Hvíthamar viewpoint

The Relation Between Faroe Islands and Denmark

By Verified Expert

Are the Faroe Islands part of the Kingdom of Denmark? How is the relationship between the Faroe Islands and Denmark? Read on and learn how the Faroe Islands are linked to the Realm of Denmark.



Many people planning a trip to the Faroe Islands are curious to know how the magical and beckoning islands are connected to Denmark. As much as the Faroe Islands are within the Kingdom of Denmark, there are so many things that make the archipelago a world of its own.

From the jagged cliffs, rugged coastline to the traditional life on the islands, the Faroe Islands have a unique position in the world. Here is your guide to the relationship between Faroe Islands and Denmark.

Kalsoy Island in winter
The enchanting Kalsoy island. Photo by Pawel Zygmunt.

The first thing to know about the Faroe Islands is that travelling to the Faroe Islands is completely different from travelling to Denmark. That said, the easiest way getting to the Faroe Islands is with a transit in Denmark.

The Faroe Islands is a self-governing archipelago within the Kingdom of Denmark. There are 18 dramatic basalt islands rising out of the North Atlantic Ocean. You will find the Faroe Islands on a map marooned half way between Scotland and Iceland.

Who owns the Faroe Islands?

Fossá Waterfall drone shot
Fossá is an out-of-this world waterfall located on Streymoy island.

The easiest way to upset people from the Faroe Islands is by asking them if they are Danish. And if you avoid labelling the islands Denmark, you will be bonding smoothly with the islanders.

While being a part of the Kingdom of Denmark, the Faroe Islands are self-governing. Faroe Islanders have their own Parliament, they have their own Prime Minister and government, own foreign policy and diplomatic missions in countries such as United Kingdom, Israel and Russia.

Flyting puffin
The North Atlantic Puffin guests the Faroe Islands during the bright summer months from early May to end August. Photo by @tjbetrippin on Instagram.

The Faroe Islanders know how they are and are proud of being something else. They have their own country code when phoning, their own number plates on vehicles, own bank notes, and so much more.

The Faroe Islands have their own National Football Team. The team represents the islands in association football where they have played agains countries such as Germany, France, and Denmark.

What to not call the Faroe Islanders

Girls in national dress in the Faroe Islands
The people of the Faroe Islands celebrate the National Day Ólavsøka every year on 28-29 July. The national dress is super popular especially among the younger generation. Photo by Ólavur Frederiksen.

There are some common misunderstandings that you should definitely steer clear of. Here are three frequent things that you might stumble upon when researching Faroe Islands that could have you think that the island group is just a part of Denmark.

  • The Faroe Islands are not a Danish archipelago as stated by Condé Nast Traveller
  • The Faroe Islands are not off the coast of Denmark as written by The Guardian
  • The Faroe Islands are not happy when called Faroe Islands, Denmark as defined by Time Magazine

There are merely 54,500 people living in the Faroe Islands. The islanders are gathered in tight-knit communities the most populous being Tórshavn, the capital.

The Faroe Islanders have their own language Faroese, which is the language spoken throughout the archipelago. People in the Faroe Islands speak English and understand the Scandinavian languages too.

Things to Do in the Faroe Islands

Church in Saksun
The remote church in the village Saksun. Photo by Pawel Zygmunt.

Travellers are blown away by the beauty and wilderness of the Faroe Islands. When putting together a trip to the Faroe Islands you will soon find out how many incredible attractions there are to experience. Whether you only have one day in the Faroe Islands or you are looking for a three day itinerary or a week-long itinerary or more, we got you covered.

The mountainous and uncrowded landscapes in the Faroe Islands are unlike anywhere else. You are sure to be staring in awe at all the spectacular nature scenes wherever you roam.

Crew on boat
Faroe Islanders love a good conversation.

So what should you definitely do while in the Faroe Islands? Joining this Full Day “See it All” Tour with a local tour guide is a winner. Even if you decide to rent a car for your vacation in the Faroe Islands, this guided tour is for sure a highlight of your trip. The tour covers a lot and is also just a great introduction to the islands and its culture.

The Faroe Islands territory is 99 percent ocean and 1 percent land. No wonder why boat tours are popular among travellers. Jumping onboard the classic Vestmanna Sea Cliffs boat tour is a good choice. You can also opt for the famous sea arch Drangarnir on this Boat Tour to Drangarnir.

Visiting the Faroe Islands is an unforgettable experience. Whatever time of the year you find the best season to travel to the Faroe Islands, you will get a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Planning to visit Faroe Islands? Browse the largest selection of Day Tours and take the next step.

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