Imagine a land where time stands still, so peaceful and lush, where you can escape from everything and rejuvenate your soul amongst dramatic landscapes. Dubbed the World’s favourite unspoiled island destination by National Geographic Traveler, the Faroe Islands have to be experienced to be believed.
I visited the Faroe Islands for a week and really enjoyed this unique place. If you’re planning a trip here and are unsure what to do, I’ve put together a week-long Faroe Islands itinerary to help. Even though this itinerary is over 7 days but if you have less than a week here, some of the days can easily be combined and experienced together to save you time.
River through the seaside village of Gjogv
Where Are The Faroe Islands?
The Faroe Islands are eighteen islands set in the Atlantic Ocean. Off the coast of Scotland, 365km from the Shetland Islands and with Iceland as their nearest neighbour and cultural equivalent. Under Danish rule, this European land have their own language, their own traditions and are one of the only country’s remaining permitted to hunt pilot whales.
If you’re looking for a sunbathing holiday, then this isn’t really the place to come. The Faroe Islands are a place to learn about traditions, put on your walking boots, windproof jacket and explore.
How To Get To The Faroe Islands
The national carrier of the Faroes is Atlantic Airways which operate the two hour flight from London Gatwick during the summer season. Year round flights are available from Denmark or you can choose a cruise from Denmark or Iceland which stop off at Torshavn, the Island’s capital. * Check flights to the Faroe Islands
How To Get Around
To get around the Faroe Islands it is better to hire a car to give you more freedom to explore. You can collect a car from the airport and drop it off before you go. The Faroe Islands have a great tunnel network, cutting through the many mountains and under the sea. * Check rates & availability for car hire
There is also a bus service which has access to many of the towns (it has Wifi too!) Out of the eighteen islands, only a very few aren’t connected by bridges and are only accessible by ferry and helicopter.
If you decide not to hire a car, there are plenty of Faroe Island tour packages you can do from a 3 day summer package to an 8 day Faroe Islands hiking tour. Or if you visit in the winter there are multi-day trips you can do too. * Check all multi-day Faroe Island tours
Where To Stay in the Faroe Islands
If you prefer to stay in one place you can base yourself in Torshavn, and just travel from there to these destinations or to create your own road trip you can stay in the destinations mentioned and travel from there to the next place the day after. Below are the two places that I recommend staying in Torshavn. * Check prices for all Faroe Islands accommodation
Hotel Foroyar, where I stayed
Hotel Foroyar
I stayed at Hotel Foroyar. This 4-star hotel is a friendly place with great views of the harbour. The hotel is perfect for nature walks with beautiful views of the water but you’ll need to walk uphill to get back if you go into town. The rooms are very quiet and comfortable, and they have fun names like the “Clinton Room” and the “Prime Minister Room.” Breakfast is also included and is excellent. It has the traditional Faroese grass roof too! * Check prices and availability for Hotel Foroyar
Hotel Hafnia
Hotel Hafnia
Hotel Hafnia is another of the four-star hotels in Torshavn. It’s conveniently located near the town centre, shops, and restaurants. If you prefer dining in, the hotel offers both international cuisine and local dishes. There’s a sauna and a roof terrace with stunning views of the city and harbour. And the airport shuttle stops right outside the hotel which is ideal. * Check prices and availability for Hotel Hafnia
Faroe Islands Itinerary
Day 1: Walk Around Tinganes
After landing at Vágar Airport, transfer to your accommodation in Tórshavn, the capital before starting your Faroe Islands adventure with a walking tour of Tinganes, just a short walk away, This is the historic site of the original Viking parliament. Wander through the narrow, cobblestone streets lined with colourful wooden houses. Learn about the island’s Viking history and enjoy the scenic views of the harbour.
One way to see the surroundings of Torshavn is to go horseback riding on an Icelandic horse. It’s a great way to explore the rough landscape around the capital and trek along rivers and mountainsides.
On a Monday or a Thursday night you can spend the evening in a private home in Torshavn discovering the cultural heritage by knitting with the locals in a social environment.
