In the years leading up to our Faroe Islands trip, the Føroyar (“Sheep Islands”) seemed like a mythical archipelago, a place you couldn’t simply fly to. How could such a wondrous and pristine place be real? And, furthermore, how could such a place not be corrupted by time, globalization, and the onslaught of tourism.
Well, you’ll be comforted to know that the Faroe Islands are indeed real and although tourism has had an impact, it’s certainly not visible to the first time visitor.
The Faroe Islands are a group of 18 islands forged by volcanic activity and the glaciers of the ice age. This jigsaw-puzzle-shaped archipelago is located in the North Atlantic between Norway and Iceland.
A trip to the Faroe Islands offers full-immersion in a rich tapestry of Nordic landscapes: treeless, skeletal islands with vertical sea cliffs, cascading waterfalls, pyramidal peaks, and colorful fishing villages. And let’s not forget the turf-roofed houses, shaggy sheep, and puffins.
Planning a trip to the Faroe Islands is initially mystifying. Which islands do you prioritize? How much time do you need? Which ferries need to be booked in advance? How do you pay for the sub-sea tunnels?
Once you get the lay of the land, it’s easier than you might think, especially with the help of our thoughtfully-crafted Faroe Islands itinerary, which strings together the best attractions, destinations, and hiking trails.
If you don’t have time to book everything independently (rental car, accommodations, boat tickets, etc…), you can always book a complete self-drive vacation package like this Epic 8 Day Summer Self Drive Tour of Faroe Islands, or this Unforgettable 10 Day Self Drive Tour of Faroe Islands with Top Attractions.
For the best weather, plan your trip for June, July, or August.
- Day 1: Arrive in Vágar Airport, Múlafossur Waterfall in Gásadalur, Lake Sørvágsvatn
- Day 2: Mykines Island, Hvíthamar Viewpoint, and Gjógv Village
- Day 3: Klaksvík, Árnafjørður – Toftaskarð Hike, and Villingardalsfjall Summit
- Day 4: Kallur Lighthouse on Kalsoy Island, Klakkur Viewpoint
- Day 5: Ferry to Suðuroy Island, Ásmundarstakkur, and Eggjarnar Cliffs
- Day 6: Drive to Sumba, Hvannhagi Valley Hike, Ferry back to Tórshavn
- Day 7: Saksun and Tjørnuvík Hike, Tórshavn
- Day 8: Departure Day
- 1 Night on Vágar Island
- 1 Night in Gjógv, Eysturoy Island
- 2 Nights in Klaksvík, Borðoy Island
- 1 Night on Suðuroy Island
- 2 Nights in Tórshavn, Streymoy Island
Faroe Islands Road Trip Map
Faroe Islands Trip Overview
Everyone flies into the Vágar Airport, located on Vágar Island. Start your road trip by exploring nearby destinations like Múlafossur Waterfall and the Floating Lake (Days 1-2).
The next day, you can take the ferry to Mykines Island, before driving to the village of Gjógv on Eysturoy Island (Day 2).
The following day, continue your road trip to the town of Klaksvík on Borðoy Island, the perfect base for exploring the Northern Isles (Days 3-4).
After hiking to Klakkur, Kallur Lighthouse, Villingardalsfjall, and Katlarnir, it’s time to head to Tórshavn, the capital city, to catch the 2-hour car ferry to Suðuroy Island (Day 5).
Tour the southernmost island of the Faroe Islands and then return to Tórshavn the following day (Day 6). Use Tórshavn as a base for exploring Streymoy Island, including the remote villages of Saksun and Tjørnuvík (Day 7).
It’s gratifying to end the trip in Tórshavn, because the capital offers the most in terms of accommodation and dining.
It’s worth noting that many travelers decide to base themselves in Tórshavn for their entire trip. That’s not a bad idea, because you can reach most destinations from Tórshavn within 1 hour.
How to Book this Faroe Islands Road Trip
Accommodation
Book 1 Night on Vágar Island | Gásadalur Apartments (midrange-luxury in Gásadalur), or Múlafossur Cottages (luxury in Gásadalur), Gróthusið (budget), Pouls Airport Guesthouse (budget), Cosy old house Vágar (midrange), or Cottages by the Sea (midrange-luxury)
Book 1 Night in Gjógv, Eysturoy Island | Gjarrgardur Guesthouse Gjogv (budget-midrange)
Book 2 Nights in Klaksvík, Borðoy Island | Romantic Klaksvik apartment (one-bedroom apartment), Spacious City Center Home by the Sea (3-bedroom apartment), or Panorama boathouse (3 bedroom boathouse).
