12 things to do in the Faroe Islands

12 things to do in the Faroe Islands

Our pick of the best things to do in the Faroe Islands, from looking for puffins on Mykines to strolling picturesque streets

Four days would never be enough. The far-flung Faroe Islands, floating in the North Atlantic, were once reserved only for the hardiest of travelers. However, much has changed and today the 18 wild and windswept islands attract more and more visitors every year.

Despite increasing popularity, the Faroe Islands remain well off the radar of the typical traveler. Just a short flight from the UK, the islands are a paradise for hikers, bird watchers and outdoor enthusiasts. We spent four days in the Faroe Islands and thanks to the exceptionally long days (sunset was around 11 p.m.) we were able to pack in a lot.

Still, we could easily have spent twice as long in these wild and timeless lands. Below we share the best things to do in the Faroe Islands.

Things to do in the Faroe Islands

1. Puffins in Mykines

A total of 305 bird species have been recorded in the Faroe Islands, but it is one small bird in particular that draws the crowds. The island of Mykines is the westernmost island of the Faroe Islands and home to a large colony of Faroese or Atlantic puffins.

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The Mykines puffins were by far the highlight of our trip. If you only have one trip, take a trip to this island. Read our detailed report on finding puffins in Mykines to find out more.

2. Hiking

Hiking is one of the most popular activities in the Faroe Islands, with an excellent range of accessible trails for all fitness and ability levels. Choose from deep gorges, huge lakes, picturesque villages and picturesque fjords.

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Many of the trails are free and easily accessible, while others require a little more planning, a fee, or a guide. Read our selection of the best hikes in the Faroe Islands to get started.

3. Sights

Where to start? It would be easy – and completely acceptable – to spend your entire time in the Faroe Islands simply driving from viewpoint to viewpoint. The Faroe Islands are a photographer's dream and are bursting with breathtaking views.

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We were a little overwhelmed by the number of attractions, so we made a list, then a shortlist and marked them on a Google map. We didn't manage to cover all the sights in the northern islands, but we still ticked off a few.

Below we list some of the viewpoints we think are must-sees on the main islands, many of which can be seen during the hikes mentioned above.

• Gásadalur und Múlafossur-Wasserfall
• Bøur
• Tjørnuvík
• Saksun
• Gjögv
• Funningur
• Fossá-Wasserfall
• Tröllkonufingur
• Kirkjubøur
• Trælanípan und Bøsdalafossur Wasserfall, Sørvágsvatn See
• Kallur-Leuchtturm
• Kópakonan
• Syðradalur
• Kunoi
• Christianskirkjan
• Viðareiði
• Tinganes, Reyni und Skansin, Tórshavn

4. Tinganes and the old town of Tórshavn

The turf-roof 'Parliamentary Walkway' of Tinganes is considered one of the oldest parliamentary meeting places in the world, dating back to 825 AD. Along with the charming streets of the 'Old Town' of Reyni and Skansin (Old Fort), these are the best sights in Tórshavn.

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Tórshavn, which translates to “Port of Thor,” is the capital and largest city of the Faroe Islands. It's small enough to see all the sights on foot, meaning you'll have plenty of time to stop at Paname Café for some of the best coffee in the city.

5. Kirkjubøur

The traditional Viking Age village of Kirkjubøur is considered the most important historical site in the Faroe Islands. Located on the island of Streymoy, just a short drive from Tórshavn, Kirkjubøur is home to a number of historic buildings.

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St. Olav's Church (Olavskirkjan), which dates back to the 12th century, is the oldest church in the Faroe Islands still in use today. In addition, Kirkjubøur is home to the ruins of the 14th-century St. Magnus Cathedral (Magnuskatedralen) and the 11th-century Kirkjubøargarður, said to be the oldest still inhabited wooden house in the world.

6. Vestmanna Bird Rocks

The Vestmanna Bird Cliffs (Vestmannabjørgini) are known for a rich birdlife, including puffins, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, kittiwakes and gannets. Unlike Mykines, the birds can only be seen from a boat tour that visits the narrow chimneys and deep grottoes that nature has carved into the 700m high cliffs.

alt="activities-on-the-faroe-islands-vestmanna">Visit the Faroe IslandsVestmanna Bird Cliffs are known for their birdlife

There are several tours to choose from, some of which combine a trip to Mykines. See puffin.fo for more information and to book.

7. Kayaking

In the Faroe Islands you are never more than 5km from the sea, so it is no surprise that the ocean has a major influence on this remote archipelago.

alt=“Activities in the Faroe Islands Kayaking”>Maxwell.Roche/ShutterstockKayaking near Drangarnir Sea Stacks

Therefore, there are many options for kayaking, from exploring the countless saltwater routes and fjords to something quieter on the Faroe Islands' largest freshwater lake, Sørvágsvatn.