Day 2: Klaksvik and Kalsoy
Drive for an hour to Klaksvik or take the 1 hour 40 minute bus ride here instead. Known as the ‘second city’ of the Faroe Islands with the longest tunnel on the islands. Take a scenic drive through the tunnel. Explore Klaksvik’s charming harbour, visit the Christianskirkjan Church, and enjoy the panoramic views of the surrounding mountains.
Visit the finger-shaped island of Kalsoy. An island of ancient legend of the ‘seal woman’ who was captured here and forced to marry a farmer’s son. Explore the island’s picturesque villages and hike to the Kallur Lighthouse for breathtaking views. Return to Klaksvik and then back to Tórshavn.
Learn more about the cuisine on a food tour with a local farmer in Klaksvik. On the island of Borðoy you’ll visit a family farm and try some local delicacies that have been passed on for generations.
If you’re a James Bond fan, why not join a James Bond sightseeing tour and see the locations that these famous spy movies were filmed in on the islands. (One of these was on Kalsoy Island!)
Day 3: See The Lighthouse
From Torshavn it’s a 45 minute drive to the island of Vágar where you can take a rugged walk to the lighthouse at Kollur. The hike offers stunning views of the coast and the surrounding islands. The lighthouse itself is a picturesque spot, perfect for photography.
After your hike, sample the local Rinkusteinur beer known as stone beer, brewed using volcanic rocks. You can learn about the brewing process and taste its unique flavour.
Day 4: Take a Boat Trip to Nolsoy
Embark on a boat trip to the island of Nólsoy. The island is only accessible by boat, making it a unique and secluded destination. The Line 90 car ferry operates from Torshavn and reached Nolsoy in 30 minutes. See Nólsoy’s quaint village, visit the lighthouse, and enjoy the peace and quiet that this island brings before returning to Tórshavn and seeing more of the town.
Day 5: See The Puffins
Take a boat tour to the bird cliffs of Vestmanna. From Torshavn you can take Line 100 bus for an hour or drive 35 minutes to reach here. Vestmanna is one of the most popular attractions in the Faroe Islands and idea for birdwatchers.
The cliffs are home to thousands of seabirds, including guillemots, fulmars and puffins that you simply have to see when you’re in the Faroe Islands. The boat tour offers a unique perspective of the cliffs and the chance to see these birds up close.
When you’re in Vestmanna, you can also enjoy a whisky and gin distillery tour for an hour in the afternoon. The island’s climate are perfect for maturing whisky and Faer Isles Distillery produces the finest gin, whisky and akvavit in the Faroe Islands
Day 6: Visit Kirkjubøur
Drive 15 minutes to Kirkjubøur, the ancient spiritual heart of the Faroe Islands where you can take a scenic walk. Or take a bike tour from Torshavn to Kirkjubøur instead. Visit the picturesque Kirkjubøur Church, the ruins of the Magnus Cathedral, and the 900-year-old farmhouse that has been inhabited by the same family for 17 generations.
Return to Tórshavn and enjoy a coffee at a café, people watching in the afternoon.
In the evening I recommend dining at Aarstova, a traditional Faroese restaurant known for its amazing Faroese lamb. Although I didn’t try the lamb here (others I was did), this restaurant has lovely cosy atmosphere in a historic setting.
Day 7: Faroe Islands Shopping
Finally, no trip to the Faroes is complete without a visit Guðrun & Guðrun. This local knitwear shop in Torshavn was made famous by the jumper worn by Sarah Lund in the BBC’s The Killing. Browse their unique, handcrafted items and perhaps purchase a special souvenir.
If you’re in Torshavn on a Thursday, Friday or Saturday night, you can explore the pubs in the side streets of the capital with a local guide on a Torshavn pub crawl. This two hour tour includes three local beers so you can try the Faroese craft beers that the islands are known for.
If cocktails are more your style, you can enjoy a local signature cocktail in each bar in the capital. Visit the best cocktail bars in town on a Torshavn Cocktail tour. It’s a great way to meet others and have a night out too!
Spend your last hours in Tórshavn with some last-minute shopping or sightseeing. Visit any remaining spots you haven’t explored yet before leaving for Vágar Airport to end your Faroe Islands adventure!
The Faroe Islands hold an aura and fascination for everyone who comes here and could possibly be the most curious place left on Earth…
More reading on the Faroe Islands