Book 1 Night on Suðuroy Island | BRIM B&B (midrange), Nice one-story house in Suduroy (midrange)
Book 2 Nights in Tórshavn, Streymoy Island | Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands (midrange – luxury), Hotel Brandan (4 star hotel), and Havgrím Seaside Hotel 1948 (boutique hotel), Traditional Faroese house in Tórshavns city center (cottage), or Cosy house in the heart of Tórshavn (cottage).
Car Rental
We recommend using the Discovercars.com car rental reservation platform to search for and book car rentals in the Faroe Islands.
This intuitive booking platform compares car rental deals from numerous trusted suppliers, so that you can choose the best option for your trip.
Book your car rental directly from the Vágar Airport (FAE) and choose full coverage.
Faroe Islands Road Trip: Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival at Vágar Airport, Vágar Island
Vágar Airport is the only airport in the Faroe Islands. Upon arrival, pick up your rental car directly at the airport and start exploring Vágar Island.
We recommend staying your first night on Vágar Island to eliminate any stress regarding arrival times and possible flight delays.
Use the rest of the day as well as tomorrow morning to see some of the most celebrated destinations in the archipelago, all conveniently located on Vágar.
Eat at Fiskastykkið
Fiskastykkið in Sandavágur is the best restaurant-cafe on the island.
Their menu features creative riffs on local food. Everything is made with love and care. The atmosphere is cozy, yet chic.
Their opening hours are limited, so do plan ahead. Based on their Facebook Page, they are closed Mondays and Tuesdays and open Wednesdays – Sundays from 11 am until 6 pm.
Visit Múlafossur Waterfall in Gásadalur Village
No matter how many photos you’ve seen, there’s nothing quite like experiencing Múlafossur Waterfall in person.
Múlafossur Waterfall flows over the edge of a grassy sea cliff into the restless North Atlantic Ocean. The backdrop is Gásadalur village, a tiny cluster of grass-roofed houses, at the base of Heinanøva and Árnafjall.
In summer, this coastal paradise is animated with puffins flying to and from the cliffs.
It’s only a 16-minute drive from the airport to Gásadalur. Follow Route 22 (Sørvágsvegur road) to Sørvágur. Continue west along Route 45 to Bøur and then through the 1.4 single-lane Gásadalstunnilin tunnel to Gásadalur.
If you have sufficient time, you may want to forgo the drive in favor of the hike to Gásadalur.
Before the Gásadalstunnilin tunnel was built (2004-2006), Gásadalur was cut off from the rest of the Faroe Islands. For centuries, locals had to walk over the mountains along the old Bøur to Gásadalur village path (aka Postman’s Trail) in order to run errands, go to church, and so much more.
The Postman’s Trail starts shortly before the tunnel entrance and climbs over the mountains with views of Drangarnir sea stack and the islands of Tindhólmur, Gáshólmur, and Mykines. The trail rises steadily to Á Skarði pass and then plummets down the rugged mountainside to the road leading to Gásadalur.
Bøur-Gásadalur Trailhead Parking | Google Maps
Gásadalur Village Parking | Google Maps
Walk to the Lake Sørvágsvatn Viewpoint: Trælanípa Cliff
After visiting Gásadalur, drive east to Miðvágur. This is the starting point for the Trælanípa cliff trail.
Vágar Island is also the proud home to the largest lake in the Faroe Islands: Lake Sørvágsvatn (also called Lake Leitisvatn).
This is the same lake that appears to be floating, or hanging over the ocean: a convincing optical illusion.
The surrounding sea cliffs create the impression that the lake is hundreds of meters above sea level. In reality, the elevation difference between the lake and the ocean is a mere 30 meters.
To reach the floating lake viewpoint, Trælanípa cliff, visitors must pay a hiking fee to the landowner. After paying the fee (credit cards accepted), it’s a straightforward walk to Trælanípa Cliff.
Trælanípa Trailhead Parking | Google Maps
Stay on Vágar Island
Given the short distances between settlements on the island, you can stay anywhere. Here are some top-rated cottages, apartments, and guesthouses in various villages. In peak season, some accommodations require 2 nights stay minimum.
