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Overview
The Faroe Islands are an autonomous archipelago of 18 islands — 17 inhabited — situated in the North Atlantic roughly midway between Norway and Iceland. Administered by Denmark but largely self-governing, the islands have their own parliament (the Løgting), their own language, and a culture shaped by centuries of Norse settlement, sheep farming, and sea fishing.
The landscape is the dominant draw: vertiginous basalt cliffs drop into churning ocean, narrow fjords slice between mountains that are frequently veiled in cloud or mist, and waterfalls spill directly onto beaches or over cliff edges into the sea. Villages of colourful timber houses topped with turf roofs sit at the foot of these slopes, often connected by tunnel or ferry rather than open road.
Despite growing tourism interest in recent years, the islands remain genuinely uncrowded compared with Iceland or Scandinavia. Infrastructure is improving steadily — a network of sub-sea tunnels now links islands that once required boat crossings — but the Faroes retain a sense of remoteness that feels earned rather than manufactured.
The capital, Tórshavn, on the island of Streymoy, is one of the world's smallest capitals but punches above its weight in terms of restaurants, culture, and livability. Most visits use Tórshavn as a base and make day trips to the outer islands.
Before You Go
Visas
The Faroe Islands are not part of the European Union or the Schengen Area in the standard sense — they have a special status. Visa rules differ from mainland Denmark and from the EU. Check TravelerPulse's Visas section for your nationality and verify current requirements with the official Faroese or Danish immigration authorities before booking.
Passport and Entry Documents
Bring a valid passport. Entry requirements can differ from what applies in Copenhagen, so do not assume your Schengen visa or EU freedom-of-movement rights apply automatically. Verify locally or on the official site.
Health and Vaccinations
No specific vaccinations are required for most nationalities. The islands have a public healthcare system; EU/EEA visitors should check whether a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) applies here given the islands' special status. Travel insurance with medical evacuation cover is strongly recommended regardless.
What to Pack
- Waterproof and windproof outerwear is essential year-round; conditions change rapidly
- Layering is more effective than a single heavy coat
- Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots for any trail walking
- Sun protection for summer months — daylight can be long and UV exposure is underestimated
- An adapter if needed (Type K/C plug sockets, 230V, as in Denmark)
Getting There
By Air
Vágár Airport (FAE) on the island of Vágar is the only airport in the Faroe Islands. Atlantic Airways, the national carrier, operates scheduled services from several European cities including Copenhagen, Reykjavik, London, and Edinburgh, among others. Several other European carriers also serve the route seasonally. Flight schedules and route availability change; verify current options directly with airlines or a booking platform before planning.
By Sea
Smyril Line operates a regular passenger and vehicle ferry service aboard the MS Norröna, connecting the Faroes with Hirtshals (Denmark) and Seyðisfjörður (Iceland). Journey times are long — roughly 30–36 hours from Denmark — but the crossing itself is an experience, particularly for those who want to arrive with a vehicle. Verify current sailing schedules and pricing on Smyril Line's official website as timetables are seasonal.
Arrival Logistics
Vágár Airport is located on the western side of the island of Vágar. A sub-sea tunnel connects Vágar to Streymoy, and from there the capital Tórshavn is approximately a 30-minute drive. Car rental is available at the airport. Public bus services also operate on the route; verify current timetables locally.
Getting Around
By Car
Renting a car is the most flexible way to explore the islands. Most of the main islands are connected by road via a combination of bridges, causeways, and sub-sea tunnels. Some tunnels are single-lane and require adherence to right-of-way rules at passing places — pay attention to signage. Tolls apply on some sub-sea tunnels; verify current toll rates locally or on official road authority information.
By Bus
A public bus network (Strandfaraskip Landsins / SSL) links most villages and serves inter-island ferry connections. The system is functional but not frequent in remote areas — some routes run only a few times daily. Timetables are published on the SSL website and are worth studying before any car-free day trip.
By Ferry
Short inter-island ferry routes still serve islands not linked by tunnel, most notably the route to the island of Mykines and services around the northern islands. Ferry services to Mykines in particular are weather-dependent and can be cancelled at short notice — build flexibility into plans if Mykines is a priority. Book in advance during summer.
Tórshavn on Foot
Central Tórshavn, including the old town district of Tinganes, is very walkable. The capital's core is compact enough to explore on foot in a morning.
