It is not weird if you haven't heard of the Faroe Islands before. But if you are looking for a destination with one of the most unique landscapes you've ever seen, you should definitely add the Faroe Islands to your bucketlist. The Islands are gaining a lot of popularity as a travel destination and we have seen with our own eyes why.
We really want to inspire other people to see the beauty of this place too.
So to help you plan your trip to this unique destination, we have written down our 8 day route around the Islands.
With this itinerary we want to share our own experience and guide you to the most gorgeous and impressive places on the Faroe Islands.
- 62° 02′ N, 07° 01′ W
The Faroe Islands are a group of 18 islands in the North Atlantic Ocean and is a part of the Kingdom of Denmark. Faroe Islands almost literally means sheep islands, which is not surprising since there are more sheep than people living on the islands. Besides the sheep, the islands also have some of the most unique landscapes you’ve ever seen, with vertical drop-offs and cliffs rising straight from the Atlantic Ocean.
We went on our 8 days Faroe Islands trip at the end of August. You can complete this itinerary during the summer months from June to August. During this period you have the best chance of good weather, but this is never guaranteed on the Faroe Islands. If you plan on going during the winter months, temperatures remain quite mild, but it can be very wet. Also the days will be shorter, so you’ll have less time to explore and many campsites will be closed.
If one of your main purposes of visiting the Faroe Islands is seeing puffins, you have to visit somewhere between April and August during breeding season. The rest of the year these gorgeous birds return to live on the sea.
Also bear in mind that the weather in the Faroes can be very different from place to place. In one place it can be extremely foggy, while in another place the sun shines. It is not exceptional to experience four seasons in one day.
The islands are connected with a great infrastructure of roads, tunnels and bridges.
These are all well maintained and it is very quiet on the roads. All major highways are paved, but some roads, especially the the smaller villages are still gravel roads.
Keep in mind that some roads and tunnels can be very narrow and you should adjust your speed to the circumstances. Some villages with narrow roads do not allow large vehicles such as camping cars. The very narrow roads all have lay-bys, where you can pull up to let another vehicle pass by. Please, remember that these lay-bys are not to be used for parking!
You have to drive on the right-hand side and your lights has to be turned on all the time. The speed limit on the main roads is 80km/h and 50km/h in villages. Off-road driving on the Faroe Islands is prohibited by law. Apart from some sharper turns every now and then, it is still quit easy to drive on the Faroe Islands as long as you adjust properly to the circumstances (gravel, narrow roads…). And be aware of the sheep as they are not afraid of suddenly crossing or standing still in the middle of the road.
– Tunnel Toll
There are three sub-sea tunnels for which you have to pay:
- Eysturoyartunnilin between Streymoy and Eysturoy: (You are charged every time you drive through the tunnel)
– Stremoy to Eysturoy: 175DKK for a car (<6m)
– Strendur to runavik 125DKK for a car - Vágatunnilin between Streymoy and Vágur: 100DKK for a car (Return trip: you are only charged when driving from Vágur)
- Nordoyatunnilin between Eysturoy and Borðoy: 100DKK for a car (Return trip: you are only charged when driving from Klaksvik)
You don’t have to stop at the tunnels: A photo of your license plate will be registered. Many car rental companies have the option to buy this toll in advance, or their license plates are already registered and they will charge you afterwards. Make sure to check this with your rental company. If you are going with your own vehicle, you can pay for a single trip (online, before or after, no later than 6 days after you driving through the tunnel) or you can register automatic payment. All detailed information can be found on www.tunnil.fo.
– Ferries
To reach some of the islands (such as Kalsoy, Suduroy and Mikines) you have to take a (car-) ferry. The ferry to Kalsoy has to be paid when driving on the ferry. For Suduroy and Mikines you have to make a reservation, that can be made and paid online. More detailed information about each of these ferries separately can be found later in this blog post when you have to take one in the itinerary.
Note
If you follow this exact itinerary, you'd normally have one return trip through every tunnel max. Depending on your navigation, you can skip the Eysturoyartunnilin, but this tunnel has the first sub-sea traffic roundabout in the world. So it might be worth driving by once, if this interests you.
There are a lot of companies where you can rent different kinds of vehicles: from regular cars and minivans to bigger campervans and 4×4 with or without rooftop tent.
Keep in mind that some roads are quite narrow and also for the ferries it is sometimes easier to have a smaller vehicle. In some villages with narrow roads (including Tjørnuvík and Múli) camping cars are not allowed. But it is definitely not impossible to drive around with a larger vehicle, such as a motorhome.
Which type of vehicle is best, depends entirely on if you want to make this a camping trip or rather a roadtrip with regular accommodations and how much comfort you would like to have yourself.
Feel free to reach out to us if you need help finding the right vehicle for your trip.
Spread over the islands you find numerous hotels, hostels, guesthouses, b&b’s and campsites. We explored the islands with a 4×4 car with a rooftop tent. We have added the campsites to this itinerary where you can either stay with a (rooftop)tent, minivan, campervan or motorhome.
