25 Best Things To Do in the Faroe Islands

What are the most unique things to do in the Faroe Islands? Where will you find the country’s most breathtaking landmarks? Read on and discover the 25 best things to do and see in the Faroe Islands. 

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With its cluster of 18 craggy islands that crops up from the North Atlantic Ocean, the mountainous Faroe Islands are unlike anywhere else in the world. The landscape is raw, rocky, and rugged and travellers are surrounded by incredibly fresh air.

So whether you have already booked your trip or still planning, let us guide you through the top 25 things to do in one of the world’s most unique destinations. From epic vantage points to amazingly fresh produce sourced locally and served at great restaurants.

1. Walk the Historic Streets of Tinganes

Allow yourself some time to wander around the historic part of Tórshavn among the small grass roofed houses and cozy small streets. The history of Tinganes goes back hundreds of years to Viking times. 

Tinganes used to be the place for the annual gathering of the local Viking chiefs. Today the area houses the Faroese Prime minister’s office and other parts of the government.

This unique part of the uncrowded capital also houses some of the best restaurants in the country. Among the top restaurants here are Barbara Fish House, Áarstova and Katrina Christiansen. 

These restaurants will let you taste delicious dishes made with fresh local produce. This is a great district to get into the Faroe Islands food culture. to We recommend you to book a table at least one week in advance. If you step into the restaurant without a reservation, you will most likely be told that there are no tables available.

The Tinganes area is small so you can make it around easily in half an hour on your own. You can read more up on the history and old tales from this historic part of the capital in our Guide to Tórshavn.

2. Go on a Hike to Líraberg Cliff

All the islands in the Nordic archipelago are small and narrow, so the ocean is never far away. Go hiking in the mountains and you will see how the ocean calmly flows into beautiful fjords and gorges surrounded by the rugged mountains. Hike to Líraberg Cliff on Sandoy Island for breathtaking views. You will get to see cliffs and out-of-this world rock formations

Take a look at the best hikes for further inspiration. There are breathtaking vistas on all islands. These views have inspired artists and travellers for a hundred years and are guaranteed to make a lasting impression.

3. Visit Kirkjubøur

Walk along the historic route across the mountain from Torshavn or take the 10 minute drive to the most important historic site in the archipelago, Kirkjubøur. Here you will find the ruins of the Magnus Cathedral, the Saint Olav’s Church (Olavskirkjan).

You will also see the old 11th century farmhouse that still houses the local farmer and his family. You can even step inside the house and the legendary wooden living room for a small entrance fee. 

4. Explore Faroese art 

Visit National Gallery of the Faroe Islands for a taste of the best artists that the Faroe Islands have fostered. Enjoy the monumental works of the greatest Faroese painter of all time, Samal Joensen-Mikines. Pre-book Tickets to The National Gallery of The Faroe Islands and skip the line.

Make sure to also check out the life-affirming paintings by Hansina Iversen, the thoughtful works by Sigrun Gunnarsdóttir, and the modern pop art by Edvard Fuglø, all of which are well represented in the gallery. The museum is located in Gundadalur and peaceful hidden at the gate to Tórshavn’s plantation.

5. Soak in the Beauty of Múlafossur Waterfall

Standing in front of Múlafossur waterfall is likely to be one of the prettiest things that you will be nearby ever. Many travellers see Múlafossur waterfall as the absolute highlight of a trip to the Faroe Islands.

The captivating waterfall is perched at the cliff’s edge and drops into the North Atlantic Ocean. Behind Múlafossur waterfall lies the tiny village Gásadalur with its steep mountains in all directions.

6. Enjoy lunch at Vágsbotnur Marina

Sit down at one of the cafe’s and restaurants located in the beautiful and harmonic former warehouses in Vágsbotnur. On a sunny day you can enjoy the all-day sun and the ocean breeze while watching the world go slowly by in front of you.

Local fisherman sell their catch of the day on the small but popular fish market, and the small Faroese leisure boats lay moored side by side with the larger visiting sailboats that have braved the North Atlantic Ocean to now lay tranquilly at Vágsbotnur Marina.

7. Hike to the amazing Lake Leitisvatn

One thing is for sure; you will be amazed by the scenery at Lake Leitisvatn. Located in Vágar Island just a stone’s throw from the archipelago’s only airport, the jaw-dropping lake looks like it hangs above the sea below. 

The hike to the famous viewpoint takes an hour. Here you will have the most breathtaking view of the lake and the optical illusion that it creates. If you want to ramp up your lake experience, you can also go for a kayaking tour on the freshwater lake.

