The Faroe Islands are a little-known archipelago located in the North Atlantic, in the Norwegian Sea, approximately between Iceland and the Scottish Islands.
The archipelago includes 18 islands of volcanic origin, with a total area of 1399 m². The main islands are Streymoy, Esturoy, Suduroy, Voar, Sandoy, and Bordoy.
Officially, the Faroe Islands belong to Denmark, but they have autonomous administration (with the exception of matters related to defense and foreign policy). The capital of the archipelago is located on the island of Streymoy, in the city of Tórshavn.
The results of the last census, conducted in 2020, showed that there are just over 53,000 people living in the Faroe Islands. The capital city of the Faroe Islands and its suburbs have a population of around 21,000, while the second-largest city, Klaksvík, has a population of almost 5,000. The island of Koltur is home to a single family who runs a museum, while one island is completely uninhabited.
The Faroese, who are considered to be descendants of the first settlers, make up approximately 92% of the total population of the islands. Another 6% identify as Danish.
The majority of the autonomous region’s residents speak the rare Faroese language (a mixture of West Scandinavian dialects), although Danish is recognized as the official language.
Interesting facts about the Faroe Islands
- As for alcohol, it is only sold to people over the age of 18 in the Faroe Islands. Light beer is available in supermarkets, small shops, cafes, and restaurants. Wine and strong (dark) beer are only sold in government-owned monopoly stores called “Government Monopoly” and licensed restaurants.
- It is not customary to bargain in the Faroe Islands. This is not allowed in any establishment, regardless of ownership or size.
- In the Faroe Islands, there is no tipping. A 10% tip is already included in the bill at cafes and restaurants, as well as in the cost of transportation tickets.
- On December 7, 2021, the Faroese Parliament voted in favor of a law prohibiting foreigners from purchasing real estate in the country. Prior to the new law’s implementation, there were no regulations prohibiting foreign citizens from owning or purchasing a house or land in the Faroe Islands.
- You will never meet locals with umbrellas. Often there are gusts of wind and they turn umbrellas upside down. So don’t worry about putting an umbrella in your suitcase.
- When leaving the Danish autonomous territory, you can return the VAT on your purchases. This is only possible if you made a purchase in a Tax Free store for more than \$48.
- It is completely safe to drink tap water wherever you are in the Faroe Islands. In fact, the manager of the water stations in Tórshavn has demonstrated that the water from the faucet in the Faroe Islands is cleaner and better than the bottled water sold in supermarkets. Additionally, the water in the Faroe Islands is delicious, as it does not contain calcium oxide or chlorine.
- On Sandoy Island, in the village of Skopun, there is a giant, the world’s largest mailbox, which is taller than several human beings.
- In the Faroe Islands, everyone speaks English. The islanders have their own Faroese language, which is quite difficult to learn due to its archaic vocabulary. But don’t worry! You will be able to communicate well in English with the locals. Even those who don’t have a perfect command of English still have a good understanding of the language.
- The Faroe Islands have not joined the European Union because of the incredibly high taxes on fishing. These taxes are unacceptable to the local residents, and they do not intend to give up fishing.
- Tourists who wish to go fishing must purchase a license for a specific body of water or for fishing in the ocean. If you have your own fishing rod, it must be disinfected according to the instructions before arriving on the islands.
Attractions in the Faroe Islands
People who haven’t lost the ability to be amazed and impressed won’t be bored in the Faroe Islands. The main reason for visiting these islands is the feeling of being at the edge of the world. The stunning and fantastical landscapes that the Faroe Islands are known for, such as lakes hanging over the ocean, numerous fjords, mysterious gorges, and noisy waterfalls, as well as the fog-shrouded coastal cliffs, contribute to this feeling. Each island in the Faroe Islands is unique and can be considered a separate natural attraction.
But the Faroe Islands are not only about nature; there are also some interesting cities to explore. For example, the picturesque and unique city of Tórshavn is definitely worth a visit.
