A remote North Atlantic archipelago with steep cliffs and narrow valleys. Home to 50,000 people, abundant puffin colonies and clear views of the Northern Lights.
The Faroe Islands, an archipelago of 18 islands in the North Atlantic Ocean, lie halfway between Iceland and Norway. The islands' cliffs rise up to 2,000 feet above the sea, and waterfalls like Mulafossur drop directly into the ocean. In the capital Tórshavn, red-painted wooden buildings line the old town streets, while in the village of Saksun, black-tarred houses with grass roofs sit beside a natural lagoon surrounded by mountains.
Getting to the Faroe Islands
You can reach the Faroe Islands through Vágar Airport with direct flights from Copenhagen, Edinburgh, and Reykjavik. Atlantic Airways and Scandinavian Airlines operate regular flights throughout the year. The flight from Copenhagen takes about two hours, while Edinburgh is approximately one hour away. The Smyril Line ferry sails from Denmark and Iceland between June and August, with a journey time of 36 hours from Denmark.
Weather and Timing Your Visit
The Gulf Stream keeps winters mild and summers cool. Summer temperatures reach 12°C (54°F), while winter temperatures stay around 5°C (41°F). Visit between May and September for the longest daylight hours, but expect crowds in July and August. Rain falls frequently - about 300 days per year - and fog can appear suddenly, so pack waterproof clothing and plan flexible itineraries.
Moving Between Islands
Roads, tunnels, and ferries connect the islands. You can drive between the main islands through underwater tunnels and across bridges. Buses run between major towns and villages, while ferries serve smaller islands. The sub-sea tunnels charge tolls ranging from 100-175 DKK, payable online or at local service stations. You'll find car rental offices at the airport and in Tórshavn.
Traditional Food and Dining
Local meals center on lamb and seafood. Try skerpikjøt (wind-dried mutton) at KOKS restaurant in Tórshavn or Áarstova, which serves modern interpretations of Faroese dishes. Through the heimablídni program, you can eat dinner with local families in their homes - expect to pay around 600 DKK per person for a three-course meal and stories about island life.
Natural Landmarks
At the Vestmanna bird cliffs, you can take boat tours to see guillemots and razorbills nesting on the steep rock faces. Lake Sørvágsvatn sits 30 meters above sea level, creating an optical illusion against the ocean backdrop. In Gjógv, a 200-meter natural sea gorge serves as a harbor for fishing boats. From June to August, thousands of puffins nest on Mykines island. The 3.5-kilometer hiking trail to Kallur Lighthouse crosses steep terrain and takes about 2 hours each way.
Cultural Events and Traditions
During the Ólavsøka festival (July 28-29), locals gather in Tórshavn for Faroese chain dancing, rowing competitions, and concerts. The G! Festival in Gøta (mid-July) brings international and local musicians to perform on stages set up on the beach and hillsides. Northern Lights appear between September and March, with optimal viewing conditions from elevated spots in Klaksvík or Gjógv on clear nights. Throughout the islands, you'll see houses with grass roofs - a practical insulation method where sheep maintain the grass by grazing.
