Driving in the Faroe Islands: 10 tips to get you going

Driving in the Faroe Islands: 10 tips to get you going

An overview of driving in the Faroe Islands, from navigating single-lane tunnels to dodging flocks of sheep

With spooky underwater tunnels, dramatic drops and 70,000 sheep to dodge, it's no wonder driving in the Faroe Islands puts some people off.

However, there are few places better for a road trip. These wild, sea-salted islands offer breathtaking views around every bend and are a joy to drive.

The roads are in excellent condition and the islands are well connected via bridges, tunnels and occasional ferries.

We spent four days driving in the Faroe Islands and found it completely stress-free. That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are 10 tips to get you started.

Speed ​​limit: 50 km/h in urban areas, 80 km/h on main roads. Street side: right

1. Go through airport security as quickly as possible

If you rented a car at 62°N, try to get off the plane and through security as quickly as possible. It is likely that many other passengers are also traveling at 62°N and queues can quickly form.

alt="The Faroe Islands are well connected">Andrei Zveaghintev/ShutterstockThe Faroe Islands are perfect for a road trip

Exit the airport and turn left. The 62°N office is just a few meters away. Ask for a paper map and portable WiFi if you need to be online (additional charge).

It's worth noting that our car wasn't in the designated parking space, so it took a while to find it. If the same thing happens to you, you may want to return to the office.

2. You don’t need a 4×4

Driving in the Faroe Islands is relatively easy and the roads are in excellent condition. With that in mind, you don't need a 4×4.

We only drove “off-road” once: for two minutes on a gravel road to the parking lot at Lake Sørvágsvatn. Overall, the journey was smooth and given that rental cars are so expensive here, it makes sense to opt for a cheaper model.

alt="Driving in the Faroe Islands is a pleasure">Yannik Photography/ShutterstockThe Faroe Islands are well connected

The roads are generally clear and you may be encouraged to learn that there are only three traffic lights in the entire Faroe Islands, all located in the capital, Tórshavn.

3. Always leave your lights on

The Faroe Islands are famous for changeable weather. Bright sunlight turns to darkness in minutes, while the famous Faroese fog will thwart your best plans.

Weather is one of the main reasons why drivers always have to keep their lights on. This is particularly important when entering a tunnel.

4. Navigating Faroese tunnels

The tunnels on the Faroe Islands are a force in themselves. Dark, imposing and oh-so-quiet, they feel downright eerie.

There are two underwater tunnels in the Faroe Islands: one connecting Vágar with Streymoy and the other Eysturoy with Borðoy. The road descends beneath the ocean and rises again as you approach land. Just don't think too much about the water above!

alt=“A single-lane tunnel while driving in the Faroe Islands”>Winston Springwater/ShutterstockA scary single-lane tunnel

Some tunnels are single lane. The applicable laws are as follows:

• Betreten Sie diese Tunnel langsam und wachsam.
• Alle 100 Meter gibt es Weichen. Wenn die Abzweigung zu Ihrer Rechten ist, fahren Sie hinein und geben Sie dem Gegenverkehr Platz.
• Wenn Sie auf einen LKW stoßen, müssen Sie in die Weiche einfahren, egal ob links oder rechts von Ihnen.
• Ein Fahrer, der einen Hügel hinunterfährt, muss in eine Weiche einbiegen und dem Auto Vorfahrt gewähren, das den Hügel hinauffährt.
• Bestätigen Sie immer einen Fahrer, der angehalten hat, um Sie passieren zu lassen.

5. Pay tolls

You have to pay a toll to use the underwater tunnels (100 DKK / 15 USD for a return trip). The easiest way is to ask your car rental company to add a one-time fee to your contract that allows unlimited use of the toll roads (300 DK / 45 USD). Alternatively, you can have a “toll chip” added to your car that monitors your road usage. You can then pay the fee when you return the car.

6. Parking is not a problem

The best things to do in the Faroe Islands include free parking nearby. The only place we had difficulty was the capital, Tórshavn. There we used the free Parkeringsøkið á Skálatrøð car park, which was occasionally full, but we usually found a spot by circling once or twice.

alt="Free parking is available in the capital, Tórshavn">Atlas & BootsFree parking is available in the capital, Tórshavn

7. Don't dwell on switches

As you drive in the Faroe Islands you will pass some exquisite views, so you will often be tempted to stop. This is fine if there is room for more than one car and you don't linger too long. You will find that Faroese people are deeply positive towards tourists. Let's make sure it stays that way!

8. Beware of the sheep

There are 70,000 sheep in the Faroe Islands, meaning you will often see them on the side of the road and on the road itself. Occasionally they may be shy and scurry in front of your car. If you see them, slow down and give them plenty of space.

alt="There are 70,000 sheep in the Faroe Islands">Polhansen/ShutterstockThere are 70,000 sheep in the Faroe Islands

It goes without saying that you should always stick to the speed limit (50 km/h in town, 80 km/h on country roads).

9. Find your ferry

Although the Faroe Islands are generally well connected, some of the more distant islands can only be reached by ferry.

For the ferry to Mykines you can drive to Port Sørvágur and leave your car in the parking lot. As you approach the port, look for a blue sign that says “Mykines” and follow it to the departure point behind the Effo gas station.

alt="Puffins relaxing in Mykines, Faroe Islands">Atlas & BootsTake a ferry to see puffins in Mykines

For the ferry to Kalsoy you must take your car with you on the ferry. To do this, make sure you arrive early and note that they like to pack the cars tightly!

10. Offline Google Maps

In addition to a paper map, it's worth downloading a Google map of the islands to your phone for offline access. Our vehicle's built-in sat nav wasn't as good as Google, so we were happy to have an alternative.

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• alt=“Der Wasserfall Bøsdalafossur mündet in den Ozean“>
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• alt=“Mykines aus dem Meer“>
• alt=“Eine Gruppe Papageientaucher auf Mykines, Färöer-Inseln“>
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• alt=“Mykines Leuchtturm“>

Driving in the Faroe Islands: the most important thing

What: Driving 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. 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. 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.

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

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Cover photo: Yannik Photography/Shutterstock

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