Mykines Island
The westernmost and most dangerous island of the archipelago is Mykines. However, it is also the most beautiful and popular among tourists, who consider it the main attraction of the Faroe Islands.
There are only 17 people living on this island (as of 2021): half of them work at the port and host tourists and locals, while 5 of them raise livestock. The only sign of civilization is a few buildings, half of which are used as barns.
Mykines is called the island of birds, because it is here that 90% of the birds that make the grueling flight across the Atlantic settle. There are about 300 species, and some, such as the puffins, can be approached very closely. In fact, puffins are almost the only birds that do not show aggression. The greatest danger on Mykines is walking through the area where the birds are incubating their chicks, as the birds are capable of doing anything to protect their offspring.
This is one of the reasons why this island is dangerous, and why you shouldn’t travel alone (if something happens, there will be no one to help you). It’s no wonder that there are signs everywhere on Mykines that say, “You are responsible for your own health and safety.”
The landscape on this island is not very suitable for hiking, but the breathtaking scenery makes up for it. The climb into the interior of the island is quite difficult and challenging, as you have to walk through mountainous terrain, be careful of deep valleys, and climb steep and sharp inclines. The most resilient hikers reach the 35-meter pedestrian bridge that leads to the neighboring island of Mykines Holmur.
On this island, at the very edge of it, stands a famous landmark of the Faroe Islands – a lighthouse. Previously, one of the locals looked after this structure, but now the lighthouse is fully automated.
How to get to Mykines?
The first thing you need to know about Mykines is when to visit the island. It is open to travelers from May 1 to August 31 of each year. This is also the season for puffins. Puffins arrive on Mykines in late April and depart again in early September. The peak number of puffins on this Faroe Island is in July. May is the most dangerous summer month to visit Mykines, as the sea is often rocky during this month, and travelers sometimes get stuck on the island. The sea around the island is usually the calmest in June, July, and August.
You can get to Mykines Island by helicopter or by boat.
- The helicopter flight takes only 11 minutes. If you are traveling by helicopter, you will board a helicopter operated by the state-owned company Atlantic Airways. This is the only helicopter company in the Faroe Islands. The helicopter departs from the airport once a day, three times a week. In June, July, and August, there is an additional fourth departure according to the schedule to Mykines. The helicopter has a capacity of 14 seats. Please note that when visiting Mykines, you can only take a one-way helicopter flight. So, you can either take a boat to Mykines from Vagara and then return to Vagara by helicopter, or vice versa.In addition, you can book a private helicopter tour. This is the only option for a round-trip helicopter flight to Mykines. Helicopter rentals are charged on a per-minute basis. The cost of a minute of helicopter rental in the Faroe Islands is DKK 1,106. Therefore, a round-trip helicopter rental from Vagar Airport to Mykines costs DKK 24,332.
- There is only one settlement on the island of Mýkines in the Faroe Islands. The public ferry to Mýkines departs from the harbor in the village of Sørvágur every morning at 10:45 and at 16:20 from May 1 to August 31. The return ferry departs from Mýkines at 11:05 (this service is only relevant if you are staying overnight on Mýkines) and at 17:05.The bus service from Tórshavn departs at 09:05, and the ferry departs at 10:45. The bus departs from Sörvagur to Tórshavn again in the afternoon at 18:20, and the ferry to Mýkines departs at 17:05.
Lake Leitisvatn, or Sorvagsvatn (Leitisvatn/Sørvágsvatn)
The name of the lake is a hot topic among locals. Locals in Sørvagur to the west of the lake prefer Sørvagsvatn, while those in the villages of Midvagur and Sandavagur to the east prefer Leitisvatn. If you ask travelers, they prefer to call it “The Lake Above the Ocean” due to the optical illusion you’ll experience from the sheer cliff of Trelanipan.
A unique attraction of the Faroe Islands is the “hanging” lake Sorvagsvatn above the ocean. The lake is located on the island of Vagar, on the high mountain platform of Sleið, right next to the Atlantic Ocean.
