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Updated August 2024
The Vikings left behind their homes in Norway in the hopes of discovering new land across the North Sea, where they settled on a cluster of remote, volcanic islands in the Atlantic Ocean. The name given to these lands was Føroyar, which in essence, translates to Sheep Islands in the old Norse language.
The Faroe Islands are some of the wildest and most remote islands in Europe, where no point on the islands is further than 5km from the ocean. The Faroese are closely interconnected with the sea, with rowing the national sport and having built impressive subsea tunnels making it easy to drive around the islands.
For centuries, they have shared myths and legends for centuries that have captured the imaginations of many to wonder how these landscapes came to be and the heritage of the Faroese people.
There are almost 40 words for fog in Faroese, this reflects the Faroese people’s focus on predicting the weather patterns and how they have had to adapt to the harsh environment on these remote islands.
This ultimate guide to the Faroe Islands will share all the information you will need to know such as when is the best time to visit, how easy is it to get there and some of the best places to eat and stay.
If you’re looking for more Faroe Islands inspiration and information then make sure to read our 31 things to know before you go, a 7-Day road trip itinerary around the Faroe Islands and a guide to the capital city of Tórshavn.
WHERE ARE THE FAROE ISLANDS?
The Faroe Islands are found between Iceland and Norway, only 200 miles north of Scotland in the North Atlantic Ocean. There are 18 islands in total connected by ferries and subsea tunnels and getting to the Faroe Islands takes 1.5 hours from Edinburgh in Scotland.
As a self-governed nation, the Faroe Islands have their own government and are part of the Kingdom of Denmark with their own language which is Faroese. The islands are in such a remote location, they have heavily relied on the abundance of fish and birds for survival and 50% if the nation’s electricity is from renewable energy sources.
WHAT ARE THE FAROE ISLANDS KNOWN FOR?
The Vikings settled on the Faroe Islands, after leaving Norway to start a new life and took women from Ireland and Scotland along the way. The Norse settlers also brought over livestock including sheep which can be seen in many numbers across the islands still today and is where the name of the islands Føroyar is believed to derive from meaning ‘Sheep Islands’.
Dramatic landscapes are found across the islands making it a photographer’s dream to capture the wild and rugged beauty of the place. The only difficulty can be the unpredictability of the weather and it can also change very quickly making it a challenge to get a good weather window.
The remoteness and wild location of the islands provide the perfect escape from the every day, there are no traffic jams on the islands with only a total of five traffic lights across all the islands.
There are traditional wooden houses that have grass-roofed houses and come in beautiful shades of colour. There is a strong influence of Scandinavian culture as you explore the Faroe Islands, from their language to their food and colourful, picture-perfect homes. The many sheep that roam the islands act as the perfect lawnmowers for trimming the grass on the roofs.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT THE FAROE ISLANDS?
The weather in the Faroes Islands can be very unpredictable and within a day the weather can change multiple times! The climate is Maritime Subarctic and is heavily influenced by the Atlantic Ocean making it almost impossible to predict, if you find yourself in bad weather such as clouds or fog, a local saying is just to wait 5 minutes.
It’s really important to have flexibility in your plans for the weather, if you plan to go on a hike and visibility is poor with no sign of change, make sure you have a plan B instead. The best way to check the weather is on this interactive live weather map of the Faroe Islands, this map also shows live webcams to help you plan your adventures.
The most popular time of year to visit the Faroe Islands is from May to September as the weather is mostly drier compared to other months. The weather during these months is also typically sunnier and days are longer which allows more time to explore!
On average there are over 200 rainy days on the Faroe Islands, spring is typically wetter (March-May) with warmer temperatures and the best time to see beautiful wildflowers and migrating sea birds. Outside of the summer months, there are much fewer visitors.
The summer months (June to August) are the best for hiking, spotting wildlife such as puffins and having plenty of time to explore thanks to longer summer days in the northern hemisphere this time of year. The average temperature in the summer is 13°C and has hit a record of 26°C!
