there is a good public transport system of buses and ferries, and you can purchase multi-day travel cards.
Transport from the airport
The Faroe Islands only has one airport, Vagar Airport (airport code FAE). It is just east of the village Sørvágur, on the western island of Vágar.
It's a 40-minute drive from the airport to the capital, Tórshavn. There are several bus routes to and from the airport.
Taxis are available but taxi companies generally recommend pre-booking before you arrive.