Gásadalur Village | Gásadalur Apartments (midrange-luxury), or Múlafossur Cottages (luxury)
Sørvágur Village | Gróthusið (budget), Pouls Airport Guesthouse (budget), Cosy old house Vágar (midrange), or Cottages by the Sea (midrange-luxury)
Miðvágur Village: Turf House near Airport (midrange), or Thor´s Guest house (luxury)
Sandavágur Village: The Atlantic view guest house (budget), Cosy Guesthouse anno 1936 (budget), or Luxurious Farm House Á Snætu (luxury)
Day 2: Mykines Island and Eysturoy Island
On day 2 of your Faroe Islands itinerary, catch up on anything you didn’t get to on day 1.
If you’re visiting the Faroe Islands between May 1st and August 31st, you may want to take the ferry from Port Sørvágur, Vágar Island, to Mykines Island today.
In the afternoon, drive to the village of Gjógv, located on the northeast tip of Eysturoy Island. On the way, hike to the stunning Hvíthamar viewpoint.
Visit Mykines Island
Mykines is home to thousands of puffins and is one of the most sought-after destinations in the archipelago.
A trip to Mykines requires some forethought, as you must pre-book Mykines ferry tickets in advance. The 80-passenger ferry only has 2 departures daily.
Alternatively, you can book this guided Mykines Island tour starting in Sørvágur.
The main reason we didn’t go to Mykines Island was because a landslide destroyed the path to the islet of Mykineshólm and the Mykines lighthouse. Check for updates on mykines.fo.
Mykinnes Ferry Route | 36 Sørvágur – Mykines
Mykines Ferry Pricing (out-and-back) | 120 DKK per adult, 60 DKK per senior (ages 68+), 60 DKK per child (ages 7 – 15), Free (ages 0 – 6).
Mykines Ferry Departure | Port Sørvágur
Mykines Ferry Sailing Time | 45 minutes
Mykines Hiking Fee | If you want to hike on Mykines Island, you must pay a hiking fee of DKK 250 per person. You can pay the fee at the Locals café in Mykines upon arrival. They accept payment in cash and by credit card.
Boat Tours
If you’ve decided to skip Mykines Island, check out these short boat trips starting in Port Sørvágur, Vágar Island: Drangarnir sea arch boat tour and hike (2 hours) and the Drangarnir boat tour (1 hour).
Drive to Gjógv
From Vágar Island, drive through the Vágatunnilin sub-sea tunnel to Streymoy Island. Follow route 40 and later route 10 to the west coast of Streymoy and cross over to Eysturoy Island via the bridge across the Sundini strait.
Follow route 62 north along the east coast of Eysturoy to the village of Eiði.
From Eiði, follow Eiðisvegur road across northern Eysturoy to the east coast. This road wraps around Slættaratindur (880 m), the highest mountain in the Faroe Islands.
When the road spits, head left to Gjógv. Park at the Gongutúrur mountain pass and hike to Hvíthamar viewpoint.
From the pass, it’s only a 3.4 km drive down to Gjógv.
Explore Gjógv Village
After checking into Gjarrgardur Guesthouse Gjogv, walk down to the harbor and then follow the steep trail leading up to the cliffs.
This cliffside trail traverses private property and it’s required to pay a 50 DKK hiking fee to access the trail. This is money well-spent, because you can see puffins along these cliffs.
We visited in the evening and there was a frenzy of bird activity. It was so marvelous that we returned the next morning to see the puffins again, but we didn’t spot a single one.
Stay in Gjógv
End your day with dinner at the Gjarrgardur Guesthouse Gjogv. This was one of the best meals we had during our trip, albeit expensive.
Though rooms are very basic, we loved staying here. The location is unbeatable. And, the breakfast (included in the room rate) is excellent.
Don’t hesitate to book a second night here, if you want to hike the Gjógv to Ambadalur Valley circuit trail. Or, you want to summit Slættaratindur.
We couldn’t hike either trail, because of a spell of bad weather.
Tip | Make a dinner reservation at Gjarrgardur Guesthouse Gjogv in advance. Overnight guests aren’t automatically reserved tables.
Day 3: Northern Isles
Your Faroe Islands trip continues to the Northern Isles, where you’ll be based for the next two nights.
Drive to the Northern Isles
From Gjógv, drive back to the Gongutúrur Mountain Pass, where you have a second opportunity to hike to the Hvíthamar viewpoint.
Pass Funningur village and continue south along the Funningsfjørður fjord. You may want to detour to the picture-perfect village of Elduvík.