Practical Notes
- GPS coverage is generally good but maps can lag behind the newest tunnels; download offline maps before travel
- Fuel stations exist on main islands but can be sparse on smaller ones — fill up when you can
- Driving is on the right
Where to Stay
Accommodation Types
Accommodation in the Faroe Islands ranges from hotels in Tórshavn to guesthouses, farm stays, and self-catering cottages across the outer islands. Options are growing but remain limited compared with more established tourism destinations — booking well ahead (several months in advance for July and August) is essential.
Tórshavn
The capital has the widest selection of hotels and guesthouses and makes the most practical base for first-time visitors. It is centrally located on Streymoy and reasonably well connected by road to most other inhabited islands.
Outer Islands
Staying on an outer island — Vágar, Sandoy, Suðuroy, or the northern islands — gives a more immersive sense of daily Faroese life and reduces driving distances for specific areas. Self-catering cottages (sumarhús) are popular and bookable through local agencies; verify availability and current pricing directly with operators.
Camping
Camping is permitted in some areas but regulations apply; permission may be required from landowners on private land. Facilities are basic to non-existent in most locations. Verify current rules with local tourism information before pitching a tent, especially in ecologically sensitive areas.
Things to See & Do
Hiking
The Faroe Islands offer some of the most dramatic hiking in the North Atlantic. Popular routes include the ridge walk on Slaettaratindur (the archipelago's highest peak, on Eysturoy), the clifftop paths around Enniberg on Viðoy, and the walk to the village of Gásadalur on Vágar, now accessible by road but traditionally reached only on foot. Trails vary widely in difficulty and some require navigation skills. Weather can deteriorate quickly; tell someone your route, carry a map, and check forecasts before setting out.
Mykines
This westernmost island is home to one of Europe's most accessible Atlantic puffin colonies in summer, as well as gannets and other seabirds. The walk out to Mykineshólmur lighthouse — crossing a suspension footbridge — is a highlight. Access is by boat or helicopter (seasonal); demand far exceeds capacity in peak summer, so book as early as possible.
Sørvágsvatn (Sørvágsvatn / Leitisvatn)
This lake on Vágar appears in photographs to hover above the ocean — a perspective effect produced by the cliff edge at one end. The hike to the viewpoint requires a guided tour or a permit system depending on the season; verify current access rules locally before visiting.
Tórshavn Old Town (Tinganes)
The medieval Tinganes peninsula, where the Faroese parliament originally met, is among the best-preserved historic districts in the North Atlantic. A walk through its narrow lanes past turf-roofed timber buildings takes no more than an hour but rewards careful exploration.
Gásadalur Waterfall
The waterfall at Gásadalur village on Vágar drops directly onto a beach below — one of the most photographed scenes in the islands. The village itself, once almost abandoned and accessible only by mountain pass, is now reached by a short road tunnel.
Kirkjubøur
One of the oldest inhabited settlements in the islands, Kirkjubøur on Streymoy contains the ruins of the medieval St Magnus Cathedral, the intact St Olav's Church (still in use), and a farmhouse said to be among the oldest inhabited wooden structures in the world. Access is generally open; verify any guided tour options locally.
Birdwatching
Beyond Mykines, the entire archipelago supports large colonies of fulmars, guillemots, razorbills, kittiwakes, and Arctic terns. Enniberg cliff (Viðoy) and the sea stacks of Risin og Kellingin (off Eysturoy) are notable wildlife spots.
Food & Drink
Faroese Cuisine
Traditional Faroese food is defined by the islands' geography and history: lamb, fish, and seabird have been dietary staples for centuries. The distinctive practice of wind-drying meat and fish — called skerpikjøt (wind-dried lamb) and ræst (fermented/wind-cured meat or fish) — produces intensely flavoured products that are an acquired taste for many visitors but central to local identity. Ræst lamb and ræst fish appear on both traditional and contemporary restaurant menus.
The Contemporary Restaurant Scene
Tórshavn has developed a small but well-regarded restaurant scene in recent years, with a handful of venues applying modern Nordic techniques to local ingredients. Seafood — cod, haddock, salmon, langoustine — features heavily. For an accessible introduction to local produce, several restaurants offer tasting menus built around seasonal Faroese ingredients. Reservations are advisable in peak season; verify current restaurant operating hours locally as smaller establishments may keep irregular schedules.