8. Take a stroll in Klaksvík

Situated on the Borðoy Island in the northern part of the archipelago, Klaksvík is the second largest town in this ocean country. It is the fishing hub of the Faroe Islands with lots of trawlers and other vessels moored at the quayside.

Take a stroll in the town. You could also drop by one of the cafés in town preferable Fríða Kaffihús.

9. Make Suðuroy Island Happen

Suðuroy Island is the southernmost of the 18 isles. It takes a two hour ferry ride from Tórshavn to get there. Nevertheless, make sure to priorities the island.

If the Faroe Islands are beautiful, Suðuroy Island comes with next-level. The westside of the island is rugged and it is super easy to reach a lot of remarkable attractions such as the cliff view from Eggjarnar near the village Vágur and the southernmost tip of the Faroe Islands, Akraberg, with its epically located lighthouse.

10. Hop aboard a Boat Tour

Joining a boat tour is a magnificent way to experience the natural beauty and wonder of the Faroe Islands. Captains on boat tours across the islands are keen to tell you about local landmarks, history and the natural environment.

Your safety at sea is always in good hands as you cruise past amazing rock formations and towering basalt cliffs. There are several boat tours that will let you witness incredible sights. From the classic boat tour to Drangarnir sea-stacks to the jaw-dropping beauty of the Vestmanna Sea Cliffs.

11. Stand in a Queue at Breyðvirkið Bakery

With a population of merely 55,000 people, the Faroe Islanders are not used to queues. The bakery Breyðvirkið in the capital Tórshavn is an exception. Breyðvirkið sells a great selection of organic sourdough bread and pastries fresh from the oven. 

The bakery was founded by two young female entrepreneurs Fríða and Randi. You are likely to meet them behind the desk as they prepare baking for happy returning customers. The bakery is located on Jónas Broncks gøta 44 in Tórshavn.

12. Scope out the Village Viðareiði

Visiting the village Viðareiði on Viðoy Island is something special. After you arrive in this northernmost village on the Faroe Islands, it can take some time to really get to grips with the beauty of the place. 

As you get to the village, be sure to have your camera ready and capture the highlights such as the mountain Malinsfjall and the church that sits next to the captivating coastline.

13. Chill out in Tjørnuvík

Tjørnuvík on the northernly tip of Streymoy Island is easily one of the most unique locations in the entire archipelago. It sits in a narrow bay with no other villages in sight. The drive to Tjørnuvík is mesmerising in its own right. 

If you want something extraordinary while in Tjørnuvík then you can go for a hike. Take the village path from Tjørnuvík towards Saksun. There is really no need to hike all the way as making it up to the highest point above Tjørnuvík will be all you need to set your wanderlust free. This place above Tjørnuvík comes with views you will never forget.

14. Sip a Cop of Coffee at Brell Café

In the city centre in the capital Tórshavn, you will find a coffee roastery worth visiting. Here you will find creative people grabbing a cup of coffee to go between coffee beans from all over the world. 

Brell Café is known for its quality and for sustainability. The baristas are meticulously trained in all tasting notes. They know the beans’ character and make an honour in finding your perfect cup of coffee.

15. Check out Fossá Waterfall

After a heavy rainfall, this waterfall looks like something taken out of a fairy-tail. Fossá waterfall stands 140-metre (459 feet) high and drops in two levels. This is the tallest waterfall in the windswept nation and one of the absolute best one to admire.

Fossá waterfall turns out to be one of the most memorable stops on their Faroe Islands holiday. You can actually walk up to the first floor of the waterfall. Be careful, as always when moving around in the utterly beautiful nature.

16. Sail to Nólsoy Island

Nólsoy Island offers gorgeous views and endless tranquility. The Faroe Islands are sparsely populated and the island Nólsoy is even more so. In order to reach Nólsoy Island, you will take the ferry from Tórshavn to Nólsoy. The ferry ride takes only 20 minutes. Crossing the fjord between the capital and Nólsoy Island id done in all weather and you never need to worry about the ferry being cancelled due to rocky sea conditions.  

The ferry takes some cars but you will be best off without a car as there are really nowhere to drive. Instead, jump on the ferry with as many daily departures as seven, giving you the flexibility that you want. Walking around on the island will work out awesome. Join this Guided Tour to Nólsoy Island and let a local expert take you to the island’s best spots.

The main attraction on the island is the peace and quiet you get far away from the crowds. The scenery on the east coast is mesmerising. It requires a very limited walking effort to reach breathtaking views of cliffs. Moreover, if you happen to be in the Faroe Islands during summer between May and August, you will see puffins! Beside gorgeous landscapes and a rich birdlife, Nólsoy Island is home to a tourist information, a grocery store, restrooms, and even a pub!