Drive to Leirvík and through the Norðoyatunnilin sub-sea tunnel to Borðoy Island.
The tunnel spits you out in Klaksvík, the second largest town in the Faroe Islands. We recommend basing yourself here for two nights, while exploring the North.
Klaksvík is the economic and administrative center for the Northern Isles. Not surprisingly, the main industry is fishing. In fact, Klaksvík boasts one of the largest and most lucrative fish-processing plants in the Faroes, served by its own fishing fleet.
Hike in the Northern Isles
Today, we recommend tackling either the Villingardalsfjall summit hike on Viðoy Island, or the challenging Árnafjørður – Toftaskarð – Katlarnir Circuit Trail on Borðoy Island.
On your way back to Borðoy Island, you can drive to Kunoy village on Kunoy Island.
If you skipped both hikes today, return to Klaksvík and walk up to Klakkur for some of the best views of Kunoy and Kalsoy Islands.
Eat Dinner at Fríða Kaffihús
Fríða Kaffihús is a bustling café in the heart of Klaksvík, directly next to the tourist office. Their extensive beverage menu consists of freshly squeezed juice, espresso drinks, frappes, teas, beer, cider, and wine.
During the week (Monday – Friday), they offer a hefty breakfast platter from 9 am until 12 pm. On Saturdays, a brunch buffet is laid out between 9 am until 2 pm.
Their lunch and dinner menu comprises a number of salads, burgers, croissant sandwiches, and a divine cod fish soup. There’s also a daily vegan dish on the menu as well as homemade cakes.
Location | Biskupstorg 5, 700 Klaksvík | Google Maps
Open | Monday – Saturday, 9 am – 9 pm / Closed on Sundays.
Reservations | We recommend making dinner reservations in advance. You can make a reservation online.
Stay in Klaksvík, Bordoy Island
Midrange | The welcoming and cozy Romantic Klaksvik apartment is a one-bedroom apartment with a fully-equipped kitchen, living room, garden, and private parking. The apartment is walking distance to the Kalsoy ferry.
Midrange | Spacious City Center Home by the Sea is located in the heart of Klaksvík, close to Fríða Kaffihús, tourist office, Kalsoy ferry terminal, and grocery store. This roomy and bright 3-bedroom apartment has a fully-equipped kitchen (with dishwasher and microwave), a washing machine, balcony, and free parking.
Top Choice – Luxury | Set along Klaksvík bay, Panorama boathouse stands out with its crisp, modern aesthetic, new furnishings, and idyllic setting. This beautifully converted boathouse has 3 bedrooms, a well-equipped kitchen, a washing machine, a spacious dining area, and a living room.
Look for accommodation in Klaksvík.
Day 4: Kallur Lighthouse, Kalsoy Island
Day 4 of your Faroe Islands Itinerary is all about visiting Kalsoy Island. Pack sufficient snacks for the day, in case Café Eðge in Mikladalur isn’t open.
Upon returning to Klaksvík, walk up to Klakkur, if you haven’t already.
Take the Ferry to Kalsoy Island
The only way to get to Kalsoy Island is by ferry. The 12-car ferry departs from the Klaksvík ferry terminal several times a day.
We recommend pre-booking your passage (car + passengers, or passengers only) on the M/F Sam ferry to Kalsoy Island.
Buses on Kalsoy are synced with ferry arrivals/departures.
We’ve explained everything in detail about how the Kalsoy ferry works in our Kallur Lighthouse guide.
Hike to the Kallur Lighthouse
The most popular thing to do on Kalsoy Island is to hike to the Kallur Lighthouse. This small white-and-red beacon stands on the northernmost promontory of the island.
To start the hike, drive north through a series of tunnels to the village of Trøllanes.
It’s a 35-45 minute hike from Trøllanes to the Kallur Lighthouse.
Read all the details about this excursion in our Kallur Lighthouse guide.
Trøllanes Parking | Google Maps
Kallur Lighthouse Trail Entrance Fee | 200 DKK for Adults and 100 DKK for Children
Kallur Lighthouse Opening Times | The trail is only open during certain times. From Monday through Friday, the Kallur lighthouse trail is open between 9 am and 6 pm. On Saturdays, the trail is open from 9 am to 5 pm. And on Sundays, the trail is open between 11 am and 5 pm.