Due to the optical illusion, it appears that Sorvagsvatn is located at least 100 m above the ocean, but in reality, the height difference between the lake and the ocean is only 30 m. The area of the “hanging” lake is 3.5 km², and its length is 6 km².
The picturesque waterfall of Bossdalsfossur is formed from the waters running down the rock. But since it is hidden behind the steep cliffs, it can only be seen from a boat while traveling on the ocean.
If you want to see a “hanging” attraction, you can do it like this:
- You can get to Sorvagsvatn by car on the highway No. 11, which runs between the cities of Sandavagur and Sorvagur. For 4 km, the highway runs along the coast of the lake.
- In the town of Sandavágur, you can book a water tour that takes you near the Bossdalsfossur waterfall.
- By bus No. 11, you can get to the Vatnavegur bus stop (at this point, the road makes a sharp 90° turn). Then, walk about 3 km north along the lake.
- You can see the lake from a helicopter – such excursions are offered at the Faroe Islands airport, which is very close by.
Múlafossur Waterfall
Múlafossur Waterfall is perhaps the most famous attraction in the Faroe Islands. This breathtaking waterfall is known for its rapid descent. The perfect Múlafossur is hidden away from the crowds in the secluded village of Gásadalur. Múlafossur translates directly to Cape Waterfall. The village is located high up on a steep cliff, where the waterfall plunges into the ocean. Gásadalur is a small village with only 25 houses.
In a pleasant walk from the village houses, you will find this famous waterfall. Moolafossur is located on the island of Vaghar, approximately 11 km from the airport. Just before reaching the waterfall, you will pass through the Gásadalstunnilin tunnel.
There is a parking lot near the natural attraction. From this parking lot, you need to walk for 2 minutes to reach the stunningly beautiful waterfall that falls into the ocean. The cascade falls more than 30 meters.
Those who are looking for something extra can stay in the village overnight. The best accommodation option in Gásadalur in the Faroe Islands is the Múlafossur cottages, located in a valley near the stream of the same name, which eventually turns into a waterfall.
Old Town of Torshavn
The capital of the Faroe Islands is located in the heart of the archipelago and is a pleasure to explore. Tórshavn is named after Thor, the god of weather, strength, and growth in Norse mythology. This sprawling Scandinavian city has a population of just over 20,000. Despite its small size, Tórshavn is an attractive destination in the North Atlantic with a rich culture, natural beauty, and delicious food.
Tórshavn translates to Thor’s Harbor. The islanders call the city Gavn, which simply means Harbor. The city center is protected by the port and the long island of Nólsoy, which lies outside the capital of the Faroe Islands.
The capital city of the Faroe Islands is known for its randomly placed houses painted in all the colors of the rainbow. You can find these inspiring houses on the seafront and on the hillsides of Tórshavn. The Tinganes buildings are located in the oldest part of Tórshavn. The building on the far right is the office of the Prime Minister.
When the first settlers arrived in the Faroe Islands, they chose Tórshavn as the site for their annual parliamentary assembly, known as the Thing. The location is strategically situated in the middle of the archipelago. This was in the 9th century, during the Viking Age. At that time, the islands were ruled by several families of chieftains. The historic Tinganes Cape divides the port of Tórshavn into its eastern and western bays. It was here that the Thing was held under the open sky.
Due to Tórshavn’s central location on the islands, it became a trading center early on. The bailiff and senior deputy judge resided there, and Faroese people came from all over the islands to bring their land rent and various other obligations.
Tinganes was also a commercial district with its office and gallery, three blockhouses, a brewery, a cooperage, and a banquet hall where Tin would gather when the storm was raging outside.
Must-see attractions include the 15th-century Munkastovn Monastery and the Leigubyn Royal Warehouses. The Nordic House, Torshavn’s main cultural center, features an art gallery and hosts special events for tourists during the summer. The Art Museum showcases a stunning collection of paintings and sculptures, as well as exhibitions and theatrical performances. It will be interesting to visit the Historical Museum, which displays local household items, examples of applied art, ship models, collections of religious objects, and other local attractions.
