Get to know the Faroe Islands and explore the best that these Northern Atlantic islands have to offer with our 5-day itinerary.
This Faroe Islands road trip blends natural beauty, rich history and vibrant culture for a unique destination in the North Atlantic. Rugged coastlines, incredible nature, picturesque villages, tragic folklore and a vibrant capital city are all waiting for you.
Table of Contents
Faroe Islands Itinerary
How Many Days in the Faroe Islands?
We recommend a minimum of 3 days to explore the Faroe Islands. This is the perfect amount of time to cover the capital city of Tórshavn and the main islands of Vágar and Streymoy. With more time, continue to explore the northern islands and Suðuroy. For adventurers who enjoy day-hiking opportunities, add even more days.
Our 5-Day Faroe Islands Road Trip Itinerary takes you to the best of the Faroe Islands.
- Day 1: Tórshavn – The Capital of the Faroe Islands
- Day 2: Vágar Island – Iconic Waterfalls and Lakes
- Day 3: Streymoy Island – Historic Villages and Dramatic Cliffs
- Day 4: Eysturoy, Kalsoy and the Northern Islands – Unforgettable Nature and Legends
- Day 5: Suðuroy Island – The Less Travelled Southern Gem
Map of the Faroe Islands
Thanks to an impressive network of undersea tunnels and ferries, the Faroe Islands are easy to navigate. We explore all of the major islands on this 5-day itinerary.
10 Best Things To Do in the Faroe Islands
Here are our top 10 recommendations of the most unforgettable experiences in the Faroe Islands.
- Discover centuries-old, turf-roofed houses and the home of the Faroese government in Old Town Tórshavn.
- See iconic Múlafossur Waterfall and the nearby village of Gásadalur.
- Hike the Sorvágsvatn Trail, to witness the captivating sight of The Lake Above the Ocean.
- Explore the historic village of Kirkjubøur, including the Saint Magnus Cathedral Ruins.
- See puffins on Mykines Island or on a boat tour to the Vestmanna Sea Cliffs.
- Experience traditional Faroese farm life in Saksun, at the Dúvugarðar Heritage Farm.
- See the unique natural harbour of Gjógv and find adorable puffins nesting along the cliffs.
- Discover Faroese folklore by visiting the haunting Seal Woman statue.
- Hike to see the dramatic Ásmundarstakkur sea stack.
- Visit the solitary Akraberg Lighthouse at the southern tip of Suðuroy Island.
Day 1: Tórshavn
Tórshavn is the capital of the Faroe Islands and one of the smallest capital cities in the world. Around 22,000 people (about 40% of the country’s population) live in this vibrant Nordic port city. The city’s compact centre makes it easy to explore its main attractions.
Enjoy the colorful buildings and fishing boats along the picturesque Vágsbotnur Waterfront. Beside the marina, fishermen sell their daily catch at the fish market. Watch the action from nearby cafés and restaurants.
We walked the narrow lanes of Old Town, past 14th-century, turf-roofed houses which continue to house residents.
The historic peninsula of Tinganes has a rich political heritage. Beginning around the year 900 with the early Vikings, the peninsula was a meeting point for trade and to settle disputes. Today, walk among the bright red, wooden buildings of the Faroese government, one of the oldest parliamentary gathering places in the world.
Plan your perfect day in the Faroese capital with our detailed day trip guide.
Day 2: Vágar Island
The dramatic scenery of Vágar Island makes it a must-visit in the Faroe Islands. We enjoyed its best natural wonders in one day. This western island’s highlights are on display along the steep cliffs on the wild Atlantic Ocean.
Vágar’s crown jewel is Múlafossur Waterfall, a 30-metre cascade plunging directly into the ocean. It is next to the tiny village of Gásadalur. The breathtaking waterfall, with the village as a backdrop, has become one of the most photographed locations in all of the Faroes.
Hike the Sorvágsvatn Lake Trail to the Trælanípa cliff viewpoint. From above this point, Sorvágsvatn, the Faroes largest lake, appears to hover above the Atlantic. This optical illusion led to Sørvágsvatn Lake being nicknamed The Lake Above the Ocean. In reality, the lake sits 30 metres above sea level. This great view is well worth the 1-hour hike.