Visit Mikladalur
Before heading back to the ferry, make a pit stop in Mikladalur. The village is located in a circular valley on Kalsoy’s eastern coast, south of Trøllanes.
Mikladalur’s main attraction is the 2.5-meter-tall statue of the Seal Woman by sculptor Hans Pauli Olsen.
The bronze and stainless steel sculpture depicts a naked woman emerging from the body of a seal. It’s an ode to the legendary Seal Woman (Kópakonan in Faroese), one of the most famous folktales in the Faroe Islands.
The unabridged tale is actually quite heart-wrenching and macabre. It’s a story of abduction, greed, heartbreak, and revenge.
To see the statue, follow Bakkavegur road to the coast. Pass Café Eðge and walk down the steps to the shore, where the statue is bolted onto one of the rocks.
Return to Klaksvík
Take the ferry back to Klaksvík.
Walk up to the Klakkur Viewpoint
Klakkur is a mountain, which flanks the west of Klaksvík. Its broad summit offers panoramic views of the Northern Isles.
Starting directly in town, or at the “water tanks car park” along Niðan Horn road, follow the gravel road, nicknamed Ástarbreytin (“Love Path”), to the Hálsur saddle.
From the saddle, it’s a steady ascent to the top of Klakkur mountain, marked by a transmitter mast.
When you crest the main ridge, pass the mast, and hike to the northernmost lookout point.
Return along the same route.
Klakkur Trailhead /Water Tanks Parking | Google Maps
Learn More: Klakkur Hiking Guide
Stay in Klaksvík, Bordoy Island
Stay a second night in Romantic Klaksvik apartment (one-bedroom apartment), Spacious City Center Home by the Sea (3-bedroom apartment), and Panorama boathouse (3 bedroom boathouse).
Look for accommodation in Klaksvík.
Day 5: Suðuroy Island
This Faroe Islands Itinerary continues to Suðuroy Island, the southernmost island of the archipelago.
There are only 2 or 3 ferry departures from Tórshavn to Suðuroy Island daily. It’s vital to plan ahead which ferry you’re going to take. Review the 7 Tvøroyri – Tórshavn Timetable.
Unlike the Mykinnes and Kalsoy ferries, the Suðuroy ferry (“Smyril”) is a large car ferry with capacity for 200 cars. No pre-booking is necessary.
Drive to Tórshavn Ferry Terminal
It’s a 45 minute drive from Klaksvík to Tórshavn via the Norðoyatunnilin sub-sea tunnel and Eysturoyartunnilin sub-sea tunnel.
If you arrive in Tórshavn early (1-2 hours before the ferry departure), you can park in line in the ferry terminal and explore the town. Just make sure to return to your car 30 minutes prior to the departure.
Tórshavn Ferry Terminal | Google Maps
Take the Smyril Ferry to Suðuroy Island
We’ve explained how to get to Suðuroy Island in our Suðuroy travel guide.
It’s a 2-hour ferry ride to Suðuroy Island.
There’s a cafeteria, kiosk, and plenty of seating areas on this multi-deck ferry.
You don’t need to pay for the ride to Suðuroy. You only pay on the return trip back to Tórshavn.
Walk to the Ásmundarstakkur Sea Stack Viewpoint
Upon arrival in Tvøroyri, drive north to Sandvík. Northern Suðuroy harbors one of the most mesmerizing coastlines in all the Faroes.
From Sandvík, follow Heiðavegur road up to an isolated house, situated by a stream. Park here and continue on foot to the northwest coast.
From the cliffs, you’ll see the pillar-shaped Ásmundarstakkur sea stack backed by chiseled, vertical sea cliffs. The famous footbridge across a deep chasm is located here as well.
Read our Ásmundarstakkur viewpoint guide for all the critical info.
Ásmundarstakkur Trailhead Parking | Google Maps
Watch the Sunset at Eggjarnar Cliffs
After eating dinner and checking-into your accommodation, drive to Vágur village.
Pass the Magn gas station and turn right onto Eggjavegur road. Follow this one-lane road up to the Eggjarnar Cliffs Viewpoint (10 minute drive from the gas station).
If the weather is obliging, this is an unbeatable place to watch the sunset.
Eggjarnar Viewpoint Parking | Google Maps
Stay on Suðuroy Island
It only takes 45 minutes to drive the full length of Suðuroy from Sumba in the south to Sandvík in the north. So, wherever you stay on the Island, you’re within easy driving distance to other villages and attractions.