– Camping
Camping is a fantastic way to explore the Faroe Islands. There are several campsites at some scenic locations, spread over the islands, with facilities such as showers and toilets. Most of these campsites also have a communal kitchen, where you can easily prepare your food, but also meet and have a chat with other travelers.
Nature on the Faroe Islands is beautiful, but also vulnerable at the same time. To protect this beautiful nature, wildcamping is not allowed. More specifically are you not allowed to spend night in camping cars or tents along roads, at rest stops, laybys, or view areas.
Campers are asked to only stay at the designated areas, to keep these places clean and not to leave any rubbish behind. Because of changing weather, you have to prepare yourself and bring sturdy water- and windproof camping equipment. Keep in mind that some of the campsites are only for tents.
Important!
Remember that many of these campsites can be closed during winter!
– Hotels, hostels, b&b’s and guesthouses
As we explored the islands with a rooftop tent, we only stayed at campsites. Therefor we can not recommend any hotels or guesthouses. On the website of Visit Faroe Islands you can find all information about all other kinds of accommodations such as hotels, hostels and guesthouses.
There is a nationwide coverage in the Faroe Islands, so nearly all the islands receive an excellent connection, with 3G and 4G networks. So even the most remote villages have mobile phone service. Just as everywhere in the world, there are a few places with less cell service, but overall service is good.
The Faroe Islands are NOT included in the EU free roaming agreement. Some countries/providers have roaming agreements, but this is something you have to check with your own provider. If it’s not included in your data bundle, buying a sim-card will be less expensive than roaming. At Vágar Airport you can buy a SIM-card with 2 GB and 25 DKK credit for 97DKK.
- 62° 00′ N, 06° 46′ W
On your first day on the Faroe Islands you can explore and stroll around in the capital Tórshavn. We are usually not city dwellers, but this city. was a charm to us. It is a quit and cozy city, especially a part of the city called Tinganes.
This part is a peninsula in Tórshavn, where the government of Faroe Islands is located. It is the oldest part of the city and has many alleys like the one in the picture. Also the cathedral of Tórshavn is located here.
Camping
Camping Tórshavn:
- 120DKK per adult
- 50DKK for electricity
- Shower: 10DKK for 4 minutes
- Payment at the reception during opening hours or you can make a reservation and pay here.
Tip!
Most of the campsites can be paid online or by card during the opening hours of the reception. But at some campsites you have to pay for the shower with coins. Receptions are not open 24 hours and some of the campsites don't even have a reception. Therefor it is always useful to have a few coins with you.
- 61° 31′ N, 06° 48′ W
Rituskor is a cleft on Suðuroy island, elevating 289 meters above the ocean. To reach the cleft you’ll have to cross a narrow wooden bridge over the gap between Rituskor and Suðuroy mainland. From here you have a breathtaking view on the Ásmundarstakkur sea-stack.
On the west coast of Suðuroy islands, located to the west of Lopra you find Lopranseidi. It is a gorgeous place where you can enjoy the peace with a beautiful view towards the west coast of Suðuroy. During summer you can see many birds flying around this place. We got some real Jurrasic Park vibes in this place.
How to get to Suðuroy
Suðuroy Island is the southernmost of the 18 Faroe Islands. To get to Suðuroy you will have to take the ferry Smyril in Tórshavn. The sailing time is 2 hours and the trip is an experience on its own. During this trip you pass one third of all of the Faroe Islands and you can enjoy the fresh sea breeze.
The timetabel for the Smyril ferry can be found here.
Price "one way":
- Car (driver included): 225DKK
- Adult: 80DKK
Payment is made when entering the boat with a member of staff.
Sail time: 2 hours
Camping
You can take the ferry back to Tórshavn the same day (don't forget to make a reservation, or queue for the last boat) and stay at Camping Tórshavn (this is what we did). Or you can spend the night at one of the campsites on Suðuroy.
Tip!
We advice you to make a reservation for the ferry a few days in advance as it can be sold out. For the return trip it is often not possible to book the last boat of the day as this boat is reserved for cargo. Iff you want to have this last boat, you can queue and hope there will still be places left (this is what we did too).
- 62° 18′ N, 07° 05′ W
Kirkjubøur is the southernmost village of the island Stremoy. This charming little village has played a big rol in the history of the Faroe Islands. It’s is characterized by he traditional, black houses with turf roofs and the old Farmhouse, one of the oldest inhabited wooden house in the world. But it’s also known for the ruins of the Gothic Saint Magnus Cathedral and the Saint Olav’s church, the oldest church of the Faroe Islands. So there are many reasons to visit this lovely village!
Camping
Spend the night on a soccer pitch!
Camping Eiði:
- 240DKK per campervan
- Shower and toilets are included in the price
- Communal Kitchen
- No Reception: Payment can be made by scanning a QR-code at the campsite and there will be a host passing by in the evening.