In Autumn (September to November), the temperature starts to drop and there is more rainfall. The coldest months are in Winter (December to January) with the most wind, shorter days of a minimum of 5 - 6 hours of daylight and the best chance to spot the northern lights. The winter weather is very mild, with an average temperature of 3° and can drop to a freezing -5 °C.
DO THE FAROE ISLANDS STILL HUNT WHALES?
The Faroese have had little land to grow crops to sustain them throughout the centuries and have had to rely on harvesting the sea by hunting whales and seabirds for generations to be self-sufficient in such a remote location.
Whaling is still currently practised in the Faroe Islands known as the Grindadráp or abbreviated as the Grind. This hunt has been a controversial and sensitive topic for the last few decades and has been carried out for centuries. The Grind is considered a tradition, where hundreds of pilot whales (dolphins) are rounded up in bays and killed, usually more than once a year, during the summer months (typically May to August).
Whilst we do not support or condone the practice of Grindadráp, it is our hope that the rise of eco-tourism and interest in whale watching in the Faroe Islands will supersede a practice that is unsustainable and no longer carried out for survival. Many other countries still carry out whaling including Iceland, Japan and Norway for commercial purposes.
In recent years, it was discovered that the consumption of Pilot Whale meat contains high levels of mercury and other heavy metals and has unfortunately resulted in impaired cognitive function and Parkinson's disease. The consumption of whale meat is not only a risk to humans, but the pollution of the ocean is also a risk to the whales themselves.
If you feel uncomfortable with this practice, choose not to eat at restaurants that serve pilot whale on the menu and if you are going to attend a ‘heimablídni’ (we highly recommend this and more on this later) please check with your host beforehand that you would not like pilot whale meat to be present.
In our experience, we did not come across any pilot whale meat in the restaurants we ate at, or the heimablídni we went to, as they served other local produce such as lamb and vegetables. We did not come across any pilot whale meat in any of the supermarkets.
HOW TO GET TO THE FAROE ISLANDS?
BY PLANE
Direct flights to the Faroe Islands with Atlantic Airways are from Copenhagen, Oslo, Reykjavik, Bergen, Paris, New York and Edinburgh. If you are flying from the UK, flights from Edinburgh run two times a week on Mondays and Thursdays from 30th March to 18th December. The flight from Edinburgh to Vagar (Faroe Islands) takes 1.5 hours.
From the 1st of June 2024, Atlantic Airways will have direct flights from Gatwick Airport to the Faroe Islands which is an exciting opportunity for those who would have previously had to fly from Edinburgh in the UK. If you’re looking for an excuse to visit Edinburgh this could be a wonderful addition to your trip to the Faroe Islands, however, if you are struggling for time direct flights from Gatwick could be the best option.
To get to Edinburgh airport, take the train from Leeds to Edinburgh which takes 3 hours total and the scenic route follows the east coast with the best views from Newcastle to Edinburgh passing Northumberland. If you’re able to book a seat on the right-hand side of the train you will get unobstructed ocean views! It could be worth staying the night in Edinburgh and exploring this incredible city for the day which would be the perfect addition to this itinerary.
For trains to Edinburgh Airport including London North Eastern Railway (LNER), CrossCountry, and TransPennine Express. It is recommended to book your seat in advance. If you have booked your ticket but want to try and get on an earlier train (has to be the same train company) speak to the train conductor and see if they will let you on board.
Once you arrive at Edinburgh Waverley train station, you can either take the bus or tram. The tram avoids traffic and costs £7 each whereas the bus 100 Airlink (St Davids Street) costs £5.50 each with a regular service that leaves every 10 minutes to the airport. The tram costs £7.50 for a one-way single and takes you directly to Edinburgh Airport avoiding traffic.
If you’re travelling from London, there are many services that run to Edinburgh including the famous British Pullman with a chance to travel in the ‘Cygnus’ carriage designed by Wes Anderson.
BY FERRY
The Smyril Line has connections with Iceland and Denmark running regular ferries typically once a week from Hirtshals Denmark (40 hours) and Seyðisfjörður in Iceland (20 hours). This would be a great way to get your campervan or motorhome to the Faroe Islands and we spotted many motorhomes whilst exploring the islands.