Discover Vágar Island’s natural wonders and trails in our in-depth island guide.
Day 3: Streymoy Island
Streymoy, the largest island, is home to nearly half of the country’s population. Our road trip around the island discovered historical sites, picturesque villages, and dramatic sea cliffs.
In the historic village of Kirkjubøur, discover the religious heart of the medieval Faroe Islands. Explore the ancient Saint Magnus Cathedral Ruins, and see the white Saint Ólav’s Parish Church, the country’s oldest functioning church.
Learn about medieval life at the Kirkjubøargarður Farmhouse. It is one of the oldest, continuously-inhabited, wooden houses in the world.
The Vestmanna Sea Cliffs offer an unforgettable natural spectacle. These towering, 600-metre-tall cliffs are home to a vibrant ecosystem. The popular boat tour takes you into sea caves and along the rugged coastline. During the summer months, observe thousands of seabirds, including puffins, nesting on the dramatic rock face.
Discover more fascinating places with our comprehensive Streymoy road trip guide.
Day 4: Eysturoy Island, Kalsoy Island and the Northern Islands
The rugged landscapes of Eysturoy and the Northern Faroe Islands showcase some of the archipelago’s most dramatic scenery and compelling folklore. From windswept coastal settlements to remote mountain peaks, this region captivated us with its raw beauty.
The picturesque village of Gjógv (Eysturoy) is famous for its natural harbour at the end of a 200-metre-long sea-filled gorge. We enjoyed the beautiful traditional architecture of the village and continued up to the headland for the stunning views from Mary’s Bench.
The gorge and surrounding cliffs offer prime puffin-watching opportunities during summer months. This stunning feature has made the village a popular destination for photographers.
In the remote village of Mikladalur (Kalsoy) the haunting bronze Seal Woman statue stands at the ocean shore. This 2.6-metre-tall statue represents a selkie, a mythical seal-woman from Faroese legend. The story is a tale of obsessive love and the tragic events that followed.
Discover more incredible nature and Faroese folktales in our full Eysturoy and Northern Islands guide.
Day 5: Suðuroy Island
For our last full day on the Faroe Islands, we took the 2-hour car ferry ride to Suðuroy. This is the southernmost island and tucked away from the tourist crowds. Suðuroy rewards those that come with dramatic landscapes and unforgettable vistas.
The magnificent Ásmundarstakkur sea stack stands out on the island’s northwest coast. Hike to the coastal cliffs for sweeping views of the rugged landscape and the 109-metre sea stack in the churning ocean.
The villages of Suðuroy showcase traditional Faroese life. In the village of Fámjin, birthplace of the designer of the first Faroese flag, the flag is displayed in the church. Discover Suðuroy’s maritime heritage with museums, unique churches and coastal views in other villages, such as Tvøroyri and Hov.
The solitary Akraberg Lighthouse stands on the southern tip of the island, near the village of Sumba. This windswept point offers great panoramic views of the island’s rugged coastline. With the sun setting on our amazing Faroe Islands trip, we took some great photos of this stunning place.
Plan your own itinerary through quiet authentic villages and scenic coastlines with our detailed Suðuroy travel guide .
Faroe Islands Hiking
The table below notes some of the best hikes on the Faroe Islands.
(Note: Some of these hikes require payment of a user fee.)