We stayed in BRIM B&B, which is a darling bed and breakfast in Vágur. Another option in Vágur is Lovely Holiday Home in Vágur with Hot Tub and Sauna.
You can also stay in Tvøroyri at this Nice one-story house in Suduroy (2 nights minimum stay).
Day 6: Suðuroy Island and Tórshavn
Tour the rest of Suðuroy Island before hopping on the ferry back to Tórshavn.
End your day with a memorable dinner in the capital city.
Drive to Sumba
Sumba is the southernmost village on Suðuroy. If time and weather allow, opt for the old mountain road, which connects Lopra with Sumba. This road passes by Beinisvørð (470 m), the highest sea cliff on the island.
Hike to Hvannhagi Valley
Drive north to Tvøroyri and hike to the remote Hvannhagi Valley. This 7.7 out-and-back hike takes 3 hours.
Take the Ferry back to Tórshavn
Return to Tórshavn on the Smyril Ferry.
Pay for the ferry ride in the kiosk on deck 5. Here are the ferry prices.
Eat Dinner in Tórshavn
Home to nearly 22,000 people, Tórshavn is the largest and liveliest town in the Faroe Islands. As such, it offers the most in terms of dining, shopping, and accommodation. Base yourself in Tórshavn for the next 2+ nights.
Tonight (or tomorrow night), eat dinner at ROKS (seafood restaurant), Katrina Christiansen (Faroese tapas), or Barbara Fishhouse (seafood restaurant). Make reservations in advance.
For something more casual, head to Sirkus Bar for craft beer (ground floor) and bar food (first/second floors).
Check out menu.fo for a complete list of restaurants and eateries in Tórshavn and across the Faroe Islands.
Stay in Tórshavn
TOP CHOICE – Midrange-Luxury | Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands is a fresh-faced hotel set in a quiet location, 1.6 km from the city center (20 minute walk, or 4 minutes drive). Stay here for the impeccably-designed rooms with comfortable beds, the on-site restaurant and bar, great breakfast buffet, and fitness center. Free on-site parking.
Luxury | Hotel Brandan is a 4-star hotel with quiet rooms, an on-site restaurant, a fitness center, a sauna, and on-site parking. Guests love the breakfast and the hotel bar, which serves local craft beers. The hotel is located 1.4 km from the city center (15 minute walk, or 3 minute drive).
Luxury | Havgrím Seaside Hotel 1948 is a boutique hotel set on the seashore, walking distance to the city center (10 minutes). A fantastic breakfast is included. Free parking is available on-site. Guests can also enjoy the garden hot tub facing the sea.
Luxury | Traditional Faroese house in Tórshavns city center is a 4-bedroom turf-roofed house with stylish, renovated interiors, two bathrooms, and a well-equipped kitchen. Free on-site parking. 3 nights minimum stay.
More Charming Holiday Homes: Cosy house in the heart of Tórshavn (Á Reyni) and Luxurious House in Downtown Tórshavn
City Center Apartments: City center, Tórshavn (2-bedroom apartment), Central apartment in Tórshavn (1-bedroom apartment), or Penthouse Apartment in Downtown Tórshavn (3-bedroom/5 people apartment)
Look for accommodation in Tórshavn.
Learn More: Best Faroe Islands Hotels
Day 7: Saksun and Tjørnuvík, Streymoy Island
On day 7 of your Faroe Islands road trip, we recommend driving up to Saksun and hiking to Tjørnuvík along the old village path.
Return to Tórshavn in the late afternoon, or early evening for dinner and further exploration.
Visit Northern Streymoy Villages
Saksun and Tjørnuvík are two picturesque villages in the north of Streymoy Island.
You can visit these remote settlements separately, or hike between them along an old village path. The Saksun to Tjørnuvík out-and-back hike is 13 km and takes 5:30-6 hours to complete.
Though the Saksun-Tjørnuvík village path is an official walking path and accessible to the public, please be mindful of staying on marked paths at all times.
Saksun’s rise to fame on Instagram has been disastrous for this small village of 11 people. Visitors have repeatedly trespassed private property much to the dismay of the residents.
When visiting Saksun, you can also follow the Út á Lónna trail along the Pollurin tidal lagoon to the black sand beach. This is a nice walk, but it’s not as exciting as the village path. There is a hiking fee of 75 DKK to access this trail. You can pay the fee at the trail gate with a credit card.