HOW LONG DO YOU NEED TO VISIT THE FAROE ISLANDS?
We would suggest a minimum of a week allows you to be able to see most of the main islands with the chance to do some hiking. A week also allows for a few day trips to explore some of the more remote islands including Sandoy and Suðuroy.
Make sure you read our guide, 31 things to know before visiting the Faroe Islands to help you make the most of your trip.
HOW TO GET AROUND THE FAROE ISLANDS?
Rent a car
The easiest way to get around the Faroe Islands is by car, giving you the ultimate freedom to explore and most car rental companies provide a discount for longer term rentals.
The Faroe Islands are well connected either by subsea tunnels, ferries and helicopters. Whilst exploring these incredible islands, you must be careful whilst driving on the roads as fog can appear and make driving conditions difficult.
You must keep your headlights on at all times and watch out for sheep on the roads as they can quickly jump out in front of you with little warming.
We’ve included details of costs and how to pay for the subsea tunnels in our Faroe Islands driving guide and share important information on how to find out ferry timetables and how they work on the Faroe Islands.
Guided Tours
If you’d prefer to not drive around the islands, there is the option to book guided tours around the Faroe Islands allowing you to be at complete ease and provide you with insider local knowledge. This 7 hour guided tour shows you the highlights of the Faroes including; Saksun, Gjógv, Tjørnuvík and the iconic Múlafossur waterfall.
If you’re searching for a guided tour that will last the duration of your drip, it’s worth checking out these guided tours for the option for either guided and self-guided tours.
Consider a 7 day complete package tour would be what you’re looking for which includes the top sights and also an added bonus with a visit to Suðuroy Island island. If you prefer to travel at your own pace, this 10 day self-guided tour includes accommodation, ferry tickets, car rental, boat tours and more!
What Language do theY speak?
The official language of the Faroe Islands is Faroese, which is a Nordic language, similar to Icelandic which is a dialect derived from the Norse settlers who arrived in the Viking era. The Faroese have created their own version of Google Translate, as Faroese is currently not included which can make it difficult to attempt to speak in the local language.
Many of the locals also speak very good English and many can speak more than one language including Danish which is officially the second language of the Faroe Islands. Here are a few of the key phrases that you might find useful.
Hi - Hei (pronounced Hey)
Goodbye - Bei (pronounced bye)
Thank You – Takk (pronounced Tahk)
Do You Speak English? – Tosar Tú Enskt? (pronounced “Toah-sar Too Enskt”)
Yes - Ja (pronounced Yah)
No - Nei (pronounced Nai)
WHAT TO KNOW WHEN DRIVING AROUND THE FAROE ISLANDS?
The best way to get around the Faroe Islands is by car and it is important to familiarise yourself with the local rules for driving to ensure you have a safe road trip. Read our 7 Day Road Trip itinerary with all you need to know if you plan to drive around the Faroe Islands, including how to island hop using the tunnels and ferries.
WHAT TO PACK FOR THE FAROE ISLANDS?
The weather can be unpredictable and is most likely to have some rain so make sure you come prepared. We’ve put together a list of the essentials you need to pack when visiting the Faroe Islands.
Hiking poles
Waterproof jacket
Waterproof/water-resistant walking boots
Warm clothing - thermals and clothes you can layer
Hat and gloves
Avoid nylon clothing - the ground can be slippery
Snacks
Camera
Tough walking trousers
Thick wool socks
Dry bag
Where Are the Best Places to Stay on the Faroe Islands?
A great central location is the island of Streymoy, the airport is located on the island of Vagar and is a 40-minute drive from the airport to Tórshvan, the capital. Streymoy is an ideal place to base yourself during your stay, however, we would also recommend you stay overnight on some of the other islands to be able to travel slowly across the islands and reduce the amount of driving each day.
