Faroe Islands travel guide
The Faroe Islands are a self-governing archipelago of eighteen rugged islands in the North Atlantic, between Iceland, Norway and Scotland, and part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Steep green mountains, sea cliffs, waterfalls dropping into the ocean and turf-roofed villages make it one of Europe's most dramatic landscapes. It suits hikers, photographers and travellers who don't mind wind, rain and changeable weather.
Places worth the trip
Múlafossur waterfall, Gásadalur
A waterfall that drops straight off a cliff into the sea below the tiny village of Gásadalur on Vágar, with mountains behind. It is a short walk from the parking area and close to the airport.
Sørvágsvatn (Leitisvatn)
The largest lake in the islands appears to hang above the ocean when seen from the cliffs at Trælanípa. The hike there crosses private land and an access fee is charged.
Mykines
The westernmost island is home to large colonies of puffins in summer, along with gannets and other seabirds. Access is by ferry or helicopter, both weather-dependent, and hikes are guided or require booking.
Kallur lighthouse, Kalsoy
A small red lighthouse at the end of a grassy ridge on the long, narrow island of Kalsoy, with sheer cliffs and views along the northern islands. Reach Kalsoy by ferry from Klaksvík; the hike also requires a fee.
Saksun and Tjørnuvík
Saksun is a hamlet of turf-roofed houses and a church above a tidal lagoon, and Tjørnuvík, at the end of a winding road in northern Streymoy, has a black-sand beach popular with surfers.
Tórshavn and Tinganes
The small capital has a harbour of colourful houses and Tinganes, a peninsula of red wooden government buildings with turf roofs, where a parliament has met since Viking times.
Gjógv and Slættaratindur
Gjógv, a village on Eysturoy, has a natural harbour inside a sea-filled gorge. Nearby, Slættaratindur, the highest mountain in the islands, can be climbed in a few hours in good weather.
Kirkjubøur
The islands' medieval religious centre, with the ruins of a Gothic cathedral, an old church still in use and a centuries-old farmhouse that has been in the same family for generations.
Interesting facts about Faroe Islands
- Sheep outnumber people in the Faroe Islands, and the name is thought to come from an Old Norse word meaning 'sheep islands'.
- Undersea road tunnels link several islands, and one of them, the Eysturoy tunnel opened in 2020, has an underwater roundabout decorated with light art.
- The parliament, the Løgting, traces its roots to Viking-era assemblies held on the Tinganes peninsula, making it one of the oldest in the world.
- The Faroe Islands are part of the Kingdom of Denmark but are not part of the European Union.
- Before Google Street View came to the islands, locals mapped them with cameras strapped to sheep in a project called Sheep View 360.
Best time to visit Faroe Islands
May to August is the best time to visit, with long daylight hours, puffins on Mykines from around May to August, and more reliable access to trails and ferries. Even in summer, weather changes quickly, with fog, rain and strong wind, so pack waterproof layers. The national festival, Ólavsøka, takes place in Tórshavn around 28 to 29 July. Winter is dark, stormy and cold, but quiet, and occasionally offers northern lights.
Getting around
Renting a car is the easiest way to explore, and roads, bridges and tunnels connect most of the main islands, though some subsea tunnels charge a toll. Roads are narrow, often single-track, with sheep on them. Public buses and ferries link many villages, but services can be infrequent, so plan around timetables. Helicopter services to remote islands are subsidised and popular, so book early. Several popular hiking trails cross private farmland and charge a fee.
Practical details
- Capital
- Tórshavn
- Currency
- Faroese króna, issued at par with the Danish krone (DKK), which is also accepted
- Languages
- Faroese, Danish
- Plug types
- C, E, F, K
- Voltage
- 230 V, 50 Hz
- Emergency
- 112 for all emergencies
- Driving side
- right
- Tipping
- Not expected. Service is included in prices, and rounding up is optional.
Staying online in Faroe Islands
Mobile coverage is good in villages, along roads and in most tunnels, with 4G and 5G available in many areas. Coverage can drop in deep valleys, on remote mountain trails and on the smallest islands. Wi-Fi is common in guesthouses, hotels and cafés. Because the Faroe Islands are outside the EU, EU roaming allowances usually don't apply and roaming can be expensive. Install an eSIM before you fly and switch it on when you land.
Faroe Islands eSIM plans
1 GB
1GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Faroe Islands, V2
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Unlimited eSIM Data for 1 Day for Faroe Islands, V2
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Unlimited Plus eSIM Data for 1 Day for Faroe Islands, V2
3 GB
3GB eSIM Data for 3 Days for Faroe Islands, V2
Useful apps
- Google Maps: Driving routes through the tunnels and between villages; download offline maps for trails.
- Yr: Detailed Norwegian weather forecasts widely used in the North Atlantic; check before every hike.
- XE Currency: Convert Faroese and Danish krone amounts.
Faroe Islands travel FAQs
Some of the most popular trails, such as those to Trælanípa, Kallur lighthouse and on Mykines, cross private land and charge an access fee. Book ahead where required and stay on marked paths.
Yes. Danish banknotes and coins are accepted, and Faroese notes have the same value. Faroese notes are not easy to use in Denmark, so spend them before you leave. Cards are accepted almost everywhere.
Yes. Coverage is good in villages, along roads and in tunnels. Because the islands are outside the EU, EU roaming allowances usually don't apply, so a travel eSIM gives you local data while your home number stays active.
Very. Fog can roll in quickly on mountain trails, and sunshine, rain and wind may all appear within an hour. Check forecasts, tell someone your route and turn back if visibility drops.