17. Join a Local Guide

Local guides possess intimate knowledge of the Faroe Islands. From safe hiking routes and weather patterns to how to best explore small remote settlements.

They share compelling folklore and cultural insights that even Guide to Faroe Islands might miss. From ancient Viking tales to shepherding traditions still alive. Most importantly, they can help you respectfully navigate local customs and private properties, ensuring you experience these pristine islands without disturbing their delicate ecological and social balance. Browse the world’s widest selection of tours in the Faroe Islands all arranged, guided, and even owned by Faroe Islanders.

18. Follow the wooden poles to Hvíthamar

One of the most easy to reach vantage points is Hvíthamar. From the moment you step out of your vehicle and until you stand in front of the most amazingly beautiful view, will take you only 15 minutes or so. 

This easy hiking trail in the island group is easy to do throughout the year. Whether its summer or winter, this short hike is rewarding and breathtaking. You will see the Funningsfjørður fjord from this viewpoint. In order to get to Hvíthamar, you will follow a wooden poles from the Gjáarskarð mountain pass. 

19. Set Your Foot in Gjógv

Gjógv is a peaceful little village on Eysturoy Island. You will do a winding drive in the northern part of Eysturoy island in order to reach the destination. The last part of the drive is especially epic as you enter the village at the end of a deep valley.

During the summer period from early May to late August, you can get a glimpse of the cute puffins as they nest here. Take the narrow path to the left of the gorge in the village, and you will have the best view of both the quiet settlement and puffins.

20. Drive through the Eysturoy Tunnel

Eysturoyartunnilin is the most remarkable piece of construction in the North Atlantic. The 11,2km (7 miles) long tunnel connects the two most populous islands Streymoy and Eysturoy. 

What makes the tunnel network unique is the world’s first undersea roundabout. The underwater traffic circle makes it possible to drive to two different locations on Eysturoy island, the western and eastern arm of the Skálafjørður fjord.

21. Watch Highland Cattle

The Highland Cattle in the Faroe Islands are an attraction in their own right. The ginger-red colour coat of these adorable animals can be spotted several places and always near villages. Two great places to get close to the distinctive-looking cattle are in Kirkjubøur and in Gásadalur. Chances are good that you will see Highland cattle as you amble.

The tick and shaggy coat keeps them warm during harsh weather. The best time to watch the cattle is throughout the summer season when they provide the perfect backdrop in the unimaginable nature on the islands.

22. Talk to the locals

While you may travel to the Faroe Islands to explore the untouched nature, talking to the locals is a great way to get into the true vibes and culture of these enchanting islands. The good news is that the people in the Faroe Islands like to talk to travellers. 

One of the good things to know before your first visit to the Faroe Islands is that everyone speaks English and understands it even better. Chatting to the locals will make your visit here even more memorable. 

A great way to get to know the locals is by joining a day tour with a tour guide. It can be anything from a cultural activity to kayaking tours. Ask the guide to recommend a couple of places worth experiencing from where to eat or where to hang out in the evening. This will kickstart a conversation and you are well on your way to get an authentic look into the Faroese way of living.

23. Ride a Horse near Tórshavn

Havnardalur is a cosy place to go horseback riding in the grassy mounds outside the capital Tórshavn. The horses are friendly and easy to ride. 

Regardless of the weather, this is a great experience. An epic trek through the peaceful interior. Also if you have never ridden a horse before. You can go on a guided horse riding tour in Havnardalur all year round. 

24. Fill your eyes from Norðradalsskarð

Here you will have an epic view over the valley Norðradalur. Out there in the horizon you will see the iconic Koltur Island. 

Norðradalsskarð is a mountain pass elevated some 270 metres (885 feet) from sea level. When travellers step on the soil here, they understand why they love travelling and wander.

25. Roam the Countryside

Simply driving from island to island and from one village to another is a super activity in its own right. Most villages are connected by tunnels, sub-sea tunnels, and causeways. There is also a single bridge linking two isles together.

The quality of the infrastructure is what enables this pastime activity. From driving on Vágar island in the western part of the archipelago to driving on Kunoy Island up north. 

Experience the Top Things to Do in Faroe Islands

Still wondering if the Faroe Islands are worth visiting? Or are you planning to visit the Faroe Islands? Make sure to check out how to get to the Faroe Islands and take the next important step.

Oh, and make sure to browse the widest selection of tours and activities all ready to book. What you are guaranteed is unforgettable nature moments worth travelling for.