Hotel Havgrim
WHERE | Havgrím Seaside Hotel 1948, Yviri við Strond 14l, FO-100 Tórshavn, Streymoy, Faroe Islands
Havgrim Hotel is a boutique hotel nestled on the coast in Tórshavn, the capital city of the Faroe Islands and a great place to base yourself during your stay as it’s a good central location. The hotel is conveniently located a short walk from the centre of the city.
The hotel boasts beautiful coastal views overlooking Nolsoy Island and the rooms are decorated with a nautical and colonial design taking inspiration from the former owner of the house who loved to sail to the British Isles.
Breakfast is served in a beautiful room overlooking the sea and you can enjoy fresh pastries, eggs, beans, bacon, cured meats, fruit, yoghurt, honey, fresh juices, tea, coffee, hot chocolate, fresh orange juice and a shot of ginger.
We stayed for a total of 3 nights which cost 1,000DKK/£115 per night. There is also the option to hire a private hot tub in the beautiful grounds which overlooks Nolsoy 250 DKK/£29 per person.
Hotel Brandan
WHERE | Hotel Brandan, Oknarvegur 2, FO-100, Tórshavn, Faroe Islands
A modern, grass-roofed 4* hotel in Tórshavn offering a wide range of facilities including a spa, fitness gym, restaurant, room service, outdoor hot tubs, bar and luxury rooms. Hotel Brandan overlooks the nearby football stadium and is close to the only park in the city Viðarlundin í Havn, making a lovely walk into Tórshavn which takes around 20 minutes.
If you don’t fancy walking into town then catch one of the many free public buses that can take you into the centre. In 2020, Hotel Brandan received the Green Key which is the leading international standard for environmental responsibility and sustainable practices in the tourism industry.
Hotel Føroyar
WHERE | Hotel Føroyar, Oyggjarvegur 45, FO-100, Streymoy, Tórshavn
In a tucked-away location, Hotel Føroyar is known as the national hotel of the islands set on a hillside overlooking Tórshavn city centre and incredible panoramic ocean vistas. The rooms are modern with plenty of light and space and pretty spectacular views.
Hotel Føroyar is designed to mould into the foothills, creating seemingly endless corridors and is topped with a traditional grass roof. Currently, a large spa is being constructed and the hotel is working on reducing its carbon footprint and reshaping how it sources food for restaurants choosing only sustainable sources.
BRIM B&B
WHERE | BRIM, 78 Vágsvegur Vágur Suduroy, 900, Suðuroy, Faroe Islands
This cute and cosy B&B is located on the island of Suðuroy, the most southern island of the Faroe Islands. BRIM B&B is a beautiful, Scandinavian-inspired space with a small number of rooms some of which have a balcony and a private bathroom.
After a day out exploring the incredible island of Suðuroy, BRIM is the perfect place to come back to relax and chill. BRIM looks over the Vágsfjørður and is in an ideal location to explore nearby places including; Akraberg Lighthouse, Vágseiði, Skuvanes, Tjørn á Lopranseiði and Beinisvørð.
In the morning, a delicious buffet breakfast is served with tea, coffee, pastries, jams, breads, and cereal in a cosy setting. The family who run the B&B are very friendly and happy to talk about what it’s like to live on such a remote island.
Where are the best places to eat in the Faroe Islands?
The Faroe Islands have quite the foodie scene, many fantastic restaurants can be found in the capital of Tórshavn where you’ll find a variety of food on offer including fine-dining restaurants to affordable takeaway.
The Faroese mostly eat a lot of seafood, fermented meat and vegetables. If you are or vegetarian you may find it difficult to find food, Visit Faroe Islands has put together a vegan guide that includes places that offer these culinary preferences.
ROKS
After a day out exploring, there are plenty of options for places to eat in Tórshavn including the trendy and cosy ROKS. If you’re looking for a dining experience which showcases some of the best seafood on the islands with exciting twists then ROKS is the place you should eat at.
The restaurant is split over two levels, as you enter there is a large room which feels like a cosy tavern and upstairs is a snug overlooking the port of Tórshavn. It’s a peaceful refuge from the Faroese weather, where you can watch the transition from dusk till the darkness draws in and lights illuminate the waterfront.