Tjørnuvík Village
The small village of Chodnovuik is located on the island of Streymoy in the Faroe Islands, in a harbor surrounded by mountain peaks on all sides. Chodnovuik is situated in a deep valley with no other villages nearby.
The village has no more than 55 houses and even more small streams flowing down from the mountains. The sight is especially impressive on rainy days. Tjørnuvík is a place that travelers will never regret choosing as a priority during their vacation in the Faroe Islands.
The settlement is famous for its two coastal rocks, the Giant and the Witch, which reach a height of 71 m and 68 m, respectively. Despite their size, they appear tiny in comparison to the surrounding mountains. Another notable attraction in the village is the Fossa Waterfall, which is the largest waterfall in the Faroe Islands.
The winding road from the nearby village of Haldorsvik to Tjørnuvík is quite narrow. You will drive up a steep hillside, offering breathtaking views. This iconic village, with its direct view of the sea stacks of Risin and Kellingin, is a must-visit destination in the Faroe Islands. Standing in Tjørnuvík, you will experience an immense sense of serenity. The village’s unique location has made it one of the most visited destinations in the Faroe Islands.
There is a beautiful beach here, which is the most popular surfing spot in the Faroe Islands. The houses in Tjornuvík are located along the beach.
On most days, clouds will be hanging over the village due to the height of the surrounding mountains. During the winter months, you won’t see the sun here, as it never rises above the steep mountains.
Travelers can go to the mountains and hike between Tjornuvik and Saxun. The path is public, the hike takes three hours, and it can be done all year round for free.
The journey from the capital Tórshavn to Tjørnuvík takes one hour. The village is also one hour away from the Faroese Islands’ airport.
Faroe Culture
The development of the culture of the Faroe Islands took place far from European civilization, so that this culture has not lost its exclusivity even now. It contains Danish and its own cultural heritage, which is very well manifested in local folk festivals. For example, no entertainment events can do without Faroese round dances. You can also see them at the most favorite holiday of all local residents – the festival dedicated to the Day of St. Olaf (Oulavsek), which takes place annually at the end of July. According to the established tradition, equestrian competitions and rowing races are held at the same festival, and art exhibitions are organized.
While Oulavsjöka is known throughout the archipelago, there are also festivals that are only held on certain islands. For example, Vestanstevna is popular in the west, Jouansjöka in the south, and Noriastevna in the north.
Football occupies a special place in the lives of the people of Faroe Islands. The football team was established in 1930. The first game ended in defeat, but this did not disappoint the local fans. In 1988, the team was accepted into FIFA, and in the 1990s, it was recognized by UEFA.
The inhabitants of the archipelago have a peculiar tradition, to put it mildly: the summer slaughter of whales. When a group of whales (dolphins) enters the bay, they are surrounded by people in boats and driven towards the shore. Once on the shore, the animals are brutally slaughtered with knives, causing the coastal waters to change color. This tradition has sparked outrage among animal rights activists, but it is essential for the region, as agriculture, sheep farming, and fishing are the only sources of income.
Island cuisine – what do the Faroese eat?
The national dishes of the Faroe Islands are somewhat a reflection of the harsh local climate. They are simple, hearty, and quite interesting, but they are hardly healthy.
Faroese people often cook fish dishes, but they prefer fatty and unsalted meat, as well as potatoes. Smørrebrød, a large sandwich with many ingredients (meat, fish, butter, etc.), is popular and is eaten with a knife and fork.
They also like rastkjoð, which is a small piece of lamb that has been dried in the wind for 6-9 months. Fish is also usually dried and then used to make various dishes, such as soups. The islands are home to small birds called puffins, whose meat is used to make pies with rhubarb and potatoes, and their whole bodies are stuffed with sweet dough and served with berries and potatoes. The Faroe Islands are also known for their love of whale meat, which is harvested during fishing expeditions and kept locally rather than exported.
It should be mentioned that the local cuisine does not use a lot of spices or salt, and flavor enhancers are not used at all, which gives all the dishes their authentic taste.