There are several companies that offer kayak rentals or guided tours. For more information, see Visit the Faroe Islands.

8. Cycling

With excellent infrastructure, quiet roads in good condition and unrelenting views along the roads and trails, exploring the islands by bike is an excellent option. Be warned, however: the streets and paths may be quiet, but they are rarely flat!

alt="activities-in-the-faroe-islands-cycling">Visit the Faroe IslandsCycling along the cliffs of the Faroe Islands

It is possible to rent bikes in Tórshavn at rentabike.fo, which can also organize guided tours. For more information about cycling in the Faroe Islands, visit Visit Faroe Islands.

9. Horse riding

For the first time in a long time we managed to visit a destination and keep Kia off a horse! Unfortunately we didn't have enough time to go horse riding in the Faroe Islands, but if we ever go back it will be at the top of our to-do list.

alt="Activities in the Faroe Islands Horse Riding">Winston Springwater/ShutterstockNative Faroese horses

Faroese horses (føroyska rossið in Faroese) have roamed the islands' rugged slopes for over a thousand years. They are unique to the Faroe Islands, with DNA analysis showing that the Faroese breed is found nowhere else in the world.

For more information and bookings visit Visit Faroe Islands.

10. Climbing

With towering sea stacks and sea walls, the Faroe Islands are a climber's dream. Due to their remote location, the islands saw very few climbers until the sport was introduced around 2005. Before that, climbing on the island was primarily in the name of hunting, as hunters rappelled down steep sea cliffs to gain access to the birds.

alt="Activities in the Faroe Islands Climbing">Visit the Faroe IslandsClimbing in the Faroe Islands

In recent years the Faroe Islands have become increasingly popular among sport climbers. There are now a growing number of commercial operators offering climbing and rappelling excursions. Reika Adventures, Outdoor and NAX all offer such excursions as well as a range of other outdoor activities.

11. Diving

Diving and snorkeling aren't immediately associated with the frigid North Atlantic, but the activity is becoming increasingly popular among visitors to the region.

alt=“Things to do in the Faroe Islands Diving 2″>Visit the Faroe IslandsDiving in the Faroe Islands is a little different

However, don't expect calm currents, warm water or coral reefs. Instead, dive sites include kelp forests, deep-water slopes and hidden caves with alternative but no less strange animal life.

For more information or to book a dive or course, go to Visit Faroe Islands.

12. Sailing

It should come as no surprise that a far-flung archipelago like the Faroe Islands fully embraces life on the water. Sailing is therefore a popular pastime here.

alt=“Things to do while sailing in the Faroe Islands”>Barnes Ian/ShutterstockSailing is popular in the Faroe Islands

It is possible to charter modern sailboats with or without a skipper and take boat tours on classic schooners to bouncing speedboats. It is even possible to rent a traditional Faroese rowing boat. Many of the trips can be combined with a fishing option.

For more information, see Visit the Faroe Islands.

Things to do in the Faroe Islands: the essentials

What: Discover the best things to do in the Faroe Islands.

Where: We stayed at The Old Millar House, a charming cottage 1km from the city center. The cottage is warm and cozy with a traditional turf roof and access to a grotto-like garden.

There is a beach just a few meters away (although it might be too cool for swimming!) and the Sandá River flows practically on the doorstep. If you want to experience the Faroe Islands' nightlife, you may want to stay closer to the center, but for those who like to retreat to cozy evenings, the Old Millar House is an excellent option.

Click here to get a discount on your first Airbnb stay or find alternative accommodation through Booking.com.

    Booking.com

When: The best time to travel to the Faroe Islands is from May to September. Late spring brings longer days (perfect for hiking), wildflowers, and of course puffins. From mid-June to mid-August, puffins flock to land to nest. For two weeks on either side you'll probably see a few more.

How: We rented a car from 62°N Car Rental and navigated our way around the island using Google Maps and the built-in navigation device. Driving in the Faroe Islands is straightforward, the roads are in good condition, easy to navigate and rarely busy. There is free parking at all major attractions. Read our guide to driving in the Faroe Islands for more information.

To visit Mykines you need to take a ferry from Sørvágur harbor (on Vagar). Check mykines.fo for the timetable ('itinerary') and book your tickets in advance.

A handful of hiking trails in the Faroe Islands have implemented restrictions on access to the area and either charge a fee or require a guide. You can find an overview of these locations here.

Visit Faroe Islands is a good resource for finding providers and information on the best things to do in the Faroe Islands.

We flew to the Faroe Islands with Atlantic Airways. Book flights via Skyscanner.

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Mission statement: Atlas & Boots

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