The menu at ROKS offers fresh seafood that will give you a real Faroese experience including dishes like crispy cod, Greenlandic snow crab and sea urchin. It is a set menu with two choices, ‘nearly ashore’ or ‘totally on the rocks’ and we’d recommend going for the full ROKS experience as the ‘nearly ashore’ menu was a little on the light side.
ROKS is known as the stylish sister of KOKS, which is a Michelin-star restaurant currently relocated to Greenland after unsuccessfully gaining planning permission for a new site on the Faroe Islands.
HEIMABLÍDNI AT HANURSARSTOVA
Home hospitality is a tradition that the Faroese have been practising for centuries, where they have hosted visitors in their homes by sharing a delicious home-cooked meal.
A heimablídni is a quintessential experience when visiting the Faroe Islands, this carries on the age-old tradition of welcoming visitors for a hearty, comforting meal which gives an opportunity to share stories and experiences. This is a truly authentic experience and gives you a chance to hear the local’s experiences and stories of what it’s like to live on such remote islands.
We were welcomed by Harriet and John to their home at Hanursarstova, a beautiful farmhouse in the village of Æðuvík on Eysturoy where you can stay in their beautiful guesthouse. Their story is an inspiring one, Harriet took over the family sheep business and they renovated an abandoned house into their home. Harriet also takes incredible photos of her sheep which she sells and are possible to have in your own home.
Cafe MorMor
The cosy Cafe MorMor is found on the island of Suðuroy, the most southern island of the Faroe Islands and is worth a day trip from the most central island Streymoy. The cafe serves delicious homemade cake, treats and nibbles such as heartwarming pumpkin soup, fish soup, paninis, coffee and fresh juices.
Once you step into Cafe MorMor it feels as though you’ve stepped back into a time gone before, ‘MorMor’ translates to Grandmother and the cafe could easily be mistaken for stepping into your Grandma’s home with the vintage objects, old photographs and memorabilia.
Breyðvirkið bakery
Make sure you stop by Breyðvirkið bakery for some delicious pastries and bread in Tórshavn. In the mornings there are queues for some of the best baked goods in the area! The bakery serves organic sourdough, cinnamon rolls, poppy seed pastries and many other sweet treats worth discovering.
Ástaklokkan café
Located in the centre of Tórshavn, Ástaklokkan café is a cosy spot in the old part of the city surrounded by grass-roof houses and the name of the cafe translates to Love Clock Cafe. The cafe serves food that is mostly Faroese and European where they source local and fresh produce.
Reyðleyk
There are a few takeaway options in Tóshavn, from budget pizza and Thai spots and we came across Reyðleyk on our last night in the Faroe Islands. It’s a takeaway restaurant which serves incredible burgers and pizza and if you’re lucky enough to get a seat, the views over to Nolsoy are pretty spectacular.
It can be a bit difficult to find, this is due to Google Maps not being up to date in this area as it has been recently developed. If you pass the BONUS supermarket on your left, carry on past the T junction and it’s the next left, following the road round to the left all the way until you reach Reyðleyk.
Paname Café
Perhaps one of the most beautiful cafes in Tórshavn, the Paname Café is a pretty special spot and somewhere you could sit for hours reading a book or people watch out the beautiful big windows with a comforting hot chocolate.
Paname Café is a great place to mooch on a cold rainy day, with a gift shop next door perfect for browsing and scouting for a souvenir to remember your trip to the Faroe Islands.
SKEIVA PAKKHÚS
An Italian and Faroese-infused restaurant set within a rustic and tastefully renovated old boat warehouse, Skeiva Pakkhús serves some delicious food in the perfect cosy atmosphere.
Rustic wooden tables adorn the floor with candles flickering giving an old tavern feel with a modern twist. The views from the window are spectacular where you can watch the boats come and go out of the port of Tórshavn. The cuisine is presented in a set menu with the option to add dessert and wine, ranging from dishes including monkfish to pizza.