On the drive back to the capital, opt for the scenic Route 10 and Oyggjarvegur road.
Saksun Parking | Google Maps
Explore Tórshavn
The city traces its history back to around 900, when Viking settlers placed their Ting (parliament) on Tinganes, the rocky headland that divides Tórshavn harbor into two parts.
This historic part of Tórshavn is home to a number of government buildings as well as private homes. Many of the buildings date back to the 17th century.
Quietly weave through the narrow, cobbled lanes to appreciate one of the oldest parliamentary meeting places in the world.
The town center of Tórshavn is a small area, which spills into the harbor. Here, you’ll find a plethora of shops, fine dining restaurants, and casual eateries.
Celebrate your last night in the Faroes with a seafood dinner at ROKS, the sister restaurant of KOKS.
Learn more about the capital on this Tórshavn Walking Tour (1:30 hours).
Stay in Tórshavn
Hotels | Hilton Garden Inn Faroe Islands (midrange – luxury), Hotel Brandan(4 star hotel), and Havgrím Seaside Hotel 1948 (boutique hotel)
Cottages | Traditional Faroese house in Tórshavns city center, Cosy house in the heart of Tórshavn (Á Reyni), and Luxurious House in Downtown Tórshavn
City Center Apartments | City center, Tórshavn (2-bedroom apartment), Central apartment in Tórshavn (1-bedroom apartment), or Penthouse Apartment in Downtown Tórshavn (3-bedroom/5 people apartment)
Look for accommodation in Tórshavn.
Day 8: Fly Home or Extend Your Stay in Tórshavn
We recommend extending your time in Tórshavn for at least another 1-2 nights.
No matter how well you plan your itinerary, you can’t possibly predict the weather. Rain and fog will likely impact your perfectly laid out plans at some point. By adding a few nights in Tórshavn at the end of your trip, you’re giving yourself a buffer.
After returning from Suðuroy Island, we stayed several nights in Tórshavn. This gave us an opportunity to hike to Kallur Lighthouse and Villingardalsfjall (our first attempts failed because of the weather).
Driving in the Faroe Islands
The Faroe Islands are linked together via an excellent network of undersea tunnels, road tunnels, ferries, and bridges. So, getting between islands is actually quite effortless.
The Faroese drive on the right side of the road. The speed limit is 50 kph (31 mph) in towns and villages and 80 kph (50 mph) on main roads.
While roads are generally in excellent condition, it’s important to drive cautiously because of free-roaming sheep, which curiously don’t abide by the same traffic rules.
It’s imperative to always keep your low beam headlights on, both day and night.
Parking
Parking is free, but can be restricted in the towns of Klaksvík, Tórshavn, Runavík and around the Vágar Airport.
Use a parking disc to indicate your arrival time.
Road Tunnels
Most of the road tunnels across the Faroe Islands are unlit, one-lane passageways.
At the tunnel entrance, there’s always a sign indicating which traffic direction has priority. If it’s your right-of-way, you can cruise through the tunnel at a moderate speed.
Vehicles coming in the opposite direction must pull over at the turnouts (lay-bys for our British friends), when necessary. These turnouts are staggered evenly through the tunnel, usually every 100 meters.
Driving through these dark, narrow road tunnels is the hardest part about driving in the Faroe Islands. Drive slowly and cautiously, especially upon entering and exiting the tunnels.
Some tunnels on Borðoy Island are traffic-light operated during peak hours. The upside of such tunnels is that there’s no oncoming traffic. The downside is the waiting time (up to 10 minutes).
Sub-Sea Tunnels
There are several undersea tunnels in the Faroe Islands. These sub-sea tunnels are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, and are only closed on very rare occasions.
Driving in these two-lane tunnels is effortless, because they are illuminated and wide.
Sub-sea tunnels are not free. Most car rental companies will have a tracking system in place, so you don’t have to pay for the tunnel usage individually, or manually. They may charge you 2000 DKK (270 EUR) for tunnels automatically and then reimburse you for what you didn’t use.
If you arrived in the Faroe Islands by ferry with your own car, then you can pay for the subsea tunnels online before, or after driving through the tunnel. Make sure to pay the fee no later than 6 days after driving through the tunnel.
The 4.9 km Vágatunnilin sub-sea tunnel links Vágar Island with Streymoy Island. You are charged when driving from Vágar Island.
The 6.2 km Norðoyatunnilin sub-sea tunnel connects Eysturoy Island with Borðoy Island. You are charged when driving from Borðoy Island.