Recently, international cuisine has become increasingly popular on the islands of the archipelago, making it difficult to find a place where you can try local culinary delights. However, there are relatively many restaurants and cafes in the capital city. For example, Koks Restaurant serves only local ingredients, such as seafood from the ocean or agricultural products.
In the historical part of Tórshavn, there is a cozy fish restaurant called “Barbara,” which is styled after a traditional Faroese house. The restaurant offers fresh food made from the fish that was caught that day. If you’re traveling through a less populated area of the Faroe Islands, it’s advisable to bring your own food, as stores often only open for a few hours a day, and there may not be any cafes available.
When it comes to prices, they are higher in the Faroe Islands than on the mainland, and tourists are unlikely to be able to save money on anything, including food. Here are some approximate prices:
- lunch at an inexpensive restaurant — 20-25 € per person;
- a 3-course lunch for two at a mid-range restaurant costs about 100 €;
- a quick meal at a fast-food restaurant costs 13-17 € per person ;
- a cup of cappuccino costs 4-5 €;
- a glass of beer costs 5-7 €.
Weather conditions in the Faroe Islands
Although the Faroe Islands are located in the north, the local climate is quite mild due to the warm Gulf Stream current.
The average summer temperature is +14°C, sometimes rising to +20°C. In winter, there are almost no frosts (the temperature ranges from 0°C to +4°C), but it is still very cold due to the high humidity.
It rains very often in the Faroe Islands, about 280 days a year. The rainy season lasts from September to the end of January, and then the islands are covered by a thick fog that barely allows sunlight to penetrate. The cold, sharp winds never stop.
The Gulf Stream, which surrounds the Faroe Islands, prevents the coastal waters from freezing even in winter, keeping them at a constant temperature of +10°C throughout the year. Winter, when there are no tourists and the water is particularly clear, is an ideal time for diving enthusiasts.
Visa information
Since the Faroe Islands are not part of the Schengen area, a separate visa is required to visit them. In addition to the standard Danish Schengen visa, a national Danish visa is required to enter the Faroe Islands.
It is quite easy to obtain such a visa. You need to apply for it at the Danish consulate. The set of documents required is identical to the set of documents required for obtaining a Schengen visa to Denmark.
If you have a valid Schengen visa from another country, you only need to apply for a national Danish visa that allows you to enter the Faroe Islands.
How to get to the Faroe Islands
There are two ways to get to the Faroe Islands.
1. By plane
Which airlines fly to the Faroe Islands? How long does it take to get to the Faroe Islands by plane? Are there daily flights available all year round? Where can you fly to the Faroe Islands from? Read on to find out everything you need to know about flights to the Faroe Islands.
There are several daily flights to the Faroe Islands from various European airports throughout the year. The highest flight frequency occurs during the summer season from May to August. This is the time of year when most travelers visit the Faroe Islands to experience its incredible natural landscapes.
You have these route options when flying to the Faroe Islands in 2022. Below, you can see the exact days of the week when different routes are available.
- Copenhagen (all days of the year)
- Keflavik (Monday and Friday all year round – Wednesday added from May)
- Billund (several times a week)
- Edinburgh (Monday and Thursday from April 7 to December 22)
- Bergen (Monday and Friday all year round – Thursday and Sunday are added from May)
- Oslo (Wednesday throughout the year and Sunday from May 1 to October 16)
- Paris (Monday and Thursday from May 12 to October 17)
- Barcelona (Tuesday, June 7 to September 27)
Which airlines fly to the Faroe Islands?
Many curious people who are planning to visit the Faroe Islands are wondering how to get to the Faroe Islands by air. So, there are three airlines that fly to the Faroe Islands. You can choose between the Scandinavian airline SAS, the local airline Atlantic Airways, and the Norwegian airline Widerøe.