| Trail Name (Island) | Description |
| Sorvágsvatn Lake Trail (Vágar) | This trail leads to the Trælanípa Cliff where hikers will see the famous “Lake Above the Ocean” (Sorvágsvatn Lake) and continues to Bøsdalafossur Waterfall at the coast. The hike is relatively easy, 7-km long (round trip) and takes approximately 2.5 hours to complete. Note: There is a user fee to access the trail. |
| Trøllkonufingur – Witch’s Finger Trail (Vágar) | This easy, 3-km, out-and-back hike ends at a viewpoint of the impressive 313-metre tall Trøllkonufingur sea stack. The hike can be completed in under an hour. |
| Postman’s Route (Vágar) | This challenging, 2.8-km, historic trail between Bøur and Gásadalur follows the route once used by the postman who walked mail deliveries between the towns. For the fit hiker, this is a 1-hour walk (one way). |
| Vatnsdalsvatn Lake (Vágar) | This relatively unknown hike climbs 275-metres up the mountain to this amazing heart-shaped lake. The hike is approximately 3-km out-and-back and takes 1.5 hours to complete. |
| Tórshavn to Kirkjubøur (Streymoy) | This 5.5-km, one-way trail follows a cairn-marked path over the mountain between Tórshavn and Kirkjubøur. A number of spots provide excellent views of Tórshavn and the islands of Hestur, Koltur and Nólsoy. It is about a 1.5 hour hike one way. |
| Saksun Lagoon Walk (Streymoy) | This easy, 4.5-km (1 to 1.5 hours round trip) hike starting on the western side of the river, travels along the tidal lagoon to the black sand beach. Beach is only safely accessible at low tide. Note: There is a user fee to access the trail. |
| Klakkur Trail (Borðoy) | This 9.3-km out-and-back trail beginning in Klaksvík climbs the summit of Klakkur Mountain at 380 metres, offering panoramic views of the fjords and town below. Mainly on paved roads and grass paths. |
| Kallur Lighthouse Trail (Kalsoy) | Beginning near Trøllanes village, this 3.7-km out-and-back trail leads to the lighthouse on the northern tip of the island, offering stunning coastal views. The hike takes about 2 hours round trip. Note: There is a user fee to access the trail. |
| Slættaratindur Mountain Trail (Eysturoy) | This trail climbs to the highest peak in the Faroe Islands at 880 metres. On clear days, hikers can see all 18 Faroese islands from the summit. The hike is 3.5-km round trip and takes 2-2.5 hours to complete. |
| Hvithamar Viewpoint (Eysturoy) | This easy, 1.5-km, triangular loop trail takes visitors to the Mount Hvithamar viewpoint, which offers beautiful views of the Funningur Fjord and village below. |
| Lake Toftavatn Trail (Eysturoy) | This flat, easy 2.6-km loop around the lake takes about 35 minutes. Enjoy the calm lake and its bird watching opportunities. |
| Ásmundarstakkur Hike (Suðuroy) | The 1.5-km, relatively flat, half-hour hike to the coastal cliffs, gives the visitor a sweeping view of Ásmundarstakkur, the 109-metre sea stack in the ocean. For a longer (5-km total), more challenging, loop hike, continue south along the coast and up the steep hill to Rituskor Chasm. The narrow bridge crossing it makes a great place for a photo of Ásmundarstakkur. Return to the trailhead via the gravel road. |
| Tvøroyri to Hvannhagi (Suðuroy) | This 6-km, round-trip hike takes hikers through an area known for interesting geology and features a beautiful lake surrounded by stunning cliffs. The out-and-back trail is moderately difficult taking about 2 hours to complete |
In the above table, our recommendations concentrate on the “shorter” and more popular Faroe Island hikes.
For more hikes and longer day hikes, the tourism board publishes an excellent guide called Hiking in the Faroe Islands. The guide includes many hikes that have skill-levels rated medium and challenging and travel between villages over mountain passes, on routes that villagers walked historically. Most are 4 to 5 hours, round-trip but several are longer.
Faroe Islands Puffins
One of the Faroe Islands’ most beloved summer residents is the Atlantic puffin. These adorable seabirds, with their colourful beaks, are a major draw for tourists.
Each spring they return to the islands to breed and raise their young. The steep sea cliffs and grassy slopes of the Faroe Islands are the perfect nesting sites for these birds.
Peak puffin season generally runs from May through August, so time your visit accordingly to ensure that you see them.
The best place to visit to ensure you see puffins is Mykines Island. This tiny island is home to one of the largest puffin colonies in the Faroes. Mykines can be reached by ferry. There is an additional fee which must be paid to the local community upon landing.
Another option to see puffins without boat or ferry travel is the town of Gjógv (Eysturoy). It is an hour drive from the capital Tórshavn.