Or you can make a reservation and pay here.
- 62° 17′ N, 06° 48′ W
Kallur Lighthouse is a lighthouse on the island Kalsoy. This island has some impressive sheer cliffs and dramatic peaks. The lighthouse in the middle of this setting is one of the most famous images of the Faroe Islands. To reach the lighthouse, you’ll have to walk less than 1 hour while you can enjoy some breath-taking views along the way.
Interesting Fact!
This place was a filming location for the James Bond film: No Time to Die. You can actually find a tombstone of James Bond close to the lighthouse, on the ridge towards the peak behind it.
How to get to Kalsoy
In order to get to Kalsoy, you have to take the ferry SAM to Syðradalur in the city Klaksvík. It has several daily departures. On Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays it sails eight times, and less frequently on the other days.
You can find the timetable here. (Note that there is a summer and a winter schedule!)
Price: 160DKK return trip for a car + driver.
Adult: 40DKK.
You have to pay to a member of staff when you drive on the boat.
Sail time: 20 minutes
It is recommended to be in Klaksvík at least one hour prior to departure if you want to bring a car to Kalsoy, as the ferry has a limited capacity of only 12 vehicles. Once you are in the queue, you can leave your car and explore a little of Klaksvík by foot.
Camping
Camping Mikladalur:
- 200DKK per campervan
- Toilet and shower included
- No kitchen
- There's a camping house with kitchen on the area, but is not included in the camping experience. It has to be booked in advance.
- No reception: Payment has to be made online by scanning a QR-code at the campsite or you can make a reservation and pay here.
Note
If you make it back in time for the last ferry back to Klaksvík, you can stay the night at the camping of the next stop Gjógv, or a campsite on your way there (for example Camping Fuglafjarður). If you don't make it in time for the last ferry, you can stay the night on camping Mikladalur (like we did). You can take the ferry back the next morning, but make sure to check the timetable.
- 62° 19′ N, 06° 56′ W
Gjógv is the literal translation of ‘rock gorge’. It is the northernmost village of the island of Eysturoy, located at the end of a deep valley. In this lovely village you find a 200 meter long gorge which has been used as a natural harbor. You can enjoy a beautiful hike next to the village to get a stunning view over the valley and the westside of Kalsoy, where you were the day before.
There’s a hiking trail next to the village. Note that this trail is on privately owned land. You have to pay 50DKK per person cash in a letter box. The money is used for maintenance of nature and the trail.
Tip!
If you are navigating to this place on Google Maps, do not type in Hvithamar, but look for Gongutúrur / Hvithamar Trailhead, Funnings kommuna, Faeröer.
Fossá is the tallest waterfall of the Faroe Islands. It is a two level drop waterfall on Stremoy Islands. This gorgeous waterfall is know for its impressive formation but also for its dark basalt wall. It is easily accessible and you can get really close to the spraying water.
Interesting Fact!
The word Fossa is the Faroese word for waterfall.
Camping
Camping Vestmanna
- 100DKK per adult
- Shower: 20DKK for 6 minutes
- Communal kitchen
- Payment: There will be a host passing by for payment.
- 62° 09′ N, 07° 09′ W
The Vestmanna Sea Cliffs are gigantic cliffs that shoot over 600 meters straight out of the ocean. The cliffs have some impressive arches and big caves, carved by the waves through ages. During summer, huge colonies of seabirds have their home on the cliffs. You can take a boat tour to these cliffs, that will take you into the grottoes and along the sea arches and cliffs. You will see many seabirds and sheep on the steep edges of the cliffs. If you’re lucky, you might even see some seals in the water.
You can book your boat tour on www.puffin.fo/en.
Price of the classic tour is 398DKK. Make sure to book your tour in advance as tours can be sold out quickly.
Sørvágsvatn is the largest lake in the Faroe Islands. It is also known as ‘Lake above the Ocean’ and probably one of the most famous sights of the Faroe Islands. This stunning lake sits close to the edge of a cliff, about 30 meters above sea level. From the right perspective, this creates the optical illusion that the lake is floating above the ocean.
The Sørvágsvatn hiking trail is relatively easy. There are a few parts that can be slippery and muddy, especially on rainy days.
Visitors must pay a fee of 200DKK when hiking the trail. The payment is collected in cash or by card at the beginning of the trail, next to the parking lot.
Please! Be extremely careful when hiking around the cliffside edge, especially when it’s windy!
Distance
7,2 kilometer
Height difference
369 m
Total elevation
369m
Duration
2 to 3 hours
Type
Out & back trail (walk the same trail back)
Level of hike
Easy - Moderate - Difficult - Expert
Camping
Camping Giljanes
- 100DKK per adult
- Toilet and shower included
- Communal kitchen
- Payment: There will be a host passing by for payment.
Note
It is also a hostel where you can rent a room or bunk bed. We really loved this campsite as you can meet a lot of other like minded travelers and backpackers here. And they have a cute house cat with thumbs, called Felix!