SAS departs daily from Copenhagen throughout the year. Atlantic has daily flights from Copenhagen throughout the year, and you can also fly to the Faroe Islands with Atlantic Airways from the following destinations:
- Edinburgh
- Reykjavik
- Paris
- Barcelona
- Billund
- Oslo
If you are arriving in the Faroe Islands from mainland Europe, the easiest way to get to the Faroe Islands is via Copenhagen due to the daily flights. You will also have various options for connecting flights.
Tourism in the Faroe Islands has been on the rise in recent years. The number of passengers at the Faroe Islands’ only airport, Vágar Airport, reached a record high of 424,281 passengers in 2019. This is more than double the number of passengers in 2011. Scandinavian Airlines transported 80 percent of all foreign travelers to the Faroe Islands.
The flight from Iceland to the Faroe Islands will take you less than an hour and a half. This is why it is becoming increasingly popular to visit the Faroe Islands after your stay in Iceland as part of your North Atlantic travel experience.
Vágar Airport on the island of the same name is the port of arrival for all travelers arriving in the Faroe Islands. The airport is located between Lake Leitísvatn and the village of Sørvágur in the western part of the country.
Vagar Airport is quite small, and there are never more than 12 arrivals on the same day. Usually, there are less than 10 arrivals per day. The journey from the airport to the capital city of Tórshavn takes about 40 minutes. You can also read our article on how to get from Vagar Airport to Tórshavn.
2. On the ferry
The second option for getting to the Faroe Islands is to take a ferry. Ferries depart from Denmark (Hirtshals), Iceland, the Scottish Islands, and Norway (Bergen). This trip can take up to two days, but it is convenient for those who want to explore the Faroe Islands by car.
So, the cost of a ticket for the Hirtshals — Torshavn ferry (Faroe Islands) for two adults with a car is 424 euros. Ferries leave once a week on Saturday, and during the summer months there is an additional route on Tuesday. You can find out the current schedule for different destinations, ticket prices depending on the number of people and type of transport on the carrier’s website — https://booking.smyrilline.fo/en/.
There is a well-established transport system between the settlements of the Faroe Islands. The most popular local transport on the islands is by boat, and ferries connect the islands. Underground tunnels are gradually replacing the old mountain roads.
Useful tips
- With the weather conditions typical of the islands of the archipelago, you can’t do without warm sweaters, a raincoat, high-quality waterproof hiking boots, and woolen socks. Most of the attractions won’t be accessible without them. The weather changes quickly, so dress in layers. One minute it might be sunny, and the next you’ll be standing in a torrential rain. You’ll have to accept the unpredictable weather. Always check the weather forecast in the morning before venturing into the natural beauty of the Faroe Islands.
- Stay in the Faroe Islands for 3 days or more. Although this archipelago looks like a neat dot on the map, there is so much to explore.
- Credit cards can be used everywhere. The best thing you can do is to have two cards with you when you travel to the Faroe Islands, preferably a Mastercard and a Visa. The currency of the Faroe Islands is pegged to the Danish currency, the Danish krone (DKK).
- Sheep are everywhere, so if you want to rent a car and explore the islands, be careful on the roads, as you may suddenly need to slow down when a sheep crosses the road. Therefore, it is a good idea to be cautious of sheep.
- Alcohol can only be found in Rúsan stores, which can be found on all major islands. The largest Rúsan store is located in Tórshavn, in the small shopping center Miðlon. The selection of wines, spirits, and beers is excellent. However, the prices are not for the faint of heart.
- The Faroe Islands are not a budget-friendly destination. Food is generally expensive, as is accommodation. On the other hand, most attractions, such as waterfalls, fjords, and villages, are free to visit. Therefore, before purchasing flights to the Faroe Islands, make sure you are not a budget-conscious traveler.
- Know whether it will be light or dark. Make sure to research in advance what the temperature will be during your visit and what lighting conditions you can expect. Be prepared for constant daylight a month before and after the summer solstice, which occurs on June 21 each year. During the peak of summer, daylight will be almost 24/7, while during the darkest winter months, days will be much shorter. In December, you will receive less than seven hours of daylight. It will get light at 9 a.m., and it will become completely dark again at 4 p.m.