While puffins can usually be seen at Trøllanes, on the island of Kalsoy, their appearance here has become less consistent in recent years. My recommendation is to head to the town of Gjógv.
Faroe Island Ferries
Our 5-Day itinerary uses the 3 main ferry routes. (There are 7 routes in total.)
- Klaksvík (Borðoy Island) – Syðradalur (Kalsoy Island) (20 minutes)
- Sørvágur (Vágar Island) – Mykines Island (45 minutes)
- Tórshavn (Streymoy Island) – Tvøroyri (Suduroy Island) (2 hours 5 min)
Tip: If you are planning to take the ferry to see the puffins on Mykines Island, be sure to book in advance during peak season (May – August).
See the Strandfaraskip Landsins (SSL) website for the complete list of island ferries, current prices, and up-to-date schedules.
Faroe Island Tunnels
Exploring the different islands in the Faroes also includes travelling through several remarkable sub-sea tunnels in addition to travelling by ferry. These 4 engineering marvels link the major Faroe Islands.
| Tunnel Name | Route | Cost |
| Eysturoyartunnilin | Tórshavn, Streymoy to Eysturoy Island | 175 DKK (each-way) |
| Sandoyartunnilin | Streymoy Island to Sandoy Island | 350 DKK (two-way) |
| Nordoyatunnilin | Eysturoy Island to Northern Islands | 100 DKK (two-way) |
| Vágatunnilin | Vágar Island to Streymoy Island | 100 DKK (two-way) |
While taking these sub-sea tunnels requires the payment of a road toll, the process is refreshingly simple, especially for tourists.
Most people rent a car during their visit. The rental car companies automatically charge any tunnel fees to the credit card used for the rental. You don’t need to worry about dealing directly with toll payments.
For more details, visit the official Faroe Island Tunnels website.
Faroe Islands Restaurants
Excellent dining options are scattered across the archipelago. Here are some of the islands’ most popular restaurants.
| Restaurant | Location (Island) | Known For |
| Áarstova | Tórshavn | Authentic food, served in a beautiful historic building. Best known for its exquisite Faroese lamb dishes. |
| Ræst | Tórshavn | Innovative Faroese cuisine solely featuring fermented dishes, a very unique dining experience. |
| Café Zorva | Sørvágur (Vágar) | Multi-cuisine restaurant serving tandoori chicken and pizza, located near the airport. |
| Restaurant Cafe Pollastova | Sørvágur (Vágar) | Traditional Faroese cuisine. Try the smoked salmon. |
| Fiskastykkid | Sandavágur (Vágar) | Highly rated. Local Faroese fish dishes and traditional food. |
| Number 1 Pizza | Norðskáli (Eysturoy) | Great local pizza spot for lunch on Eysturoy Island. |
| Amarant | Klaksvík (Borðoy) | This combined bakery and restaurant has beautifully presented pastries and sandwiches. |
| Fríða Kaffihús | Klaksvík (Borðoy) | Popular café serving soups, salads and sandwiches. |
| Cafe MorMor | Tvøroyri (Suðuroy) | Traditional homestyle Faroese cooking. Try the homemade bread. |
Faroe Islands Accommodations – Where to Stay
Looking for accommodations in the Faroe Islands? Check out all of these great options.
- Hotel Føroyar – Excellent hotel near Tórshavn. With a car, this hotel is a great base to explore all of the Faroe Islands.
- Hotel Hafnia – Great downtown Tórshavn location.
- Cottages By the Sea – These cottages, located on Vágar Island, give you easy access to all of Vágar’s natural wonders.
- Here are other great holiday rentals in the Faroe Islands.
Our Recommendation: Make Tórshavn, the capital city, your home base for the entire trip. This is what we did! The islands’ compact size and excellent road network meant that we could easily explore even the furthest corners on day trips, returning each evening to enjoy the capital’s amenities and restaurants.
Alternatively, you could spend a night or two in Sørvágur (near the airport), to maximize your time exploring the natural wonders of Vágar Island.
Do I need to book accommodations in advance?
Yes, advance booking is essential, especially during the peak summer season (June-August). The Faroe Islands have limited accommodation options, and popular accommodations sell out months ahead.