Drinking
The Faroe Islands have alcohol sales restrictions: wine, beer, and spirits are available in licensed restaurants and in state-controlled shops (RÚSDREKKASØLA LANDSINS, or RLSS). Not all villages have an off-licence nearby. Beer produced locally includes Föroya Bjór, a Faroese brewery with several widely available lagers. Tap water throughout the islands is clean and safe to drink.
Practicalities
- Grocery stores are found in main towns; smaller islands may have only a basic kiosk or nothing at all — stock up before visiting remote areas
- Self-catering is practical if renting a cottage, and many visitors combine restaurant meals with self-prepared food
- Tipping is not a strong cultural expectation but is appreciated for good service
Practical Information
Money
The Faroese króna is pegged to and exchangeable at par with the Danish krone (DKK). Danish krone and Faroese króna are used interchangeably on the islands; Faroese notes are not legal tender in Denmark. Major credit and debit cards are widely accepted, including in smaller villages. ATMs exist in Tórshavn and larger towns; verify availability before visiting remote areas.
Connectivity
Mobile coverage (4G) is good on inhabited islands and main roads but can drop in mountain passes and tunnels. Free Wi-Fi is available in many hotels, cafes, and the airport. International roaming arrangements vary by carrier; check with your provider before departure.
Electricity
Type K and Type C sockets, 230V/50Hz — standard European configuration as used in Denmark. Bring an adapter if coming from outside continental Europe.
Emergency Services
The emergency number for police, fire, and ambulance in the Faroe Islands is 112 (standard European emergency number). The main hospital is in Tórshavn. For any specific local emergency contacts, verify with your accommodation on arrival.
Opening Hours and Sundays
Business hours follow a broadly Scandinavian pattern, with many shops closed or operating reduced hours on Sundays. Supermarkets in Tórshavn are more likely to maintain Sunday hours; smaller towns may see most services closed. Verify locally.
Photography
Private land and nesting bird colonies require respectful behaviour. Some popular viewpoints (including routes to Sørvágsvatn) have introduced access management in response to visitor pressure — always check current guidance before arriving.
Safety
The Faroe Islands are a low-crime destination. Visitors' most significant risks are environmental rather than social: weather changes rapidly and can turn severe without warning; fog can descend within minutes; coastal paths and clifftops have few or no safety barriers; and mountain trails can be steep, unmarked, or exposed.
- Always check weather forecasts before hiking (yr.no provides good local forecasts)
- Wear appropriate footwear on all trails — grass on Faroese slopes is often wet and slippery
- Do not approach cliff edges for photographs — several serious accidents have occurred at popular viewpoints
- The sea is cold year-round; swimming in open water carries significant risk
- If hiking alone, tell someone your planned route and expected return time
- Mykines ferry and helicopter services can be cancelled due to weather with little notice — do not book non-refundable onward travel on the same day
Healthcare is available at the national hospital in Tórshavn for emergencies. Travel insurance including medical evacuation is strongly advised given the islands' remote location.
Local Culture & Etiquette
Faroese culture is distinct from Danish culture despite the political relationship. The Faroese language, closely related to Old Norse and Icelandic, is the everyday language of the islands and a source of strong cultural pride; efforts to maintain and promote it are visible in signage, broadcasting, and education.
The traditional chain dance (Faroese chain dance or föroyskur dansur) — in which participants sing ballads and move in a linked circle — is one of the oldest living dance traditions in Europe and is performed at festivals and cultural events. The annual Ólavsøka festival (late July, around St Olav's Day) is the largest national celebration, combining a parliamentary opening ceremony with sports events, rowing races, and concerts; Tórshavn becomes very busy during this period.
Sheep outnumber people significantly on the islands — the name 'Faroe' derives from the Old Norse word for sheep — and lamb remains central to diet, economy, and cultural identity. The traditional pilot whale hunt (grindadráp) is a subject of significant international debate; it is a legal, regulated practice that carries deep cultural significance for many Faroese people, while being strongly opposed by many outside the islands. Visitors should approach the topic with awareness of its complexity and sensitivity.
Religion is predominantly Lutheran Christian; churches are important community buildings in even the smallest villages and are generally open to respectful visitors. Modest dress is appropriate when entering active places of worship.