The 11.2 km Eysturoyartunnilin sub-sea tunnel connects Eysturoy Island with Streymoy Island. This is the tunnel with the famous roundabout, the first in the world. This undersea tunnel provides the fastest connection between Tórshavn and southern Eystyroy and the Northern Isles. You are charged every time you drive through this tunnel.
Faroe Islands Ferries
All Faroe Islands ferries are operated by Strandfaraskip Landsins (SSL). Some ferries are passenger only while others are car and passenger ferries.
Booking Ferries | SSL is currently working on a booking system for all ferries. Check ssl.fo for updates. Until the booking system is in place, the only ferries you can book in advance are the passenger-only Mykines Ferry, the Kalsoy ferry (starting in 2024), and the Sandoy ferry.
Pricing | Ferry Prices
Payment | All ferries accept payment in cash, or by credit card. You only pay for ferries in one-direction.
Timetables | Some ferries have winter and summer routes. Usually, the ferry schedule deviates on holidays. We’ve linked to each ferry route below.
Our Faroe Islands Itinerary only utilizes 3 ferry lines, Mykines, Kalsoy and Suðuroy, which are highlighted below in blue.
Passenger-only Ferry Routes
Mykines Ferry (45 minutes) | Ship M/F Jósup – 36 Sørvágur – Mykines – Book pedestrian passage on mykines.fo.
Svínoy / Fugloy Ferry (30 – 55 minutes) | Ship M/S Ritan – 58 Hvannasund – Hattarvík
Skúvoy Ferry (35 minutes) | M/B Sildberin – 66 Sandur – Skúvoy
Car and Passenger Ferry Routes
Suðuroy Ferry (2 hours) | Ship M/F Smyril – 7 Tvøroyri – Tórshavn
Kalsoy Ferry (20 minutes) | Ship M/F Sam – 56 Klaksvík – Syðradalur – Book car and pedestrian passage here.
Sandoy Ferry (30 minutes) | Ship M/F Teistin – 60 Skopun – Gamlarætt
Hestur Ferry (20 minutes) | Ship M/F Teistin – 61 Gamlarætt – Hestur
Nolsoy Ferry (30 minutes) | Ship Ternan – 90 Tórshavn – Nólsoy. Though it’s possible to take a car, there is no need to. You can explore Nolsoy best on foot.
How to Get to the Faroe Islands
Fly
The easiest way to get to the Faroe Islands is by flying to Vágar Airport (FAE), the only airport in the Faroe Islands. The Vágar Airport is located on Vágar Island, a 45-minute drive to the capital, Tórshavn.
Three airlines fly to Vágar Airport: the Atlantic Airways, Scandinavian Airlines, and Widerøe AS.
There are non-stop flights to the Faroes from Copenhagen (Denmark), Oslo (Norway), Reykjavik (Iceland), Edinburgh (Scotland), Paris (France), and Barcelona (Spain). Some of these routes are seasonal.
Atlantic Airways
Throughout the year, the Faroese national airline, Atlantic Airways, operates daily flights from Copenhagen (CPH), biweekly (twice a week) flights from Oslo (OSL), and biweekly or triweekly flights from Reykjavik.
Additionally, there are frequent flights from Billund (BLL), Denmark, to the Faroe Islands all year long.
Seasonally, the Atlantic Airways flies to the Faroe Islands from other major cities in Europe:
- From Paris (CDG): Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from April until October
- From Edinburgh (EDI): Biweekly from March to December
- From Barcelona (BDN): Weekly from June to August
- From Aalborg (AAL): Biweekly in the summer
- From Palma de Mallorca (PMI): Weekly in June, July, and August
- From Gran Ganaria (LPA): December to April
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
SAS operates flights to the Faroe Islands from Oslo (Norway), Copenhagen (Denmark), and Stockholm (Sweden).
If you’re traveling to the Faroe Islands from the United States, or Canada, you can fly to Oslo, or Copenhagen with SAS and then hop on a connecting flight to the Faroe Islands. Alternatively, you can fly to Reykjavik (Iceland) with Icelandair and then fly Atlantic Airways to the Faroe Islands.
Ferry
It’s also possible to take a ferry to the Faroe Islands from Iceland, or Denmark. These ferry lines are operated by Smyril.
More Nordic Europe Travel Guides
Faroe Islands:
Iceland:
Northern Europe:
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