Know Before You Go – Visiting Faroe Islands
Best Time to Visit the Faroe Islands?
The best time to visit the Faroe Islands is during summer months (June to August). At that time the temperatures are mild and daylight hours are longest. This period offers the most stable weather for hiking and outdoor activities. Some visitors also come during the winter months (November to February) to catch the spectacular Northern Lights.
What are the Faroe Islands known for?
The Faroe Islands are known for dramatic landscapes featuring scenic fjords and some of the tallest sea stacks in Europe. The steep cliffs offer great opportunities to view sea birds and puffin colonies. The tiny villages of the Faroes are famous for their traditional grass-roofed houses. All of these features make the Faroe Islands a delight for nature lovers and photographers.
Driving around the Faroe Islands you’ll also see the landscape is dotted with thousands of free-roaming sheep. In fact, there are nearly twice as many sheep as people on the islands.
These hardy animals have been a cornerstone of the Faroese economy for centuries. The sheep provide the islands’ renowned wool for traditional knitwear. They also contribute to the local food culture as you’ll see traditional lamb dishes served in local restaurants.
The fishing industry has always played a major role in the livelihood of islanders. Faroese seafood continues to be renowned and exported around the world.
How to get to the Faroe Islands
The easiest way to get to the Faroe Islands is to fly in.
By Air: The only airport is Vágar Airport (FAE). There are regular flights from Iceland. There are also direct flights from other European cities such as Copenhagen and Edinburgh.
By Ferry: The Smyril Line operates a ferry that connects from Seyðisfjørður, Iceland to the Faroe Islands (20 hour crossing). They also operate the ferry that connects the Faroe Islands with Denmark (32 hour crossing).
How to get around the Faroe Islands
The easiest way to get around the Faroe Islands is to rent a car. This will give you much more flexibility to access the more remote locations on the islands.
Car Rental: Pick up your rental car at Vágar airport when you arrive. There are plenty of rental car companies to choose from.
Public Transport: There are buses that provide regular service between the capital of Tórshavn and some of the larger towns such as Klaksvík and Sørvágur. The public bus system is operated by Strandfaraskip Landsins (SSL), the same company that runs the island’s ferries. Buses on smaller islands are coordinated with ferry schedules. Check their website for more details on bus routes and schedules.
Is English spoken in the Faroe Islands?
Yes, English is widely understood and spoken throughout the Faroe Islands. While the official language is Faroese, most locals speak excellent English.
Are the Faroe Islands expensive?
Yes, the Faroe Islands are relatively expensive. Accommodations and restaurants are more expensive than in many other Western nations. To help with costs, consider staying in an apartment in Torshavn. This allows you to purchase groceries for meal preparation. Ultimately, experiencing the island’s awe-inspiring natural wonders are worth the slightly higher travel costs.
How is the Faroe Islands’ Weather?
The Faroe Islands have a cool, maritime climate. The temperatures are relatively mild year-round, however, even in the summer months the average highs only reach around 13°C. Be prepared for rain, as the islands have over 260 days of precipitation annually. Even though the weather can be unpredictable, this just adds to the experience of visiting this beautiful country.
What should I pack for the Faroe Islands?
With the Faroe Islands being renowned for its wind and frequent rain showers, it’s important to be prepared. Pack waterproof and windproof clothing and don’t forget sturdy hiking boots. Essential items include a rain jacket, warm sweater, hiking pants, and camera gear for capturing the dramatic landscapes. Bring plenty of layers regardless of the season.
Explore Our Complete Faroe Islands Itinerary
Discover our complete series of detailed guides to help you plan your perfect 5-day trip:
Main Article: 5 Days in the Faroe Islands (This is the guide you are reading now!)
Day 1: Tórshavn – Explore the capital city
Day 2: Vágar Island – Iconic waterfalls and lakes
Day 3: Streymoy Island – Historic villages and dramatic cliffs
Day 4: Eysturoy, Kalsoy and the Northern Islands – Unforgettable nature and legends
Day 5: Suðuroy Island – You’re reading this guide now!
